The partners of Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P. have a broad academic and professional background. They are distinguished, not only by their professionalism, but also by dedication to their clients and community. In addition to membership in professional societies, they are also active in community and charitable organizations.

Rudy Salinas, CPA, Partner (Weslaco)

Received a BBA in Accounting in 1974 from the University of Texas-Pan American. He worked for another CPA firm until 1987, when he was hired by Mercedes National Bank to serve as a Commercial Lending Officer and eventually became the President and CEO. He joined Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, LLP in 1996 and became a partner of the firm in 1998. He specializes in tax, auditing engagements, and the construction and bank related fields. His professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. His current civic participation includes:

• President - Economic Development Corporation of Mercedes
• Past President - Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce
• Board Chairman - Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone Corporation
• Board Treasurer - Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Corp.
• President - Weslaco Crimestoppers
• Board Member - Affordable Homes of South Texas Inc.
• Member - Weslaco Rotary
• Board Member - John Knox Village

He was awarded the 1999 Accountant Advocate of the Year for the lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the Small Business Administration.

Carol Ann Schmitt, CPA, Partner (McAllen and Harlingen)

Born in McAllen, TX. as Carol Ann Clemons. Attended elementary school, Jr. High School, and the 1st year of High School in Weslaco, TX. Attended the last 2 years of High School in Harlingen, TX. Attended College at Del Mar Jr. College in Corpus Christi, TX and graduated from Pan American University in Edinburg, TX. with a BBA in 1984. Became a CPA in 1987. Joined Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, LLP in 1986. Became a partner of the firm in 1995 in the Weslaco office. Began the McAllen office of Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, LLP in 2002, and the Harlingen office in December 2007. She has two daughters – One is a teacher and the other a CPA. She also has 1 grandson. Activities include:

Gilbert Saenz II, CPA, Partner (Weslaco)

Received a BBA in Accounting in 1997 from the University of Texas-Pan American. He joined Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P. in 1999 as a Staff Accountant. Gilbert became a partner of the firm in 2006. His professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. His current civic participation includes:

• Weslaco Lions Club Member
Treasurer, July 2009 - Present
Treasurer, July 2005 - June 2006
3rd Vice President, July 2006 - June 2007
• Weslaco Crime Stoppers, Inc. Board Member
• Donna Little League volunteer coach
• Mid Valley Youth Soccer Association volunteer coach
• Mid Valley Leadership Steering Committee

Cheryl Bellamy, CPA, Partner (Weslaco)

A life-long resident of the Rio Grande Valley, graduated from Mercedes High School. Attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville from 1966-1970. Graduated from Pan American University in Edinburg in 1971 with a BA degree, majoring in English and Business. Received certification as CPA in 1983. Worked for another CPA firm from1979-1985, leaving that firm to work for Mercedes National Bank. She served as Executive Vice President and eventually as President of the bank until 2005. She joined Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P. in 2007 and became a partner in 2009. She specializes in auditing and business financial consulting. Her professional licenses include certification from the State of Texas in secondary education, certification from American Bankers Association as Chartered Bank Auditor, license from State of Texas as Certified Public Accountant. Her professional and civic memberships include:

Retired Partners

Noble C. Allen, Retired Partner