Paul Nichols, CPA is a founding principal and President of Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. A practicing CPA since 1978, Paul brings a broad business and technology background to the firm’s consulting team that gives Nexxtep a unique edge over other technology firms – a hands-on knowledge of business policies and processes, and how technology can be used to improve them.
An authorized consultant for Best Software’s MAS 90/200 since 1987, he has assisted companies with implementing, training and supporting MAS 90/200 and other business management programs such as QuickBooks and Peachtree. He also works with clients in technology planning, and system design and customization.
Paul is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a BBA degree in accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (Information Technology Section) and the Georgia Society of CPAs. He is a past president of his local chapter of the GSCPA, and has served on the Georgia Society’s Information Technology Committee.
Paul has been active in several civic and non-profit organizations, including the Valdosta – Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Azalea City Kiwanis Club, and Leadership Lowndes, Inc., serving as an officer or director of each of these groups. He is also a past president of the Valdosta State University Alumni Association.
Stuart
Avera is a co-founder and Vice-President of Nexxtep. He has provided technology consulting services for companies all over the country for over thirteen years. Stuart has been instrumental in providing numerous custom solutions, both hardware and software based, to a wide variety of industries. Having grown his career in a professional services environment, Stuart understands the importance of professionalism in the technology consulting industry and provides the vision and culture needed to ensure our competitive edge. He has helped hundreds of professional service firms with their technology needs through custom report writing, application development, network integration and end-user support services.
Stuart is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. He began his career working in the accounting firm industry developing custom applications for various vendors including CCH, CSI and CPA Software. Stuart later became Director of Development for a CRM software company where he developed extensive Lotus/Domino Server applications.
Ryan Williams’ professional experience has included stints with the Central Intelligence Agency, Dollar General’s corporate headquarters, a start-up software company and a global chemical manufacturer. Ryan is a partner and the VP of Business Development for Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc., and he has helped the company grow to become the largest technology consulting practice in South Georgia, 2007 Small Business of the Year and one of Georgia Trend’s 2010 Best Places to Work in Georgia. Ryan has traveled to 11 countries and has worked with a broad spectrum of businesses ranging from the Fortune 100 to small consulting firms. He specializes in helping businesses improve efficiency, communication, and project management.
Ryan is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Ryan is active in several civic and non-profit organizations, including Upward Basketball, the Valdosta – Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and several regional economic development committees. Ryan lives in Valdosta, Georgia with his wife Robyn and their two sons.
Bart Shiver is a partner and Logistics Manager for Nexxtep. He oversees all of our integration projects, including hardware and server installations. Bart also oversees the service department and manages daily support operations. He is a graduate of Valdosta Technical College with a degree in Computer Information Systems. He is married to Amy Shiver, who teaches in the Lowndes County School System. They have two daughters.
Richard Baker is Nexxtep’s head Account Manager. Prior to working with Nexxtep, Richard was an IT consultant for Accenture, a global consulting firm. Richard specializes in account management and project management. He has a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a minor in Economics from Mississippi State University. He resides in Hahira, Georgia, with his wife Amy and their son.
Robert McMichen is responsible for managing all service operations for Nexxtep. Prior to joining Nexxtep in 2007, Rob worked in IT management positions at Moody Air Force Base, Griffin Chemical Corporation and Goldleaf Technologies, and as an instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. He is a graduate of Valdosta State University. Rob is also a musician, and has played guitar, bass and drums with local bands for twenty-five years. He is married to Lin, and they have one daughter.
Anne Shenton is responsible for creating and evaluating Nexxtep’s marketing strategy. Her duties also include planning and implementing campaigns, developing social and educational content, and organizing events. She has a Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Tech and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Florida. Anne is active in numerous civic organizations, including the Valdosta North Rotary Club and Leadership Lowndes. She is happily married to Bill Shenton.