Mark Beltz, CPA

651.480.1501

Co-founder of BKDA, Mark has been providing business management services for schools for several years. Mark is a CPA who audited school districts for several years in the 1980's. From 1990 - 1997 Mark was Business Manager for Farmington School District where he revised the entire accounting and budget system that served 4,000 students with a 24 million dollar operating budget. While in Farmington, Mark provided the superintendent, school board and community with simple and easily understood financial information models that assisted in the passage of 3 bond referendums, 2 operating levy referendums, and consistently accurate budgets that enabled the school district to increase its unreserved general fund balance from 0% in 1990 to 9% in 1997. The result was a restoration of trust and credibility of the business office with the school board, staff and community. From 1997 to present, Mark has been using these same techniques in providing financial consulting services to school districts and charter schools and has been the contracted business manager since 1998 for Community of Peace Academy, a large growing charter school in St. Paul.

Judith Darling, CPA, MBA

651.463.2233 Ext. 202

Judith joined BKDA in 2004 after providing business management services to several metro charter schools. After graduating from St. Olaf College, Judith went on to earn her MBA from University of St. Thomas. During her tenure as an auditor, serving traditional school districts, Judith also earned her CPA license. Judith’s technical expertise provides BKDA’s clients the sound advice necessary to effectively manage a School’s finances.

Mike Pocrnich, CPA

651.463.2233 Ext. 206

Mike joined BKDA in 2007. Mike’s background as a governmental auditor with the Office of the State Auditor and charter school auditor with LarsonAllen LLP provides BKDA’s clients a strong foundation in audit preparation and management. After graduating from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, Mike worked exclusively with nonprofit and governmental entities. Over the course of his audit experience, Mike has performed over 100 charter school audits as well as many traditional school district audits. He earned his CPA license in 2007 and continues to keep BKDA’s clients updated on the ever-increasing audit requirements.

Brenda Kes

651.463.2233 Ext. 204

Brenda, co-founder of BKDA, has been providing business management services for charter schools since 2003. Prior to working with charter schools, Brenda was the accounting supervisor for Farmington School District for 12 years. During that time she also managed the finances for six school building projects. In addition, she assisted in the implementation of a WAN (wide area network) for the District. Brenda has been a member of MASBO, Minnesota Association of School Business Officials since 1993.

Chuck Herdegen

612.308.7864

Chuck has worked with Minnesota school districts providing accounting, business management, and personnel management services since 1976. He has worked with school districts in Litchfield, Little Falls, and Westonka (western metro area), an education district, and currently provides services to charter schools. Throughout his career Chuck has been an active member of the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), having served as the association’s president in 1999-2000 and as the Chair of the Legislative Committee. He has been certified by MASBO as a school business official. During his career he has developed expertise in all areas of school business management, including the proper accounting and reporting of data, the negotiation and administration of personnel contracts, and the operation of school district support service programs.

Leslie Kasel

651.463.2233 Ext. 207

Joining BDKA in 2004, Leslie has become a leader in providing BKDA’s clients exceptional service. Previously a BKDA  Assistant Manager, Leslie has a built a strong foundation in understanding the nuances of Charter School finance. Her combination of a strong foundation and tailored approach to client services provides her Schools with a dynamic package.

Nichole Schmidt

651.463.2233 Ext. 210

After graduating from Augsburg College in 2004, Nichole joined BKDA as an Accounts Payable Specialist. While working her way up to a valued BKDA Manager, Nichole has become proficient in all areas necessary to become an effective financial manager. Her commitment to the Charter Schools personifies the BKDA commitment to providing the highest level of client service available.

Nick Taintor, CPA

651.463.2233 Ext. 228

Nick Joined BKDA in 2010.  Prior to joining BKDA, Nick worked in public accounting for the past 8 years.  Most recently, he was an Audit Manager at HLB Tautges Redpath where he managed audits for nonprofits and governmental entities.  Also, Nick worked with the Office of the State Auditor for two years working on various governmental audits. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College he went on to earn his CPA license in May of 2008.  He is also an active member in the Minnesota Society of Certified Accountants as well as various other nonprofit organizations.

Mike Beltz

651.463.2233 Ext. 201

Co-founder of BKDA, Mike has worked in public accounting performing compilations and preparing business tax returns. He has worked with charter schools for the past ten years in a variety of roles. He manages the day to day operations of Beltz, Kes, Darling & Associates and is responsible for resolving any computer hardware and software issues.

Scott Brown, Manager