Kelly Birdwell

age: 40 | Certified Public Accountant | Wilf & Henderson, PC

Crunching numbers is not for everyone; however, Kelly Birdwell has always liked working with numbers and taking math classes. After taking an accounting class in high school that was very interesting to her, she found that she loved how everything balanced. “I decided to major in accounting for a college degree and accepted a job from Wilf & Henderson as soon as I finished my MBA. I was thrown into auditing Texas school districts and have specialized in that area ever since,” Kelly says. “My career as a CPA is very challenging and gives me the opportunity to use many skills, including communication, organization, leadership, problem- solving and team building. I enjoy working closely with my clients and my coworkers. I am fortunate to be a part of a firm that allows me to balance work and family.”

Best piece of advice:

“SUCCESS COMES WHEN OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION.” —COACH ROSS MORGAN, KELLY’S HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL COACH

For fun, Kelly enjoys going to ball games, snow skiing and taking vacations at the beach with her husband, Chris, and children, Kinsley (13), Ripken (11) and Anna Kate (3). She volunteers as a softball coach for a local travel team, serves as executive secretary of the Texarkana Chapter of CPAs, and is very involved with her church.

“In 10 years, I don’t see life slowing down at all. I will continue working hard at Wilf & Henderson to ensure it remains a successful accounting firm in Texarkana,” she explains. “My husband and I plan to be supporting our older two kids in college and starting all over with the younger one. I will also still be supporting my husband coaching the Hooks Hornets on Friday nights.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I played college softball.”