Gerald Clendenin, CPA, Founding Partner
One of the founding partners of the firm, Jerry has been using his expertise to serve clients since 1973, and with this firm since 1977. His experience includes audit representation before the Internal Revenue Service and the State of California. His unique eye for creative income tax planning is consistent with current law. He is also a consultant for government accounting and auditing, as well as forensic accounting and litigation support. Jerry is a skilled woodworker in his spare time, and also has a love for firearms.
Michelle Gallagher, CPA, Partner
Ms. Gallagher has more than thirteen years of tax, accounting and audit experience. She works with a wide range of small to medium size businesses to help with their accounting and tax needs. Her goal is to help clients plan each year to minimize their tax liability. She provides management oversight in all areas of our audit practice, and also performs the quality control review on all audits performed by the firm.
Michelle graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration emphasizing Accounting. She is currently enrolled at Golden Gate University, San Francisco studying for a Master of Business Administration degree in Tax.
Between work and running after two small boys, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and making quilts.
Cathy Gatewood, EA, Partner
Cathy oversees office functions as well as meets with clients for preparation, planning, and review of individual, corporate, partnership, and fiduciary tax returns. She joined the firm in 1997, and oversees the firm’s accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll practice, and is our go-to girl for guidance in a plethora of areas.
Constance Bird, CPA
As a founding partner, Connie has played an integral part in all areas of the firms’ practice since its inception in 1977. Beginning in 2006, Connie has begun the retirement phase of her career. She continues to provide consul, advice, and estate planning for the firm’s individual and business tax clients.
Sara Geer, EA
Sara joined the firm in 2007, bringing with her previous experience and expertise. She prepares individual, corporate, partnership, and non-profit taxes, as well as compiled and reviewed financial statements. Sara assists on audit engagements, and prepares political clients’ accounting and reporting.
Barbara Anthony, Administrative Assistant
Barbara joined the firm in 2007 as administrative assistant to the partners, and handles the firm’s bookkeeping as well as special projects. She assists with marketing and publicity as well as office organization. She is a musician by first love, and also is an instructor at the Modesto Academy of Music and Design.
Irene Azevedo, Administrative Assistant
Irene joined our team in January of 2009, and fills many roles in the office, including customer service, bookkeeping, staff support, managing the bookkeeping department, and she is also the lovely voice you hear when you call our office. She has many interests outside of work, and is busy with playing the piano and organ, scrap-booking, following politics, and watching baseball, football, and track and field. She has “three great kids and a wonderful husband.”
Debra Baucom, Bookkeeper
Debra joined the firm in 2009, bringing with her ten years of bookkeeping experience. Her responsibilities include general bookkeeping, payroll and payroll taxes, political accounting and reporting, individual taxes, and compilation of financial statements. Debra spends her time outside the office with her husband and three children. She enjoys attending her sons’ football games and her daughter’s cheerleading competitions.
Justin Gatewood, Bookkeeper
Justin has recently returned to work at Clendenin Bird & Company once again, and assists with bookkeeping and payroll. In his free time, Justin enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Cheryl and playing guitar, baseball and softball, or just about any other sport. He also enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and kayaking.
Kenny Gatewood, Bookkeeper
Kenny began his employment here in March of 2010, assisting with bookkeeping and tax preparation. He is presently a student of engineering at Modesto Junior College, and also enjoys computers, restoring cars, reading, and spending time with his girlfriend, Katie.
Robert Kehl, Staff Accountant
Bob is the lead auditor for governmental, HUD, and non-profit audits. He also prepares individual, corporate, partnership, and non-profit taxes, as well as compiled and reviewed financial statements.
