Meet Our Team
Pete Messina
CPA, CGMA
Partner
Pete began his career in public accounting in 1978 at a CPA firm in Chicago. In 1980, he achieved partner status with that firm. Throughout his career, Pete has focused on the needs of his client, acting more as a CFO to them, rather than “just an accountant”. Being actively involved with his clients throughout the year is a core trait. Pete believes it’s vital to achieving the best results for his clients, whether it is tax, financial or estate planning.
In addition to his public accounting expertise, Pete is a multi-engine, instrument rated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). ATP is the highest pilot designation issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Pete’s long history in aviation and aircraft charter management gives him a keen understanding of the issues and nuances to state and federal tax planning in the industry.
Pete donates his airplane and piloting expertise to organizations such as Angel Flight and Life Line Pilots. He transports individuals and their families for medical treatment at no cost to them.
Peter J. Messina, Jr.
MSA, EA
Partner
Peter Jr. works closely as a trusted advisor with businesses all over the country. He provides in-depth tax and accounting services across multiple industry sectors. Peter uses his vast knowledge of tax law to help minimize clients’ tax liabilities while helping increase accounting visibility.
Peter holds the Enrolled Agents (EA) license along with a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. He is currently working on finalizing his CPA licensure. Peter belongs to the National Society of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). He is also on the board of directors as CFO of a non-profit organization that does cancer research. Peter also has spent many hours mastering areas of extensive knowledge in the technological aspects of tax & accounting to better serve the changing landscape of our digital world.
In his spare time, Peter is an avid hockey player and golfer. He was a member of the Men’s Team USA Inline Hockey National team for many years, winning multiple Gold Medals at various World Championship around the globe.
Kris Berger
AFSP
Payroll & Sales Tax
Business & Personal Tax Preparation
Kris Berger has over 20 years of experience working in the accounting industry. She worked 13 of those years preparing AIA forms and processing general and prevailing wage payroll for a large construction company in the Chicago area. After the construction industry, Kris began working for a small local accounting firm in St. Charles, Illinois, which eventually led her to Messina.
Kris’ industry expertise includes: Payroll, Sales Tax, and bookkeeping, specifically for the restaurant industry and private aviation. She holds a B.S. in Business/Accounting from Loras College, and has completed the Annual Filing Season Program in Individual Tax.
Penny Dillehay
CPA
Quality Control
Business & Personal Tax Preparation
Penny L Dillehay has over 40 years of public accounting experience specializing in tax preparation and planning, firm quality control, and accounting engagements. Penny holds a BS in Accounting from Bob Jones University. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Georgia.
Penny joined Messina in June, 2013 and was previously with local firms serving clients in the Washington, D.C. and Fox Valley, Illinois areas. Penny’s industry expertise includes food and auto industries service firms, not-for-profit organizations and employee benefit plans. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS).
Leslie Messina
Administration & Marketing
Leslie manages our firm’s marketing and office administration. She handles accounts payable and receivable. Leslie also focuses on controlling our costs by establishing relationships with vendors who provide the best value to our firm. Any billing questions or concerns are handled by Leslie.
Leslie is a graduate of Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Scholar’s Diploma in Marketing with minors in Public Relations and International Business.
Toby Browne
Comprehensive Business Advisory
Bank Relationship Management
Toby Browne has spent more than 20 years helping companies and individuals with their financial and banking needs. He has worked with all types and sizes of companies, from start-ups to enterprises with over $100 million in annual revenue. Toby has helped his clients with a wide variety of lending types including managed lines of credit, commercial mortgages and SBA loans. His lending background includes underwriting, pricing, structuring, approving and managing loans. Experience in special asset negotiations, collections and bankruptcy filings means Toby is uniquely qualified to help companies navigate financial difficulties.
Toby holds a BA in Finance from Georgia Southern University. He has completed a three-year comprehensive course on banking finance and management at University of Georgia’s Georgia Banking School.
Enda
Security
Our Affiliations and Certifications
