Meet Our Team

Patricia Bilyeu, MBA, CPA

I’m Patricia (Patty) Bilyeu, a Certified Public Accountant and the owner of the firm.   Throughout my career of 28 years, I’ve been committed to helping clients find clarity, confidence, and peace of mind in their financial lives—whether through tax preparation, planning, bookkeeping, or advisory services. My goal is always to make complex financial matters feel understandable and manageable.

While I’m dedicated to my work, I also believe in balance. Creativity is an important part of my life—I enjoy painting in pastels and watercolor, and I’m always eager to learn new things. At home, I’ve shared 35 wonderful years of marriage with my husband, Mike, and I love spending time with him, our pup and with our grandchildren.

Both professionally and personally, I value growth, connection, and curiosity. Whether I’m helping a client navigate their financial future or experimenting with a new brushstroke on canvas, I strive to bring care, attention, and creativity to everything I do.

Katie Carnahan, EA

As an Enrolled Agent and QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, Katie Carnahan brings more than a decade of expertise in tax preparation, bookkeeping, and small business accounting to Bilyeu CPA Group. Since 2014, she has helped individuals and business owners gain confidence in their financial picture through accurate bookkeeping, clear guidance, and personalized strategies that reduce stress and improve results.

Katie combines technical precision with genuine care. She takes the time to understand each client’s unique goals and challenges—ensuring they not only stay compliant but also make the most of every opportunity to strengthen their finances. Known for her determination and strong work ethic, Katie is the kind of professional who accomplishes everything she sets out to do.

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Katie balances her professional life with her greatest joy—family. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children, and when she’s not helping clients or exploring the latest updates in accounting, she enjoys relaxing with a good book.

Kelly Garza, Client Service Manager

With over 25 years of experience as an administrative professional and payroll clerk, Kelly Garza brings organization, precision, and a genuine spirit of service to every client interaction. As our Client Service Manager since 2017, Kelly oversees the many details that keep our office running efficiently—from managing client communications to coordinating workflow between our accounting and tax teams. Her keen eye for detail, positive attitude, and friendly manner make her a trusted ally to both clients and colleagues. Kelly’s leadership style is grounded in patience and encouragement; she is always ready to lend a hand, share her knowledge, and help make each day at the firm a little brighter and more productive.

Outside the office, Kelly enjoys hiking, relaxing at the beach, and getting lost in a good book. She and her husband George have been married for more than 25 years and share a full, happy life with their six children and thirteen grandchildren.

Shelley Brownfield, Accounting Assistant

Shelley joined Bilyeu CPA Group in October 2018, shortly after moving to Tennessee earlier that year. With over 30 years of experience in the accounting profession, she brings a wealth of expertise and reliability to both our team and our clients.

Shelley provides payroll and bookkeeping services for clients, ensuring their records are accurate and up to date. Within the firm, she manages e-filing of tax returns and oversees accounts receivable with precision and care. Her organization and attention to detail help keep everything running smoothly—both behind the scenes and for those we serve.

Outside the office, Shelley enjoys life in Crossville with her companion, Boyd, and their menagerie of animals. She spends her free time with her dogs and sells blueberries and honey at the local farmer’s market, sharing a bit of sweetness with the community she calls home.

Meredith Haubrich, CPA

Meredith Haubrich is a Certified Public Accountant with more than a decade of experience in bookkeeping and tax preparation. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Tennessee Tech University.

Before rejoining Bilyeu CPA Group in 2020, Meredith served as an Accounts Payable Manager for a national corporation, where she gained valuable experience managing large-scale financial operations and systems.

At the firm, Meredith works closely with bookkeeping and tax clients, bringing a meticulous eye for detail and a strategic mind for tax saving opportunities. She approaches her work with a heart for service and care, always striving to help individuals and businesses stay financially healthy, organized, and confident in their financial decisions.

Raised in Crossville, Meredith takes pride in serving the community she’s always called home. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Blake, and their two children.

Chari Hale, Accounting and Tax Assistant

Chari joined Bilyeu CPA Group in 2023, bringing a unique blend of analytical skill, practical experience, and down-to-earth warmth to our team. A graduate of Tennessee Technological University, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 2005. While her background began in the sciences, Chari discovered her true calling in accounting—working as a bookkeeper and tax preparer since 2008. Her strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail have made her an invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike.

Chari and her husband, Paul, live in Tansi, where they’re in the process of renovating a farmhouse in southern Cumberland County. Once complete, they look forward to joining their cows and goats full-time on their small farm. When she’s not working or helping on the farm, Chari enjoys riding through the country with Paul in their Razr and making handmade soaps—a creative outlet that reflects her blend of precision and artistry.