Employee Spotlight
At MWH Group, our mission is to help our clients and team members succeed. Our vision is to be the leader in our field, attracting and retaining top, quality clients and team members. The personal assistance you receive from us comes from members of our team with years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. Periodically, we’d like to start introducing you to some of our excellent team members that play a vital role in the success of MWH Group.
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Getting to know: Barbara McGlaun
Barbara McGlaun is an Administrative Assistant and has been with MWH Group for 3 years. She is the first person you see when you walk in, and her bubbly personality is sure to put a smile on your face. She was born and raised in Wichita Falls. Barbara attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Zundy Junior High, and Wichita Falls Senior High. Barbara is currently a member at Grace Church and enjoys a good book.
Here’s some fun facts about Barbara:
Kids/pets – I have two children, Lisa and Mike. I also have three dogs Buddy, Boots, and Joy.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Nurse or teacher
What accomplishments are you most proud of? Being a great-grandmother
What is your favorite thing about your career? Getting to visit with all of our clients
What is your favorite hobby? Reading and visiting with friends
What phobias do you have? Spiders and snakes
What is the first concert you attended? Willie Nelson
Is your glass half full or half empty? Half full
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? Italy and various places in the United States. Italy was my favorite. I went with my parents during Christmas time to visit my daughter and the grandkids. We did lots of shopping and spent quality time with the family.
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Getting to know: Vernal Huffines, CPA
Vern Huffines is one of the founding partners of MWH Group (formerly known as Mathis, West, Huffines & Co.) and has been retired from public accounting since June 30, 1997. He is a 1964 graduate of Midwestern State University. Over the years, Vern has served on several professional boards such as the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has also sat on the board of directors for numerous nonprofit organizations that hold a special place in his heart. When Vern wasn’t working, you could find him riding a motorcycle, sailing a boat, or flying a plane. Still to this day, you can find him most mornings at his 5 AM spin class.
Here’s some fun facts about Vern:
Spouse/kids/pets – I’ve been married to Janeth Huffines for 56 years; we have 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. We also have a 13 pound rescue dog named Lila.
Where did you grow up? I like to say that I was born, raised, ruined, and revived right here in Wichita Falls!
When you’re not working, where can you be found? I can usually be found volunteering at Faith Mission, The Gideons, or the MSU Kiowa Kooks.
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? Being the second person in the Wichita Falls area to pass all parts of the CPA exam on the first sitting; volunteering for the Texas Society of Public Accountants for over twenty years; and being awarded the Outstanding Alumnus of the Division of Business at Midwestern State University. The most recent accomplishment I’m most proud of was being part of building Faith Refuge for homeless women and children.
What was your favorite thing about your career? Helping others to be the best they can be and succeed in life.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Bungee jump off of the Nanaimo River Bridge on Vancouver Island.
Do you have a Type A or Type B personality? Type A – everything always has to be perfect but I am trying real hard to do better!
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? Europe, South America, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Bali, Borneo, Singapore. I can’t get Jan to go to Africa with me, though. My favorite country to visit is Italy.
What is your favorite quote? “Life is a matter of choices. Make good choices and good things happen. Make bad choices and bad things happen.”
What is your favorite book? The BIBLE! I believe in it from cover to cover.
My goal in life – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
My favorite scripture – “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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Getting to know: Montes Martinez
Montes Martinez began an internship with MWH Group in January 2020. He was born and raised in Wichita Falls. Montes is pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance at MSU and plans to attend graduate school to receive a MBA with a concentration in Accounting. He currently serves/maintains membership as the Student Regent for MSU, Dillard College of Business Student Advisory Board, Redwine Honors Program, Model United Nations, Accounting Society, and Financial Management Association. Here’s some fun facts about Montes:
Your biggest pet peeve – Excessive pen clicking, for sure!
What did you want to be when you grew up? – It varied between a professional soccer player, a nurse, and being just like my father.
Your favorite quote – “Your biggest opponent isn’t the ‘other guy.’ It’s who you see in the mirror.”
When you are not working, you can be found – At MSU studying or with friends/family.
What’s on your bucket list? – Skydiving, traveling to at least 10 countries, and building my own house.
The most daring thing you’ve ever done – In preschool, my friends dared me to jump off of a slide, and I broke my arm.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? – Being able to achieve success in school, work, and in life. I am proud of this because it means my parents’ sacrifices were not in vain.
What are you afraid of? – I am terrified of spiders!
Do you collect anything? – Shoes!
Is your glass half full or half empty? – Full! I always try to have a positive attitude.
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Getting to know: Sheryl Smith
Sheryl Smith is a Senior Associate that helps lead our Client Accounting Services team and has been with MWH Group for 13 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Midwestern State University. Sheryl recently joined Silent Stangs an organization that began at MSU focused on bringing awareness to the Deaf community. She is also a member of City Hope Church. Here are some fun facts about Sheryl:
Kids – The Lord blessed me with the privilege of raising two sons who are fiercely devoted to their families: son Andrew and daughter-in-law Ashley, grandson Cooper, granddaughter Corbyn; son Garrett and daughter-in-law Melody.
Where you grew up – Henrietta, TX
Favorite food – fresh vegetables, chocolate, and street tacos
Accomplishments you are most proud of – I have ridden 100 miles and various other distances in the Hotter ‘n Hell Hundred bike ride. I recently kayaked and camped with friends. We paddled seven days and covered a distance of 100 miles.
Favorite movie – Under the Tuscan Sun
What is your favorite thing about your career – I enjoy interacting with co-workers and clients. It’s always a good day when I have a part in helping our clients solve a problem and achieve a goal.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play – I enjoy kayaking, hiking, boating, outdoor activities and anything my grandchildren play. I recently hiked in the snow at Mount Rainier.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done – The seven day kayaking adventure started in Georgia and ended in Florida. There were alligators, jumping sturgeon and other perils. I polar plunged last winter. The weather was warm for February, so I plan to plunge somewhere colder.
Is your glass half full or half empty – My glass is always at least half full. When it is full, I replace it with a larger glass.
What did you want to be when you grew up? – I aspired to be a home economics teacher or extension agent.
What is on your bucket list? – I want to visit the Grand Canyon, Alaska, Italy and many historically significant places. I plan to ride across the country on a passenger train. My ultimate bucket list adventure is to visit Machu Picchu.
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Getting to know: Carlos Ruiz, CPA
Carlos Ruiz is a Senior Accountant on our audit team and has been with MWH Group for 10 years. He serves as a senior auditor for financial institutions, construction & manufacturing companies, life insurance companies, and various other for-profit entities. He received his undergraduate degree from Midwestern State University and his graduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Carlos also serves as Treasurer of the WF Downtown Lions Club. He grew up in and graduated high school from Knox City, Texas. Here’s some fun facts about Carlos:
Spouse/kids/pets – My wife, Christy, and we have a German Shepherd (Duke) and a Westie (Lillie)
Your favorite food – Steak, BBQ, Sushi/Seafood
Favorite restaurant – Any Del Frisco’s, GW Fins – New Orleans, Ku Sushi – Dallas, Frankin Barbecue – Austin
What you wanted to be when you grew up – Farmer or Carpenter
When you are not working, you can be found – Playing golf, grilling/smoking meat or in the garage figuring out the next project to tackle
Accomplishments you are most proud of – CPA and Masters Degree
What is your best memory from childhood – Playing football, basketball, and baseball with my family and friends
What are you afraid of – Overcooked steaks, Cowboys winning the SuperBowl again, Big Government
Favorite subject in school – Math and Science
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play – NFL and College Football
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? – Cozumel, New Orleans, San Francisco, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Nashville; favorite was San Francisco
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Getting to know: Anna Martinez, CPA
Anna Martinez is a Senior Accountant on our audit team and has been with MWH Group for 5-1/2 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Midwestern State University. Anna grew up in Irving but has lived in Wichita Falls for almost 15 years. Here’s some fun facts about Anna:
Spouse/kids/grandkids –
- Spouse: John Martinez (Economics professor at MSU Texas)
- 7 Kids (Amie, Adrienne, Aaron, Abby, Anaiah, Austin, Michael)
- 15 Grandkids (Ben, Asher, Dee, Ivory, Asa, Gabbi, Christian, Alex, Ian, J.D., Eli, June, Anna, Cat, Josephine)
Where you grew up – Irving, TX
Favorite book – Little Women
Accomplishments you are most proud of – Instilling my parents’ values in my own children’s hearts
What is your best memory from childhood – Ballet class
What is your favorite thing about your career – I love puzzles and problem solving so it’s kind of like working puzzles all day! I also love meeting and working with our clients.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play – Baseball
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done – Going back to college in my mid-40s
Is your glass half full or half emply – At least half full!
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite –New York, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Arizona, Illinois, Alabama, Puerto Rico, London, Inverness, Barcelona. I loved them all for different reasons but I am completely in awe of the rich history in London, Inverness, and Barcelona!
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Getting to know: Randy Greenway, CPA
Randy Greenway is a retired shareholders of MWH Group. He is a graduate of Midwestern State University. Randy volunteers for various nonprofit organizations and is an elder for First Christian Church of Burkburnett. He is excited about a new stage in life in that he will be retiring on December 31, 2018. Here’s some fun facts about Randy:
Spouse/kids/pets – He and his wife, Susan, have a daughter, Missy McDuff, and a son, Chris Greenway. They have seven grandchildren, one dog and two cats.
Favorite food – Ribeye steak
Where did you grow up? Grandfield, OK and Burkburnett, TX
Biggest pet peeve – Failing to get something right the first time
What did you want to be when you grew up? A scientist
When you’re not working, where can you be found? Enjoying the company of family and friends
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? Being part of an amazing team at MWH Group
What is on your bucket list? Travel the US by RV
What is your favorite thing about your career? Helping people solve problems
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play? College football
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Taking a long hike in the jungles of Guam
Do you have a Type A or Type B personality? Type A
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? Much of the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Guam, the Caribbean Islands, the US Virgin islands and the British West Indies. My favorite was Banff, Canada.
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Getting to know: John L. Luig, Jr., CPA
John is the managing shareholder of MWH Group and has been with the firm for 21 years with a total of 23 years of experience in public accounting. He is a graduate of Midwestern State University. John currently serves on the Boards of United Regional Health Care System, Boys and Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls, Auditory Implant Initiatives, Optimist Club of Wichita Falls, and Association of North Texas Construction Professionals. Here’s some fun facts about John:
Spouse/kids/pets – My wife, Renee, and I have three daughters: Sophie, Anna, and Tessa. We also have a Golden Retriever, Charlie.
Where you grew up – I’m a local kid — Wichita Falls.
What you wanted to be when you grew up – A police officer — I even took several Criminal Justice courses at Midwestern State University.
When you are not working, you can be found – Many times on a bicycle or watching kids sporting events or at PK Lake.
Accomplishments you are most proud of – I think passing all four parts of the CPA exam stand out in my mind. It was a nice accomplishment and a huge relief.
What is your favorite book – Lonesome Dove
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done – There are several things which shall not be named to protect the innocent, but recently I was able to climb Mt. Saint Helen’s.
Favorite subject in school – History
Where all have you traveled and which is your favorite – I still have a lot of places I would like to see, but I really enjoy the mountains in Colorado, Oregon and Washington.
Do you have a Type A or Type B personality – I think I lean more to Type A. I am competitive and driven but have mellowed over time and simply enjoy playing the game.
Is your glass half full or half empty – I am very much an optimist, so always half full.
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Getting to know: Natalie Rodriguez
Natalie Rodriguez is a Staff Associate and has been with MWH Group for 2 years. She graduated from MSU with a BBA in Finance. Natalie is currently studying for the CPA exam. Here’s some fun facts about Natalie:
Pets: I have a one year old chocolate lab named Shiner. He is the love of my life!
What is your favorite food? Tacos & Cheesecake
Where did you grow up? I lived in the panhandle area until I was 13. Then I moved to Vernon, TX, which is where I graduated high school.
What is your biggest pet peeve? People who don’t merge at speed while getting onto the highway!
When you’re not working, where can you be found? Spending time with Shiner or studying for the CPA exam.
What is your favorite restaurant? Gypsy Kit
What is your favorite thing about your career? The learning never stops and there is always a variety of projects for me to work on, so I’m never bored. I also get to work with some pretty great people who share the same values as me!
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done? The summer before my senior year at MSU, I signed up for the month long study abroad program in London. It was daring for me for two reasons:
1) I had never really traveled outside of Texas or Oklahoma, much less been on a commercial airplane before!
2) I’ve never gone through with a huge decision without my mom knowing beforehand. I remember discussing the possibility of studying abroad with my mom the year before, but she probably thought I would never go through with it. One day, I just turned in my application and payment, then called my mom to say, “By the way, I’m going to London for a month…”
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? I have visited London, Ireland, Paris, Florence, Rome, Venice, Oahu & Maui. My favorite place was my recent trip to Florence and Rome with my mom and younger sister because it was our first family trip!
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Getting to know: Kathy Kabell, CPA
Kathy Kabell is one of our Tax Supervisory Managers. She has been with MWH Group for 8 years and has been in public accounting for about 25 years. Kathy is a graduate of Midwestern State University. She serves on several nonprofit boards and committees and is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Here’s some fun facts about Kathy:
Spouse/kids/pets – I have been married to Doug for 30 years, and we have one son, Keenan.
Where you grew up – Burkburnett, TX
What is your biggest pet peeve – People who don’t follow through with a commitment.
What you wanted to be when you grew up – A nurse but then I realized that I passed out at the sight of blood.
Your favorite quote – “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain
When you are not working, you can be found – Working in my yard or at church.
Your favorite book – The Bible
Accomplishments you are most proud of – Passing the CPA exam and beating cancer. These made me a better person.
What is your best memory from childhood – Cooking with my grandmother.
What you are afraid of – Failure
The most daring thing you’ve ever done – Drove across a frozen lake.
Your favorite game or sport to watch or play – I love to watch football – Houston Texans, MSU Mustangs, and Wichita Falls Nighthawks.
Where all have you traveled? Which place was your favorite? – I’ve been to most of the states in the U.S., Mexico, and most of the provinces in Canada. I just got back from a wonderful trip to Germany. My favorite place would be Victoria, British Columbia.
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Getting to know: Dana Taylor, CPA
Dana Taylor is one of our Tax Supervisory Managers and has been with MWH Group for 33 years. She is a graduate of Midwestern State University and has lived in Wichita Falls for over 40 years. Dana currently serves on the Wichita Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra board and attends First Baptist Church West Campus. Here’s some fun facts about Dana:
Spouse/kids/pets – I have twin daughters, Amy and Shera; a grandson, Connor (the light of my life!); and a fur baby, Chloe.
Where you grew up – I grew up all over Texas (8 different towns).
What is your biggest pet peeve – Oblivious grocery store shoppers.
When you are not working, you can be found – With family or shopping (or shopping with family!).
Accomplishments you are most proud of – God gets most of the credit, but I am very proud of my children and Connor; I love being a Mom and a Mimi!
What is your best memory from childhood – Camping with my family in Colorado and New Mexico.
What are you afraid of – Spiders!
Favorite thing about your career – The people I get to work with — my co-workers and clients.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play – I can’t play, but I like to watch basketball.
Is your glass half full or half empty – Way over half full!
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Getting to know: Vladimer (Lado) Janjgava, CPA
Vladimer (Lado) Janjgava joined us in 2007. He’s been a CPA for over 8 years. Lado has an MBA and a BBA in Accounting and Information Management from Midwestern State University. Here’s some fun facts about Lado:
Spouse/kids/pets – I have been married to my wife Amy for 10 years. We have one son who is 6 years old named David and a little Chihuahua mix pup named Lola. My wife is a dyslexia therapist (CALT) for WFISD and my son is in the 1st grade. We love hiking, camping, cycling and we’re always up for an adventure.
Favorite food – Pizza with pesto, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Where you grew up – I grew up in the small country of Georgia, located in Eastern Europe, with great scenic views, culture, and traditions.
What you wanted to be when you grew up – Astronaut.
When you are not working, you can be found – With my family, helping my son with his homework, playing board games, or family picnics.
Accomplishments you are most proud of – Coming to United States of America was one of the biggest personal accomplishments I ever made. I was among 20 selected Exchange students who had the privilege to come and study in the United States at the collegiate level. On a professional level, obtaining a CPA license was the best career accomplishment I ever made.
On your bucket list – Taking our son to my hometown and giving him the “grand tour” of family, sites, and share stories along the way of how I grew up.
Most daring thing you’ve ever done – Coming to United States at the age of 19. If being in a foreign land, far away from home and not knowing anyone wasn’t hard enough, the airport lost my luggage and I had nothing but the clothes on my back and the money in my pocket.
Favorite thing about your career – Making complex things appear simple. Finding “best fit” solutions for our clients’ specific needs or situations.