We Love What We do.

Each and every one of us is here for your success.


Meet the Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli team.

Deborah "Debi" Edwards

CPA + Financial Advisor + Personal Financial Specialist

I have been a Certified Public Accountant for 40 years which has given me an excellent foundation for financial planning based on tax-smart strategies. Shortly after college, I returned home to join the family accounting firm established in 1960 by my mother and grandfather. I assumed full ownership 6 years later and since then the business has evolved to include a breadth of tax-advantaged financial planning and wealth management services.

I decided to enter the financial services industry so that I could work closely with individuals and businesses who were in search of professionals who engage in truly comprehensive financial planning. Today, the most rewarding part of my work is when my clients have “peace of mind” that they can dream their dreams and live their life knowing they can trust me because, in my mind, they are part of the CEC family.

I consider myself lucky to work so closely with my husband, Kevin, who also shares the same passion for making a difference in our client’s lives. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy listening to music, dancing, golfing, walking on the beach, but mostly, I enjoy visiting our son in Charleston, SC. I love being around people too! In fact, I always want to invite one more person to the party -- you included! 

Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

Licenses
FINRA Series 7
FINRA Series 66

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Illinois State University (1982)

Professional Memberships
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)

David "Dave" Cimarolli

CPA + Financial Advisor

I joined Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli as a partner in 1994 and I have 40 years experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) including 12 years experience as a licensed financial advisor. I provide comprehensive tax and financial planning services to clients helping them to financial success utilizing tax-efficient strategies that fit their unique situations.

Here at CEC, we offer a unique value to all of our clients with our wealth management services complementing our professional tax services. I especially value our core principle of developing long-term relationships and trust with clients.

I enjoy spending time with my family, wife Barb and daughters, Emily and Maggie. I also like to golf, watch sporting events and participate in any outdoor activity—which is probably no surprise for an Eagle Scout! 

Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Licenses
FINRA Series 7
FINRA Series 66

Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (1982)

Professional Memberships
Illinois CPA Society

Kevin Edwards

Tax Manager + Financial Advisor

I am the primary financial advisor at Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli. I joined the firm in 2008 after owning my own insurance and financial services firm for 15 years. I am responsible for helping clients identify their financial goals and ultimately, find solutions that help them achieve their vision of financial security. 

In 1982, I married Debi Creason which explains Creason-Edwards in the firm name. We have been blessed with one son, Brandon, who served the country for eight years in the United States Air Force, including time in Afghanistan. He now works in law enforcement in Charleston, South Carolina. We are extremely proud of him.

In my spare time, I enjoy competitive golf, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Alaska is the only state that remains on my bucket list since family vacations allowed me to visit 48 states by the time I reached 15 years old.

Licenses
FINRA Series 6
FINRA Series 7
FINRA Series 63
FINRA Series 66

Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Illinois State University (1982)
Associate of Arts, Danville Area Community College (1979)

Carol Elder

Accountant + Enrolled Agent

I started my career in accounting before I even graduated high school. I was placed in a small accounting firm to help out with secretarial tasks but soon began helping with accounting work. In 1985, Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli acquired the small firm that I was working at and now, 35 years later, I’m still here!

I’m now an IRS Enrolled Agent, Accredited Business Accountant and a QuickBooks Pro Advisor. I love working with people and building long-term relationships and I treat clients like I do family, which is very important to me. I really enjoy spending time with all of my family, but especially my 1st granddaughter! I also love to go shopping -- an 8 hour day shopping is par for the course when you shop with me! 

Designations
Enrolled Agent
Accredited Business Accountant

Education
Associate in Applied Science of Business Secretarial Science, Southwestern Illinois College (1986)

Alecia Decker

Wealth Management Assistant

Every day in my position as Wealth Management Assistant, I have the pleasure of interacting with clients to take care of their wealth management needs. What we do makes a huge difference in people’s lives and I love being a part of that! Our office environment is fun, respectful and welcoming and I look forward to coming to work!

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching live sporting events and going to concerts. I also love spending time with my dog Bella, and I have a crazy obsession with bows – ask me why when you meet me!

Education
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (2015)

Leah Clark

Accountant

Working at CEC, I learn something new every day. It’s a fantastic environment to be in, whether you’re a client or you work here. Prior to joining Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli in 2014, I worked in management at Walmart for 26 years, an accounting firm for three years and an assisted living facility as an Executive Director for three years. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with budgets, sales, and profit and loss statements making it easier to understand and apply this knowledge to my job at CEC.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three sons and their families. I also love dogs and I have a special affinity for great danes.  My great dane, Duke, was a people-pleasing, gentle giant famous for hogging the whole couch!!

Education
Associates of Science (AS) in Accounting, Southwestern Illinois College (2019)

Kyle Williams

CPA + Senior Tax Professional

I am thrilled to be a part of the Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli team as a Senior Tax Professional! With a background of more than ten years in tax and accounting for families, businesses, and corporations, I work with clients to provide customized tax strategies that align with their individual goals.   

Outside of the professional sphere, I love spending time with my fiancée, Jennifer, and our beloved dog and three cats in our hometown of O’Fallon, Missouri. I also thoroughly enjoy my time spent outside, whether I’m hunting, fishing, or playing sand volleyball in summer leagues. You might also catch me coaching youth wrestling or practicing jujitsu in my downtime.  

Designations 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

Education  
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy, McKendree University (2012)  
Master of Business Administration, McKendree University (2014)   

Professional Memberships  
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) 
Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)  

Tricia Schmidt

Administrative Assistant

I’ve been with Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli as an Administrative Assistant since 2022. Graduating from SIU Carbondale with a B.S. in Marketing, my marketing and management background prepared me for client interactions and management/staff support I provide here at CEC. We have a fantastic work environment and I love being part of this team. Every day is an adventure!

When I’m not at the office, I enjoy cooking, golfing, and spending time with my family and friends. My husband, Tommy, and I have two sons, Michael and Matthew, and two large furry friends, Lou and Shay!