Julia Chirkova
The accounting profession is experiencing a dynamic period of leadership evolution and strategic expansion, marked by key appointments, promotions, and recognition of influential figures. Firms are actively reshaping their executive teams and reinforcing their commitment to client service, global reach, and internal development. These moves underscore a sector focused on navigating complex market dynamics, leveraging technology, and fostering robust growth.
RSM US LLP Appoints Joseph Taiano as Chief Marketing Officer to Drive Brand Evolution and Global Growth
RSM US LLP, a prominent provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services targeting the middle market, has announced a significant addition to its executive leadership team with the appointment of Joseph Taiano as Chief Marketing Officer. This strategic hire is poised to spearhead RSM’s brand evolution, modernize its marketing strategies, and enhance its integrated go-to-market approach, all with the objective of accelerating growth and deepening client impact on a global scale. Taiano’s role will be instrumental in the firm’s ongoing efforts to redefine its position within the middle market and bolster its international presence.
Taiano brings a wealth of experience, boasting over 25 years in global marketing and growth transformation. His distinguished career includes pivotal executive roles at Accenture, where he most recently served as Global Head of Marketing for Growth & Strategy and led marketing initiatives for Accenture Song, the company’s creative division. A former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Taiano possesses a unique blend of deep financial acumen and modern marketing leadership. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed global teams, overseen multi-billion-dollar client portfolios, and cultivated high-impact marketing organizations driven by data and measurable outcomes.
In an era where business-to-business marketing is increasingly sophisticated, Taiano emphasizes the critical need for a profound understanding of the intricate business environment and the potent role of brand in driving tangible results. He observes that while clients make purchasing decisions based on various factors such as relationships, price, and the quality of services, the underlying brand perception often plays a decisive role. "Brand is not merely a logo or an advertisement; it is the embodiment of every employee’s actions and interactions, direct or indirect, with clients, collectively shaping their experience and their perception of the firm," Taiano stated. This philosophy underscores his approach to integrating brand narrative into every facet of RSM’s client engagement.
A central tenet of Taiano’s leadership at RSM will be the reinforcement of the firm’s core brand promise: "The Power of Being Understood." This promise encapsulates RSM’s dedication to cultivating deep, personalized relationships with clients, colleagues, and the broader community, driven by insight and genuine understanding. This focus is designed to ensure that clients receive proactive guidance and achieve outcomes that empower them to thrive and expand in an increasingly complex global marketplace. Internally, Taiano aims to foster a results-driven culture that empowers teams to execute RSM’s overarching global strategy effectively. He plans to develop a unified global brand that maintains local relevance for the diverse needs of the middle market. Clients can anticipate a seamless and consistent experience across assurance, tax, and consulting services, all underpinned by shared values, standardized processes, and a cohesive approach. This strategic integration is expected to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency, contributing to RSM’s continued market leadership.
Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP Appoints Lesley Hargraves as Leading Partner, Marking a New Era for the Firm
Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP (ML&R), recognized as the largest locally owned and managed accounting and advisory firm in Central Texas, has announced a significant leadership transition. Lesley Hargraves is set to assume the role of Leading Partner in January 2027, succeeding the current Leading Partner, Kyle Parks. This meticulously planned, year-long leadership transition is strategically designed to ensure unwavering continuity and sustained long-term success for the firm, its diverse client base, and its dedicated employees.
Hargraves has been an integral part of ML&R since 2009, diligently building her career within the firm’s audit team. She achieved partner status in 2017 and most recently held the position of Audit Practice Leader. Over the coming year, Hargraves and Parks will collaborate closely, ensuring a seamless handover of responsibilities and maintaining the high standards of client service and operational excellence that ML&R is known for. This collaborative approach is crucial for preserving client trust and ensuring that team members are well-integrated into the new leadership structure.
The appointment of Hargraves is a testament to ML&R’s enduring commitment to nurturing leadership from within its ranks. Her leadership trajectory has been significantly shaped by the cultivation of strong professional relationships, extensive experience within the firm, and active engagement in the Central Texas community. This reflects ML&R’s deeply ingrained focus on its people, its clients, and its community, values that have been foundational to its success.
Hargraves will be the fourth Leading Partner in ML&R’s history and notably, the first woman to hold this esteemed position. This milestone represents an exciting new chapter for the firm, underscoring its robust leadership pipeline and its steadfast dedication to continuity, exceptional client service, and people-centric growth. Her ascent signifies a progressive step for the firm, reflecting its commitment to diversity in leadership and its forward-looking vision. The firm’s consistent growth, from its inception to its current standing as a regional leader, has been attributed to its proactive succession planning and its investment in developing its internal talent pool.
Ascend Appoints Evie Woodforde as Inaugural Chief Operating Officer to Oversee Scaled Growth
Ascend, a strategic partner supporting leading regional accounting and advisory firms and backed by Alpine Investors, has announced the appointment of Evie Woodforde as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO). This newly created role signifies Ascend’s commitment to formalizing and strengthening its operational infrastructure as it scales its platform and expands its reach.
Woodforde’s tenure with Ascend began in January 2023, and she quickly rose to the position of Regional President in August 2023. In her new capacity as COO, she will assume responsibility for overseeing platform-wide operations and driving growth initiatives as Ascend continues its expansion. Her deep understanding of Ascend’s model and her prior leadership experience position her ideally to guide the firm through its next phase of development.
Ascend’s innovative business model is designed to preserve the autonomy and distinctiveness of high-performing regional accounting firms while equipping them with the enhanced capabilities and resources typically associated with a top-tier organization. This approach enables these firms to achieve their full growth potential without compromising their local identity or client relationships. By providing access to advanced technology, strategic guidance, and operational efficiencies, Ascend empowers its partner firms to compete more effectively in an increasingly consolidated market.
The firm strategically partners with regional accounting firms that generate between $15 million and $50 million in annual revenue. These firms are selected based on their demonstrated strong leadership, healthy organizational cultures, and ambitious growth objectives. Currently, Ascend’s partner firms operate across more than a dozen states nationwide, creating a significant network of collaborative expertise and shared best practices. This distributed yet interconnected model allows for localized service delivery while benefiting from centralized strategic support and operational enhancements. The success of this model is evident in the continued expansion of its partner network and the enhanced performance metrics reported by its affiliated firms.
Goering & Granatino Welcomes Parker Woodson as Chief Growth Officer to Enhance Client Experience and Operational Efficiency
Goering & Granatino (GG Advisors), a firm dedicated to strategic advisory services, has announced the appointment of Parker Woodson as its new Chief Growth Officer. In this pivotal role, Woodson will be tasked with aligning business development efforts with operational strategies to significantly improve the speed, quality, and overall client experience delivered by the firm. His responsibilities will span two core priorities, focusing on optimizing client engagement and fostering sustainable expansion.
Woodson, a native of Kansas City, brings a distinguished background in leading financial operations and spearheading strategic initiatives within management consulting and advisory environments. His expertise lies in identifying high-potential practices and implementing scalable processes that transform early successes into repeatable, high-performance outcomes. Woodson is deeply committed to driving sustainable growth, a philosophy that extends to ensuring a superior end-to-end client journey. This focus on client experience is crucial in the advisory services sector, where trust and perceived value are paramount. His ability to translate strategic vision into operational reality is expected to be a key differentiator for GG Advisors.
His professional acumen is complemented by a strong commitment to community engagement. Woodson is actively involved in youth sports coaching and mentorship programs, demonstrating a dedication to developing talent and fostering positive environments. He has also served on various nonprofit boards in both Chicago and Kansas City, further highlighting his commitment to social impact and leadership development. Woodson earned his degree in finance from Baylor University, providing him with a solid academic foundation for his strategic and operational responsibilities. His multifaceted experience, combining financial expertise with a passion for community and growth, makes him a valuable asset to GG Advisors as the firm continues to expand its reach and impact. The firm anticipates that Woodson’s leadership will lead to enhanced market penetration and a more streamlined, client-centric service delivery model.
CohnReznick’s Teri Kaye Recognized Among Miami’s Top Women Leaders
CohnReznick, a leading national professional services firm, is celebrating the recognition of Teri Kaye, a distinguished Partner, by Women We Admire. Kaye has been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Miami for 2026. This prestigious list honors women executives who are making a significant impact on Miami’s business landscape through their leadership, innovative approaches, and contributions across a diverse array of industries. The recognition underscores Kaye’s influence and leadership within the South Florida business community.
According to Women We Admire, the selection process for the Top 50 Women Leaders involves a rigorous evaluation of candidates based on their professional achievements, leadership capabilities, industry influence, and commitment to driving positive change. Kaye’s inclusion highlights her consistent dedication to excellence and her role in shaping the future of business in Miami.
Teri Kaye holds a pivotal role as the South Florida Tax Practice Leader at CohnReznick. With over three decades of experience in public accounting, she has cultivated deep expertise in holistic tax planning and compliance, particularly for high-net-worth families and their associated entities. In her capacity, Kaye guides clients through complex tax landscapes, helping them optimize their tax burdens throughout various life cycle events, including business transitions to the next generation or third-party sales. Her extensive experience encompasses both federal tax matters and intricate state and local tax (SALT) issues, providing comprehensive solutions for her clients. Kaye’s ability to navigate these complex tax environments ensures that clients receive strategic advice tailored to their unique financial situations and long-term objectives. The recognition from Women We Admire serves as a testament to her significant contributions to the profession and the Miami business community.
Joanna Summers, Former U.S. Marshals Asset Forfeiture Expert, Joins Valid8 Financial as VP of Public Sector
Valid8 Financial, a leading provider of forensic accounting software designed to combat financial crime, has announced the appointment of Joanna Summers as Vice President of the Public Sector. Summers brings an exceptional background, having served for over nine years in the Asset Forfeiture Division (AFD) of the United States Marshals Service. Her extensive experience in high-profile asset forfeiture cases positions her to significantly enhance Valid8’s offerings and support for law enforcement and government agencies.
In her new role, Summers will lead Valid8’s public sector team, leveraging her firsthand experience to refine the firm’s software and services for governmental clients. Her focus will be on strengthening public-private partnerships and ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the tools and expertise necessary to effectively combat financial crime. She will also play a crucial role in developing and delivering training and educational programs designed to equip investigators with advanced skills for asset seizure in financial crime cases. This initiative is critical given the increasing complexity of financial crimes and the evolving methods used by criminals.
Summers’s career at the U.S. Marshals Service included her involvement in landmark asset forfeiture cases, most notably the Silk Road investigation. In this groundbreaking case, she was instrumental in the federal custody of cryptocurrency, a first for the agency. Her team was responsible for managing and disposing of approximately 175,000 Bitcoin from this operation alone. Summers also contributed her expertise to other significant cases, including the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme and the 1MDB scandal, providing critical valuations and assessments of seized assets. Her deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by investigators in these complex cases will be invaluable to Valid8.
Beyond her government service, Summers is actively engaged in professional communities. She serves as president-elect of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency, where she dedicates her time to mentoring women in the crypto and fintech industries. She is also a regular contributor to The Financial Club, a community focused on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and technology in financial services. Her multifaceted involvement highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering professional development in critical areas of financial crime and emerging technologies. Valid8 Financial anticipates that Summers’s leadership will bolster its reputation and market position within the public sector, enabling more effective crime-fighting capabilities for government agencies.
Wiggam Law Strengthens Tax Litigation Practice with the Addition of Former IRS Counsel Clint Locke
Wiggam Law, a firm specializing in legal representation, has announced the appointment of Clint J. Locke, JD, CPA, to its team. This strategic addition significantly expands the firm’s capabilities in handling complex tax litigation and controversy matters. Locke joins Wiggam Law as a senior attorney, bringing a distinguished career background from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Chief Counsel, where he most recently served as Assistant Associate Area Counsel.
Locke brings over 15 years of experience in navigating sophisticated tax disputes. His expertise spans critical areas such as syndicated conservation easements, micro-captive insurance arrangements, and other high-stakes cases adjudicated in the U.S. Tax Court. During his tenure with the IRS, he demonstrated strong leadership by managing litigation teams, meticulously reviewing pleadings and advisory opinions, and leading trial efforts in complex cases. Furthermore, he played a vital role in training fellow attorneys on Tax Court rules and the intricacies of motions practice, ensuring a high standard of legal representation within the agency.
At Wiggam Law, Locke will represent both individuals and businesses facing federal and state tax disputes, audits, and investigations. His role will also involve providing strategic counsel on risk mitigation and compliance strategies, helping clients proactively manage their tax obligations and minimize potential liabilities. His transition from the IRS to private practice provides him with a unique perspective, allowing him to anticipate government strategies and advocate effectively on behalf of his clients. Locke earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from The University of Alabama School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Freed-Hardeman University. He is a licensed CPA and an active member of the Alabama State Bar, underscoring his comprehensive qualifications in both law and accounting. The firm expects Locke’s expertise to enhance its ability to secure favorable outcomes for clients engaged in tax disputes.
Jarrett Bluth Appointed New Office Managing Partner for CohnReznick’s New York City Location
CohnReznick, a leading provider of professional services, has announced the appointment of Jarrett Bluth as the new Office Managing Partner for its New York, NY office. Bluth, who also serves as Partner and New York Tax Practice Leader, has been meticulously preparing for this leadership role over the past year, following a planned succession strategy in anticipation of the retirement of Jay Levy, who held the position for the previous seven years. This transition ensures a smooth handover and continued leadership stability for the firm’s significant New York operations.
With more than two decades of experience as an advisor, complemented by five years as an owner/operator, Bluth offers a practical and strategic perspective crucial for organizational decision-making, operational performance enhancement, and long-term value creation. As a Certified Public Accountant, he possesses extensive experience in strategic tax and business planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, and value creation strategies for private equity-backed portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle. His dual perspective, encompassing both advisory and operational roles, provides a comprehensive understanding of business challenges and opportunities.
In his leadership capacity within the New York office, Bluth oversees a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering assurance and tax services. He also spearheads integrated support for complex business challenges by fostering collaboration with CohnReznick teams specializing in accounting, valuation, consulting, M&A, transaction advisory, and other critical service areas. The New York office serves a broad spectrum of industries, offering deep expertise in sectors such as financial services, private equity, commercial real estate, consumer and retail, hospitality, manufacturing and distribution, technology, media, and family offices. Bluth’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the office’s capabilities and its ability to serve these diverse industries with specialized insights and integrated solutions, reinforcing CohnReznick’s position as a premier professional services firm in the New York market.
