Ambassador Bill Pickert, retired managing partner of the Wichita office, worked with the firm for more than 38 years. Since retiring in 2023, Bill has been busy applying the lessons he learned at Forvis Mazars to positively impact his state and community. He is a member of the firm’s Alumni Steering Committee. Giving his time and expertise on several boards, Bill shares about the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, which serves the educational needs of children with dyslexia and those who teach them.
Bill, you worked at the firm for more than 38 years. Did you ever think you would be with us for that long?
You take it one day at a time. I knew no matter where I went, I was going to work hard. And no matter where I worked, I was looking for an opportunity to become an owner rather than just an employee. So, I had a hope to be a partner someday but knew it was a long-term goal that would require a lot of persistence and some luck. Once I moved to legacy firm BKD a few years after college, it was clear that this was exactly where I wanted to be. There was a very strong work ethic, a very strong idea of right versus wrong, and I just felt it was a very rewarding and impactful learning environment. I consider myself very lucky to have found the opportunity to work for the firm and the career I experienced.
Did you always want to be an accountant?
I enjoyed accounting; it came easily to me. When I graduated in 1983, it seemed like the only people getting jobs were accounting majors, so it worked out great for me. My dad was also a CPA in private industry and had a very successful career, so I knew the opportunities were there.
And you found an opportunity here …
Yes. The opportunity to be a managing partner of an office came at an early age. I was just 37 when I moved from Tulsa to Wichita to take that role. I had only been a partner for a couple years. That was intimidating, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Our office made great progress, not overnight, but we built up some great people and saw their success. As a managing partner, having success in the office and with your people is very rewarding, and it’s something I take a great deal of pride in. It’s very gratifying.
So, what’s keeping you busy nowadays?
Well, apparently, I haven’t figured out this retirement thing yet. I’m staying so busy that I’m actually playing less golf now than I did when I was working! But I’m still playing some. I’m learning to play the piano right now, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been involved with several boards—some for-profit and some nonprofit, which can be a lot of responsibility. I enjoy the opportunity to make an impact on our community. There’s an immense sense of satisfaction in being on these boards.
One organization you’re working with is the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center. Why were you drawn to that particular board?
The Phillips Fundamental Learning Center helps children with dyslexia, and they’ve been doing tremendous work in our community. Our daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was young, and it’s a difficult situation for kids. About 20% of people in the U.S. have dyslexia, and it can lead to lowered confidence and educational outcomes. The Center, working with legislators, was recently able to get Kansas to recognize dyslexia as a learning disability. We are now working to help find resources and capacity to help those children. This organization really is making a difference in our community, helping children and teachers and raising awareness across the state.
How are you better because of Forvis Mazars?
First, I’d say I’m better because of the relationships I’ve developed over the more than 38 years I was with the firm. I’ve developed lifelong friendships, including with many colleagues who started with me in the Kansas City office. Beyond that, the opportunity to do the things I was passionate about during my career, developing people and client relationships, has made a huge impact on me, professionally as well as personally.
Second, public accounting is a relationship business, particularly for the kind of closely-held clients we serve. It’s made me a better person and allowed me to do things I wouldn’t otherwise have gotten to do. The firm encouraged me to get involved with my community, and that has given me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and purpose.
More About Bill Pickert
- Grew up in Overland Park, Kansas
- Graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration
- Joined legacy firm BKD, now Forvis Mazars, as a senior accountant in Kansas City in 1985
- Worked in the firm’s Kansas City office for 10 years and the Tulsa office for four years, and then became the managing partner of the firm’s Wichita office in 1999
- Sits on the board of the Wichita Public Library Foundation, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, Scouting America – Quivira Council, and Kansas Policy Institute
- Previously was a board member and chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Industries of Kansas
- He and his wife, Traci, have four children and four grandchildren
