Schneider Downs Executive and Leadership Team

Eric Surma, the Chief Financial Officer at Schneider Downs, directs all internal fiscal operations and long-term capital planning. Managing the firm's financial health, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, reporting, and risk management protocols to ensure sustainable growth. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while supporting the expansion of accounting and advisory services. By optimizing internal resource allocation, Eric Surma directly impacts the firm's ability to provide high-quality tax and business advisory services to a diverse client base. Surma maintains rigorous standards for financial compliance, ensuring that the organization remains agile in a competitive market. Through precise financial modeling and strategic oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to drive innovation across all service lines, ultimately reinforcing the firm's reputation for excellence in the professional services sector.

Justin Steele, the Chief Operating Officer at Schneider Downs, manages the daily execution of business advisory and accounting workflows. Overseeing the firm's operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all service departments to ensure seamless client delivery. This role involves streamlining internal processes and integrating new technologies to enhance service quality for both public and private entities. By coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, Justin Steele ensures that the firm meets the complex needs of nonprofit organizations and government entities alike. Steele maintains a focus on operational scalability, allowing the firm to adapt to shifting market demands while upholding high standards of professional service. Through the implementation of robust operational frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive business solutions, ensuring that every engagement aligns with the overarching strategic goals of the organization.

Carol Murray, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services at Schneider Downs, directs the specialized operations dedicated to high-net-worth individuals and family entities. Overseeing the delivery of bespoke financial and tax advisory services, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services ensures that complex wealth management needs receive tailored attention. This role involves coordinating with tax experts and financial advisors to provide holistic solutions that protect and grow family assets. By managing the unique operational requirements of the family office division, Carol Murray ensures that the firm delivers exceptional value and personalized service. Murray maintains a focus on long-term wealth preservation strategies, aligning the firm's resources with the specific goals of family clients. Through the oversight of specialized service delivery, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services supports the firm's reputation for excellence in private client advisory, ensuring that every engagement meets the highest standards of discretion and professional integrity.

Sean Smith, the Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Downs, architects the firm's brand identity and market positioning strategies. Driving growth through targeted outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer oversees all digital campaigns, public relations, and client acquisition efforts. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities for the firm's accounting and tax advisory services. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the firm's expertise, Sean Smith ensures that the brand remains a top choice for professional associations and service firms. Smith manages the firm's reputation across regional markets, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and potential clients. Through data-driven marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the firm's reach, ensuring that the value proposition resonates with a broad audience. Ultimately, Smith drives the firm's market presence, securing a competitive advantage through consistent and impactful communication strategies.

Kelly Horn, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, directs talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the firm's workforce strategy, the Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a high-performance culture focused on professional growth and employee retention. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that equip staff with the skills necessary to deliver top-tier accounting and advisory services. By fostering an inclusive work environment, Kelly Horn ensures that the firm attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Horn manages performance evaluation systems and compensation structures to align individual contributions with the firm's broader business objectives. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's commitment to excellence, ensuring that the team remains capable of addressing the complex needs of diverse clients. Ultimately, Horn drives organizational success by prioritizing the development and well-being of the firm's most valuable asset: the people.

Vanessa Ethier, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, manages internal communications and employee engagement programs. Overseeing the firm's cultural integration, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that promote collaboration and professional excellence across all departments. This role involves implementing wellness programs and diversity efforts that strengthen the firm's internal community. By facilitating leadership development workshops, Vanessa Ethier ensures that the firm maintains a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to serve a wide range of clients. Ethier monitors organizational health metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the workplace environment supports the firm's mission of providing superior business advisory services. Through the execution of strategic HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and long-term commitment. Ultimately, Ethier drives the firm's operational success by ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the core values and strategic vision of the organization.