Meet the Team

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Chris Arena, CPA - President

I started this firm because I loved the small business community of Durham and wanted to be a part of it. Running a business is hard enough as it is, without jumping through all of the administrative and compliance hurdles that exist, and my goal has always been to provide these services at a fair cost with a friendly attitude and open communication. 

I am a licensed CPA in the state of North Carolina (#37360) and I have over fifteen years of experience in the fields of accounting, finance, banking, and start-ups. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and later returned to UNC for my Masters of Accounting. I currently serve as the Board President and Treasurer of Liberty Arts, and I previously served for 6 years as the Treasurer of Preservation Durham.

My favorite hobby is eating, but when I'm not eating (which isn't often) I love to play tennis, watch great movies and television, vacation in the mountains and at the beach, drink craft beers, and play games of all varieties. After 15 wonderful years in Durham, I now live in Greensboro with my wife Laura and our two children, Ellie and Forest.

Lauren Gregory, CPA - Tax & Bookkeeping Manager

I am a licensed CPA in the state of North Carolina, and have experience in income tax compliance and consulting, including due diligence, and audit and notice resolution issues. I have served a wide array of individuals and businesses in various industries, primarily focusing on issues involving federal and state taxation of closely held businesses, and high net worth individuals.

I started my career at a large public accounting firm in Raleigh, but Chris Arena CPA, PLLC is where I really belong. At this firm, a personal touch is welcomed and appreciated. I strive to make tax compliance as painless as possible for my clients and enjoy developing tax strategies that are valuable to them and to their families.

I live in Apex with my husband and our 4 kids! I spend a lot of my time outside of work running and at my kids’ sports games. I love to spend time outside, host game nights for our family, and cook.