Forvis Mazars Appoints New Governing Board Members to Shape Strategic Direction

Forvis Mazars, LLP, a prominent firm with FY24 net revenue of $2.15 billion, has announced the election of new members to its Governing Board, responsible for steering the strategic direction of the firm.

Sarah Saunders, Brian West, and Gary Schafer have been elected to three-year terms, with Saunders and West joining the board for the first time, while Schafer continues into his second term. Additionally, Karine Philippon and JoAnna Simek have been appointed as advisory board members, each serving two-year terms.

“These individuals are all exceptional leaders with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the evolving landscape of the profession,” said Matt Snow, Chair of the Governing Board. “Their insights and experience will be invaluable as we move forward during a pivotal era in our firm’s 100-year history. I am eager to see how they will help us unlock our potential in the years ahead.”

Tom Watson, CEO of Forvis Mazars, echoed these sentiments: “The opportunities our firm enjoys today are the result of the foresight and bold moves of partners and leaders who came before us. All of our new board members exemplify these same qualities, and I look forward to working with them as we build even more opportunities for the next generation of partners and team members.”

New Governing Board Members

· Sarah Saunders: An audit partner in the Financial Services Practice, Saunders leads the Atlanta assurance practice and serves as the market industry leader for financial services. Her expertise spans community to multibillion-dollar regional banks and financial services companies.

· Brian West: As managing partner of the Houston market, West brings extensive audit and consulting experience across financial services, manufacturing, distribution, and insurance. He has also served as a regional industry leader and contributed to the firm’s national strategic planning efforts.

· Gary Schafer: Managing partner of the Southern Missouri practice unit, Schafer oversees offices in Springfield, Joplin, and Branson. An audit expert in manufacturing, retail, and wholesale, Schafer also serves on the AICPA Peer Review Board.

· Karine Philippon (Advisory Board): Managing partner for the California and Arizona practice unit, Philippon has been instrumental in establishing and growing the firm’s Los Angeles office since 2017.

· JoAnna Simek (Advisory Board): Assistant managing partner in Indianapolis and tax partner in the Commercial Products Practice, Simek supports clients across manufacturing, retail, food, private equity, and technology industries. She has contributed significantly to defining the firm’s mission, purpose, and values.

Additional Governing Board Members

The Governing Board also includes:

· Trey Ackerman, National Service Line Leader, Tax

· Thomas Boothby, Regional Managing Partner

· Mike Coletti, Global Business Leader

· David Evans, Regional Managing Partner, Consulting

· Lori Haley, Chief Talent Officer

· Jerry Henderson, Regional Managing Partner, Consulting

· Kimberly McKay, Regional Managing Partner

· Holly Pantzer, National Industry Leader, Private Client

· Laura Peth, Principal

· Rob Pruitt, Chief Practice and Innovation Officer

· Victor Wahba, Partner

About Forvis Mazars

Ranked among the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, Forvis Mazars provides a wide range of services across audit, tax, and advisory sectors. With a 100-year legacy, the firm prides itself on delivering innovative solutions to a diverse client base spanning industries such as financial services, manufacturing, retail, and technology. For more information, visit www.forvismazars.com.