Your goals deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Uniting financial guidance with human understanding.
Accounting should support decisions, not simply record outcomes.
Running a business means making high-stakes decisions that affect more than financial outcomes.
Elvin Lay is the Tax Director at Archford. In this role, he oversees client relationships and staffing for Archford Accounting. Elvin brings a great deal of experience to the team and has previously owned and managed a CPA practice which provided services to 1,100 clients relative to bookkeeping, payroll, and tax. He also served as the Assistant Director of Financial and Compliance Auditing for the Illinois Office of the Auditor General and served as the Fiscal Officer for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).
Elvin obtained his Master of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in accounting at the University of Central Texas in 1990, and also earned his graduate degree with a Master of Arts in Accounting at the University of Illinois, Springfield in 2007. On top of his education, Elvin has served as an alderman for the city of Auburn, IL and was the finance committee chair. He also served on the Board of the Auburn, IL Fire Department and volunteered for the Auburn Lutheran Church finance committee.
As a member of the United States military, Elvin was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and served during the Gulf War. Within the State Government, he was assigned to manage and participate in various projects and positions such as the implementation of the State of Illinois’ child support State Disbursement Unit, Manager of the Illinois Federal Statewide Single Audit, participation in the Illinois Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and oversight of the audits of Medicaid providers in the Illinois HFS Office of the Inspector General.
In his free time, Elvin enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, golfing, and other outdoor activities. He has also been an avid volunteer for community organizations, the church, and a proud supporter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Email: e.lay@archfordllc.com
Phone: 618.272.2362
Amanda White brings close to 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant to her role as Chief Financial and Compliance Officer at Archford. With a background in public accounting and leadership roles at both regional and national firms, she has developed deep expertise in working with closely held businesses, family enterprises, and high-net-worth individuals.
Amanda oversees the firm’s financial operations and regulatory compliance, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and adherence to industry standards. She is responsible for internal controls, risk management, and financial reporting, as well as guiding strategic initiatives that support Archford’s long-term growth. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she manages Archford Accounting, where she advises business owners and individuals on tax strategy, compliance, entity structuring, and succession planning. Amanda frequently consults on complex business matters. She is often sought out for her ability to translate complicated financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies for clients.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), Amanda helps clients and attorneys navigate the financial aspects of settlement negotiations and court cases. She has also provided litigation support and expert testimony in divorce proceedings. Amanda earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from Saint Louis University. She is a past president of the Missouri Society of CPAs – St. Louis Chapter and was recognized in 2013 as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30” honorees.
Before joining Archford, Amanda served as a Tax Manager with BDO and Brown Smith Wallace, where she specialized in tax planning and compliance for privately held businesses and their owners. Since becoming one of Archford’s earliest team members, she has played a central role in shaping the firm’s infrastructure by developing accounting policies, implementing software systems, and establishing operational best practices.
Outside of her professional work, Amanda enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children. A lifelong lover of the ocean, she takes every opportunity to recharge at the beach.
Email: a.white@archfordcapital.com
Phone: 618.726.6251
Jennifer Buchanan is a Tax Manager with Archford Accounting. In this role, she is responsible for assisting clients with their tax return preparation as well as tax planning and projections. She understands taxes can be overwhelming to some people and she works to help make the process less stressful for clients.
She brings to the table over 24 years of experience in the tax industry, having previously worked at bank trust companies, public accounting firms and private firms. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from McKendree University.
Jennifer enjoys spending her free time camping and hiking with her husband and two dogs.
Email: j.buchanan@archfordllc.com
Phone: 618.996.5565
Carrie Schultheis is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 24 years experience in the accounting field. As the Accounting Services Manager at Archford Accounting, Carrie oversees the Accounting Services staff who specialize in payroll, bookkeeping, financial statements, compilations, sales tax and accounts payable and receivables, and new business set up. Her experience in multiple industries helps her guide the team in continually working to provide exceptional services to a varied array of clients.
Carrie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Before joining Archford, Carrie held a variety of accounting positions including 6 years in public accounting. She also spent 17 years in the private and non-profit sectors where she managed finances and business operations in real estate, construction, health care and public broadcasting.
Carrie enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. She is active with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and her church. In her free time, she also enjoys reading and cheering on the Cardinals.
Email: c.schultheis@archfordllc.com
Phone: 618.726.6273
Joey Maher is a Tax Accountant and Broker Dealer Specialist with Archford. In this role, he supports clients and the firm across a range of financial, tax, and operational needs. He works closely with clients and the Archford team to coordinate these services and provide an integrated client experience. Joey is also involved in community work.
Prior to joining Archford, Joey earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and his Master of Accountancy from Saint Louis University.
During college, Joey excelled on and off the soccer field. In 2023, he earned Scholar All-America honors from United Soccer Coaches for Men’s NCAA Division I student-athletes. He played soccer for both IU and SLU, serving as team captain at each university. He helped lead IU to two Big Ten Regular Season Championships, two Big Ten Tournament Championships, and two NCAA College Cup appearances. Joey was drafted 30th overall by Toronto FC in the 2024 MLS Draft.
Joey is excited to serve others with the Archford team and support its mission of Taking Care of Families. As he puts it, “…that’s simply my purpose. Being able to help put a smile on someone’s face will immediately light mine with joy.”
In his free time, he enjoys traveling with family and friends, playing sports, and watching the Hoosiers, Billikens, and Nashville SC.
Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC Advisory Services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc. A SEC registered investment advisor. Archford Capital Strategies, LLC and its affiliated companies are separate entities from Valmark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Email: joey.maher@archfordllc.com
Phone: 314.414.2316
Ryne Harris is a Senior Tax Accountant at Archford Accounting. In this role, he works on bookkeeping, payroll, payroll tax returns, sales tax, financial statements, compilations, and both personal and business tax returns for clients.
Prior to joining the Archford team, Ryne worked at a local high school as Director of Student Affairs and Scheduling. He was responsible for preparing students for their next steps after high school whether that be college, trade school or the workforce. He received his Master’s in Accounting from Lindenwood University.
In his free time, Ryne enjoys watching sporting events, attending concerts and playing golf.
Email: r.harris@archfordllc.com
Phone: 618.767.6174
Nathan Martin is a Senior Tax Accountant. In this role, he assists with tax return preparation and bookkeeping for clients. In 2019, he was an Archford Scholar and continued working with the firm through multiple accounting internships until starting his full time position.
Graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia in December 2022, he has earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy. Prior to attending Mizzou, Nathan attended O’Fallon Township High School.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, playing golf with his friends, and watching Mizzou sports.
Email: n.martin@archfordllc.com
Phone: 618.726.6278
Brogan is a Tax Accountant at Archford. In this role, he prepares tax returns, supports bookkeeping needs, runs payroll for businesses, and assists with tax planning strategies.
Prior to joining Archford, Brogan worked as a tax accountant where he gained experience in tax preparation, compliance, and research. Whether helping someone feel understood, sharing a laugh, or providing support through his work, Brogan finds fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with those he serves.
Brogan attended Saint Louis University (SLU), where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting. During his time at SLU, he developed a strong foundation in accounting and a passion for helping others through his work and involvement in the community.
Outside of work, Brogan enjoys playing and watching sports, coaching, reading, and playing the piano. He has also been involved with charitable organizations focused on supporting individuals with disabilities through sports and volunteering at food pantries.
Email: b.townsend@archfordllc.com
Phone: 314.414.2317
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