Draffin Tucker Welcomes New Team Members

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, August 7th, 2025

Draffin Tucker, a full-service CPA and advisory firm, is proud to welcome several new professionals to its growing team. These new team members reflect the firm’s continued commitment to providing industry-leading expertise across healthcare, outsourced accounting, audit, and advisory services.

Recent additions to the Draffin Tucker team include:

  • Kristi Beamon has joined the Albany office in the Outsourced Accounting department, bringing over 26 years of experience. She specializes in payroll services, bank and credit card reconciliations, and accounts payable for multiple employers across various industries.

  • Nina P. Smith, based in the Atlanta office, joins as an Associate I in the Audit and Accounting service group. A recent graduate of Georgia College & State University, Nina supports engagements within the healthcare industry.

  • Leander Thomas comes to the Albany office as an Associate I with over two years of audit experience. Originally from Bangalore, India, Leander completed his master’s in accounting at Clark University in May and brings a global perspective and energy to healthcare audit services.

  • Chuck Kays joins the firm as a Principal with over 20 years of experience focusing on business process optimization through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive data-informed decision making and reduce costs in organizations.

  • Troy McLouth has joined the team as 340B & Pharmacy Operations Specialist. A licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, Troy brings deep experience in pharmacy operations, regulatory compliance, and 340B Program optimization.

  • Zack Holt joins the firm as a 340B Operations Specialist. He assists healthcare clients with 340B compliance and optimization, supporting them in achieving program efficiency and regulatory adherence. Based remotely from Union City, Indiana, Zack enjoys biking with his young son, Theodore, traveling, roller coasters and gaming.

  • Amanda T. Epstein joins the Mt. Pleasant office as an Associate II with three years of accounting experience in professional services. Originally from Long Island, New York, Amanda brings strong client service skills and a passion for supporting the firm’s growing practice.

  • Melissa Petersen has joined the Mt. Pleasant office as a Staff Accountant with 20 years of experience specializing in construction and not-for-profit clients. She manages monthly and quarterly bookkeeping and payroll tax preparation. A Notary Public for the State of South Carolina, Melissa enjoys travel, history, reading and cheering for Clemson football.

  • Sharon Brooks, with 29 years of accounting experience, has joined the healthcare audit department. Working remotely from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sharon is a licensed CPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is a member of the AICPA and the Tennessee Society of CPAs. Beyond the office, Sharon is an active volunteer and board member at the Chattanooga Zoo, helping advance its mission to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation.

“Each of these professionals brings unique strengths and valuable experience to our team,” said Jeff Wright, Managing Partner at Draffin Tucker. “Their expertise enhances our ability to serve our clients with depth, innovation, and a people-first approach. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll make across the industries and communities we serve.”

For more information about Draffin Tucker and career opportunities, visit www.draffin-tucker.com.