Eli C. Neal, CPA, ABV, CFF
Principal
Testifying Expert Witness
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In 2018, Eli was selected as an AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Standing Ovation Award Recipient which recognizes CPAs under 40 years old who exhibit exemplary professional achievement. He has taken a special interest supporting cannabis businesses and business owners in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation.
Prior to forming 4 Corners Financial Forensics, Eli sharpened his skills under Jay Sickler at Cogence Group and as a financial auditor at Ernst & Young in both Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.
Eli grew up on Queen Anne hill, attended Ballard High School, and graduated cum laude from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. While in college, Eli was President of his Jewish fraternity – Alpha Epsilon Pi – and enjoyed a summer study abroad trip to Italy where he met his wife, Jamie.
In their free time, Eli and Jamie enjoy rooting for their Seattle sports teams and now riding their electric bikes to Phantom Lake with their young daughters, Blair and Avery.
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Erica Pavlovich, CPA, ABV, CFF
Managing Forensic Accountant
Testifying Expert Witness
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Prior to joining 4 Corners, Erica spent over four years as an analyst and senior consultant in the forensic and valuation services field at Cogence Group and J.S. Held, LLC. During her time at both of these firms she gained exposure to a multitude of economic damages, business valuation, and forensic accounting engagements. Prior to entering the forensic and valuation services field, Erica worked for two years in the Risk Assurance group as an IT Auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PwC).
Erica graduated summa cum laude from Oregon State University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accountancy and Business Information Systems. In 2022, Erica was selected as an AICPA Forensics and Valuation Services Standing Ovation Award Recipient which recognizes CPAs under 40 years old who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in the forensic accounting and valuation services arena.
Erica grew up in McMinnville, Oregon and now lives in the Greater Phoenix area of Arizona area with her husband, Chris, and their two dogs, Rey and Toby. In their free time, they enjoy getting out to go camping and the occasional wine tasting visiting with family and friends.
Curriculum Vitae vCard
Taylor Cothran, CPA, ABV
Senior Forensic Accountant
Testifying Expert Witness
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Prior to joining 4 Corners, Taylor learned about the art of business valuations and financial forensics from Jay Sickler at Cogence Group in Portland, Oregon. She had the chance to build her skills, help clients, and serve as an expert witness in arbitration and trial. Before that, Taylor began her career at Ernst & Young’s Portland office as an auditor. Taylor and Eli worked together at both of these companies; their track records and shared work experiences make them an excellent team.
Taylor graduated magna cum laude from the Pamplin School of Business at the University of Portland. She grew up in Bothell, Washington, and currently resides in San Luis Obispo, California, with her surfer husband, Brandon, and their young daughter, Zoey.
Andrea Giuffrida
Senior Forensic Accountant
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Andrea comes to 4 Corners from Clark Nuber where she spent three years performing financial reviews, audits, and single audits for some of Clark Nuber's highest valued clients. Her experience with these highly complex industries shows her aptitude for all things finance.
Andrea started her education at Washington State University before transferring and graduating at the University of Washington where she received her Bachelors in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. Although she received a degree from the University of Washington, she remains a Coug at heart.
Andrea currently resides in the Issaquah Highlands with her husband Edward and their dog, Maximus. In their free time, Andrea and Edward are avid soccer fans and Sounders season ticket holders. When she's not at a Sounders game, you can often find Andrea enjoying the water whether it's paddleboarding, fishing, or crabbing.
Gavin Eller, CPA, ABV, CFF
Senior Forensic Accountant
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Prior to joining 4 Corners, Gavin graduated from the University of Washington with a Master of Science in Accounting degree and spent two years in the assurance practice at Ernst and Young. While at EY, Gavin produced high quality audit work on complex engagements for large publicly traded companies. This experience developed his keen eye for detail and strengthened his analytical skills.
Gavin resides in Issaquah, Washington, with his wife Emily and their dog Belle. In his free time, you can find Gavin exploring Issaquah’s trails with Emily and Belle, fishing one of Washington’s many lakes and rivers, or enjoying a game night in with friends and family.
Cecilia Velázquez, CPA, CFE, CAMS
Senior Forensic Accountant
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Before joining 4 Corners, Cecilia spent more than a decade in AlixPartners’ Risk Advisory practice, where she developed deep experience in accounting investigations, risk management, finance transformations, and both qualitative and quantitative research. Her work included high‑stakes matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), as well as strategic analyses and operational enhancements across a wide range of industries. She began her career in KPMG’s Seattle Audit practice, auditing financial statements and evaluating internal controls for clients in healthcare, financial services, oil and gas, and non-profit sectors.
A proud Pacific Northwesterner, Cecilia grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School (famous for its appearance in 10 Things I Hate About You) before earning her degree from the University of Washington. In the fall, you will find her cheering on the Huskies as a dedicated season ticket holder. Outside the office, she is on a personal mission to run a half or full marathon in every U.S. state, with fewer than ten to go, and has even qualified for the Boston Marathon.
Amelia Casella, CPA
Forensic Accountant
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Amelia began her professional career in the Audit practice at KPMG’s Portland office, serving a diverse portfolio of public and private clients across multiple industries. She later expanded her expertise at a large technology company, gaining experience in sophisticated financial environments that further honed her problem-solving and analytical skills. She graduated summa cum laude from Clemson University with a degree in Accounting, reflecting both academic excellence and a strong foundation in financial principles.
Amelia grew up in New Jersey and now resides in Seattle, where she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and indulging her passion for home baking.
John Kneeland, CPA
Forensic Accountant
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John began his professional career in tax practice at KPMG's Seattle office, where he spent over three years providing exemplary compliance and advisory services for clients, including corporations, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. This experience fostered his analytical mindset and gave him the skills necessary to tackle complex financial analyses. He graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and a Master of Science in Taxation. During his time at Gonzaga, he was also a D1 athlete on the men's rowing team. His time spent balancing his course load and athletics taught him the value of efficient time management.
John grew up in Olympia, Washington, and currently resides in Queen Anne. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking across the Pacific Northwest, traveling, and game nights with friends and family.
Kristi Kesler
Office Manager
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From managing payroll and financial accounts to implementing process improvements and supporting client projects, Kristi plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the firm. Her capacity for anticipating needs and taking initiative makes her an invaluable support to both the internal team and the firm’s clients. Before joining 4 Corners, Kristi served as Office Manager and Bookkeeper at a CPA firm for over a decade, where she honed her skills in accounting and client service in a fast-paced professional environment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design from Utah Valley University—bringing a unique creative lens to her work that enhances both internal systems and external communications.
Originally from Utah, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys spending her free time hiking scenic trails, capturing landscapes through photography, traveling, and playing the piano.
Hanna McKee
Project Coordinator
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Hanna is joining 4 Corners with a diverse background in Education. Hanna graduated cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University in special education. She then went on to get her master’s degree from Cal State Fullerton.
After teaching for over five years, Hanna began working at 4 Corners to join a team environment and have more time with her three young children: Ellie (8), Max (6), and Piper (3).
In her free time, you can find Hanna exploring the outdoors with her husband and children, reading a good book, or throwing pottery at her local community college studio.