Associates
MDA Professional Group, P.C. is a distinguished CPA firm composed of 10 Shareholders and over 50 dedicated Mission Driven Advisors, including 17 highly qualified CPAs. Since our establishment in 1975, we have helped our clients transform their visions into financial realities. Each decade has seen new CPAs join our ranks, contributing to a legacy defined by stability, reliability, trust, wisdom, and knowledge. Over the years, MDA has acquired or merged with a dozen other firms, expanding our impact and enhancing our service offerings. Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive financial solutions, helping you strategize to maximize your returns, and guiding you through your financial due diligence.
Shareholders
Darrin Battles, CPA
Darrin G. Battles, CPA, graduated from Auburn University in June 1991 with a Bachelor of Accounting degree and has been working in public accounting since November 1991. Now a proud member of the AICPA and the Alabama Society of CPAs, Darrin enjoys solving IT and tax issues, as well as the client services aspect of being a CPA. He specializes in business tax, individual tax, and Peachtree software. Darrin finds tax consulting and creating tax structures to minimize tax impact to be the most rewarding aspects of his career. Darrin has lived in Gallant, AL, Auburn, AL, and Atlanta, GA, and he currently resides in Albertville, AL. He has been married to Shanna Kay Farley since August 2, 1997, and they have two daughters: Anna Catherine and Bailey. In his free time, Darrin enjoys hiking, reading, snow skiing, and researching the stock market. Passionate about his community and family, Darrin is actively involved in his church, The Fellowship, and is dedicated to supporting his children’s activities. He is also a member of the Albertville Rotary Club.
Joella Bogle, CPA
Joella M. Bogle, CPA, received her Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama in May 2014. Joella passed her CPA exam within 9 months of her graduation and subsequently moved into the role of Senior Accountant. Seeing incredible internal advancement, Joella became a Shareholder in May of 2022. As a skilled CPA, Joella’s areas of specialization include governmental, non-profit, and corporate auditing and attest services; and non-profit, corporate, and individual taxation. What gratifies Joella about her career with MDA Professional Group, P.C. is the ability to help clients with their different needs, whether it be bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, audits, or just the day-to-day operations that come with accounting. As a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Joella takes pride in the acquisition of both professional and personal growth and strives to help her fellow accountants achieve the same level of growth. Joella resides in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Jimmy, and their two children, Gemma and Cameron. In her free time, Joella enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the pool, running, and reading.
Katie Condit, CPA
Kathryn (Katie) Condit, CPA, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Jacksonville State University in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. In the same year, Katie began working with MDA while pursuing a Master of Accountancy from Samford University, which she earned by 2010. After nearly 9 years with MDA, Condit became a partner in June 2017. Growing up, Katie always wanted a career that involved business, money, and math. When she took her first accounting class in college, she knew it was the right path for her. Condit finds joy in helping clients achieve success, watching her fellow CPAs grow in their careers, and working hard to enjoy the rewards of her efforts. As a lifelong resident of Ohatchee, AL, Katie resides there with Poppi, her English Cocker Spaniel. In her personal life, Katie values finding peace and helping others do the same. She enjoys traveling to the Bahamas, where she serves as a Board Director for the Tyne Beach Terrace association. Additionally, Katie serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Big Oak Community Volunteer Fire Department and owns a convenience store in Glencoe, AL.
Gary Evans, CPA
Gary E. Evans, CPA, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BBA in Accounting in 1986, and has been working in the industry ever since. He has held various accounting positions throughout his career and was a sole practitioner at Gary Evans & Company in Fort Payne, AL, from 2004 to 2012. As a partner at MDA, Gary brings over 35 years of relevant experience to the firm. Gary was influenced by his father, who was also a CPA, and learned bookkeeping at a young age, sparking his interest in the field. He finds that “helping clients be successful” has been the most rewarding aspect of his career. Originally from the Gadsden area, Gary now resides in Fort Payne with his wife, to whom he has been married since 1982. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. In his free time, Gary enjoys playing golf and drawing, often with good music playing in the background. Beyond his membership of the AICPA and ASCPA, Evans is an active member of his community, having served as a former member of the regional board of directors for BBVA Bank in Gadsden/Fort Payne and as a former board member and president of Terrapin Hills Country Club. Gary is a current member of First Baptist Church Fort Payne, where he has served as a trustee and finance committee member. Additionally, he is a board member and treasurer of the Dekalb Interfaith Medical Clinic.
Jennifer M. Forrester, CPA
Jennifer M. Forrester, CPA, cares deeply about serving her clients. Having grown up local to Gainesville, Forrester attended the University of Florida for two degrees – her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, received in May 1998, followed by her Master’s in Accounting, earned in December 2002. According to Jennifer, she was drawn to accounting because of the flexibility and opportunity it could offer her, as there is always a need for accountants, even in economic downturns. While she was at UF, Jennifer was active in the Fisher School of Accounting’s Upsilon Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. In January 2003, Jennifer joined James Moore & Co., P.L., a regional accounting firm in Florida, where she served as a partner until October 2018. During her time at the firm, she had the opportunity to participate as an AICPA peer reviewer for 8 years. Jennifer moved to Alabama and began her journey in the private sector working for a government contractor from October 2018-January 2023 serving lastly as CFO. Because she has worked with non-profits, governments, healthcare, dealerships, start-ups/biotech, government contracting, higher education, and public broadcasting industries, Jennifer brings a unique perspective and immense skill to the table upon her return to public accounting. Forrester specializes in non-profit, governmental, and corporate accounting, auditing and attest services. Jennifer has a passion for developing accountants and CPAs that will be the leaders of tomorrow’s CPA firms, therefore desiring to serve on boards and as a mentor to others in an effort to improve the accounting profession for generations to come. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA). Jennifer resides in Boaz, Alabama with her husband, Douglas. They have two daughters, Meredith and Kathryn, the latter of which has given them a son-in-law, Alex, and a young grandson, Dax. When she isn’t working, Jennifer enjoys hiking, cooking, and sewing, even volunteering with SAGA (Smocking Arts Guild of America) as the Wee Care chair.
Andy Hyatt, CPA
Andy (Lewis Andrew) Hyatt, CPA, acquired his Bachelors of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1978. Before coming to the accounting world, he explored professions in farming, truck driving, painting, and construction, but has since been in the industry for an impressive 46 years. Hyatt accredits his decision to pursue accounting to his brother, and he has found the choice to be very rewarding. Through working in the accounting industry, Hyatt enjoys his ability to assist a variety of clients that have unique needs, providing his career with interesting diversity, and he specializes in taxation, individual and business accounting, as well as estate and trust management. A lifelong resident of Arab, Alabama, Hyatt shares his life with his wife of more than 45 years, and they have 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Enjoying motorcycles, watching theater, hunting, and watching baseball in his free time, Hyatt is passionate about Youth Sports, and even has a history of coaching youth baseball.
Matthew Roeder, CPA
Matthew Roeder, CPA, earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting in 2007, followed by a Master’s degree in Tax, from the University of Alabama. His journey with MDA Professional Group began during his college years, where he worked as a Teaching Assistant and completed two internships with the firm. Shortly after graduation, Matthew joined MDA full-time and has since accumulated over 14 years of experience in the accounting industry. Matthew specializes in personal and corporate taxation and offers expert consulting in business organization, cash flow management, and general planning. His extensive experience spans a diverse range of industries, and he finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth and success of his clients. A long-time resident of Albertville, Matthew is deeply involved in his community. He is an active member of Grace Fellowship and serves as an instructor at the Albertville Karate Academy, both of which are close to his heart. Additionally, Roeder is currently serving as a board member of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of both AICPA and ASCPA. Matthew is happily married to his wife, Alisha, and they have a young son, Eli.
Jerry Rowe, CPA
Gerald (Jerry) Rowe, CPA, attended Auburn University from 1966 to 1972, where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree and then a Master’s in Business Administration, before moving on to take his national exam and earn his qualification as a Certified Public Accountant. With 52 years of experience in the industry, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm and is a proud member of the AICPA and the Alabama Society of CPAs. He gravitated toward a career in accounting because he enjoys using his technical skills to assist clients. His areas of specialty include Estates and Trusts, Estate Tax Planning, and Income Tax. Jerry finds great gratification in working with both clients and employees, helping them achieve their goals. A resident of Guntersville, AL, Jerry has been married to Becky Kennedy Rowe for over 50 years. They have three children and three grandchildren. Jerry has a passion for history and enjoys staying up-to-date with current events. He is an active member of the Rotary Club, where he has a history of serving as president. Additionally, Jerry has served as chairman for both the Albertville Chamber of Commerce and Marshall County United Way, and he is an Elder at Guntersville Church of Christ.
Jerry Wimpee, CPA
Jerry Wimpee, CPA, attended Jacksonville State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before taking the national exam to earn his CPA credentials. With 23 years of accounting experience, 20 of which have been with MDA, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. A proud member of the AICPA and the Alabama Society of CPAs, Jerry specializes in business consulting and income tax accounting. He prepares taxes and plans for corporations, partnerships, individuals, estates, and trusts. Jerry is deeply passionate about his work, stating, “I give God the credit and the glory for leading me to the accounting profession, and specifically to the public practice of it. The accounting profession might seem boring to some, but for me, nothing could be further from the truth.” He finds great reward in helping clients solve problems, meet goals, and achieve their potential. Jerry is from Rainbow City, AL, where he still resides. He is married and has two children. In his free time, Jerry enjoys quality time with his family, spending time outdoors, and working with his hands. Wimpee serves as the treasurer for the Way of the Cross Ministries, a local soup kitchen and mission in Gadsden.
Robin Young, CPA
Our Team
Meet our Mission Driven Advisors. MDA has a team of accountants, assistants, advisors, and more, all dedicated professionals that are essential in delivering consistent, high-quality service to our clients. Our employees are the heart of MDA, ensuring exceptional service with a smile. Each team member brings their unique creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the firm, making the MDA offices a place where excellence thrives.
