Meet the Team - Emerald Tax & Accounting
Our family-owned business is comprised of a leadership team that understands the unique needs of our diverse audience. We serve start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses, women-owned businesses, individuals, high net worth families, millennials and more!
Valerie McLaughlin, EA
Founder & CEO
Valerie Bennett McLaughlin is an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. After working for several years with a private firm, Valerie learned that no further advancement opportunities within the company were available for women. As a result, in 1980, she began her practice at the age of 24.
Valerie has much to show for her work as a tax consultant, including:
- Recognition as a Certified Business Profit Consultant
- Nomination for Businessperson of the Year
- Membership in National Society of Tax Problem Solvers
- Membership in Maryland Society of Accountants
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Membership in North Carolina Society of Accountants
- Treasurer, Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce
- Bowie City Council
- City of Bowie Economic Development Committee
- Treasurer for YMCA Camp Letts in Annapolis
- Anne Arundel Community College Business Advisory Board.
In her free time, she enjoys motorcycling and lives with her husband, Clyde McLaughlin and their cat Rocky. She shares her time between Hickory, North Carolina and Annapolis, Maryland. If you want to trade stories about interesting road trips or just want to talk about accounting support, call 410-224-2600 or click to contact Valerie.
Christy Bennett-Rawlings, CPA
Vice President
Christy Bennett is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Salisbury State University and received her Financial Accounting Degree from Anne Arundel Community College.
Christy brought her expertise and knowledge of accounting to the firm in 2007. She is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the National Association of Tax Preparers and the Maryland Society of Accounting & Tax Professionals.
Christy was nominated as one of the annual Women to Watch by the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and was also recognized as an Emerging Leader in 2018. Christy is Treasurer of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as the Charity Chairperson for Thrive! Arundel, where she leads the charitable initiatives of the group, including working with:
- The Lighthouse Homeless Prevention Shelter
- The AA SPCA
- The Wellness House of Annapolis
- Fish For a Cure & More!
Christy enjoys volleyball and lives in Annapolis, MD. If you share any of Christy’s passions for volleyball or these great community groups — or are ready to discuss your accounting needs, call 410-224-2600 or click to contact her today.
Michelle Dodd, EA
Project Manager
Michelle Dodd is an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. She graduated from Missouri Western University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. After spending 12 years in the Army (including a tour in Afghanistan) as an ICU nurse, she began her second career and joined the family practice in 2022. She is a member of the Maryland Society of Accountants and especially loves being a close financial advisor to her small business clients.
Michelle enjoys being a wife and mother to her 5 children. They enjoy hiking and playing with their cat, Twinkles. Michelle also enjoys coaching soccer with the little ones.
If you’d like to discuss your tax prep or accounting needs, give Michelle a ring at 828-598-0100 or click to contact her today.
Ready to Meet the Team?
