Team Member Spotlight

by BPW | August 23, 2019

Congratulations to our team members on their recent promotions! A total of 13 team members took the next step in their career with BPW.

Alexander Brunek was promoted to Senior Accountant in BPW’s tax department. Alexander started with BPW as an intern in 2017 and is originally from Herten, a small city in the Ruhrgebiet area of Germany. He graduated from the University of Münster in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Law with a focus on German Tax Law. In his time outside of the firm, he enjoys running on the beach, hiking and camping.

Andreas Nitsche, CPA was promoted to Manager in the firm’s tax department. He received his bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara in Economics and Accounting. Andreas joined BPW’s tax department in 2012. He grew up in Baruth, a small town in Germany south of Berlin. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike, reading, and working out in the stadium at Santa Barbra City College.

Daniel Garcia was promoted to Level II Staff Accountant in BPW’s tax department. Daniel graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Concentration in Accounting. Daniel is originally from Santa Barbara and joined BPW in 2018. In his time away from the firm, he enjoys playing soccer and softball. He also likes spending time outdoors camping and hiking.

Daylin Dettenmayer was promoted to Senior Accountant within the firm’s tax department. Daylin began with the firm as an intern in 2017. Originally from Ojai, Daylin graduated from CSU Channel Islands with her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics. Since then, she has studied accounting and is working towards her CPA designation. In her free time, Daylin enjoys spending time with her family, friends and three dogs, as well as painting, camping and playing piano.

Erick Lopez was promoted to Accounting Services Specialist within BPW’s client accounting services department. Originally from Santa Barbara, Erick joined BPW in 2017. He recently graduated from Santa Barbara City College with an Associate’s degree in Business and Accounting. He is transferring to CSU Channel Islands to study business and accounting, paving the way to earn his CPA license. Erick enjoys learning new things and being challenged with projects that help him continue to learn and grow professionally. In his time away from the firm, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, watching football and especially enjoys going to Los Angeles to watch the Chargers play. Erick also volunteers his time coaching AYSO.


Jalene Amling was promoted to Accounting Services Specialist in the firm’s client accounting services department. She received her Bachelor of Science from Houghton College, double majoring in Business Administration and Equestrian Studies. Jalene is originally from Santa Barbara and joined the firm in 2017. In her free time, she enjoys anything outdoors, especially activities that involve animals. Additionally, she is a PATH certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor.

James Lewis was promoted to Senior Accountant in BPW’s audit department. He joined the firm in 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from UC Santa Barbara. James is originally from Ojai and enjoys cycling and hiking in his time outside the firm.

Laila Halimi was promoted to Senior Accountant within the firm’s tax department. Laila joined BPW as a staff accountant after interning with the firm in 2017. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting. She is originally from Goleta and enjoys film photography in her free time.

Leah Dunbar was promoted to Accounting Services Senior Specialist in BPW’s client accounting services department. Leah joined BPW’s client accounting services department in 2015. She is originally from San Dimas, California and she received her bachelor of arts in Sociology from UC Santa Barbra. Leah is currently taking classes at UC Santa Barbara to earn an Accounting Certificate. In her time away from the firm, she enjoys playing volleyball, live music, travelling and being on the BPW softball team.

Michael Shaner was promoted to Supervisor in the firm’s audit department. He joined the firm in 2015 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In his free time, Michael likes going to the beach, being active outdoors and drawing. He grew up in Goleta and attended Dos Pueblos High School.

Sean Edwards was promoted to Senior Accountant in the firm’s audit department. Sean joined BPW in 2017. He is originally from Santa Barbara and holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. In his time away from the firm, he enjoys walks with his family and dog, spending time with his little boy and playing soccer.

Taylor Jones was promoted to Supervisor in the firm’s audit department. Originally from San Diego, Taylor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Accounting from UC Santa Barbara. Additionally, he earned a certificate in Strategic Business with an emphasis in Accounting through UC Santa Barbara Extension. Taylor joined the audit department in 2015 and focuses his professional expertise on nonprofits, governmental and small business. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys golfing and is a sports fanatic with a passion for sports statistics. He also likes to travel, having been to 43 of the 50 states, and is eyeing Europe as his next destination.

Tyler Moore was promoted to Senior Accountant in the firm’s tax department. Tyler started with BPW as a tax intern in January of 2016 and joined the firm full-time later that same year. Originally from Murrieta, California, Tyler now lives in Ventura. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from Westmont College. He is actively involved with CalCPA and is a member of their Golf Tournament Committee. He also volunteers at his church Sunday School teaching three-year-olds. In his free time, Tyler enjoys hanging out with family and friends. He also enjoys playing sports and being a part of BPW’s soccer, softball and basketball teams.