When Ambassador Kim Hamm joined the firm in 1986, she had no real long-term plans regarding the firm. But thanks to the encouragement she received, the self-confidence instilled in her during her time here, and her great team members, she not only became one of the earliest female partners, but also developed a passion for mentoring others that continues at Forvis Mazars today.
You joined the firm in Springfield, Missouri right out of college and stayed there—and only there—for the next 35 years. What made you join and what made you stay?
Well, after getting my accounting degree, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. So my dad introduced me to one of his golfing buddies, Jim White (retired partner, deceased), who was a partner at legacy firm BKD. I was born and raised in Springfield and hoped to stay here. There was no Big Four presence here, but Jim opened my eyes not just to public accounting but to the opportunities the firm offered and the contribution I could make—no matter where or what size city I was in.
Why did you stay and build your entire career at the firm?
It all comes down to the people I worked with. When I first joined, I just wanted to pass the exam and get better at what I was doing. And the firm offered me so much. I was wonderfully trained and wore many hats. Each time I considered leaving or looking at other opportunities—and there were several—I thought about the amazingly talented, intelligent, and driven people I was surrounded by. And I always stayed. It wasn’t just about loyalty. The firm did great things for me, and I wanted to be there for my teammates.
You mentioned mentoring. Who mentored you?
There were many, both within the firm and among the great clients I had the opportunity to work with. It wasn’t always mentoring about technical work, promotions, etc. Sometimes, it was just about life. One early example was with Judy Breeding. She was one of the firm’s first female partners and just happened to be in Springfield. One of the most valuable lessons she taught me was to let things go—to focus on what I’m good at and let others do what they’re good at doing. I remember early on being pretty stressed out when she suggested I get a housekeeper. I said, ‘What?’ But I did, partly because I was afraid to tell Judy ‘no,’ and the stress relief was amazing!
What attracted you to being heavily involved in recruiting students during your tenure?
Because I remember being in their shoes. Accounting students want to know where to go, how to be successful. I loved telling them what a great place to work our firm was and, really, still is today! I liked showing them a path to achieve their goals. A highlight of my career is watching people I helped recruit go on to become leaders in the firm, including many women. I always look forward to receiving the partner and senior manager promotion list. Forvis Mazars (legacy firm BKD) gave me every opportunity—as a woman working in a smaller office—and I wanted to pass that along.
Growing up, you raised and showed Arabian horses. How did that come about?
Like many young girls, I always dreamed of owning a horse. And I begged my parents for one. At first, the answer was always ‘no’ because we didn’t have space. But when a friend’s family acquired some land—and said I could keep a horse there—my father relented. He even sold his beloved Porsche for a truck and horse trailer. So throughout my teens I raised and showed Arabians. At one point we had 10. It was a wonderful experience and taught me a lot about hard work, responsibility, winning, and losing with grace.
What does it mean to you to be an Ambassador in the Alumni Network of this firm?
I’m incredibly proud. And I still have a passion for seeing potential in people who don’t see it in themselves. People saw things in me that I didn’t. Now, being able to see that in others is amazing. So whenever I can, I try to connect people with the firm, refer a contact, and look for ways to give back. I feel it’s my responsibility and I enjoy it. Being involved in the Alumni Network is a good way to stay connected to great people.
More about Kim Hamm
- Received her accounting degree from Drury University, where she previously served on its board of directors
- Married to her husband, David, who she met at BKD, and has a son, age 23, and twin daughters, age 22
- Since retiring in 2021, she has bought and sold another Arabian and tried her hand at paddleboarding and kayaking
- Recently returned from a wine tasting trip to Willamette Valley with nine people, including former firm colleagues, current and retired
- Has three dogs and a cat named Whiskey, who she says, “eats a lot less than a horse”
