Cherry Bekaert Executive and Leadership Team

Michelle Thompson, the Chief Executive Officer at Cherry Bekaert, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Thompson guides the expansion of services across audit, tax, and advisory, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity throughout the organization. Thompson drives the firm's growth initiatives, focusing on strengthening its national presence and enhancing its reputation as a leading CPA and advisory firm. By overseeing key strategic partnerships and market positioning, Michelle Thompson ensures Cherry Bekaert maintains its competitive edge and delivers exceptional value to a broad spectrum of clients, from multinational corporations to emerging companies.

Ame Lewis, the Chief Financial Officer at Cherry Bekaert, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Lewis oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance. This executive function involves optimizing resource allocation to support the firm's expansive service offerings in audit, tax, and advisory. Lewis plays a key part in driving profitability and financial stability across Cherry Bekaert's numerous offices and entities. By providing critical financial insights and analysis, Ame Lewis supports executive decision-making and guides the firm's long-term financial strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading national accounting and advisory firm.

Irwin Studen, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Fractional at Cherry Bekaert, provides specialized financial leadership and strategic guidance on a flexible basis. Studen focuses on enhancing financial operations and driving fiscal performance for clients requiring expert CFO-level support. This role involves developing and implementing robust financial strategies, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Studen leverages extensive experience to address complex financial challenges, supporting clients across various industries. By delivering high-impact financial management solutions, Irwin Studen contributes to the firm's ability to offer tailored advisory services and reinforces Cherry Bekaert's commitment to client success.

Cody Ernst, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory & Manager at Cherry Bekaert, leads financial strategy and operational management within the advisory services framework. Ernst oversees the financial aspects of client engagements, ensuring profitability and effective resource utilization for complex advisory projects. This position involves developing and executing financial plans that align with client objectives and market dynamics. Ernst drives financial performance improvements and risk mitigation strategies for clients seeking expert guidance. By managing financial operations and providing strategic insights, Cody Ernst enhances the value delivered by Cherry Bekaert's advisory teams, supporting client growth and operational excellence.

Joshua Ramsey, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory & Partner at Cherry Bekaert, directs financial strategy and client advisory services with a partner-level perspective. Ramsey oversees the financial health and strategic direction of advisory engagements, ensuring alignment with client goals and firm objectives. This leadership role involves providing expert financial counsel, driving performance improvements, and managing financial risks for a diverse client portfolio. Ramsey focuses on delivering comprehensive financial solutions that support business growth and operational efficiency. By leveraging deep financial expertise and strategic insights, Joshua Ramsey strengthens Cherry Bekaert's advisory capabilities and reinforces its commitment to client success across key industries.

Kenneth Woodring, the Partner, Chief Financial Officer Advisory at Cherry Bekaert, provides strategic financial leadership and expert advisory services to clients. Woodring guides clients through complex financial challenges, focusing on optimizing financial performance and driving sustainable growth. This partner-level role involves developing and implementing tailored financial strategies, managing fiscal operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Woodring leverages extensive experience to deliver high-impact solutions in areas such as transaction advisory and financial planning. By offering specialized CFO advisory services, Kenneth Woodring enhances Cherry Bekaert's ability to support client success and reinforces the firm's reputation for excellence.

Jp Reynolds, the Chief Information Officer at Cherry Bekaert, architects the firm's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Reynolds oversees the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to protect client data and enhance operational efficiency. This critical role involves managing all aspects of information systems, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies across the firm's extensive network of offices. Reynolds drives innovation in digital consulting services, enabling clients to leverage technology for business growth. By optimizing technology resources and digital platforms, Jp Reynolds supports the firm's mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions in assurance, tax, and advisory services, reinforcing Cherry Bekaert's position in the market.

John Steger, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cherry Bekaert, spearheads the firm's brand development and market outreach strategies. Steger directs all marketing and communications efforts, focusing on amplifying the firm's expertise in assurance, tax, and advisory services across key industry verticals. This leadership position involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight Cherry Bekaert's value proposition to a diverse client base, including government entities, healthcare organizations, and technology firms. Steger drives lead generation and client engagement initiatives, ensuring consistent brand messaging and market penetration. By overseeing market research and competitive analysis, John Steger positions Cherry Bekaert for sustained growth and strengthens its standing as a nationally recognized firm.

Ellie Acosta, the Advisory Services Chief of Staff at Cherry Bekaert, enhances the operational effectiveness and strategic execution within the advisory division. Acosta coordinates cross-functional initiatives, ensuring seamless delivery of services such as transaction advisory, risk management, and digital consulting. This role involves streamlining processes and improving communication channels between advisory teams and clients, facilitating efficient project management. Acosta supports the leadership in developing and implementing strategic plans for advisory growth, focusing on expanding service lines and market reach. By optimizing operational workflows and resource deployment, Ellie Acosta strengthens Cherry Bekaert's capacity to provide comprehensive business solutions to its diverse clientele.

Brandy Masters, the Chief of Staff - ORS at Cherry Bekaert, optimizes operational performance and strategic initiatives within the Office of the Regional Senior Partner. Masters coordinates key projects, enhances internal communication, and supports the execution of regional business plans. This role involves streamlining workflows and ensuring efficient resource allocation to support client service delivery and firm growth objectives. Masters facilitates collaboration among various departments and teams, driving operational excellence across the organization. By managing critical operational functions and strategic priorities, Brandy Masters ensures the effective implementation of Cherry Bekaert's mission and strengthens its market position.