LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2014) – Louisville-based DMLO CPAs has announced that Chris Ward will become the firm’s new president effective April 30, 2015.
Ward will succeed current President Jennifer Hughes as part of a planned rotation in leadership roles.
“Guiding the firm through the last five years has been both enriching and enlightening,” said Hughes. “There were invigorating highlights as well as unforeseen challenges, and I have grown immensely as a leader and as an individual as a result. I am so pleased that Chris is ready to step up and embrace this role and continue the vision. His enormous talent, energy, and drive, together with his experience, wisdom and respect as a leader at the firm, will without doubt help us achieve the important goals we have set for the firm.”
The firm has seen many accomplishments under Hughes’ leadership, including the successful retirement of a second generation of partners, formalization of the firm’s vision and strategic plan, joining a global association of accounting firms (BKR International), the acquisition of a local tax and accounting practice, and consistent growth in the midst of a recession, including the addition of five new partners. She oversaw substantial investment in state-of-the-art technology and training, the launch of a new website, and a complete renovation of the 11th floor of the ‘flashcube’ building at Hurstbourne and Shelbyville Rd. DMLO became a Top Investor and High Impact Company with Greater Louisville Inc. and was recognized repeatedly for its exemplary workplace environment and practices with the prestigious national “When Work Works” award, based primarily on the results of an independent survey of employees.
Hughes will continue to work with Ward and the leadership team to implement firm strategy and initiatives, in addition to devoting more time to working directly with clients in the firm’s long-term care and not-for-profit niches. Hughes will also continue to serve on the board of directors and as treasurer for both Greater Louisville Inc. and Leadership Louisville, on the executive board of the Lincoln Heritage Council/BSA, and on the boards of the Kentucky Society of CPAs (KyCPA) and KyCPA Foundation.
In a similar path to Hughes, Ward began his accounting career at the firm and has been a director since 2007. He has served on the firm’s executive committee since its formation. He was chosen for Business First’s “Forty Under 40” in 2011.
Key initiatives Ward will focus on as he takes the helm will be the continued development of the firm’s specialty niche groups and ongoing growth, both organic and via the targeted acquisition of smaller practices whose owners are approaching retirement and want to ensure that their clients continue to receive the highest standard of service and quality of relationship.
Founded in Louisville in 1975, DMLO has grown to more than 90 employees who provide a full range of financial and advisory services to businesses, individuals, high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations.
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