Our Team
Meet our team of experienced accounting experts.
Our Mission
While others many have long, complicated mission statements, at Burkhardt & Dawson, CPAs, our mission is clear: We provide the highest quality long term professional services to our individual clients.
The responsive, personal attention we provide for each client, regardless how large or small, is key to our approach. Each member of our highly trained and experienced staff works face-to-face with clients. This approach is centered on meeting your needs and helping you plan for your future success.
Donna Burkhardt
Partner, CPA
Donna became a Certified Public Accountant in 1991. She joined our firm in 1982, was promoted and became a partner in 1995. As a trusted business advisor she focuses on building long-term relationships.
Laura Dawson
Partner, CPA
Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 1983. She joined our firm in 1992 and became a partner in 1996.
Morgan Gravenish
Partner, CPA
Morgan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2013, and joined our firm the same year.
Brandon Henke
Partner, CPA
Brandon graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2014. He joined our firm in 2014.
Amber Thorson
Accountant, CPA
Amber graduated from BVU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2010 and worked at our firm for 9 years. After managing her own firm for 3 years, she rejoined our firm in 2022.
Stephanie Thill
Accountant, CPA
Stephanie graduated from BVU with a Master of Arts degree in Business Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business Management. She joined our team in 2021 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 2023.
Chris Elliott
Accountant
Chris graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Buena Vista University. She joined our firm in 2006.
Elizabeth Dawson
Accountant
Liz graduated from Iowa State with degrees in Accounting & Business Management. She joined our firm in 2019. She previously worked for the Iowa Auditor of State’s office performing financial statement audits across Iowa.
Trevor Stevenson
Accountant
Trevor graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. He joined our firm in 2023.
Donise Raper
Administrative Assistant
Donise joined our firm in 2007. She is one of the friendly voices you hear when you contact our office. She is critical to keeping our extensive paperless storage system organized.
Emily Nelson
Administrative Assistant
Emily is another one of the friendly voices you hear when you contact our office. Emily is the initial point of contact for most of our clients. She joined our firm in 2021.
Our History
We're a local CPA firm established in 1967.
Owners, Donna Burkhardt and Laura Dawson have grown the local CPA firm into a recognized leader in Northwest Iowa over the past three decades. On January 1, 2023, Morgan Gravenish and Brandon Henke joined our ownership team. Our client growth is accelerated by outstanding referrals from many long-term clients.
With strategic planning and investments in training and technology, our professional staff has continued to expand. We have been fortunate to recruit and hire outstanding individuals to return to our community as part of our professional team.