About Us

Equitas Strategic Partners

Strategic Financial Consulting with Expert Financial Advisors

Welcome to Equitas Strategic Partners, your trusted financial consulting company and team of expert financial advisors headquartered in Franklin, TN. With a commitment to excellence, we serve clients across the nation, offering tailored solutions to help your company thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Our seasoned team focuses on integrity, innovation, and insight to deliver personalized financial and accounting solutions aligned with your unique goals. Beyond traditional advisory services, we foster deep partnerships with each client, ensuring a comprehensive approach to address your aspirations and challenges. Partner with Equitas, and together, let’s shape the future of your success.

Meet Our Founder:

Craig Cook

A native of Independence, MO, I came to Nashville as a college student and never looked back, embracing Nashville and all it had to offer. I have always had the personality trait of service and helping others to the best of my ability; be it selling men’s suits at Castner Knott, helping small businesses and non-profits with their bookkeeping, and collaborating with co-workers and customers in a fast paced corporate environment. My current focus is to guide small and mid-sized businesses/business owners through their journey by establishing accounting procedures and providing strategic financial leadership. My appreciation for business development has only enhanced that service minded trait in my ability to connect others in the business community. What can I do to help?

Let’s Connect on Linkedin

Craig Cook

Meet Our Team

Veronique McBride, CPA

Veronique McBride, CPA

McBride Accounting, LLC

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Veronique graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1991, and returned to get her Master’s in Public Accounting in 1997. She is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, who also speaks French and English.

Veronique is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Prior to opening McBride Accounting, Veronique worked for firms in both industry and Public Accounting firms gaining experience in both managerial accounting and public accounting. Veronique resides on a farm in the Metro Atlanta area with her husband, Dorsey, their daughter.

Richard McBride

Richard McBride

Program Manager & Client Relations Accountant

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Richard has worked for McBride Accounting since 2024 as a program manager and client relations accountant. Prior to that Richard has worked as an Special Education teacher in North Texas. He brings an understanding of client needs and a unique ability to develop relationships and deliver tailored solutions.

Tom McCabe

Tom McCabe

Financial Executive & CFO Advisor

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Tom is a dynamic and client-centered financial executive with experience across publicly traded, VC/PE-backed, and privately held / family businesses. Has held progressive leadership roles including CFO, Board Member, VP of Finance, VP of IT, General Manager, Manufacturing Manager and Controller, with a proven track record in organizations ranging from early-stage startups to $1B+ enterprises.

Tom is recognized for building high-performing teams and leveraging financial systems that enable growth, scale, and operational efficiency. He has deep experience in fractional and interim CFO roles, with a strong focus on SMBs, founder-led firms, and investor-backed businesses. Trusted advisor for financial strategy, M&A, business transformation, and leadership development.

Danielle Williams

Danielle Williams

Advanced Accounting and CFO Services

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Danielle has over 14 years of experience as an external auditor with Crowe LLP, a top ten public accounting firm, prior to joining Equitas Strategic Partners. She is a highly technical and detail-oriented CPA with GAAP expertise and a passion for financial reporting, technical accounting standards and leveraging technology effectively.  Danielle cultivated a reputation for being client-focused, adept at handling complex accounting issues, and thriving on challenging engagements across a wide range of industries, notably within the Technology, Media, and Telecom sector as well as non-profits.  Danielle’s technical proficiencies and wide exposure to clients and industries, positions her as a valuable consultant for any accounting and CFO function, especially within a dynamic, private equity-backed corporate environment. 

Daniel Beck

Daniel Beck

Consultant

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Daniel Beck brings over 16 years of accounting and financial leadership experience to the Equitas team, including more than 13 years as a CPA and over a decade serving in Controller and CFO-level roles. Throughout his career, he has partnered with businesses ranging from startups to multi-million-dollar organizations across industries including construction, manufacturing, SaaS, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. His experience spans financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, financial modeling, revenue recognition, inventory management, and operational accounting.

Daniel specializes in helping growing businesses improve financial visibility, strengthen accounting processes, and make more informed decisions through accurate reporting and actionable financial insights. He has led accounting cleanups, system implementations, audit readiness projects, and reporting infrastructure improvements that support scalable growth. His combination of technical accounting expertise and hands-on operational experience allows him to identify challenges quickly, implement practical solutions, and provide the financial leadership organizations need to navigate growth and complexity.

Kayla Peña

Kayla Peña

Sr. Consultant

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With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit, corporate, and small business finance, Kayla helps growing businesses build the financial infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth. She holds a degree in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and her background includes leading finance functions, specializing in enterprise revenue accounting, and developing systems that improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making. Her expertise spans financial reporting and forecasting, cash management, process improvement, and strategic planning.

Today, Kayla works directly with business owners across industries including professional services, insurance, technology, and learning & development. She helps leaders improve financial operations, strengthen their reporting, and gain the insight needed to make confident decisions and achieve their business goals.

Alice Corso

Alice Corso

Finance Leader

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Alice Corso is a seasoned finance leader with experience spanning tech, logistics, healthcare, and consulting. She has worked in organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies and scaled multi-site operators. Over the course of her career, she has built finance functions from the ground up, led teams of up to 30 people, and partnered closely with founders, boards, investors, and operating leaders to improve working capital, strengthen forecasting and reporting, and create the processes and systems businesses need to scale. She has served as the first CFO in high-growth environments while also bringing the discipline and rigor of larger institutions, including public-company and post-acquisition settings, to help companies move from reactive finance to strategic, data-driven decision-making. That breadth allows her to quickly adapt to a client’s stage, industry, and complexity, whether the need is stabilizing the basics, improving cash flow, implementing systems, or supporting a business through its next phase of growth. Alice studied Economics at Princeton University and most recently served as CFO of Bierman Autism, a healthcare company that serves autistic children in 21 centers across 7 states with annual revenues exceeding $70m.

Jessica Simms

Jessica Simms

Executive Assistant

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Originally from a small town in Southern Illinois, Jessica began her career as a personal assistant while in college, balancing her professional development alongside being a cheerleader. Upon graduating, she was promoted to executive assistant and has since spent the last four years supporting executives with precision, organization, and proactive problem-solving.

Jessica recently founded her own executive assistant firm to provide high-level support to busy leaders without the commitment of a full-time hire. Her mission is to create clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind for her clients, allowing them to focus on what matters most—growing their businesses and leading with confidence.

Austin Stevens

Austin Stevens

Business Development

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As a natural connector and leader, Austin has nurtured diverse teams, utilizing his refined sales and marketing techniques across both traditional and social media channels. His ability to motivate and inspire teams to exceed expectations has driven exceptional results and forward-thinking strategies.

Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to empowering business leaders, mentoring sales teams, and helping companies identify the missing links necessary for sustainable growth. Austin brings a hands-on, people-first approach to leadership, combining strategy with execution to turn vision into measurable success. He is known for building trust quickly and creating momentum that drives both teams and businesses forward.

Michael Farrow

Michael Farrow

Strategic CFO Consultant

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Michael brings over 20 years of strategic financial leadership to the Equitas team, with deep expertise in driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability, and guiding venture and private equity-backed companies through complex acquisitions and financial transformations. He has a proven track record of delivering double-digit revenue growth and increasing company valuations by over $1 billion through his leadership in financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic financial stewardship. Michael has played a pivotal role in integrating complex acquisitions, implementing critical financial systems such as NetSuite and Domo, and spearheading fundraising efforts, including securing over $50 million in Series B and C rounds. His expertise spans operational accounting, financial reporting, SaaS metrics, budgeting, and team management. From scaling teams and managing international acquisitions to improving profitability and securing capital, Michael’s broad experience positions him as a dynamic, operationally-minded CFO capable of driving companies through growth and transformation.

Brian Callahan

Brian Callahan

Sr. CFO Consultant

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Named Board President and Chair

Father Ryan High School is pleased to name Mr. Brian Callahan as the President/Chair of the 2025-2026 Board of Trustees.

Callahan serves as CEO of Deflecto LLC, an office products supplier specializing in office, safety, storage, and air distribution products. Callahan graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1983 and earned his M.B.A from the Wharton School of Business in 1989. Previously, he served as the Treasurer/Finance and Budget Chair on Father Ryan’s Board.

Thank you for your service to the Father Ryan community, Mr. Callahan!

Kim Busboom

Kim Busboom

Finance & Operations

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Kim brings a unique blend of operational leadership and hands-on financial expertise to her bookkeeping role. With a background as Executive Vice President of Operations for a global promotional products company, she managed teams across five locations and led key initiatives including an acquisition and company-wide software implementation.

After transitioning from corporate leadership, Kim continued supporting businesses through consulting, coaching, and operational roles, including assisting in the launch of a telehealth hormone health practice. Her work is driven by a passion for helping business owners understand their numbers and uncover opportunities to grow profitability.

Kim earned her MBA from Marquette University and is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She is known for her attention to detail and her ability to translate financial data into meaningful, actionable insights for clients.

Felicia Dunlap

Felicia Dunlap

Sr. CFO Consultant

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Nashville business leader with over twenty-five years of experience in management, finance, and governance in cooperation with community partners, executives, and board members. Seasoned expert with well-rounded background effectively guiding various strategic goals and processes. Demonstrated strengths in financial forecasting and reporting, internal and external communication, and special project activities to support executive decision making. Creative and collaborative problem solver and highly adaptable to accomplish goals in fast paced environments with limited and precious resources.

Brian Jerden

Brian Jerden

Advanced Accounting Services

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A recent Nashville transplant from Dallas, Texas brings over 20 years of controller and CFO experience to the Equitas team.  His broad experience includes operational accounting, financial reporting, payroll, financial planning, and treasury management. Brian has worked and developed efficient teams surrounding monthly reporting, forecasting, financial planning and budgeting, audits, and sales tax compliance in multiple industries including hospitality, service, and manufacturing.  He has implemented multiple ERP systems and upgrades over the years and is familiar with systems like Dynamics, Lawson, Peachtree, Epicor and QuickBooks. He has also been the primary contact for banking relations and securing funding requirements and initiatives. His diverse experience encompasses all size companies that allow him to plug in to any controller or CFO situation.

Michelle Clark

Michelle Clark

Strategic & CFO Services

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Michelle brings over 10 years of operational accounting experience to the Equitas team. Before joining Equitas Strategic Partners, she supported the rapid growth and development of several organizations through her leadership of corporate accounting, financial planning, budget management, and financial reporting activities. Michelle specializes in the consumer-packaged goods industry with a focus on contract manufacturing. She has several enterprise resource system implementations under her belt including Microsoft Dynamics AX, Sage X3, BrightPearl, and NetSuite. Her experience with financial planning and analysis tools, various ERP systems, an MTax degree, and years of experience in annual financial, labor, and sales tax audits allows Michelle to uniquely view financial issues from an operational and tax perspective.  Michelle’s experience with close processes, team management, and leadership in due diligence processes for private equity funding rounds makes her a comprehensive consultant for any M&A transaction.

Deborah Bachner

Deborah Bachner

Consultant

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Deborah Bachner is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and financial strategist with decades of experience driving operational excellence, growth, and successful turnarounds across commercial real estate, private equity, banking, and consulting environments. As a versatile leader, Deborah excels in strategic planning, full P&L oversight, change management, and complex financial analysis—including forensic auditing, Z-score evaluations, NPV/NRV determinations, and debt restructuring. She has spearheaded mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, asset liquidations, Receiverships, and high-stakes workouts involving major institutions, regulatory entities, and challenged portfolios.

Her career highlights include serving as Controller/CFO and Operations/Portfolio Manager for a $150MM private equity real estate firm, managing monthly cash flows nearing $500K NOI across dozens of entities and 300+ tenants. She transformed a shell brokerage into a top-performing REO listing operation in San Antonio, led REO departments for large regional firms, and delivered multimillion-dollar value through innovative exit strategies, software transitions, and capital market negotiations. In the past four years she has acted as Lead Controller/CFO Consultant to many billion dollar REIT’s and CRE companies amongst other clients.

Rhonda Snow-Cantrell

Rhonda Snow-Cantrell

Bookkeeping Team

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Rhonda is a native Kentuckian who studied at Georgetown College and brings more than twenty‑five years of experience in accounting, finance, and operational leadership to the Equitas team. Over the course of her career, she has supported organizations through transitions, growth, and day‑to‑day operational challenges. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the communities and businesses she supports with a collaborative, people‑first mindset.

Seema Harvani

Seema Harvani

Senior Accountant

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Seema is a seasoned finance professional with over 8 years of experience in accounting, financial management, and business finance. Holding an MBA in Finance and the prestigious Inter Chartered Accountant qualification, she brings a strong foundation of technical expertise and strategic financial insight to her role as Senior Accountant.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and analytical approach, Seema plays a key role in managing complex financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective financial stewardship. Her commitment to excellence and problem-solving ability make her a trusted contributor to the organization’s success.

Outside of work, Seema enjoys spending time with pets and exploring new destinations through solo travel. Her curiosity, independence, and dedication to continuous growth reflect the same passion and discipline she brings to her professional endeavours.

Seema’s blend of financial expertise, integrity, and enthusiasm for new experiences strengthens our team and supports our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service.

Krina Doshi

Krina Doshi

Certified Public Accountant

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Krina Doshi, CPA, CA is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant and Indian Chartered Accountant with over 9 years of experience in U.S. taxation, accounting, audit, and advisory services. She specializes in individual and business taxation, financial reporting, accounting operations, and audit support, serving CPA firms and businesses across the United States. Krina has significant experience working with clients in the Nonprofit (NFP) and Real Estate sectors, providing guidance on industry-specific tax, accounting, and compliance matters. Known for her strong technical expertise and client-focused approach, she helps organizations navigate complex financial challenges while delivering practical, efficient, and high-quality solutions.

Shivam Patel

Shivam Patel

Accounting Professional

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Shivam Patel is an experienced accounting professional with over six years of expertise in taxation and public accounting. He specializes in financial reporting, accounting operations, and tax compliance for both individuals and businesses. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Gujarat University and is currently studying for his CPA qualification. He began his career with a strong commitment to learning and has steadily progressed into a senior role, building a solid foundation across key areas of accounting. His experience includes financial statement preparation, individual and business tax returns, and payroll tax compliance. Shivam is known for his attention to detail, reliability, and collaborative approach, and he takes pride in supporting both his team and clients with accurate and timely financial solutions.

Meet Equitas Strategic Partners: Your Trusted Ally in Financial Success

Welcome to Equitas Strategic Partners, where expertise meets innovation to guide your business toward unparalleled success.  At Equitas, we believe that every financial decision holds the potential to shape the future of your business.  We understand the dynamic landscape of modern business and our seasoned team of strategic advisors is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that empower your company to thrive.

Our focus is always on integrity, innovation, and insight.  Equitas Strategic Partners is committed to providing personalized financial and accounting solutions that empower you to achieve your unique goals.

Our approach goes beyond conventional advisory services.  We take pride in delivering a holistic approach to consultancy by cultivating a partnership with each client, fostering a deep understanding of your aspirations and challenges.  Whether you seek financial optimization, market expansion, or operational efficiency, our advisors are committed to crafting bespoke solutions that align with your goals.

Equitas Strategic Partners is dedicated to being your trusted ally on the road to financial well-being.  Discover the power of strategic partnership…join forces with Equitas, and let’s sculpt the future of your success together.

Focusing on that partnership is what makes Equitas Strategic Partners stand above our competition.  We truly want to grow alongside our clients and take them to the next level in their journey.

business man holding out hand for handshake

Equity, Strategy, and Partnership

E – Equitas (Latin for equity) – The owner’s equity in a business, in accountant speak, is the value of the business to the owner as reflected in the financial statements. Our goal is to help our clients increase that value through strategic partnership.

S – Strategic – Providing strategic guidance from a financial standpoint means identifying, gathering, and analyzing accounting and financial data to assist the management team in making accurate, informed decisions. That is exactly what we specialize in.

P – Partners – The “Partners” in Equitas Strategic Partners focus on you, the client. We aim to partner with our clients not only for accounting and financial guidance, but across all aspects of the business. Through the expansive network of professionals we’ve developed, we can connect you with the best resources.

Explore Our Financial Expertise: Connect with Equitas Strategic Partners Today!

Begin a rewarding partnership with Equitas Strategic Partners, your trusted financial advisors and premier financial consulting firm in Franklin, TN. Whether local or nationwide, our seasoned team guides your business toward success. Beyond traditional financial services, we tailor custom solutions to meet your unique needs. Schedule a consultation today to discover how our financial consulting expertise can empower your business to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.