Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Courtney Watts, CPA, has been promoted to partner effective January 1, 2026. She brings extensive experience and leadership to the firm’s fiduciary tax services practice area, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering specialized expertise in complex tax matters.
“The partner group is delighted to welcome Courtney as the newest partner at Kruggel Lawton,” said Managing Partner Barry Hall, CPA, CGMA. “She has been integral in the growth and development of our fiduciary tax services. Her commitment to serving clients and developing staff is top-notch and her admission as a partner is well deserved. Courtney will bring an incredible perspective to our strategy discussions shaping the future of KL.”
Watts began her career with Kruggel Lawton in 2012 as an intern and quickly advanced to Manager within five years. While her early work focused on individual and corporate tax preparation, she developed a passion for serving trust and estate clients as well as high net worth individuals. Collaborating closely with Partner Patrick Lee, CPA, she played a key role in expanding the practice—building strong relationships with leading financial institutions and wealth management firms and helping position KL as a leader in this specialized area.
“Courtney’s commitment to excellent client service, integrity, and innovation has made her ascent to partner seamless,” said Lee. “She has brought strong leadership skills and insight to our fiduciary tax services team, as well as the entire firm. I am very excited for her to join the partnership and help guide Kruggel Lawton into the future!”
Over the past eight years, Watts has played a pivotal role in helping to grow the firm’s fiduciary services, building a dedicated team, and meeting the increasing demand from clients. Her leadership has positioned Kruggel Lawton as a trusted resource for trust and estate planning across the region. Beyond her client work, Watts is an active member of the KLimb to 2030 team—an internal group of managers collaborating with partners to shape firm policies and long-term goals. In 2023, the KLimb team earned the BDO Alliance USA Innovation Award for its initiatives in client service, resource management, and internal operations. Watts served as co-leader for two years and will transition off the team as she joins the partner group.
“I am very excited to join the partner group at Kruggel Lawton,” said Watts. “Since my internship with the firm, I’ve been able to witness and be a part of the incredible growth of KL over the past 13 years. It has been a fun and exciting journey to be on and I’m looking forward to actively playing a part in the continued growth of the firm while serving our clients and communities.”
Watts holds a B.S. in both Accounting and Finance from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS), and both the Michiana and Elkhart County Estate Planning Councils, where she serves on the planning committee for the Elkhart County Council. She is currently a board member of the Elkhart Boys and Girls Club and is the Elkhart Unit Board Treasurer. Watts previously served on the INCPAS Emerging Leaders Alliance from 2013-2016 and was named an Emerging Leader herself in 2018. Earlier this year, she began Convergence Coaching’s Transformational Leadership Program in preparation for her transition to partner. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their two children, Carter and Emma. Together they enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time outdoors.
