COLE, NEWTON & DURAN-Certified Public Accountants

It is with sadness that we note the passing of Richard Newton, our colleague and friend. In July of 1989 Dick Newton, Ken Duran, and Russ Lunn started the firm of Lunn, Newton and Duran, Inc. In 1995 Dick became a Certified Financial Planner and started Executive Financial Services, Inc. with these same two partners. In 2001 Lunn, Newton & Duran became Cole, Newton & Duran, and Dick became sole owner of Executive Financial Services. Dick's clients were also his friends; he cared deeply about their welfare and he was meticulous in his efforts for them. Some of us worked with Dick for many years, and some of us just a short time, but all of us appreciated his positive attitude and his kindness to everyone. He taught us about facing adversity with courage and style and the importance of savoring life in all it's different aspects. We are grateful for many wonderful memories. Dick Newton will be deeply missed.

Art is the Managing Director of Cole, Newton & Duran. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Detroit, a Master of Professional Accountancy from Walsh College of Accountancy, and CPA certification from the State of Michigan.

Art also manages Executive Financial Services. EFS is an investment advisor firm. He is a Personal Financial Specialist which is the highest credential available for this field awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Art is qualified to perform peer reviews under the AICPA practice monitoring program.

Prior to his accounting career Art concentrated his professional management skills in private banking and commercial lending. This experience, coupled with his educational background, made the move to an accounting position with a local firm a progressive career opportunity.

Art is a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a member of the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Livonia and the MACPA's Small Practitioners West-Metro Group.

Art resides in Livonia with his wife and two children. He enjoys playing hockey in his free time. He is also an active member on his church board.

Michelle has a BBA in Accounting from Lawrence Tech University. She has over ten years of experience in the public accounting arena. Michelle is qualified to perform peer reviews under the AICPA practice monitoring program. She has knowledge of and can perform a variety of services in the accounting fields from compilation, reviews and audits to personal and business tax preparation. Michelle is a member of the MACPA and the AICPA.

Karen graduated from the University of Michigan with a BSA in Accounting. She has been preparing personal income tax returns for over 20 years. Her previous work experience includes staff accountant at Ford Motor Company and financial analyst at ANR Pipeline Company.

Shortly after graduating in 1962 with a BS in Accounting from Wayne State University and receiving a CPA certification from the State of Michigan, Ken Duran opened his own CPA practice. His expertise in public accounting is attributed to his work with the construction industry, non-profit organizations, real estate development, professional practices and wholesale sales. Also, as the Vice-President of Finance for a regional air freight carrier, Ken experienced the private accounting arena. His current position with Cole, Newton & Duran grants Ken the opportunity to work person to person with his clients.

Ken is member of the MACPA and the AICPA, the Rotary Club of Livonia and the MACPA's Small Practitioners West-Metro Group.

Julia has a BBA in Accounting from Western Michigan University. She joined our firm with over twenty years of experience as a Tax Manager with a big 4 CPA firm. She specializes in complex individual income tax issues and tax planning and preparation. Julia is a member of the MACPA and the AICPA.

Susan has a BA from Walsh College of Accountancy. She has over fifteen years of experience in public accounting. Her professional experience includes her work in not-for-profits, the construction industry, real estate development, manufacturing and IRS consultations. Susan also has private practice experience as a controller for a local electrical company. Susan is a member of the MACPA and the AICPA. She also serves on the board, finance committee and chairs the audit committee of a metropolitan Detroit not-for-profit organization.

Jim has a BBA from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Science in Taxation from Walsh College of Accountancy. He served his apprenticeship with a big 8 CPA firm and under a well known CPA-tax authority advanced to partner and now has over twenty years experience at the partner level. He served as an adjunct instructor at Walsh College of Accountancy and has authored tax articles. He is a member of the MACPA, the AICPA, the Detroit and Farmington Chambers of Commerce and various Who's who.

Russ is one of the founders of the firm. He graduated from the University of Alabama and passed the CPA exam in 1957. Russ has been in public accounting in Michigan since 1955 and opened his own firm in 1967. He serves clients in the fields of taxation, auditing and technological implementation for small businesses.

Russ is a director of the Livonia Rotary Club and has served the Livonia community as a Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a lifetime member of the AICPA and the MACPA.

Over the years, Russ has also donated much of his time to the Boy Scouts as a leader.

Karen has a BBA in Accounting from Western Michigan University. She joins us with over 15 years of work experience in both public and private accounting. Her specialties include compilation and review services, as well as business and personal income tax preparation. Karen is a member of the AICPA.

Deanna has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Michigan, Dearborn. She worked in public accounting for five years and obtained her auditing experience from a large regional firm by working on municipal, not-for-profit and tax clients. Her career expanded into private accounting where she experienced budgeting, planning and day-to-day accounting matters. Currently, Deanna devotes most of her time to not-for-profit clients and pension plan audits.

Dianne has a B.A. in Business Administration from Michigan State University and over 20 years experience in income tax preparation. She is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Specialties include individual, trust and estate tax returns, clergy tax issues and business personal property tax returns.

Our firm has additional employees with a wide range of accounting, tax and administrative experience, who are available to handle not only their own accounts, but to provide support to other accountants as needed.