Our Team
Our team currently includes our four partners, a Firm Administrator, and six Accounting Team Members. Each team member has their own unique skills obtained through many hours of on-going educational training. This allows us to meet our clients' needs by having knowledgeable team members in every facet of the accounting and consulting areas.
Meet the Team
Contact:
216-336-6183
WThomas@WTA.com
Certifications: CPA
Education: Wittenberg University
William E. Thomas, CPA - Partner
Our managing Partner, William has been with the firm since 1978 and became partner in 1983. William, his wife and two daughters reside on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. William is a 1973 graduate of Westlake High School and a 1977 graduate of Wittenberg University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. William has served on various state committees for the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants as well as Local Cleveland committees. He also serves as an advisor to various boards of directors of local Cleveland companies and non profit organizations. Recently, William was the President of the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary club. Mr. Thomas is also a trustee of Deaconess Community Foundation and the Pension Boards of The United church of Christ where he serves on the budget, healthcare and audit committees.
Contact:
216-336-6182
AWapnick@WTA.com
Certifications: CPA
Education: Ohio University
Allen M. Wapnick, CPA - Partner
Allen has been with the firm since 1957, and a partner since 1965. He specializes in personal and business tax, accounting services, personal financial planning, and management services He and his wife reside in Beachwood, OH. Allen is a 1954 graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an accounting major. He served two years in the United States Army with an honorable discharge in 1957. He is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, and National Society of Public Accountants. He is licensed by the Accountancy Board of Ohio and is a registered tax preparer with the Internal Revenue Service. He is also a member of the YMCA of Cleveland and The Jewish Community Center of Beachwood.
Contact:
216-336-6185
BFialko@WTA.com
Certifications: CPA
Education: Cleveland State University
Brian W. Fialko, CPA - Partner
Brian joined the firm in February 1974 and became a partner in 1983. Brian and his wife reside in the southwest suburbs of Cleveland. Brian is a 1969 graduate of St. Edward High School and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cleveland State University. Brian is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Brian is a director and consultant to several boards of directors of various Cleveland companies and is Treasurer of the Westshore Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians. Brian has worked with attorneys at some of Cleveland’s largest law firms to form and manage client trusts for estate and wealth transfer services. Brian believes no one should overpay their taxes, but that need not involve excessive audit risk.
Contact:
216-336-6184
DLerner@WTA.com
Certifications: CPA
Education: Miami University of Ohio
David K. Lerner, CPA - Partner
Our auditing Partner, David has been with the firm since 2002 and became partner in 2005. He currently resides in Pepper Pike with his lovely wife and son. David performs audits of non-profit entities, employee benefit plans and real estate partnerships (both HUD and LIHTC). Additionally, David represents closely held businesses and high wealth individuals in the areas of accounting, tax, financial management and estate planning. David is a 1985 graduate of Aurora High School and a 1989 graduate of Miami University of Ohio. He was an audit manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP before joining the firm. He is licensed by the Accountancy Board of Ohio and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Ohio Society of CPAs and the Affordable Housing Association of CPAs.
Contact:
216-336-6187
MCarpenter@WTA.com
Certifications: MBA
Education: John Carroll University
Michele Carpenter - Client Service Manager
Michele Carpenter has been a Client Service Manager for the firm since 2000. She currently resides in Concord with her family. Michele was an intern for William Thomas for the 1999 tax season and was hired on full time after she graduated from John Carroll University in 2000 with her BA in business. Michele returned to John Carroll and completed her MBA in 2010. Michele is a member of the Ohio Society of Public Accountants and served as treasurer for the Chestnut Elementary School PTA for three years where she received a continued service award. She is currently the treasurer for Courtside Club, the parent athletic booster club for the Riverside girls basketball team.