History and Staff Burkhardt and Dawson CPA's is a local firm.  We are the continuation of the Cherokee office of Ryun, Givens and Company, which had operated in Cherokee since 1967.   The professional staff of Burkhardt and Dawson, CPA's consists of two owners and four accountants.  The professional staff includes two Certified Public Accountants.  The firm also has an office manager and part time administrative assistant.  Three additional staff members also work in tax season. The Cherokee office has provided services to businesses and non-profit organizations in Northwest Iowa for over forty years.  This experience has made us a leader in the field in Northwest Iowa. The Cherokee office is located at 793 North Second Street, Cherokee, Iowa 51012. Burkhardt & Dawson CPA's is built on a proud tradition of service, technical expertise, and innovative thinking. Our staff's experience and academic credentials give our clients the depth of knowledge they want from their CPA firm, while our dedication to superior customer service offers the personal, one-on-one approach smaller firms are known for. We hope you'll take a few minutes to get acquainted with our staff.

The Owners OWNER - DONNA BURKHARDT, CPA Donna Burkhardt, CPA has been with Burkhardt & Dawson, CPA's since 1982. She became a partner July 1,1995. Donna has lived in Cherokee County most of her life and is very active in the community.  Donna was on the Board of Directors for the Sioux Valley Memorial Hospital for nine years, including serving as Chairman of the Board.  She was an active member of the Cherokee Rodeo Board for eight years and also served as treasurer.  She is currently a member of the Cherokee Chapter FV of TTT, a member of the Business and Professional Women,  a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of North Star Community Credit Union and  a member of the Western Iowa Tech Community College Curriculum and Conference Center Advisory Board. Donna Burkhardt, CPA is also the treasurer for the Benny Binion's Bucking Horse and Bull Sale which is held in December in Las Vegas.  The organization has donated more than $700,000 to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Donna's professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Lakes Chapter of CPA's. OWNER - LAURA DAWSON, CPA Laura Dawson has been with Burkhardt & Dawson, CPA's since 1991.  She has nine additional years of accounting and auditing experience prior to coming to Burkhardt & Dawson, CPA's.  Laura became a partner July 1, 1996. Laura is an active member in Cherokee serving as president of the local school board.  She is a member of Cherokee Rotary and Cherokee Chapter FV of TTT.  She is also serving on the Board of Trustees of the Memorial Presbyterian Church.  She is past  Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and past Christian Education board member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church.  She is past president of the Cherokee Chapter of American Association of University Women, past treasurer of the local Council Against Domestic Abuse, past president of Rotary Club, past president of Cherokee Chapter FV of  TTT, past president of the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Cherokee, and past president of the local Women's Golf Association. Laura's professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Lakes Chapter of CPA's.  Laura is a past president of the Lakes Chapter of CPA's.  Laura is a 1982 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting.

Janel Schleef Accountant Professional accounting staff member. Graduated from University of South Dakota.
Christine (Chris) Elliott Accountant Professional accounting staff member.  Graduated from Buena Vista University.
Amber Thorson Accountant Professional accounting staff member.  Graduated from Buena Vista University.
Angela (Angie) Schueder Accountant Professional accounting staff member.  Graduated from Buena Vista University.
Betty Massmann Office Manager Professional office manager for over 35 years.
Donise Raper Administrative Assistant  and Receptionist