Edd Haynes, CPA
Nashville Office Managing Director
(615) 992-9064
Edd is a principal within the firm’s audit practice. He is a tech-savvy finance and accounting executive with over 20 years of audit experience working with private, nonprofit, and government clients. Edd is skilled at providing timely, accurate information and solid counsel for executive level decisions and ensuring accounting regulatory compliance. He has extensive experience inspecting organizational operations, analyzing potential risks and providing recommendations to improve operations and accounting processes. Industries of focus include nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and other privately owned companies.
Edd received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting and Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in information systems from Tennessee Technological University. He is a member of the TSCPA and AICPA
Edd and his wife, Diane, live in Nashville and have two children. Edd is an active member of Otter Creek Church where he currently serves as the chair of the finance committee. He is also a member and former treasurer of the Rotary Club of Green Hills. When not at work you can find him helping coach one of his children’s sports teams, camping and hiking at one of Tennessee’s state parks, or reading.
Wade Craycraft
Audit Supervisor
(615) 992-9038
Wade joined Blankenship in October of 2018 after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a Master of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science degree in both Finance and Accounting. Wade has experience in audits for City Governments / Municipalities, Utility Districts, Not-For-Profit Organizations, Construction/Contractors, Manufacturing, as well as other industries. Wade is a good communicator and facilitator with skills in data analysis and technology. He ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal controls and reports regarding asset utilization and recommended changes in operations and financial activities. He enjoys traveling, water sports and grilling out and is an avid Kentucky Wildcat and Pittsburg Steelers fan!
Liz Herrera
Senior Associate
(615) 992-9066
Liz was born and raised in Louisville, KY and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2019 and a Master of Accountancy in 2020 from Western Kentucky University. She is a member of the AICPA and Tennessee Society of CPA’s. Her hobbies include painting, printmaking, piano, traveling and learning new languages. Russian is her favorite but loves all Slavic languages! Liz also enjoys volunteering her time at animal shelters.
Rich Lockwood, CPA
Principal, Audit Technical Director
(615) 992-9060
Rich is a Principal and the firm’s Audit Technical Director. Before his time with Blankenship, Rich worked with local and international firms in southern, then northern, California and Tennessee, serving not-for-profit, construction, real estate, government, education, manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare organizations. Rich continued along this path, adding expertise in large governments and not-for-profits and growth ventures, serving as CFO and compliance officer in a SaaS startup before joining the firm. He invests much of his time evaluating financial reporting for buy- and sell-side M&A transactions and complex debt and equity agreements.
He and his wife live in Franklin and enjoy time with their four children. Rich is a current member of TSCPA, GFOA, TGFOA, and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and past member of the AICPA, GFOA Special Review Committee, and TSCPA Construction Committee. He graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and emphasis in accounting.
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Samantha Vandiver
Tax Supervisor
(615) 992-9061
Samantha is a Tax Supervisor who focuses on Entertainment Business Management and all things Tax. She has 6+ years collectively in accounting, tax, and business management with experience across multiple industries from engineering to hospitality to logistics but specializes in music industry and healthcare. Samantha received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Communications and Business and her Masters of Accountancy from Liberty University.
Samantha is an active member of Nashville’s Junior League where she is on the Development Committee as Sponsorship and Donations chair. She spends her time cheering on the Vols, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and spoiling her dog Sapphire.
