Forvis Mazars, LLP, ranked among the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, today announced new members of its Governing Board, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the firm.
Sarah Saunders, Brian West, and Gary Schafer were elected by the firm’s partnership to serve three-year terms. Saunders and West are new to the Board; Schafer was re-elected to a second term. In addition, Karine Philippon and JoAnna Simek have been appointed to serve two-year terms as advisory Board members.
“These individuals are all exceptional leaders with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the evolving landscape of the profession,” said Governing Board Chair Matt Snow. “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.”
“The opportunities our firm enjoys today are the result of the foresight and bold moves of partners and leaders who came before us,” said CEO Tom Watson. “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.”
Karine Philippon is the managing partner for the California and Arizona practice unit, overseeing markets including Los Angeles, San Jose, Irvine, and Phoenix. Philippon joined the firm in France in 2004 within the audit practice. She helped lead the establishment of a greenfield office in Los Angeles in 2017, which has achieved significant growth under her leadership.
Sarah Saunders is an audit partner in the Financial Services Practice. She has experience working with financial services clients ranging from community to multibillion-dollar regional banks and financial services companies. She leads the Atlanta assurance practice and is the Atlanta market industry leader for Financial Services.
Gary Schafer is the managing partner of the Southern Missouri practice unit, composed of offices in Springfield, Joplin, and Branson. He is an auditor with expertise in manufacturing, retail, and wholesale and serves on the Peer Review Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
JoAnna Simek is the assistant managing partner in the Indianapolis market. She is a tax partner in the Commercial Products Practice with clients in multiple industries such as manufacturing, retail, food, private equity, and technology. Simek has been actively involved in task forces that have helped define the firm’s mission, purpose, and values.
Brian West is the managing partner of the Houston market and has provided audit and consulting services to clients in multiple industries, including financial services, manufacturing and distribution, and insurance. He was previously a regional industry leader for manufacturing and distribution and served on the national committee that set the practice’s strategic direction.
Additional members of the Governing Board of Forvis Mazars include: 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; and Victor Wahba, partner.
