Schneider Downs Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Schneider Downs has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, human resources, and shareholder management.

Committed to delivering comprehensive accounting and advisory solutions, Schneider Downs empowers diverse organizations through expert financial guidance and strategic business consulting across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Schneider Downs

  • Chief Executive Officer - Adam Goode
  • Chief Operating Officer - Justin Steele
  • Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services - Carol Murray
  • Chief Information Officer - Jack Wolford
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Vanessa Ethier
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kelly Horn
  • Shareholder - Eric Wright
  • Adam Goode - Chief Executive Officer

    Adam Goode, the Chief Executive Officer at Schneider Downs, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives for the firm. Overseeing the integration of accounting, tax, and business advisory services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the needs of publicly and privately held entities. Adam Goode maintains rigorous standards for client service delivery while fostering a culture of professional excellence across all regional operations. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of service offerings to nonprofit organizations and government entities. This leadership role involves navigating complex market shifts to maintain the firm's competitive position. Through constant evaluation of service quality and operational efficiency, Goode secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the firm remains a trusted partner for diverse business sectors throughout the country.
    Adam Goode

    Justin Steele - Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Steele, the Chief Operating Officer at Schneider Downs, manages the daily operational workflows and resource allocation across the firm's diverse service departments. Coordinating internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that accounting and tax teams maintain high productivity levels while meeting strict regulatory deadlines. Justin Steele optimizes the firm's operational capacity to support the needs of both private and public sector clients. By refining project management methodologies, the Chief Operating Officer improves the speed and accuracy of business advisory engagements. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other C-suite members to align operational output with the firm's broader growth objectives. Through the implementation of standardized performance metrics, Steele drives continuous improvement in service delivery. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational stability required to provide consistent value to the firm's extensive client base across various industries.

    Carol Murray - Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services

    Carol Murray, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services at Schneider Downs, leads the specialized operations dedicated to high-net-worth individuals and family-owned businesses. Managing the unique requirements of these clients, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services coordinates tax planning, wealth management, and business advisory services. Carol Murray ensures that the firm's family office operations remain highly personalized and responsive to complex financial needs. By overseeing the integration of specialized service teams, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services drives the growth of this niche market segment. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with clients while ensuring the delivery of bespoke financial solutions. Through the optimization of service workflows, Murray enhances the value provided to family-held entities. Ultimately, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services secures the firm's position as a trusted advisor for families seeking comprehensive financial stewardship.

    Jack Wolford - Chief Information Officer

    Jack Wolford, the Chief Information Officer at Schneider Downs, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern accounting practices. Managing the firm's technological assets, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive client data while enabling seamless collaboration across all service lines. Jack Wolford implements advanced software solutions to streamline tax preparation and business advisory workflows. By overseeing the digital transformation of internal processes, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of service delivery for both large and small businesses. This role requires constant monitoring of emerging threats to ensure the integrity of the firm's information systems. Through the deployment of scalable cloud platforms, Wolford supports the firm's ability to handle complex data requirements for government entities and professional associations. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological edge required to support the firm's mission in a data-driven market.
    Jack Wolford

    Vanessa Ethier - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Vanessa Ethier, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, designs talent acquisition and professional development programs to attract top-tier accounting and advisory experts. Cultivating a high-performance workplace, the Chief Human Resources Officer oversees employee engagement and retention strategies that support the firm's long-term goals. Vanessa Ethier manages the organizational structure to ensure that teams possess the necessary expertise to serve nonprofit organizations and government entities effectively. By implementing comprehensive training initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the firm's business objectives to ensure optimal staffing levels across all service lines. Through the development of inclusive workplace policies, Ethier strengthens the firm's reputation as a premier employer. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human talent essential for maintaining the firm's high standards of service.

    Kelly Horn - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kelly Horn, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, directs compensation, benefits, and performance management systems to incentivize excellence among the firm's professional staff. Overseeing the administrative framework for employee relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures compliance with labor regulations while promoting a supportive work environment. Kelly Horn develops strategic workforce planning models to address the evolving needs of the firm's diverse client base, including service firms and professional associations. By analyzing workforce data, the Chief Human Resources Officer identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency through better team alignment. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to resolve personnel challenges and enhance overall productivity. Through the execution of robust wellness and recognition programs, Horn boosts morale and commitment across the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the organizational culture necessary to sustain the firm's market impact and service quality.

    Eric Wright - Shareholder

    Eric Wright, the Shareholder at Schneider Downs, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the firm's long-term financial success and market relevance. Participating in key governance decisions, the Shareholder influences the direction of the firm's accounting and advisory practices. Eric Wright leverages deep industry expertise to advise major clients and support the development of new service offerings. By engaging with other senior leaders, the Shareholder helps shape the firm's approach to complex business challenges and regulatory compliance. This role involves representing the firm's interests in professional associations and broader market discussions. Through the active management of client relationships, the Shareholder drives business development and maintains the firm's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, the Shareholder contributes to the stability and growth of the organization by ensuring that all strategic actions align with the firm's core mission and values.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Schneider Downs Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Schneider Downs?
    Schneider Downs is led by Adam Goode (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Justin Steele (Chief Operating Officer) and Carol Murray (Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services).
    Who is part of Schneider Downs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Schneider Downs includes leaders such as Adam Goode (Chief Executive Officer), Justin Steele (Chief Operating Officer), Carol Murray (Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Schneider Downs have?
    Schneider Downs has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Schneider Downs’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Schneider Downs includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.