Capone & Associates
At our firm, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit, setting us apart from traditional accounting and consulting firms. While we possess the necessary education, certifications, and degrees, it is our hands-on experience in starting, scaling, managing, and acquiring businesses that truly sets us apart. We excel in the technical aspects, but it is our strategic mindset and insightful perspectives that truly make a difference.
We firmly believe that every business owner deserves a financial partner who shares their level of excitement in building their business. We are process-driven and results-oriented, making even the most mundane financial tasks enjoyable. We go beyond the numbers, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to provide unparalleled insights that drive informed decision-making in the toughest circumstances.
No matter the size of your business, we understand the importance of working with an experienced CFO from day one. We know that building a strong foundation and implementing effective systems are vital for achieving your long-term business objectives. Let us be your financial partner on this thrilling journey, and together, we will bring your business aspirations to life.
Chris Capone
Meet Chris, the visionary CFO who knows how to transform your business dreams into reality. With a remarkable history of scaling and managing both start-ups and established companies. In addition to serving his clients, Chris’ primary focus is building an infrastructure and culture that attracts, develops, and retains the very best talent in the business, so that Capone & Associates is able to provide the ultimate client experience and excellent results.
As a licensed CPA in the state of North Carolina, Chris brings a wealth of technical finance and accounting expertise to the table. His strategic planning and execution skills, coupled with his extensive experience in raising capital and managing risk, make him an invaluable asset to any business.
Having co-founded a business and taken it from ground zero to over $100 million in revenues, Chris has a keen understanding of what it takes to build and grow a successful enterprise. He has managed millions in cash and assets, utilizing strategic leverage to raise capital and generate exceptional returns on equity.
Outside of the boardroom, Chris embraces his passion for the outdoors and sustainability. He and his wife live in Seabreeze, North Carolina, embodying their commitment to living a balanced and environmentally conscious lifestyle.


Elyse D’Auria
Director of Operations
Introducing Elyse D’Auria, our Director of Operations at Capone & Associates, who is an expert in creating dynamic workflows and providing critical operational support for small businesses. Elyse is backed by over two decades of comprehensive experience in accounting, management, and sales, which empowers her with a deep understanding of the operational needs of both new and matured businesses.
Originally hailing from Long Island, New York, Elyse’s adventurous spirit carried her across the nation to Scottsdale, AZ. It is there that she discovered her zeal for finance, an influential component of her professional identity today, and also met her lifelong partner, Danny.
After years of experiencing the desert lifestyle, they decided to move back to the coast, to Wilmington, where they are enjoying raising two daughters. Here, she capitalizes on her experience to benefit businesses through strategic operational strategies and robust management principles.
Elyse is a great fit for the Capone & Associates family her extensive experience and unique skills contribute to enhancing the client experience and producing outstanding results. We are thrilled to have her onboard.

Daniel Cataldi
Controller
Meet Dan Cataldi, an Accounting Manager at Capone & Associates. With over a decade of diversified accounting experience encompassing public, tax, audit, and small business facets, Dan brings a comprehensive skill set to our team.
Originally from Southern New Hampshire, Dan exchanged the frosty Northeast for the allure of Wilmington in 2012. He further honed his proficiency in accounting at UNCW, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Outside his professional sphere, Dan prioritizes family time. Together with his wife Ashley and their two delightful children, Vincent and Amelia, he relishes activities like fishing, golfing, or hosting memorable family barbecues. Dan’s knack for balancing work and leisure aligns perfectly with our team’s ethos, making him an indispensable member of Capone & Associates.

Catherine Robertson
Controller
Catherine has over 25 years of accounting experience assisting small/medium sized business owners with the financial data to properly operate and grow their business. She is experienced in all facets of accounting working in Industries such as Home Improvement, IT, Advertising/Marketing, Real Estate, Training and Education, Medical and Manufacturing.
Catherine also has experience in completing the due diligence process for buy-outs and acquisitions. A career highlight for Catherine was the sale of a start-up IT company to an international publicly traded company for $105 million, working directly with the CEO & CFO to accomplish this purchase. Catherine has run her own successful Bookkeeping and Accounting practice for more than 20 years before relocating to Wilmington, NC.
Originally from suburban Philadelphia, she spent 26 years in the metropolitan Washington DC area.
Catherine and husband Tom have been married for 38 years and raised 4 children, two of whom are UNCW graduates.
Catherine enjoys the beach, walking the Loop, discovering new shopping opportunities and catching occasional performances at the Wilson Center.

Eric Gillentine
Controller
Meet Eric Gillentine, an Accounting Manager with Capone & Associates. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, he started his professional career in the Hospitality industry, then moved into an accounting position with a Registered Investment Advisory firm based out of Boston, MA working directly under the CFO for more than five years. His experience in the hospitality and financial service industries include: bookkeeping, month end close, KPI reporting, forecasting, compliance, general operations and sales. He enjoys improving internal process controls, Microsoft Excel and most importantly, working with people.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys time spent with his wife, Paige, and their two children. They like going to the beach, exploring new places and making memories as a family around the dinner table.

Latoya Jordan
Accounting Manager
Latoya Jordan is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a BS degree in Accounting. In the past 12 years, Latoya has worked in multiple areas of accounting, starting her career in Minnesota for Cargill thermal energy supply chain as a Winter Accounting intern. She later moved to Fresno, California, to work for Cargill Beef as an Accounting Associate and then worked at The Clorox Company in Oakland, California, as a Risk Analyst. After that, Latoya moved back to Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked for MSC Industrial Supply as a Staff Accountant. Then she joined Carrier as a Senior Accounting Analyst, and lastly, she joined Greystar as a Capital Projects Accountant.
Outside of her career, Latoya’s other passion is helping others in accounting and finance. During her career, Latoya has had the opportunity to travel across the country to help with college recruitment and serve on the board for the Charlotte chapter of NABA. Latoya is excited to bring her experience to the great Capone and Associates team!
Latoya’s hobbies and interests include music, dance, dining at new restaurants, family time, and volunteering at her church.

Steve Mendelsohn
Controller
Steve joins Capone and Associates with over 40 years of hands-on accounting and finance experience with startups, private equity-owned companies, smaller family-owned organizations, and large global multi-national companies. His work experience expands into for-profit and not-for-profit organizations as well as leading accounting teams globally and being on the ground in India, China, Brazil, and Mexico.
Steve started down the path of science for school and graduated with a BS in Chemistry from Old Dominion University. He then followed up with an MBA with a concentration in Finance and Operations from the College of William and Mary. Later, Steve obtained an MS in IT from Johns Hopkins University.
From an industry perspective, Steve’s experience has also spread from life sciences to manufacturing to professional engineering services with some construction industries. This experience also includes supporting clients as he does now and has also served on the board of a Maryland not-for-profit.
Having spent many years in Maryland, Steve and his wife, Adriene, moved to Durham once their daughter graduated from UNCG and went to work in the RTP area. After 8 years in Durham, Steve and Adriene decided to move closer to the beach where they now reside in Leland, NC. They are enjoying life with new friends, exploring new places, and he is back to his favorite pastime, playing golf.
Networking with Chris for the past two years and learning about his successful company, they both concluded that Steve’s strengths in accounting and best practices would fit quite well in client support and growth. Steve is happy to be on board!

Tony Versandi
Accountant
Tony Versandi is an accomplished accountant at Capone & Associates, bringing over a decade of diverse financial services experience. He currently resides in Wilmington, NC, with his wife, Vanessa, and their two children. Originally from New Jersey, Tony spent 13 years in Alaska, where he honed his skills in the commercial banking industry.
With an MBA, Tony is known for his innovative approach and strong leadership abilities. He has successfully developed strategies that drive business growth, enhance client relationships, and improve operational efficiency, with expertise in financial analysis, risk management, regulatory compliance, and business development.
Prior to joining Capone & Associates, Tony held leadership roles at Lakeland Bank and Wells Fargo managing substantial commercial loan portfolios. His experience includes positions as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager, where he excelled in cultivating profitable client relationships.
Dedicated to community service, Tony has served as the State President of the Air Force Association in Alaska and as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, teaching finance courses. His commitment to community enhancement is evident through his active involvement in local organizations and church initiatives.
In his free time, Tony enjoys family outings, exploring the outdoors, and contributing to his community.

Weslee Billiter
Bookkeeper
Born and raised in North Carolina and a graduate of University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Elementary Education. Weslee has over 20 years of bookkeeping experience helping different types of businesses with their financial data needs. She has experience in medical, bar/restaurant, construction, non-profit sports organization and utility contracting.
Weslee and her husband are former bar owners, and also own a non-profit soccer organization. Giving kids opportunities and experiences is important to her. Weslee, her husband of 20 years, Jeff, spend their free time with their two teenage kids, Brody and Parker. Whether it is on the soccer sideline, or day at home, you will find them with many of their “other kids” having fun. She loves dinner outings and nights with friends. She also loves the tradition of their Disney trip every year, and vacationing whenever possible. She and her family enjoy days at the beach, or weekends in the mountains.

Will Kiser
Fractional CFO
Will joins Capone and Associates with over 20 years of varied accounting and finance expertise. A licensed CPA in his native North Carolina, Will is a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. Throughout his career, Will has sought out new experiences and roles that provided opportunities for leadership positions in auditing, corporate accounting/controllership, operational finance, and financial planning and analysis. Having worked across multiple industries ranging from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals, Will most recently served as the CFO for the North American/European business unit of a global Contract Research Organization.
At home, Will and his wife Stacy spend most days watching their daughter Avery’s gymnastics and their son Grant’s soccer games. During the offseason, Will tries to maximize his time outdoors through boating, golfing, and the occasional tennis match.

Hunter Grissett
Bookkeeper
I am originally from Georgia and have lived in North Carolina for about 13 years. I graduated from UNCW with my bachelors in Accounting and started my career in tax accounting working with individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Outside of work, I enjoy exercising, hanging out with friends and family, and getting outdoors.