Julia Chirkova
The accounting and advisory landscape is experiencing a dynamic period of leadership evolution and strategic expansion, as evidenced by recent high-profile appointments and promotions across several prominent firms. These moves signal a strong emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, enhanced client service offerings, and the cultivation of specialized expertise to meet the increasingly complex demands of businesses and investors.
Wipfli Bolsters M&A Strategy with Steve Rudnik’s Appointment
Wipfli, a significant player in the accounting and consulting sector, has strategically strengthened its corporate development capabilities with the addition of Steve Rudnik as its new Head of Corporate Development. This pivotal hire underscores Wipfli’s commitment to aggressive growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a strategy significantly amplified by its partnership with New Mountain Capital. Rudnik’s mandate is to lead Wipfli’s M&A strategy and execution, aiming to accelerate the firm’s expansion and enhance its service offerings to clients.
Rudnik brings a wealth of experience in M&A, having previously served as the co-head of M&A at Hightower Advisors, a leading wealth management firm. During his tenure at Hightower, he was instrumental in overseeing more than 50 M&A transactions, a testament to his deep understanding of deal structuring, integration, and value creation. He also played a key role in building a dedicated team to support Hightower’s M&A engine, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to scalable growth. Prior to his role at Hightower, Rudnik honed his skills in the audit practice at Ernst & Young (EY) for a decade, providing him with a foundational understanding of financial reporting and client needs.
The appointment of Rudnik is particularly timely as the accounting industry continues to consolidate, with larger firms acquiring smaller, specialized practices to broaden their service portfolios and geographic reach. Wipfli’s partnership with New Mountain Capital, a private equity firm, provides the financial backing and strategic impetus to pursue ambitious acquisition targets. Rudnik’s expertise will be crucial in identifying suitable acquisition candidates, conducting due diligence, negotiating terms, and ensuring seamless integration of new entities into Wipfli’s existing operations. His leadership is expected to drive Wipfli’s strategic plan forward, supporting not only the firm’s growth objectives but also its clients’ ambitions and operational efficiencies. Rudnik will be based in Wipfli’s Chicago-Lincolnshire office, a strategic location for accessing key markets and talent.
Riveron Taps Herb Engert as Senior Advisor to Drive New York Expansion
Riveron, a distinguished advisory firm specializing in critical services for CFOs, private equity firms, and capital providers, has appointed Herb Engert as a Senior Advisor. This strategic move aims to bolster Riveron’s presence and growth within the vibrant New York market. Engert, a seasoned leader with decades of experience and extensive connections across New York’s business, corporate finance, and private equity sectors, is poised to play a significant role in the firm’s expansion strategy.
Engert’s most recent role as Managing Partner for EY’s New York office provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the region’s financial ecosystem. In this capacity, he was responsible for client service and brand strategy across offices generating nearly $2 billion in combined revenue. His extensive career at EY also encompassed global and regional leadership positions with a focus on private equity and strategic growth markets, equipping him with invaluable insights into the drivers of success in these demanding sectors.
At Riveron, Engert will leverage his deep relationships and industry knowledge to spearhead market engagement, develop new client opportunities, and strengthen connectivity within the corporate finance and private equity community. This appointment is a key component of Riveron’s broader New York growth strategy, which has recently included the opening of a new office at 10 Grand Central, the relocation of senior leadership to the area, and a sustained period of targeted hiring. The firm’s proactive approach in expanding its New York footprint reflects the city’s status as a global financial hub and the substantial demand for specialized advisory services in the region. Engert’s advisory capacity will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the New York market and positioning Riveron for continued success.
LBMC Promotes Six Professionals to Key Leadership Roles
LBMC, a nationally recognized accounting and business consulting firm, has announced the promotion of six professionals to critical leadership positions, underscoring its commitment to internal talent development and adapting to the evolving needs of its diverse client base. The firm has elevated four individuals to the role of Shareholder within its Audit practice and appointed two to Managing Director positions in its Tax and Valuation practices. These promotions reflect LBMC’s sustained growth and its strategic focus on nurturing leaders who possess a blend of technical acumen, collaborative spirit, and profound industry knowledge.
The newly appointed Shareholders in the Audit practice are Lawrence Alexander, Kristen Hicks, Steve Thomason, and Kurt Zollner. These individuals bring a combined wealth of experience and specialized expertise across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, and employee benefit plans.
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Lawrence Alexander, CPA, based in Knoxville, brings over 15 years of public accounting experience. Her expertise spans audits for healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, employee benefit plans, captive insurance companies, and Department of Energy (DOE) compliance. Alexander is actively involved in firm leadership, serving on the LBMC Cares Foundation Board, and demonstrates strong community engagement as Treasurer for the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee and Chair of the A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee.
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Kristen Hicks, CPA, also in Knoxville, possesses over two decades of audit experience, primarily serving privately held businesses in sectors such as construction, services, and manufacturing. She is a key member of the leadership team for LBMC’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit group, guiding clients through complex regulatory changes and reporting requirements. Hicks actively participates in industry advancements as a member of the TSCPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference Planning Committee.
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Steve Thomason, CPA, located in Chattanooga, has over 25 years of experience serving clients in manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors. His expertise extends to audit and technical advisory services, with a focus on complex financial reporting, equity-based compensation, and post-transaction accounting. Thomason is a significant contributor to LBMC’s audit quality control initiatives for middle-market businesses and serves on the Boards of the Chattanooga Autism Center and the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga.
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Kurt Zollner, CPA, based in Nashville, has dedicated more than 13 years to serving healthcare organizations. He leads financial audits and benefit plan engagements for a wide range of healthcare entities and plays a crucial role in developing LBMC’s healthcare audit team members through technical training and leadership. Zollner is an active participant in industry organizations, including the Leadership Healthcare Council, the Tennessee Technological University Accounting Advisory Board, and the Tennessee Society of Public Accountants (TSCPA).
In the Tax and Valuation practices, LBMC has promoted two professionals to Managing Director:
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Abigail Campbell, CPA, will lead LBMC’s Nonprofit Tax Practice in Nashville. With over 12 years of experience advising tax-exempt organizations, Campbell specializes in complex federal and state tax matters, compliance, and strategic planning. She works closely with nonprofit boards and leadership to align tax strategies with mission and sustainability goals and serves on the Board of St. Luke’s Community House.
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Elisabeth Harper Rood, J.D., CPA/ABV, is appointed Managing Director of Healthcare Valuation in Nashville. Rood provides valuation and consulting services to healthcare organizations, with a specialization in fair market value assessments for physician compensation and professional service arrangements. Her 11 years of valuation experience enable her to assist clients in navigating intricate regulatory, transactional, and compensation structures. She is actively involved in industry committees and serves on the Board of Directors for the Discovery Center of Murfree Spring.
These promotions highlight LBMC’s strategic investment in its people and its dedication to providing clients with highly specialized and experienced leadership across its core service areas.
CohnReznick Enhances Private Equity Practice Under Scott G. Sachs
CohnReznick, a prominent professional services firm, is significantly expanding its Private Equity practice, signaling a robust commitment to serving larger and more complex private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Scott G. Sachs has been named the new Private Equity Practice Leader, a role that will see him spearhead the firm’s initiatives in this crucial sector.
The expansion is underpinned by a multi-faceted investment strategy, focusing on leveraging best-in-class technology, deepening practitioner expertise through comprehensive professional development plans, and augmenting the firm’s team of experienced professionals. This strategic enhancement aims to provide unparalleled support to clients navigating the intricate demands of the private equity lifecycle.
Complementing the Private Equity practice is CohnReznick’s recently launched Value Creation practice, led by Ryan Paskin. This new unit will work in close collaboration with financial sponsors and management teams to maximize the value of acquisitions. The Value Creation practice will focus on developing and implementing strategies across commercial, operational, financial, and technology functions to drive performance and enhance investor returns. The synergy between the Private Equity and Value Creation practices is designed to offer a holistic suite of services, from initial investment to post-acquisition value enhancement, thereby optimizing outcomes for clients.
The growth in CohnReznick’s private equity services is reflective of broader trends in the financial services industry. Private equity firms are increasingly seeking integrated, high-value advisory services that extend beyond traditional accounting and tax functions. By investing in specialized practices and experienced leadership like Scott G. Sachs, CohnReznick positions itself to capture a larger share of this expanding market, catering to the sophisticated needs of institutional investors and their portfolio companies.
Forvis Mazars Appoints Jim Gray to Lead Texas Forensics Practice
Forvis Mazars LLP, one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, has appointed Jim Gray as the new leader of its forensics practice in Texas. Based in Houston, Gray will oversee the firm’s forensic accounting, compliance, and financial analysis teams across Texas, a state with significant economic activity and a high volume of complex financial disputes.
Gray brings nearly 25 years of experience, with a primary focus on commercial damages and accounting investigations. His extensive background includes navigating matters heard in federal and state courts, arbitrations, and before regulatory agencies. His industry experience is diverse, spanning critical sectors such as oil and gas, insurance, manufacturing, retail, real estate, and construction. This broad expertise is invaluable in the forensics field, where disputes can arise across a wide spectrum of business operations.
As the leader of the Texas forensics practice, Gray will be responsible for managing complex engagements, providing expert advice on the financial implications of disputes, misconduct, and unexpected events. His leadership will be crucial in guiding clients through sensitive and often high-stakes situations. Forvis Mazars maintains a strong presence across Texas, with office locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, providing a robust platform for Gray to deploy his expertise and lead his teams.
Previously, Gray served as a partner at a regional accounting and economics services firm and has also gained experience with various global professional services firms. This career trajectory has equipped him with a deep understanding of the forensic accounting landscape and the ability to manage intricate investigations with precision and integrity. The appointment of Gray signifies Forvis Mazars’ commitment to strengthening its specialized services in key markets and addressing the growing demand for forensic expertise in complex litigation and regulatory matters.
Aprio Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Fuel Growth
Aprio, recognized as the 20th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., has announced a series of leadership appointments designed to deepen its industry expertise, expand its market reach, and enhance client value across its domestic and global operations. These strategic moves reflect the firm’s ongoing growth trajectory and its commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions.
Among the key appointments is Adam Venokur, CPA/PFS, CFP®, who transitions from Northeast Regional Leader to the newly created role of Global M&A Growth Leader. In this capacity, Venokur will guide newly acquired firms through Aprio’s integration program and support their first-year growth objectives. His role is critical in ensuring a seamless transition for acquired entities and helping clients benefit from rapid access to expanded services, cross-functional expertise, and a unified "One Aprio" experience.
Adam Beckerman, CPA, CGMA, has been named Northeast Regional Leader, in addition to his existing role as National Leader for Manufacturing, Distribution & Consumer Products. As Audit Partner, Beckerman brings over 30 years of industry leadership experience, with a proven ability to scale teams and services. His new regional leadership role will focus on guiding the Northeast region’s growth and ensuring clients benefit from specialized industry expertise and closer alignment between local teams and Aprio’s global resources.
Alan Langelli, CPA, has been appointed Midwest Regional Leader. Langelli, previously the Mid-Atlantic Technology Leader and Audit Partner, will now focus on expanding Aprio’s specialized capabilities across the Midwest. His responsibilities include developing future talent, enhancing the client experience, and ensuring the delivery of scalable solutions to support client growth.
Jon Segal, CPA, steps into the role of Chicago Office Leader. As Tax Partner, Segal will concentrate on strengthening Aprio’s presence and leadership within the Chicago market. His focus will be on enhancing local leadership, fostering community engagement, and ensuring clients benefit from continuity, trusted relationships, and seamless access to Aprio’s broad array of services, including accounting, tax, audit, advisory, talent, wealth, and legal services.
Finally, David Siegel, CPA, has been named Technology Industry Leader. As Audit Partner, Siegel will guide Aprio’s Technology Practice through its next phase of growth. His leadership will be crucial in helping technology companies navigate rapid innovation, cybersecurity challenges, regulatory compliance, and emerging trends. Siegel’s focus will be on ensuring technology clients benefit from integrated accounting, tax, advisory, talent, wealth, and legal solutions tailored to the technology lifecycle.
These leadership appointments underscore Aprio’s strategic vision for continued expansion and its dedication to providing specialized, high-value services to a diverse range of clients. The firm’s proactive approach to building leadership capacity across various regions and industries positions it for sustained success in the competitive advisory and accounting market.
