Our Team
Through our continuous investment in the very best people, Cook & Company is a recognized leader in the industry and the community. Each member of our team is committed to pursuing excellence through continuing education and deep involvement in our industry. In recognition of that excellence, Ryan Cook, CPA, was named one of Missouri’s “Top Public Accounting Professional Rising Stars” in 2015.
Our clients benefit from the collective insights of all of our firm’s CPAs, each of whom contribute their valuable time to improving their profession and the industry. Our CPAs hold leadership positions in numerous organizations, including:
- Vice-President of the Missouri State Board of Accountancy, which is charged with protecting the public by ensuring the competence and ethical standards of practitioners (other CPAs) in Missouri.
- Chairman of the Complaint Committee for the Missouri State Board of Accountancy, which determines appropriate discipline for those CPAs who are found to have violated the statues or regulations.
- Member of NASBAs (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) ALD/CPE Verify Committee.
- A former member of NASBAs (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) CPE Committee.
- A member of the Clinton Technical School Advisory Board.
- Members of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- Members of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA)
Introducing the members of our team:
Ryan S. Cook, CPA, CGMA, MBA
Ryan received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in taxation from the University of Central Missouri and is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Global Management Accountant. Ryan was highly recruited by top international accounting firms and, upon graduation from college, worked in the International Tax Consulting department at Ernst & Young LLP in their Kansas City office. Subsequently, Ryan and his family returned to Clinton, MO, his home town, where he owns and operates the CPA firm. Ryan is very involved in the community in Clinton, where he has served on several boards and currently serves as a member of the Missouri State Board of Accountancy. Ryan enjoys playing golf and tennis as well as hunting and spending time with his wife, Dawn, and three daughters, Ashton, Paityn and Kennedy.
In addition to the firm’s traditional service offerings, Ryan also provides wealth management services to clients. Ryan understands the unique skills a CPA can provide to a wealth management relationship, which is why he gives clients access to well-informed, objective advice to form the foundation of a disciplined, comprehensive wealth management plan.
Ryan was recognized in 2015 as one of the 2015 "Top 10 Public Accounting Professional Rising Stars" in Missouri as recognized by the National Academy of Public Accounting Professionals.
Kelsey Knight, CPA, MAcc
Kelsey attended Missouri State University earning her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and subsequently her Masters of Accountancy. Kelsey has experience helping small businesses and farmers plan strategically to save tax dollars and generate wealth. Kelsey was raised near Appleton City, and is the daughter of Bill and Barb Leiber. Currently, Kelsey, her husband Matt, and their daughter Reese, reside in the rural Appleton City area.
Amber Jaynes, CPA, MAcc
Amber attended the University of Central Missouri earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in accounting as well as her Masters of Arts in accountancy. Upon graduating, Amber spent two years with Deloitte Tax LLP, one of the largest international accounting firms in the world. Amber was able to work on a wide variety of clients during her time at Deloitte. She spent most of her time assisting with individual income tax and pass-through entity compliance and planning. Amber lives in Harrisonville, MO where she was raised by her parents, J.C. and Sue Jaynes. Amber enjoys attending Clinton High School sporting events where her wife, Jennie, is a softball and track coach. She also enjoys spending time with her pets and going to the lake.
Danna Leckbee
Danna received her Associates of Applied Science in Accounting from State Fair Community College. While in college, Danna gained valuable experience while working in the accounting department of a local manufacturing company. Upon graduation, she began employment with a small accounting firm, where she gained six years of experience before joining our firm in 2003.
Brandi Lewis
Brandi received her Associate of Applied Science degree from Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield. She gained knowledge and experience from her eight years with West Central Missouri Community Action Agency. Brandi then entered the financial services field by becoming an insurance agent for Missouri Farm Bureau where she served her customers for nearly four years. Now, Brandi operates as our director of operations with responsibilities including marketing, human resources, information technology, and office support. Brandi grew up in Appleton City, and now resides just outside of Clinton with her husband Danny, and three children, Ethan, Eli, and Eleanor.
Christy O’Roark
Christy received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Central Missouri. She worked as the internal auditor for a local bank in her hometown of Holden after college. Christy and her husband, Shawn, currently reside in Clinton with their two sons, Aaron and Aiden. Christy specializes in supporting the exceptional team of professionals in the firm.
Kelly Brazil
Kelly was raised in Buffalo, Missouri, where she graduated High School and later moved to Clinton in 1989 with her husband, Kevin. Kelly worked in the banking industry for over 12 years. Kevin and Kelly have two children, Garett and Alexa, both who are attending college. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family, and working outside. At the firm, Kelly enjoys visiting with familiar faces, and she looks forward to meeting new ones. You’ll hear Kelly’s cheery voice on the phone and be met with her friendly smile when in contact with our firm.
Dawn Cook
Dawn is a home town girl who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice and is also a Licensed Practical Nurse. Dawn currently resides in Clinton with her husband, Ryan, and three daughters, Ashton, Paityn and Kennedy. Dawn enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Dawn assists with many duties in the firm, including supporting the bookkeeping and tax staff.
