Meet Our Team

Trusted Austin TX CPA services delivering tax planning, business advisory, valuation, and cloud accounting solutions for individuals and growing businesses.

Partners

Otto Wheeler, CPA, ABV, CFF

Retired Partner.

Laura Fairman, CPA

Laura Fairman, CPA is an honors graduate of the University of Texas and a partner at Wheeler Fairman & Kelley. She oversees tax planning and compliance services for individuals and businesses.
 
Professional Affiliations
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants

Michael Kelley, CPA, ABV, CVA

Michael Kelley, CPA, ABV, CVA graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and is the Managing Partner of Wheeler Fairman & Kelley. He specializes in tax consulting and compliance for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and trusts. In addition, Mr. Kelley holds multiple valuation credentials, including accreditation in business valuation through the AICPA. Mr. Kelley is an alumni member of the Young Menʼs Business League, which supports Sunshine Camps in Austin, Texas.

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants 
  • Member, National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts

Our Staff

Melissa Jacoby, CPA

Melissa Jacoby, CPA joined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in September 2016. She earned her Master of Professional Accountancy from Montana State University in 2008, following completion of her Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Management in 2007.

Ms. Jacoby focuses on tax services, accounting systems, and special accounting projects, bringing precision and practical insight to complex client needs.

Zach Johnson, CPA

Zach Johnson, CPA joined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in Spring 2020. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Data Analytics from St. Maryʼs University in Texas.

Mr. Johnson focuses on tax compliance and planning, as well as special projects, supporting clients with analytical insight and precision.

Kathryn Johnson, CPA

Kathryn Johnson, CPA rejoined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in January 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

Ms. Johnson focuses on tax compliance and planning, as well as special projects, supporting clients with accuracy and thoughtful attention to detail.

Heather Sheene, EA

Heather Sheene, EA joined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in 2024. Ms. Sheene is an enrolled agent with a vast amount of experience helping businesses and individuals with tax compliance and planning.

Rachael Petersen

Rachael Petersen joined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in 2026. As an Austin native, she attended Saint Edward’s University, earning her degree in 2012. Ms. Petersen focuses on tax preparation and special projects.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen leads the firmʼs bookkeeping department and assists with special projects. She brings more than 25 years of experience in financial management and bookkeeping services, supporting clients with accuracy, reliability, and practical insight.

Cyndee Schwab

Cyndee Schwab joined Wheeler Fairman & Kelley in January 2018 and transitioned into the role of Firm Administrator in July 2023 after more than five years as a client relationship bookkeeper. Her career has been rooted in service-oriented finance and accounting roles, giving her a deep understanding of the trusted relationships clients build with their financial team. Ms. Schwab plays a key role in maintaining the firmʼs professional yet personal culture, ensuring a thoughtful and responsive experience for both clients and staff. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and brings extensive experience in banking, finance, accounting, and business administration. Her background includes work with high-net-worth individuals, businesses, estates, foundations, nonprofits, and the management of a large private school.

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