Get to Know our Team at Franklin Freeman CPA

CPA, Member Manager

Steven graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a Master of Science degree in Accounting from East Carolina University. He received his CPA license in early 2020.

Mr. Franklin worked in the logistics and construction industries as a controller before joining the public accounting profession in early 2019. In 2023, Steven joined forces with long time business partner, Herb Freeman, to form Franklin Freeman CPA. In his free-time he enjoys spending time with his family including partner Jesse Rogers and their dogs Ranger and Wanda. They like to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit the Biltmore Estate.

NC CPA License #43753

CPA

 Herb graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Utah State University in 1993. He began pursuing a master’s degree in Range Science when he decided to go into the field of accounting after a series of unplanned events. Mr. Freeman passed all four parts of the CPA exam on his first try and began his career in 1998 as an intern at a large firm in Asheville, NC. He then became a Certified Fraud Examiner for several years and after, spent a year as a controller in private industry. Herbert C. Freeman, CPA PC was founded in 2007 when many former clients reached out for his personal services. In his free time, Herb enjoys fishing and hunting. His other hobbies include farming and traveling with his family.

NC CPA License #38116

Staff Accountant

Arielle was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and has always called them home.  She attended both the University of North Carolina Asheville and Blue Ridge Community College.  She joined our team in 2019, and her role in the company consists of client and administrative support...always with a smile and willingness to help!

Arielle loves spending her free time with her family, friends, and dog Arizona.  Her hobbies include painting and making pottery, as well as selling vintage clothing online at  depop.com/fruitoftheloopy.

Staff Accountant

 Karin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Mars Hill University and has worked in the education system for almost 20 years.  All together Karin has lived in Asheville for over 30 years.  Karin loves spending her free time with her husband Ray, their grown children and dog Lily.  Karin enjoys reading, exploring trails in and around Western North Carolina and spending time at Isle of Palms, SC. 

Staff Accountant/ HR Manager

Jesse is from Waynesville, NC, and has spent a number of years in retail management.  Jesse and Steven have been married since October 2021. Jesse joined the staff full time in July 2024 to assist with bookkeeping and payroll responsibilities. His favorite things in the world are canning, baking sourdough bread, and spending time with his niece, Navy, and nephew, Bridger.

Part-Time Staff Accountant

Leigh graduated with a master’s degree in Education and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She worked in Special Education for twenty years prior to relocating to Asheville in 2012.

Her role in the company includes bookkeeping, and payroll services, as well as administrative support.

Leigh’s hobbies include basket weaving and reading. She enjoys exploring Western North Carolina, festivals, hiking, and spending time with her husband Ed, grandkids, and dog Charlie. Leigh semi-retired in 2025 after 12 years of employment and 13 tax seasons with the firm.

Office Manager

  Emily grew up in Burnsville, NC. After graduating high school, she moved to Asheville in the summer of 2012. During her 13 years as an Asheville resident, she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development at AB Tech Community College. She spent 10+ years in the Early Education and Development field.  Emily and her partner Casey met in March of 2022 and welcomed their first child, Ada Elizabeth, in October 2023. Emily and Casey enjoy spending time together as a family, delighting in every new skill their daughter develops. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time connecting with friends, listening to audio books, and supporting her community.