Meet The Principals Behind Coker James

CEO, Founding Principal

JOSEPH S. JAMES, CPA/PFS, CGMA

Joe is the CEO and Founding Principal of Coker James. As well as working closely with business owners and officers to provide advice and guidance towards achieving financial goals and outcomes, Joe helps manage, lead, and set the direction for the firm.

With more than thirty years of accounting, tax, financial planning, and management consulting experience, Joe has in-depth knowledge and experience with developing tax planning strategies for business owners, their businesses, estates, and trusts. Additionally, he provides advice to clients on mergers, acquisitions, business development, and strategic corporate planning issues.

Prior to helping found Coker James in 1996, Joe spent twelve years in public accounting with two large local firms as a senior manager and partner.

EDUCATION

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (B.S., Management)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, CREDENTIALS, & DESIGNATIONS:

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

  • Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants

  • Personal Financial Specialist (PFSSM) credentialed by the AICPA

  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designated by the AICPA

  • Atlanta Estate Planning Council

  • HK Alliance (a National Association of Accountants & Advisors)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • First Baptist Church Woodstock (Assistant Head Usher and Hospitality Ministry Leadership Team)

Managing Principal

DONNA J. BRIGGS, CPA

LinkedIn: Donna J. Briggs

Donna is the Managing Principal with Coker James and handles the firm’s tax practice. Her areas of expertise include corporate and partnership taxation, multi-state taxation, individual tax issues and planning, estate and gift taxation, and representation before the Internal Revenue Service.

Donna has thirty years of experience in both public and private sectors of the industry. Prior to joining Coker James in 1998, she was the Controller of a closely held corporation and a partner in a public accounting firm.

EDUCATION

  • Georgia State University (B.B.A., Accounting)

  • Georgia State University (Master of Taxation)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

  • Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Principal

MELINDA A. DAVIS, CPA, CCIFP

LinkedIn: Melinda A. Davis

Melinda is a Principal with Coker James and is responsible for audit and consulting services in various industries. Melinda’s areas of experience include construction, real estate, employee benefit plans, automobile dealerships, and service providers.

Melinda has thirty years of experience in both the public and private sector of the industry. Prior to joining Coker James in 2008, she worked in public accounting and was a controller in a start-up tech firm.

EDUCATION

  • University of Georgia (B.B.A., Accounting)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION & CREDENTIALS

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

  • Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants

  • Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) credentialed by the Construction Financial Managers Association

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Roswell Street Baptist Church

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Location

3550 George Busbee Parkway NW, Suite 150
Kennesaw, GA 30144