Whitley Penn Promotes Four Professionals to Partner

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Whitley Penn announced that four professionals will be promoted to Partner effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Duke Deen, Deal Advisory Partner

Deen brings more than seven years of public accounting experience focused on private and public clients in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and healthcare. He assists private equity firms and corporate buyers in evaluating potential acquisition targets and has extensive experience developing and implementing financial models, streamlining processes, and improving inefficiencies. Deen is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) DFW and holds a B.A. in Accounting from Ouachita Baptist University.

Cole Elliott, Tax Partner

Elliott has more than 18 years of experience providing tax advisory services across a range of industries, including real estate, construction, restaurants and hospitality, and private client services. He is known for delivering tailored solutions that drive financial success and compliance, helping business owners navigate complex tax regulations while optimizing financial strategies. Elliott is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He is a Certified Public Accountant and earned both a B.B.A. and M.S. in Accounting from Baylor University.

Audra Mead, Tax Partner

With more than 14 years of public accounting experience, Mead serves partnerships, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, focusing on the oil and gas, real estate, and professional services industries. She is a member of the AICPA, the TXCPA Permian Basin Chapter, and the Midland Odessa Business and Estate Council. Mead, a CPA, has also served as a campaign coordinator for United Way of Midland and as a board member for Midland Shared Spaces. She holds both a B.B.A. in Finance and an M.P.A. in Accounting from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Nicholas Millar, Tax Partner

Millar, a CPA, is an experienced tax professional with over 13 years of experience serving clients in the energy, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and technology sectors. He specializes in developing and implementing innovative tax strategies to minimize federal and state taxes while strengthening corporate tax functions. His expertise includes federal and state tax returns, quarterly provision reporting, due diligence, tax research and planning, and subchapter K compliance. Millar earned both a B.B.A. in Accounting and an M.S. in Finance from Texas A&M University.

“We're thrilled to celebrate these outstanding professionals as they reach this important career milestone,” said Nathen McEown, Whitley Penn CEO, in a statement. “Their commitment to exceptional client service and driving firm growth has been key to our success. We look forward to watching them continue to push the firm forward and help create opportunity for others at Whitley Penn.”