JHM welcomed onboard several new hires to the team between May and June. Those joining the firm are Katie Tipton, Alex Jenkins, Hannah Sanders, Graham Lhommeau, Anita Ricker, Joseph Leigh, Bryant Purnell, Kim Bates and Drew Thacker.
Ms. Tipton graduated from UTC in 2024 with degrees in Accounting and Business Analytics. She currently resides in Ooltewah and is a member of Central Church of Christ in Cleveland. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, listening to Christian music, and going to Christian concerts.
Mr. Jenkins graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2024 with a Master's in accounting and minors in Finance and Economics. He has a year of accounting experience and is actively pursuing CPA certification. Mr. Jenkins lives in Chattanooga and enjoys mountain biking and exploring trails in the area in his free time.
Ms. Sanders grew up in the Chattanooga area, and volunteers locally as a cheerleading coach. She spends her free time reading, running and traveling, and loves hanging out with her friends, family and crazy cats.
Mr. Lhommeau graduated from the University of Memphis on May 10 and officially moved to Chattanooga the next day with his wife, Caroline. He grew up in Memphis where he enjoyed spending his free time with family, friends and his two cats, Pepper and Willy. He also enjoys mountain biking where he’s eager to explore all the trails Chattanooga has to offer. Mr. Lhommeau is excited to enter his next chapter of life in Chattanooga and jumpstart his career with JHM.
Ms. Ricker graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She comes to JHM with over 25 years of accounting experience including public accounting (working in tax and audit divisions) as well as private industry, specifically television production. She resides in Greenville, S.C. and enjoys watching sports and playing golf with her husband Brad. Ms. Ricker is an active member of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association. They have three children – Eli (22) turf management major at Clemson University, Tess (20) public relations major at the College of Charleston, and Benji (18) boat dealership sales professional in Knoxville.
Mr. Leigh is from the North Georgia area. Over the last 15 years, he served as general manager at Architectural Surfaces in Chattanooga where he was responsible for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and other tax and accounting related matters. Outside of work, Mr. Leigh enjoys going to the gym/running, learning about history, spending time with his family and friends, and playing with his Scottish Terrier named Fala.
Mr. Purnell was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He and his wife met while he was on a volunteer mission for their church. After they married, he completed his undergraduate studies at Utah State University and went on to earn a Masters in Accounting from the University of Tennessee. He has two years of accounting experience. Outside of work, Mr. Purnell enjoys playing hockey, weightlifting, spending time playing games with his daughter, and walking his cavapoo puppy, Skye.
Ms. Bates is an experienced professional with a strong background in business operations and financial management. In the past 24 years, she has either owned or helped manage an optical business, where she gained hands-on experience in budgeting, bookkeeping, and strategic financial planning. For nearly 12 years, she served as treasurer of her church, leading the finance team and overseeing all aspects of financial reporting and stewardship. In July, she will complete a diploma in accounting, and she plans to continue her education by pursuing an associate degree in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys life on her farm in Chickamauga, where she and her husband raise Kiko goats and care for their three dogs. She also likes to garden, hike, and travel whenever possible.
Mr. Thacker is a 2025 graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Accounting. He is currently studying to obtain his CPA license while pursuing interests in AI and automation to enhance efficiency in finance and accounting workflows. Mr. Thacker lives in Cookeville, Tn. with his fiancée Riley. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, playing golf and exploring innovative technologies.