Meet BE Director, Faye McQuinn

Meet Faye McQuinn, a Director in the Charleston, WV office. She joined Gibbons & Kawash (G&K) in 2006 after completing her Masters program at Marshall University. Faye started as an associate and worked almost solely in audit with only a few corporate and not-for-profit returns peppered in. In January 2018, G&K merged with Brown Edwards and in 2023, she was promoted to Director.

Faye is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (WVSCPA), and the Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD).

We interviewed Faye to really get to know her, outside of her profession, and we were surprised to learn that she LOVES to dance! Going to a party, wedding, or concert and need a dance partner? She won't say NO!

Where are you from and where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Greenbrier County in West Virginia. Most people know of the Greenbrier Resort; I lived about 15-20 minutes from the resort. I have one older sister and lived in the same house my whole life until going to college. It is a beautiful area, and is a great place to visit, but we had to make our own fun. I moved to Huntington, WV right after graduation where I attended Marshall University to get my undergrad and graduate degrees.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to watch scary movies with my husband, take my two kids fishing and skiing in Pocahontas County, depending on the season, and go on vacations whenever I can with family and friends!

What's the next place on your travel bucket list and what will you do there??

I would like to say somewhere tropical and exotic, but I am going to Red Rocks in Colorado this summer for a concert and couldn't be more excited! If my answer was the tropical location my activities would just be relaxing!

If you starred in your own hero action movie, what would be your superhero name and superpower?

Well ideally if I could pick an existing superhero to be it would be Captain Marvel; she has it all including flight, super strength, and I think delayed aging! If this was something in reality, I would probably be Captain Sunscreen. I am pretty good at catching my kids and reminding them they need it!

What's the last book you read or what is your favorite book/series you ever read and why?

I wish I had a better answer, but I honestly haven't read a book in years. What's funny is my Mother's Day description from my daughter's school this year had a section for "mom's favorite book". My daughter put "She doesn't read books". I guess I am too busy entertaining my kids when I am not working, fishing, or skiing!

What is one food you can’t live without and why??

My favorite type of food would be Mexican! I could eat it every day! I like the flavor and the variety! On the other hand, I am always up for a good steak too!

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

I think I have watched enough shows on being stranded that if I am going to get rescued and eat, I need a good signaling mirror and a fire starter. I would also need something to play music. Working, relaxing, and the like, I always have music on.

Why did you choose a career in public accounting?

I think at the time I got the job it was all about numbers, but continuing with public is more about flexibility, security, and variety. It's nice talking to a wide array of the client and people.