About Us

Partners:

John F. Hyland, CPA
Position - John Hyland is one of the original founders of the firm. He practices in the area of accounting, auditing, taxation, and business consulting. He specializes in construction, healthcare, manufacturing and the personal service industries. As one of the senior partners he maintains steady contact with clients throughout the business year, and has final authority on clients' work under his responsibility.

Education and Certification - Hyland received an associate degree in business administration from Penn State University and a bachelor degree in business administration from the College of Charleston. Hyland received an MBA from the Citadel in 1989.

Experience - Hyland has 30 years experience as a business advisor, accountant, and auditor to corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, governmental units, and nonprofit organizations.

Membership & Service - Mr. Hyland is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. He recently served a two year term as chairman of the Continuing Education Committee of the South Carolina Association of CPA's. He is past president of the Coastal Chapter of CPA's and past president of the Lowcountry Children's Center.

Administration:
Audrey L. Haselden
Office Manager

Joann Schroeder
Data Processing

Senior Staff Accountants:
Heather Aydlette, CPA
Heather graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1990 with a bachelor degree in economics. She is a member of the AICPA and serves as the treasurer on the board of directors of the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center. Heather moved back to the Lowcountry with her husband Chip in 1999 and has been with the firm since that time. She has over twelve years of experience in small business consulting and accounting, as well as tax preparation. With a husband in the real estate business, she specializes in the area of real estate taxation and planning and works with many realtors throughout the Lowcountry.

Matt Coale, CPA
Matt graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1984 with a bachelor degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. He is a member of the AICPA and the South Carolina Association of CPAs. He passed the CPA exam in 1988 and was licensed in California in 1991; reciprocating his license to South Carolina in 1997. Matt has extensive experience in both public accounting and private sector accounting. Matt's experience includes nonprofits, governmental, banking and the construction industries.

George Garmendia, CPA
George received his bachelor degree in business in 1972 from Charleston Southern University. He has been licensed as a CPA in South Carolina for more than 20 years, and has extensive experience in private sector accounting, particularly in the construction and nonprofit areas. At Hyland, Ruddy, and Garbett, George concentrates on small business accounting, individual taxation, and nonprofit accounting and auditing.

James Ralph Swindal, III, CPA
Ralph graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor degree in accounting in 1992. He is a member of AICPA and SCACPA. He has experience in all areas of taxation, auditing, and small business consulting, as well as extensive experience working with Quickbooks clients. Ralph also is a former auditor for The SC Department of Revenue and SC Employment Security Commission. He joined Hyland, Ruddy, and Garbett in 2000.

Lisa Swindall
Lisa graduated from Trident Technical College with an associate degree in accounting in 1980. Lisa is a native Charlestonian with more than twenty years experience in public and private accounting. She was previously with Hyland Ruddy & Garbett from 1989 to 1992. Returning to the firm in September 2000, Lisa continues her work specializing in small business and medical practice.

Marianne Yackulak
Marianne graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate degree in accounting. She has been preparing income taxes since 1981. She received her enrolled agents license in 1987. Marianne is a member of the National Society of Enrolled Agents. She joined Hyland, Ruddy & Garbett in October 2000 after moving to Charleston from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Staff Accountants:

Olga Altman
Olga is originally from Moscow, Russia and has been in the United States for 10 years. She graduated from the College of Charleston with two bachelor degrees with honors in business administration and economics and a masters degree in accounting. She joined Hyland, Ruddy, and Garbett in December 2004.

Crystal Hakamiun
Crystal graduated from College of Charleston, cum laude, with a bachelor degree in accounting. She is currently enrolled in the masters of accountancy program at the College of Charleston. Crystal has more than 15 years experience in private accounting and joined Hyland, Ruddy, and Garbett in August 2003. Crystal enjoys working small businesses, nonprofits and all areas of taxation.

Jesse Lockman
Jesse graduated with a bachelor degree in accounting from the College of Charleston in 1999. He then went on to receive his masters of accounting at the College of Charleston in 2001. He has extensive experience in all matters of business and individual taxation, as well as auditing and small business.

Sue Parker
Sue attended Kent State University and Baptist College at Charleston. She has extension experience in private sector bookkeeping/accounting, particularly in the construction, insurance and small manufacturing areas. Sue is a certified Quickbooks Pro advisor for 2003, 2004 and 2005. At Hyland Ruddy & Garbett, Sue concentrates on small business accounting