40+ Years of Trust

Dr. Chuck Epps on Leadership, Community, and Lifelong Partnership

For decades, Dr. Chuck Epps has been a respected leader, educator, and advocate within the Fort Mill community.

Now retired following an extraordinary 49-year career in education — including 45 years with Fort Mill School District and the last 15 as superintendent — Dr. Epps reflects on the relationships, community connections, and trusted partnerships that shaped both his career and personal life.

A Friendship That Grew Into Partnership

Bernard “Bernie” Ackerman, founder of BNA, has worked alongside Dr. Epps and his family for more than 40 years, first as a friend, and later as a trusted advisor.

Their relationship began long before BNA was founded. The two attended school together at an early age and remained connected throughout their lives and careers.

We were childhood friends and played youth league basketball together,” Dr. Epps shared. “Bernie also handled my mother’s taxes until her death at 101 years of age, so our families were lifelong friends.

When BNA opened its accounting firm in 1977, Dr. Epps became one of the firm’s earliest clients. His confidence in Bernie’s financial expertise and ability to stay ahead of industry developments made the decision an easy one.

Over the years, the relationship grew beyond financial guidance. Dr. Epps and Bernie later served together on the founding board of the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools, supporting educational and special needs initiatives throughout the district.

Bernie was instrumental in helping me organize and open Gold Hill Elementary School in 1994,” Dr. Epps shared. “He was also key in Fort Mill School District becoming the first district in the state to implement impact fees for school construction.

For Bernie, Dr. Epps has always stood out for his integrity and leadership.

His integrity has always been at the highest level,” Bernie said. “As a leader in education, he always put students first in every decision he made.

Leading Through Growth and Change

Throughout his career, Dr. Epps helped lead Fort Mill School District through extraordinary growth while maintaining strong student achievement and deep community support.

I am most proud of how we were able to maintain high levels of student achievement in the face of off-the-chart growth during my time in the district,  Dr. Epps shared.

One accomplishment Dr. Epps is especially proud of is the future opening of the Paradise Early Childhood Center in 2028, which he believes will be a “game changer” for the district moving forward.

BNA Wealth Advisor Daniel Hudspeth, CFP®, who attended Fort Mill schools himself, reflected on the impact Dr. Epps had on generations of students and families throughout the district.

He truly cares about the success of all students in the district,” Daniel shared. “His focus was always on what would benefit the greatest number of students so that no one was left behind.

As retirement approaches, Dr. Epps says the relationships built throughout his career are what he will cherish most.

Fort Mill is more than just a district, it is my family.

Planning for What Comes Next

As Dr. Epps approached retirement, his financial planning needs evolved as well. Over time, his relationship with BNA expanded to include BNA Wealth Management, creating a more connected approach to tax planning, retirement planning, and long-term financial goals.

For Dr. Epps, one of the greatest benefits has been the ability to align his tax strategies with his broader financial goals.

The practice of meeting with my tax advisor and my wealth manager simultaneously has allowed us to maximize the value of my portfolio,” he shared. “It is refreshing to coordinate my tax strategies with my financial goals as I navigate retirement.

Bernie says adding wealth advisory services became a natural next step for the Epps family, helping create a more unified financial planning experience.

Rather than handling major financial decisions through separate conversations, BNA’s integrated CPA + Wealth approach allows clients to move forward with a team that understands the full picture.

More Than Financial Planning

Over more than four decades, the relationship between Dr. Epps and BNA has grown far beyond financial guidance.

It has spanned friendship, family milestones, community leadership, and retirement planning — all rooted in a shared commitment to Fort Mill and the people who call it home.

As Dr. Epps begins this new chapter in retirement, we are grateful for the lasting impact he has made on the community and honored to continue supporting him and his family for years to come.