Meet the Staff

Owner

Sarah Gibbens, CPA

Born and raised in Johnston City, Sarah Gibbens has built her career on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and dedication to her community. After graduating from Johnston City High School in 1978, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 1983 and received her CPA designation from the University of Illinois in 1984.

Sarah began her career at Diagraph Bradley in Marion, where she spent nine years in various accounting roles, ultimately serving as Comptroller for the company’s International Division. In 1992, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and founded Sarah Gibbens, CPA, starting from her home office and steadily growing it into the thriving firm it is today.

With more than 35 years of experience, Sarah has worked with thousands of Southern Illinois residents and businesses—providing tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping, and audit services for municipalities and non-profits. Above all, she takes pride in helping clients navigate complex tax and accounting issues with clarity and confidence.

When she’s not in the office, Sarah enjoys reading, fishing, and traveling with her husband, Ron, and spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren.

owner

Mitchell Kiel, CPA

Mitch, a native of Golden Eagle, Illinois, graduated from Brussels Community High School in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 2011 and later returned to SIU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2020. He achieved his CPA designation in 2021.

Mitch is part owner of Sarah Gibbens, CPA & Associates, where he brings a unique combination of finance and accounting expertise to his work. He specializes in bookkeeping, individual and business tax preparation, and audit support, helping clients navigate complex financial matters with clarity and confidence.

Mitch is married to Sarah’s daughter Jessica, and together they are proud parents of two children, Jack and Max. Outside of the office, Mitch enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with his family.

Staff Accountant

Laura Cobb

A fellow Johnston City native, Laura graduated from Johnston City High School in 1980 before earning her Associate in Applied Science from John A. Logan College in 1982 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 1986.

During her college years, Laura gained hands-on experience working for her family business, Coal Belt Fire Equipment, learning everything from customer service to bookkeeping and sales tax. After graduation, she joined Jay Bee Sales, where she held multiple roles over 25 years, including office manager, billing, and payroll specialist.

In 2011, Laura joined Sarah Gibbens, CPA & Associates, bringing her 30+ years of accounting experience and QuickBooks expertise to the firm. She has been instrumental in providing payroll and bookkeeping services that keep clients’ businesses running smoothly.

Outside the office, Laura enjoys shopping, decorating, tending her flower garden, and spending quality time with her husband Rick, daughter Ashley, and granddaughters Sadie and Averi.