GERRY CUKIERSKI

Managing Partner

Gerry Cukierski began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in 1973, before branching into private practice in 1977. He has been a licensed CPA in Illinois since 1977. Gerry is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. He served as a Director of Harris Bank from 1994 through 2008, and was the Treasurer of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce from 1991 to 1999. Currently, he serves on the boards of several local charities and civic groups. When Gerry isn’t serving his clients and the community you’ll find him on the nearest golf course.

Gerry graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1974.

MICHAEL J. COCHRANE

Partner

Michael J. Cochrane began his career as an auditor for McGladrey Hendrickson after graduating from Western Illinois University in 1977. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in 1981 and founded the firm of Michael J. Cochrane and Associates. The firm eventually grew to 10 individuals representing more than 700 Common Interest Realty Associations. Mike and his team took great pride in providing professional quality service to their clients, a commitment that continued when Michael J. Cochrane and Associates became part of Cukierski & Cochrane, L.L.C., on January 1, 2017. Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.

Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Illinois University.

MIKE CUKIERSKI

Partner

Michael Cukierski is an audit manager and accounting and tax professional at Cukierski & Cochrane, L.L.C. He began with the firm in 2004 as a staff accountant focusing on financial statement compilation, payroll, and audit services for local businesses, homeowner associations, and non-profit organizations. As part of his role as one of the firm’s audit managers, Mike performs all aspects of auditing engagements for condominium associations and non-profit organizations to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS).

His areas of expertise include non-profit associations, retail, dentistry, manufacturing, telecommunications, service industries, flooring professionals, and more. Mike prides himself on building strong client relationships and is devoted to his clients’ needs.

Mike graduated in 2003 from Indiana University-Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, with a specialization in Management. In 2006, he earned a Master of Science in Accountancy from Loyola University-Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business. He and his wife Sandra live in Palatine with their three dogs, and in 2016 had their first child.

STEVEN YATES

Partner

Steven Yates began his accounting career 19 years ago with Interstate Management Services, a CPA firm in Tomah, WI. Since then, he has worked for W.R. Grace & Co. in Lake Zurich, and Millennium Professional Services of Arlington Heights. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, and works as a volunteer for the Hawthorn School District. When Steven isn’t in the office, he’s spending time with his family.

Steven has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Luther College.

Nick Cukierski

Partner

Nick Cukierski is an accounting manager and tax professional at Cukierski & Cochrane, L.L.C. Nick began his career with the firm in 2011, with a focus in accounting and financial statement compilation services. He has since expanded his expertise to corporate and personal tax services.

Nick resides in DesPlaines with his wife, Alyssa. Outside of work, he is an avid triathlete competing in various events ranging from the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships to the Ironman circuit. Nick applies the same dedication and hard work needed to compete in triathlon to each of our clients.

Nick earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is currently working on obtaining his CPA.

ASHLEY BECKER

Auditor

Ashley is a CPA and auditor with more than eight years of experience. She first began working at Michael J. Cochrane and Associates in January 2008 as an auditor, primarily focusing on homeowner associations and condominiums. Ashley has also spent time assisting in 401k and non-profit audits, as well as personal financial statements. Ashley’s responsibilities include planning and performing audits, preparing financial statements and tax returns. She focuses on building strong client relationships and working with clients to address specific needs.

Ashley graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in December 2007. She received a Master of Science in Accountancy from University of Illinois at Chicago in December 2015. When Ashley is not at the office, she enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends.

TERRY BAILEY

Audit Manager

Terry Bailey joined the firm as a Senior Accountant in 2006. He has over 20 years of accounting experience, specializing in academics, auditing, manufacturing & distribution. Before joining the firm, he spent many years in the private sector as a controller. When not serving clients, Terry enjoys fishing and hockey.

Terry received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University in 1988.

Thomas Gols

Staff Auditor

Thomas Gols is a Certified Public Accountant with three years of public accounting experience. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, the AICPA and is pursuing a Certified Quickbooks Professional designation. Tom joined the organization as a Senior Auditor in 2014. His responsibilities include performing Condo Audits as well as Financial Statement presentation and report writing. Tom also has assisted on various bank audits, inventory counts and 401k audits. Away from the office, Tom’s hobbies include jogging and walking his dog at least an hour each day. Tom enjoys attending sporting events and practicing guitar.

Tom graduated from Depaul University in 2014 with a business degree and has a background in Accounting and Finance.

GAIL TILL

Staff Accountant

Gail Till joined the firm in January 2013 as a staff accountant. Among the many achievements of Gail’s more than 30 years of experience as an accounting professional has been her work on financial statements, payroll tax returns, and sales tax returns.

A lifelong native of Illinois, Gail enjoys spending time away from the office with her family and friends. Her personal interests include volunteering, gardening, reading and traveling.

Dave Holbek

Accounting Professional

Dave Holbek has over 15 years of auditing and tax preparation experience with an emphasis in condominium associations. He was particularly excited to be join Cukierski & Cochrane, LLC in January 2017 and takes pride in delivering superior service to clients.

Dave graduated in 1996 from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. After spending five years in the private industry, Dave joined Michael J. Cochrane and Associates in 2001. Dave and his wife reside in Schaumburg with their two boys. When not delivering superior client service, he enjoys volunteering for his church, traveling to baseball tournaments, and attending other sporting events.

Christine Miller

Accounting Professional

Christine Miller is an accounting professional with over 10 years of experience. She joined the firm in April of 2016 bringing six years of experience in homeowner and condominium association audits as the Accounting Director for a Property Management Company. Her background in preparing financial statements, reviewing budgets and communicating with Board Members gives her a strong understanding of the CIRA environment. Christine’s responsibilities include Association Audits, Reviews and Compilations, Financial Statement preparation and assisting with not-for-profit audits.

Christine earned a Master’s of Accounting and Financial Management in 2015 from Keller Graduate School of Business. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in 2011.

When not at work, Christine spends her time with her husband and two sons, enjoys being a football mom, playing volleyball and working in her yard. She is also an avid supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and has worked as a treasurer for her local fundraiser in Lake Zurich for five years.

ANGELA WINSTEAD

Staff Auditor

Angela Winstead is a staff auditor at Cukierski & Cochrane, L.L.C. She performs condo audits and assists with both non-profit and 401K audits. She has over 25 years of experience as an accounting professional in the condo and townhome management industry. Angela is well versed in all aspects of accounting, with much of her career spent supervising accounting personnel and in performing duties in the preparation and review of financial statements. She has extensive experience in the training of staff on how to prepare and correct financial statements and has provided training for clients and staff on how to read financial statements and prepare budgets.

Angela is married and has four children. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, fishing, reading, traveling and helping others to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Greg Schwab

Accounting Professional

Greg Schwab began his career with the firm in 2005 after graduating from Western Illinois University in 2004. He primarily focuses on audits, reviews, compilations and tax preparation services for homeowners and condominium associations. Greg performs all aspects of auditing engagements to ensure Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and AICPA professional standards are adhered to. He also prepares financial statements and management letters in accordance with professional and firm standards. Greg takes pride in the strong client relationships he has built and maintained in over a decade of auditing experience.

Greg resides in Palatine with his fiancée, their son and two chihuahuas. In his spare time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family, golfing or biking.

Greg earned a Bachelor’s of Accountancy from Western Illinois University.

Rosa Goetz

Administrative Assistant

Rosa Goetz has provided administrative support in the accounting industry to ensure efficient office operations since 2009. Her primary role as an Administrative Assistant at Cukierski & Cochrane, L.L.C., is to support managers and employees through a variety of tasks, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, organization and maintaining scheduled reports. Rosa ensures that tasks are completed accurately and delivered with high quality and in a timely manner. She takes great pride in dedication and professionalism with a personable approachable attitude for customer satisfaction.

Rosa grew up in Chicago before moving to Arlington Heights, IL. She attended Harper College where she earned her AA degree. Rose loves spending time with her husband and son, walking, watching movies and meeting with friends for dinner.

Katelyn Saltzmann

Laurie Lamb

Administrative Assistant

Laurie Lamb has provided administrative support in the accounting industry for more than 18 years, with a primary focus on realty associations. She respects the confidentiality of highly sensitive client information and responds to client requests in a prompt and courteous manner.

As an administrative assistant, Laurie provides support to the accounting staff, including preparing and processing financial statements and tax returns, and managing day-to-day operations of the office. Laurie maintains organized systems for preparing, maintaining, and tracking client proposals and engagements. She creates the final product when appropriate sign-offs have been completed.

Laurie attended Elgin Community College and Harper College. In her personal time, Laurie enjoys CrossFit, spending time with her family and friends, and is actively involved with Families Unite Against ALS, a non-profit organization dedicated to donating 100% of funds raised directly to ALS research.

Peter Sharpe

Peter Sharpe has over 20 years of experience in public accounting and tax preparation and is licensed to practice in Illinois. He joined the firm in 2003 concentrating in audit and tax services. Prior to that, Pete was the controller for several private corporations in the telecommunications industry. He began his career in the insurance industry settling property and bodily injury claims.

Pete is a member of the AICPA, Tax and Personal Financial Planning sections, and is also a member of the Illinois CPA Society. He remains fit by walking his dog at least a dozen times a day.

Pete graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He also has an MST in taxation from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Christine Bermann

Administrative Assistant

Christine Bermann  joined our team in September 2016 as part of the admin staff, bringing 13 years of administrative support experience. As an Administrative Assistant, Christine works with the Managers, Auditors and other staff to support them in carrying out all office and client projects in a timely manner.

Christine was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where she attended Mundelein College and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Art. After marrying, Christine and her husband moved to Streamwood, IL, where they reside with a chocolate lab mix dog they adopted from a shelter.

When not at work, Christine and her husband can usually be found at one of their four nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events. She also enjoys cooking, photography and spending time with family and friends.

Ryan Blaesing

Jennifer Compall

Diana Machkidze

Olga Mikhyeyeva