Melissa Steagall-Jones

Melissa Steagall-Jones began working for Blackburn, Childers and Steagall in 1987, after her graduation from high school, and she joined the firm four years later when she completed work on her bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University. She earned her CPA designation in 1993 and became a partner in 2002.

The firm was founded in 1961 by Carl Childers, Jr., and the late Joe A. Blackburn, Jr. In 1967, Charles Steagall, Melissa Steagall-Jones’s father, joined them while he was still an ETSU student and became a partner in 1974.

With offices in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Greeneville, the firm is one of the largest, oldest, and most highly respected in the region. A staff of over 50 offers specialties in accounting and taxes, with consulting available in areas such as auditing, personal financial planning, medical practice consulting, litigation support, business valuations and entrepreneurial ventures, estate service, and employee benefits.

Mrs. Steagall-Jones was named a “40 Under 40” Business Journal honoree in 2002 and received the 2004 Distinguished Leadership Award presented by the Community Leadership Association. She is also noted for her column in The Business Journal of TN/VA.

In 2003, Mrs. Steagall-Jones co-chaired the Signature Club division of the Johnson City Area United Way Campaign, which reached its best performance ever, and she currently chairs the 2004 campaign.

Her leadership within the firm helped establish the Blackburn, Childers and Steagall Faculty Fellowship in Accountancy within the ETSU Foundation. The fellowship recognizes and provides financial support for teaching, research, and service for an ETSU Department of Accountancy faculty member.

Mrs. Steagall-Jones is married to Jeff Jones, a 1988 ETSU graduate. They have two children: six-year-old Lydia and Evan, who was born in April 2004.