Team
Artemis was started by Kentucky operators who were tired of corporate headaches and wanted to build something better for local businesses. We provide the expertise and responsiveness needed to help our neighbors grow their own empires.
Andrew Dieruf
CEO
Andrew Dieruf is a partner and owner at Besten & Dieruf CPAs and the founder of Artemis Solutions. His vision for Artemis was simple: build a team of trusted local experts who could remove the headaches from business owners and give them the resources to grow and scale. A CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, Andrew's background spans accounting, audit, outsourced CFO engagements, and forensic accounting — bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to helping organizations build long-term stability.
Sarah Pickering
VP | BUsiness DevelopMENT
Sarah brings expertise in business development, marketing, and relationship-driven growth. With over seven years in talent solutions, she builds meaningful partnerships and drives revenue growth. With deep roots across Kentucky, she plays a key role in expanding our reach as a trusted partner to businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.
Nick Conness
Partner
Nick Conness is Co-Founder of Pelycon Technologies, a Lexington-based managed services provider helping businesses use technology to drive growth and efficiency. With over 20 years of IT experience, he works with clients across legal, healthcare, finance, and education — aligning technology strategy with real business goals. Nick is committed to building long-term partnerships that position technology as a driver of business performance.
Jason Graves
VP | Workforce Solutions
Jason leads the firm's workforce and talent solutions division. With a background in executive recruiting, staffing, and entrepreneurship, he helps organizations connect talent strategy with business goals.
Jason has a vibrant rolodex and a wealth of knowledge about numerous industries including finance, manufacturing, construction, accounting and more.
Chris Besten
CFO
Chris Besten is a partner at Besten & Dieruf CPAs, specializing in tax planning, tax compliance, and operational consulting for small business owners, S-corporations, partnerships, and complex individual returns. His work extends into civil litigation support, including fraud and forensic accounting. Deeply rooted in Lexington, Chris brings the same commitment to his community that he brings to every client relationship.
Matt Smith
Owner | CyberSecurity Expert
Matt is a security leader with experience protecting both large enterprises and small businesses. Known for building security programs from the ground up, leading strong teams, and helping organizations stay ahead of risk — with a clear focus on real, measurable results.
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Charles Combs
VP | Network Solutions
Charles Combs leads Business Development for Artemis Solutions' Network Solutions practice, bringing deep experience in telecommunications and network infrastructure. He combines strategic sales expertise with technical knowledge to serve as both a trusted advisor and credible partner — helping clients align technology solutions with their business goals.
Advisory Board
Artemis was started by Kentucky operators who were tired of corporate headaches and wanted to build something better for local businesses. We provide the expertise and responsiveness needed to help our neighbors grow their own empires.
Andrew Dieruf
CEO
Andrew Dieruf is a partner and owner at Besten & Dieruf CPAs and the founder of Artemis Solutions. His vision for Artemis was simple: build a team of trusted local experts who could remove the headaches from business owners and give them the resources to grow and scale. A CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, Andrew's background spans accounting, audit, outsourced CFO engagements, and forensic accounting — bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to helping organizations build long-term stability.
Nick Conness
Partner
Nick Conness is Co-Founder of Pelycon Technologies, a Lexington-based managed services provider helping businesses use technology to drive growth and efficiency. With over 20 years of IT experience, he works with clients across legal, healthcare, finance, and education — aligning technology strategy with real business goals. Nick is committed to building long-term partnerships that position technology as a driver of business performance.
Chris Besten
CFO
Chris Besten is a partner at Besten & Dieruf CPAs, specializing in tax planning, tax compliance, and operational consulting for small business owners, S-corporations, partnerships, and complex individual returns. His work extends into civil litigation support, including fraud and forensic accounting. Deeply rooted in Lexington, Chris brings the same commitment to his community that he brings to every client relationship.
Let's Build Something Better.
The team is ready when you are. Reach out to connect with the team and discuss your goals for building a stronger business empire.