Firm Associates

Paul A. Speed

Paul is a graduate of Husson University and has been with the firm since 1998. Paul is responsible for various tax services including review of tax returns. Paul participates in compilation, review and audit engagements. Paul is also the varsity soccer coach for Central High School and truly enjoys all sports. Paul and his wife Erin live in Corinth with their three children.

Amanda N. King, CPA

Amanda graduated from Husson University in 2010 and has been with the firm ever since. Amanda practices in the firms extensive tax practice and also participates in various review and compilation engagements. Amanda currently resides in Bradley with her husband Brad, two sons and two cats. Amanda is the Treasurer for Old Town Little League and also helps coach her sons' travel basketball teams.

Donald E. Higgins, CPA

Donald graduated from Thomas College in Waterville with a Bachelor's degree in accounting in 1986 and has worked in public accounting ever since. He joined the firm in 2017, and brings with him a wealth of experience in income taxation as well as governmental and nonprofit accounting. Donald is a member of the AICPA and resides in Pittsfield with his wife Marjorie and their two daughters.

Geneva Kelly

Geneva is a graduate of Thomas College in Waterville and is responsible for the firms bookkeeping services, QuickBooks advising, and payroll tax preparation. Geneva joined our firm in 2008 and has been working with public accounting for over 25 years. She currently resides in Newport with her two children. Geneva enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family.

Michele M. Hersey

Michele is a 1995 graduate of the University of Maine and previously worked as a Sr. Tax Accountant with IDEXX Labs. She joined HEC in 2007 and practices in our tax practice preparing various corporate, partnership and individual tax returns. Michelle is an active member of the local youth hockey program and currently resides in Brewer with her husband Chris and their two children.

Cole G. Benner, CPA

Cole joined the firm immediately following his graduation from Husson University in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Cole assists with the preparation of tax returns, audits, and financial statements. He is originally from Holden and currently lives in the Newport Area with his wife Megan, dogs Osgood and Mac, and cats, Maisy and Emmy.

Jennifer Beal

Jennifer graduated from Husson University with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2000. She has been working in public accounting since then and recently rejoined HEC after living in Florida for 17 years. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and currently resides in Brewer with her husband, 3 children and 2 dogs. Jennifer also spends time volunteering in the community through organizations that she is a member of such as the Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge.

Yussif A. Rishani

Yussif graduated from Husson University in 2019. He joined our firm shortly after graduation and has spent time working on a variety of compilation, review, and tax engagements covering many different industries throughout the State of Maine. Yussif is a member of both the AICPA and Maine Society of CPAs. He currently resides in Bucksport with his two sons, Joe and Zach, and his daughter, Payson.

Jay Jorgensen, EA.

Jay is a 2000 graduate of University of Southern Maine who grew up in the Fairfield area. He and his family returned to Maine in 2025 and rejoined HEC after living and working in Massachusetts for a specialty CPA firm in the Boston area for 15 years. His focus is on tax preparation for business and individuals, and as an Enrolled Agent (EA) he is admitted to practice before the IRS. Jay is currently a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and is currently residing in Bangor with his wife while their adult children attend Maine colleges.

Tammy G. Higgins

Tammy graduated from Husson University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She joined HEC in 2024 and works on a variety of tax preparation and bookkeeping services. She resides in Winterport with her husband Phil and their cats, Phillis and Pheobe. Tammy volunteers in her community and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Sally Wight -
Administrative Assistant