Our Story and Values

Aimee Zeringue, CPA, is a Manager in the Audit and Accounting Services in Bourgeois Bennett, LLC’s Houma office. She joined the Firm in 2016 and has over eight years of experience in public accounting. She specializes in audits, single audits, and agreed-upon procedure engagements of governmental entities and non-profit organizations. In addition, she has two years of experience in the commercial trucking industry.

Aimee earned her Bachelor of Accounting from Nicholls State University. During her academic tenure, she was a distinguished member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society and Phi Kappa Phi for her academic achievements.

Outside of her professional commitments, Aimee is a member of Thibodaux Service League, where she has served as Treasurer since 2023. She is also a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, South Central Industrial Association, and the Women’s Business Alliance of the Bayou Region.

Aimee took over 15 years of dance lessons growing up and still has an appreciation for the art form today! She hopes to one day attend a live taping of Dancing with the Stars!

Amanda Lasserre, CPA, is a Manager of Audit and Accounting Services in Bourgeois Bennett, LLC’s Houma office. She joined the Firm in 2018, and has six years of experience in public accounting. She focuses on audits, single audits, and agreed-upon procedure engagements for governmental and non-profit organizations. Additionally, she has five years of experience in the oil and gas industry.

Amanda holds both a Bachelor of Accounting and a Bachelor of Finance from Nicholls State University, where she was a distinguished member of the Beta Alpha Pi accounting honor society.

Amanda is actively involved with the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She is a member of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, South Central Industrial Association, and the Women’s Business Alliance of the Bayou Region.

Amanda enjoys cooking and loves trying out different recipes.

Brandon Sherman, CPA, is a Director in the Audit and Tax Services group at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. He joined the Firm in 2012 and has been in public accounting for over 18 years. Brandon has emphasized performing attestation engagements for closely held private companies, non-profit companies, and employee benefit plans in his career. His clients include those in the following industries: Health Care, Construction, Telecommunications, Insurance, Franchising Companies, Education, and Religious Affiliated Organizations. He works to ensure that his clients’ management and staff are more efficient and empowered by providing effective recommendations for improvement at every client. He works with client staff to improve processes and templates to increase efficiency and deliver timely and accurate financial reporting.

Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Loyola University New Orleans in 2006, and his Master of Science in Accounting with an emphasis in audit at the University of New Orleans in 2012. He served as the treasurer of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society at Loyola University New Orleans.

Brandon is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and has served as a member of the non-profit committee of the state society and the board of Sweet Home New Orleans, Inc.

Brandon is an active volunteer with local non-profits, registering attendees, serving food and beverages, and serving as treasurer for various 5k’s, festivals, and other local fundraisers. Brandon is the assistant cubmaster and treasurer for his son’s cub scout pack of almost 130 cub scouts.

Carlos J. Wylie, CPA, CITP, ABV, is a Manager in Litigation and Forensic Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. He is a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), and he holds the Blockchain Fundamentals for Accounting and Financial Professionals Certificate. With over nine years of experience in public accounting, he provides specialized services including business valuations, historic tax credit cost certifications, financial statement audits, contract disputes, external CFO/Controllership, client accounting services, lost profits and economic damages calculations in connection with personal injury matters, contract disputes, business interruption insurance, shareholder disputes, bankruptcy, fraud and embezzlement, and a variety of other forensic accounting matters. His clients include attorneys, restauranteurs, retailers, churches, schools, technology firms, corporations, and individuals.

Carlos received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration with Concentration in Food and Beverage Management.

Carlos volunteers with the Belize Association of Louisiana and often donates his culinary skills to various charities across the New Orleans Metro Area.

Carrie H. Calvin, CPA, CFE, is a Director of Audit and Accounting Services and manages our Northshore practice. Carrie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University. Carrie is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Carrie has spent the majority of her career working with large privately held businesses, with specializations in healthcare, retail and maritime, manufacturing, insurance agencies, and employee benefit plans. Carrie is actively involved in her community. She is the 2025 incoming Chair Elect of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. Carrie is also the President and Founder of the Friends of Slidell Police Foundation, as well as the President and Co-founder of the Steel Mimosas. Carrie is the Co-founder and previous Vice President of the East St. Tammany Business Alliance.

Carrie is a graduate of the Leadership St. Tammany Class of 2024 and serves on their Board of Directors. Carrie is also a graduate of Leadership Northshore and serves as their immediate past president of the Board of Trustees. Carrie serves on the Advisory council of JD Bank, she previously served as President of the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore, and served as a commissioner of the Northshore Harbor Center.

Carrie is the recipient of the 2022 Pearl Williams Superior Leadership award, the 2021 Professional Women of St. Tammany’s Women’s Choice award, the 2018 Young Athenian Award, the 2017 Leadership Slidell Northshore Alumni of the Year, and the 2016 Citizen Service Award from the Slidell Police Department.

Carrie enjoys traveling with her two young daughters and her husband Eric. Carrie and Eric are actively involved in their church and oversee their bible quizzing ministry.

Debi LaJaunie is a Manager in the Pension Department at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC with over 30 years of experience in providing services for retirement and health and welfare plans.

Debi is an Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) and Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA).

Debi specializes in providing administration and consulting services to a broad range of client industries and professional firms. She has experience with both small and large 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

Debi is a board member of the Association of Employee Benefit Planners of New Orleans and a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries.

In her spare time, Debi enjoys gardening and traveling.

Drew Chapman, CPA, serves on the Management Committee and is a Director of Audit and Accounting Services with over 15 years of experience in public accounting, including more than a decade at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. He specializes in financial audits and reviews, employee benefit plan audits, internal control assessments, and non-traditional engagements, always with a focus on delivering proactive client service.

Drew began his career with a large national firm and is excited to bring those skills to the local New Orleans market. His diverse portfolio includes clients from various sectors, including construction, non-profit, education, and maritime industries. He has successfully conducted audits for organizations ranging from startup non-profits to publicly traded financial institutions with assets exceeding $4 billion. His experience teaching Principals of Accounting at the collegiate level has provided a unique ability to break down complex accounting questions and processes in a way that is accessible for all his clients.

Drew earned both his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, where he was an active member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society. In 2012, he received the Silas M. Simmons Bronze Medal for achieving the third-highest score on the CPA exam in the state.

A member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), Drew serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. He is also involved with the New Orleans Young Leadership Council, where he has contributed as a project leader for the annual Leadership Development Series and currently serves as a Board Member. Drew was named a “Money Maker” by New Orleans City Business for the 2021 class and continues to seek out new challenges in our community.

Drew is a live music and Jazz Fest aficionado, striving to see as many concerts as possible, and loves sharing music recommendations.

Jason Ledoux, CPA, is a Manager of Audit and Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC with eleven years of experience. He has experience auditing oilfield services companies, real estate companies, construction contractors, and non-profit entities, including private and charter schools. Jason began his career in public accounting in 2013 and joined Bourgeois Bennett in 2017.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2011 and a Master of Science in Accounting in 2012 from Louisiana State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA).

Jason enjoys spending time with his family including his two children and following all things LSU, Saints, and Pelicans. He is active in the Men’s Club at his daughter’s school.

Jennifer McGinnis, CPA, is the Managing Member and a Director in the Tax Services Department at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. She joined the Firm in 1993 and has over 34 years of experience in taxation. She specializes in state taxation, complex real estate transactions, tax planning and compliance for individuals and a variety of businesses.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University.

Jennifer is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Jennifer enjoys Mardi Gras and is a member of the Krewe of Muses.

Jessica K. Reilly, CPA, is a Director in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. With expertise in federal and state tax compliance, tax planning, and research, she specializes in serving family-owned businesses and their related individuals. She also has extensive experience in the area of estate and gift taxation, including effective planning and compliance. Jessica works with numerous estates and trusts, ensuring that her clients’ assets are properly managed and protected.

As a dedicated professional, Jessica is actively involved in the local accounting community, serving as a member of the New Orleans Estate Planning Council and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and on the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), Estate and Financial Planning Committee. She was the President of the New Orleans Chapter of the Council of the LCPA during the 2017-2018 term.

Jessica graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Jessica is married to her husband, Woody Reilly, and has two children, a son, Woods Reilly, and a daughter, Kate Reilly. Jessica is a foodie at heart and loves exploring new culinary experiences. In her spare time, she also enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and reading.

Justin Bourgeois, CPA, is a Director in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. His areas of practice include individual, partnership, and corporate tax compliance. He works with closely held business and related individuals, consolidated entities, and multi-state entities. His industry focus areas are in oil and gas exploration and production, automobile dealerships, and high net-worth individuals. Justin also has knowledge and experience in preparing income tax provisions for various companies in accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes.

Justin graduated from Nicholls State University in 2010, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained his CPA in 2013.

Justin joined the Firm in July 2024. Immediately prior to joining the Firm, Justin worked for a Top 100 firm.

Justin is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA). He is an active member of the Nicholls State University Alumni Association. He currently serves as an advisory board member of the J.B. Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance at Nicholls State University. He also serves as a pastoral and finance council member at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Justin is an avid Peloton enthusiast both on the bike and the treadmill.

Keith Tregle, CPA, is a Director of Audit and Accounting Services with over 27 years of experience with Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. Keith specializes in working with local governments and non-profit organizations as well as small businesses and Live performance, Digital Media and Historic Tax credits.

Keith earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of New Orleans.

Keith is a member of the Society of the Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Keith was a past president and Board member of the East Jefferson Business Association.

In Keith’s spare time he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.

Ken Franz, CPA, is a Director in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC and has over 30 years of experience in taxation. As a Tax Director, Ken handles a variety of tax matters and planning for individuals and closely-held businesses.

Ken has specialized experience in the areas of law firm administration, oil and gas taxation and the restaurant industry.

Ken received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of New Orleans.

Ken is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. He is a member of the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Elmwood Business Association. Ken also participates in various other community activities sponsored by the Firm.

Ken enjoys fine dining and traveling.

Leslie George, CPA, CGMA, is a Director of Audit and Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. Leslie specializes in non-profit organizations, employee benefit plans, internal control assessments, and governmental entities. Leslie has 20 years of experience in auditing and internal control consulting for commercial and residential real estate, contractors, non-profit industries, and governmental entities. Leslie has a COSO Internal Control Certification and specializes in internal controls. She has a passion for helping businesses access their internal controls and provides suggestions for improvement. Leslie began her career in a Big 4 accounting firm and joined Bourgeois Bennett, LLC in 2008.

Leslie received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. She was a member of the accounting honor society Beta Alpha Psi and continues to represent the firm at university recruiting events. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA).

Leslie is a graduate of the Jefferson Chamber’s Leadership Jefferson class of 2019 and the Emerging Leaders Academy and remains actively involved in the Jefferson Chamber. She also serves on the Louisiana Accounting and Auditing Conference Committee and the Women’s Initiatives Committee for the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. Leslie is the recipient of the 2021 CityBusiness Women of the Year Award.

In her time away from work, Leslie enjoys spending quality time with her family including her husband Henry and three daughters Zoey, Lily, and Sophie. She loves to explore and travel, including cruising to various islands in the Caribbean and fun family trips to Disney World. Additionally, she enjoys training for and running marathon races and playing golf with family and friends.

Linda Eberle, CPA, is a Director of Audit and Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC and is the Firm’s Director of Quality Management. Linda has over 35 years of experience in providing both audit and tax services to her clients. Linda’s areas of focus include audit and administrative services for employee benefit plans and audit and tax services for law firms and attorneys.

Linda holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University.

Linda is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is the Firm’s designated partner for the Firm’s membership in the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center.

Li Downing, CPA, CITP, CIA is a Director in Litigation and Forensic Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. She has over 25 years of experience in public accounting and industry. Her areas of specialization include complex and class action litigation, claims administration and disbursements, accounting and business consulting, financial analyses, data analysis, database management, information systems consulting, and mapping and geocoding. Additionally, she has experience in internal audits, control systems reviews, financial audits and reviews, and serving as a controller.

In addition to designations of Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Technology Professional and Certified Internal Auditor, she is also accredited and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and is a Sage 300 Certified Consultant.

Li received a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. She graduated Magna cum Laude from the Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Li is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), and Institute of Internal Auditors. She volunteers as a board member for the Institute of Internal Auditors New Orleans Chapter. She is an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church.

Li speaks Mandarin Chinese fluently.

Paul V. Pechon, CPA/CGMA, is the Chair of the Management Committee and a Director of Audit and Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC serving clients in the New Orleans Metro area and the Terrebonne/Lafourche area, and maintains an office in both locations. He joined the firm in 2007 and has over 35 years of audit experience including service at two large local firms in the New Orleans area. His audit experience includes governmental entities (including single audits), non-profit entities, franchise companies, small businesses, hospitals, construction companies, charter and private schools, homeowner and condominium associations, and employee benefit plans.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Accounting from Loyola University. An active community leader, Paul is a graduate of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Jefferson Program and is a Member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Thibodaux and Houma Chambers of Commerce and the South Central Industrial Association.

Paul serves as the treasurer of the Association of Employee Benefit Planners and has served on the board of directors of Educare, Firstline Schools (Langston Hughes Charter School), and Crescent City Schools (Harriet Tubman Charter School). Paul is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) and has served on various committees of the LCPA.

Paul enjoys going to LSU and Tulane football games as well as New Orleans Pelicans basketball games. He and his family also enjoy taking road trips to see Major League Baseball games.

Philip P. Monteleone, CPA/ABV/CFF, serves on the Management Committee and is a Director in Forensic Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. His practice area includes serving as a financial and accounting expert witness through the calculation of damages in economic loss claims, business valuation, admiralty and commercial litigation, business interruption insurance, fraud and embezzlement claims, lost profits, shareholder disputes, and a variety of other forensic accounting matters. Philip has over 30 years of experience consulting with clients at law firms, insurance companies, and investment groups. Philip has also served as Chair of the firm’s Management Committee, and the department head of Consulting.

After graduating with honors in Finance from LSU, Philip earned a Master of Accounting from the University of New Orleans. In addition to teaching professional education courses, he was an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University’s College of Business MBA program. Philip is accredited in Business Valuation and holds a certification in Financial Forensics.

Philip served as Chair of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants Litigation Services Committee and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Institute of Management Accountants. He was a Past President of the St. Dominic Men’s Club and the former cross-country coach.

Philip loves the outdoors, especially oak trees, sequoias, and redwoods. Odd hobbies include car detailing, memorizing pi, and anything on a bike.

Rachael Dupuy, CPA, is a Manager in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC with 25 years of experience. She helps individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and non-profit organizations with tax planning and accounting services. Her areas of specialization are multi-state businesses, charitable remainder trusts, and estate and gift taxes, and trusts

Rachael received her Bachelor of Science with a double major in Accounting and Information Systems and Decision Sciences (ISDS) from Louisiana State University.

Rachael is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), the New Orleans Estate Planning Council, the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance, and Ochsner Planned Gifts Committee. She is a former board member of the New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center.

Rachael volunteers at her children’s schools having served on various committees and as room mother. She is involved in several school and community athletic programs and extracurricular activities.

Rebecca Talazac, CPA, is a Manager in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC with over a decade of experience in public accounting. Rebecca’s strong foundation of financial knowledge allows her to excel in tax preparation and planning for businesses, individuals, non-profits, and estates. Her expertise extends to resolving federal and state tax notices, conducting in-depth tax research, and mentoring new staff members.

Rebecca graduated with her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of New Orleans.

Outside of work, Rebecca is an executive board member of a local Mardi Gras dance krewe, where her passion for crafting and keen attention to detail shines through in the intricate and elaborate costumes she helps to create.

Stephen C. Himel, CPA, is a Principal of Audit and Accounting Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC exclusively focused on providing clients employee benefit plan solutions through auditing, compliance, and consulting services. Steve has over 33 years of experience in this area and holds an advanced certification from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) related to defined contribution plan audits.

Steve began his career with the international accounting firm KPMG in the private business advisory services area and then served as the Director of Human Resources for a national food manufacturer before returning to public accounting to focus exclusively on employee benefit plan services.

Steve is considered a leader in the field of employee benefits and has conducted various seminars and served as a discussion leader on employee benefit plan topics for industry groups and the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants (LCPA). He is an active member of the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of New Orleans and currently serves on the board of the Association of Employee Benefit Planners of New Orleans.

When away from work, Steve enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities.

Susan Russell, CPA, is a Director in the Tax Services Department at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC with 25 years of experience. She started her career in Shreveport in 2000 then relocated to the New Orleans area in 2006. Since relocating, she has been an integral team member at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. Susan works primarily with high-net-worth individuals, family-owned businesses, complex partnerships, private foundations, and non-profit organizations. Her areas of specialization include tax compliance, planning and resolving various tax controversies.

Susan, a native of Zwolle, Louisiana, received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northwestern State University.

Susan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), and the Junior League of New Orleans.

Susan enjoys traveling and all things outdoors. If she is not hunting or fishing, she can be found attending Saints and Pelicans games.

Tamela P. Shearer, CPA, is a Director in the Tax Services at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. She has over 35 years of experience in tax planning, research, and compliance for businesses and individuals. She also provides advisory services for a varied client base that includes construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, retail, professional service providers, and non-profit organizations.

Tamela is member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA). She is a past chair and committee member of the Ethics Committee of the LCPA. Her service also includes membership of its State and Local Taxation, Litigation Services, and Louisiana Tax Conference committees. She is a past chapter president and officer of the South Central Chapter of the Society of the LCPA. She is a Life Member and past chair of the Junior Auxiliary of Houma and a board member and past chair of the Kiwanis Club of Houma, and she is also a graduate of Leadership Terrebonne.

Tamela is an avid gardener.

Trisha Breaux is the Information Technology Manager at Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. She is a lifelong New Orleans resident.

Trisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.

Trisha joined Bourgeois Bennett in 2011 as a tax department administrator. During this time, she played a pivotal role in the firm’s digital transformation, assisting with the implementation and training of new software systems.

After gaining valuable experience by shadowing the firm’s previous IT Manager for two years, Trisha assumed the role upon his retirement. She continues to stay abreast of technological advancements, ensuring that Bourgeois Bennett remains at the forefront of innovation.