Edward D. Garris
Ed has over thirty years of experience in general business management and with public accounting firms. His scientific background (Ph.D. in Physics, University of Virginia) provides a unique and analytical approach to complicated business solutions, business planning and data analysis.
After graduate school and a post-doctoral appointment, Ed entered the business world in 1974. He was hired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of a small retail operation which was losing money on sales of $250,000 in two stores in Virginia. Over a period of five years, he managed the growth of this operation, through internal expansion and acquisitions, to a very profitable operation of seven stores throughout the southeast grossing $4.5 million.
Ed attended the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia to take the courses required to become a CPA. He completed his courses in a single semester with the special permission of the Dean of the McIntire School. After earning his CPA certification in 1979, Ed worked with individuals and small businesses providing comprehensive tax and accounting services.
Following employment with other accounting firms, Ed formed Edward D. Garris, CPA, P.C. in 1984 which today has evolved into Garris and Company, P.C.
Since 1985, Ed has also been the Vice-President of a closely-held corporation which has patented new medical devices and manufactures, markets and distributes these devices domestically and internationally. He is responsible for design assistance, technical matters, patent prosecution, budgeting and cash management, fixed asset acquisitions, computer software and networks, and general management.
Ed resides in Charlottesville with his wife, Cindy. They have two grown children and one grandchild. Ed was on the board of Frys' Spring Beach Club, served as President and was very active with the swim team programs. He is currently the Treasurer of Live Arts, Inc. and has held that position for three years.
Education
- Emory and Henry College, 1964, B.S. Physics
- University of Virginia, 1972, Ph.D. Physics
- University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce, Accounting courses
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant, 1979
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Piedmont Technology Council
Professional Areas of Interest
- Taxation and Tax Planning
- Audits, Reviews, Compilations
- Write-Up and Advisory Services
James W. Bell, Jr.
Jim joined Garris and Company in 1995. He has twenty-five years of experience in local Charlottesville firms. He made the career change to accounting after serving in the United States Air Force.
Jim is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. He is an avid competitive runner and former president and treasurer of the Charlottesville Track Club. Jim and his wife, Maria reside in Belmont.
Education
- Mars Hill College, 1968, B.A. Mathematics
- University of Virginia, Accounting and related courses
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant, July 1981
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
Professional Areas of Interest
- Individual Taxation
- Corporate Taxation
- Partnership Taxation
Barbara L. Franko
Barbara joined Garris and Company in 2003. She has been advising clients in a public accounting setting for over twenty years in Virginia, and twelve years in Charlottesville. Barbara enjoys helping small businesses and individuals with bookkeeping, financial, tax and retirement plan needs. The businesses Barbara serves include medical practices, restaurants, construction companies and other various ventures.
Barbara grew up outside of Chicago and earned her accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame. She has three children, all recent college graduates, two of whom reside in Atlanta and one in Charlottesville. Barbara is involved in kayaking, hiking, dancing, environmental issues and delights in anything outdoors.
Education
- University of Notre Dame, 1978, B.B.A, Cum Laude
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant, April 1980
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
Professional Areas of Interest
- Individual Taxation
- Partnership Taxation
- Retirement Plans
- Medical Practices
Amylynn Johnson
Amylynn joined Garris and Company in July of 2002 while completing her Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University. She successfully passed the Uniform Certified Public Accounting exam in November of 2002 at her first sitting.
Amylynn manages the write-up services division and also prepares income tax returns for various types of entities including individuals, estates, trusts, corporations, partnerships and not-for-profits.
Education
- Virginia Polytechnic and State University, 1998, B.S. Psychology
- Virginia Commonwealth University, 2002, Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant, July 2003
- QuickBooks ProAdvisor, 2004, 2005, 2006
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
Professional Areas of Interest
- Individual Taxation
- Corporate Taxation
- Write-up and Advisory Services
Nancy B. Corley
Nancy joined Garris and Company in 1999. She has worked in accounting for twenty-five years in Charlottesville and Northern Virginia focusing on taxation of individuals, estates and trusts, partnerships and corporations. She has experience working with medical practices, farms, research and development companies, and in estate administration, on accountings and estate tax returns.
Nancy is a native Crozetian and she resides there with her husband and two children, ages 16 and 10. She is active in cycling, running, swimming and supporting the activities and interests of her children. Nancy is a board member of Claudius Crozet Park and a member of the pool committee. She is the treasurer of the Crozet Gators Swim Team and has held various positions on Parent Teacher Organizations.
Education
- College of William and Mary, 1979, B.S. Biology and Sociology
- University of Virginia, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, Accounting courses
Professional Certifications
- Enrolled Agent, April 2005
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, Associate Member
Professional Areas of Interest
- Individual Taxation
- Corporate Taxation
- Partnership Taxation
- Trust Taxation
- Estate Taxation and Administration