Our Team
Clark M. Cole, CPA - CEO
Clark graduated from Virginia Tech in December, 1979 with a BS in Business (Accounting Major). Since then, he has had over 35 years in public accounting and 8 years of experience as a CFO of a Roanoke, Virginia HVAC Company. Clark’s experience in public accounting includes both tax and audit experience with construction, manufacturing, real estate, hotels, health and welfare plans,
retirement plans and non-profit organizations.
Ruth T. Dickerson, CPA
Ruth graduated from University of Richmond with a BA in Math and received her accounting degree from Wichita State University. She has been in public accounting for over 40 years. Ruth worked in Martinsville, Virginia for 19 years where she was a principal in the accounting firm and has worked with Clark Cole since 2000. Her experience in public accounting includes tax and accounting services for manufacturing companies, retirement plans, homeowner associations, non-profit organizations, real estate and other small businesses.
She also provides tax and accounting services for estates and trust. Ruth has served on the board of directors of several nonprofit organization, most recently the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy and Children’s Trust.
Laureen A. Gisiner, Accounting Manager
Laureen graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Business (Accounting Major) in May of 1988. She has 31 years of public accounting experience; 25 of which (beginning in 1998) have been in partnership with Clark.
Laureen has been the supervising accountant on numerous audit engagements including hotels, health and welfare plans, retirement plans and non-profit organizations. Her experience also includes tax preparation for corporations, partnerships, non-profits, and individuals.
Graham Milender, Senior Accountant
Graham graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Business (Accounting Major) during May 2013. He has almost a decade of public accounting experience with Cole & Associates, starting in January of 2013.
His experience in public accounting includes tax for corporations, partnerships, non-profits, trusts, estates, and individuals. Graham also has 8 years of experience assisting in audits of construction, hotels, and non-profit organizations.
Erica Simpkins, Office Manager
Erica has been with Cole & Associates since 2018. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Radford University and has over 20 years of customer service and clerical experience. Erica is responsible for managing office services by ensuring operations and procedures run efficiently and smoothly. Outside of the office, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children.
Jessica Hall, Receptionist
Jessica joined Cole & Associates in November 2019 as our receptionist. She brings with her 16 years of experience in customer service. Jessica is currently responsible for assisting our clients and staff in numerous administrative tasks. When not in the office, Jessica is a freelance make-up artist who owns GorgJess, a company that specializes in make-up for television and the bridal industry.