Melissa M. Terito, CPA
Partner
Melissa Terito drives strategic growth initiatives across Faulk & Winkler, including for the Sentinel retirement division, where she previously advised business owners and financial advisors on 401(k) plan design and compliance.
As a charismatic accounting leader inclined to challenge the status quo, Melissa’s superpower is assembling effective teams and building a culture that encourages them to do their best work within healthy boundaries. She prides herself on seeing things in other people that they don't see in themselves, and empowering people who feel stuck – for both clients and colleagues.
While teaching high school math early in her career, Melissa went back to school to study accounting and prepare for the CPA exam. Her teaching background equips her with creative communication skills and a nurturing mindset that supports clients and colleagues alike in pursuing their business and career goals. She joined Faulk & Winkler in 2009 as an intern in the pension department, now known as Sentinel. She earned her CPA designation in 2012 and was named partner in 2016.
Melissa is immensely proud of the team, infrastructure, and client relationships she built over a decade leading Sentinel. The Sentinel team offers business owners nationwide the capacity to bundle retirement services with outsourced accounting, tax planning, and business advisory services, as well as audit capabilities. While Kasey Melancon now leads the division, Melissa remains actively involved in Sentinel’s client development and growth.
Since 2020, Melissa has hosted numerous podcasts spanning finance, accounting, and retirement plan administration, as well as business leadership, professional development, and Baton Rouge community engagement. (These titles include Business Cents, The Sentinel Show, Louisiana Ladies, and ReStructured with Melissa Terito.) She is also available as a public speaker on topics that inspire business leaders to rethink the way they lead, work, and create sustainable success for themselves and their teams.
Outside the office, Melissa enjoys exploring Baton Rouge’s culinary offerings with her husband Patrick, traveling, and spending time with her five nephews and two dogs. On most days off, she can probably be found reading or playing pickleball with her dad.
Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Louisiana
Memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA)
b1 Bank Foundation Board
St. Joseph's Academy Foundation Board
ASPPA Annual Conference Planning Committee
WiPN Arklamiss Chapter, Co-Chair
2018 Dancing with Big Buddy Star Dancer
2017 BRAC Leadership Class
Education
Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Science,
Secondary Education