Schneider Downs Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Schneider Downs has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational efficiency, human capital management, family office services, and shareholder governance.

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

Leadership Roles at Schneider Downs

  • Chief Executive Officer - Adam Goode
  • Chief Financial Officer - Eric Surma
  • Chief Operating Officer - Justin Steele
  • Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services - Carol Murray
  • 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 for the firm. By aligning accounting and advisory services with evolving market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge across North American business sectors. Adam Goode monitors firm-wide performance metrics to guarantee that service delivery meets the complex needs of publicly and privately held entities. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term growth objectives and operational standards. Through the implementation of rigorous quality controls, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence that supports nonprofit organizations and government entities alike. By prioritizing client-centric innovation, the firm secures its position as a premier provider of professional services. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the strategic initiatives that define the firm's reputation for reliability and technical proficiency in the accounting industry.
    Adam Goode

    Eric Surma - Chief Financial Officer

    Eric Surma, the Chief Financial Officer at Schneider Downs, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the firm. Overseeing internal financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability required to support diverse business advisory operations. Eric Surma directs the budgeting processes that enable the firm to scale its tax and accounting services effectively across regional markets. This role requires close coordination with other C-suite leaders to optimize resource distribution and maintain profitability. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making regarding firm investments. The Chief Financial Officer also monitors compliance with regulatory standards to protect the integrity of the organization. Through meticulous financial planning, Surma secures the necessary capital to fund technological advancements and talent acquisition, ensuring the firm remains a leader in the professional services landscape.

    Justin Steele - Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Steele, the Chief Operating Officer at Schneider Downs, architects the internal workflows and service delivery models that define the firm's operational efficiency. Focusing on the integration of accounting and business advisory functions, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines processes to enhance client outcomes for service firms and professional associations. Justin Steele directs the implementation of scalable infrastructure that supports the firm's broad market reach. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that tax and consulting teams operate with maximum productivity. By identifying bottlenecks in service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the firm's capacity to handle complex engagements for both large and small businesses. Steele also oversees the adoption of new technologies to modernize service offerings. Through consistent operational refinement, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of performance that clients expect from the firm's diverse portfolio of professional services.

    Carol Murray - Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services

    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-owned enterprises. Overseeing the delivery of bespoke tax and wealth advisory services, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services ensures that complex financial needs receive tailored attention. Carol Murray architects the service frameworks that allow the firm to provide comprehensive support for family offices across the country. This leadership role involves coordinating with tax and accounting specialists to deliver integrated solutions that preserve and grow family wealth. By focusing on the unique requirements of private clients, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services enhances the firm's value proposition in the private wealth sector. Murray also manages the operational standards for this specific business unit to ensure consistency and excellence. Through targeted operational oversight, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services drives the success of this critical service vertical.

    Vanessa Ethier - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Vanessa Ethier, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, designs the talent acquisition and retention strategies essential for maintaining a high-performing workforce. Overseeing professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts top-tier accounting and advisory talent. Vanessa Ethier directs initiatives that foster an inclusive culture, enabling the organization to provide superior service to nonprofit and government clients. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the firm's broader business objectives to support long-term growth. By implementing performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and professional excellence. Ethier also manages the organizational structure to ensure that teams possess the necessary expertise to address complex client challenges. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital required to sustain the firm's reputation for technical expertise and client-focused service delivery.

    Kelly Horn - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kelly Horn, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Downs, manages the firm's internal culture and employee relations to support a high-functioning professional environment. Overseeing the implementation of benefits and compensation structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm remains an employer of choice for accounting and tax professionals. Kelly Horn directs the training and mentorship initiatives that prepare staff to serve diverse client bases, including service firms and professional associations. This role involves collaborating with leadership to align staffing levels with the firm's operational demands. By fostering a collaborative workplace, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the retention of key personnel who contribute to the firm's success. Horn also monitors workplace policies to ensure compliance and promote a positive organizational climate. Through strategic human resources management, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the talent pipeline necessary for the firm to continue delivering high-quality advisory services.

    Eric Wright - Shareholder

    Eric Wright, the Shareholder at Schneider Downs, provides governance and strategic oversight to ensure the firm's long-term viability and market impact. As a key leader, the Shareholder participates in high-level decision-making regarding the firm's service offerings and expansion into new business sectors. Eric Wright directs the development of client relationships, particularly with large, publicly held organizations that require sophisticated accounting and tax advisory services. This role involves representing the firm's interests in professional associations and industry forums to maintain a strong market presence. By contributing to the firm's governance, the Shareholder ensures that all operations align with the core mission of providing expert business guidance. Wright also mentors junior partners to cultivate the next generation of firm leadership. Through active participation in the firm's strategic direction, the Shareholder drives the growth and stability of the organization, ensuring that the firm continues to deliver exceptional value to its diverse client base.

    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 Eric Surma (Chief Financial Officer) and Justin Steele (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Schneider Downs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Schneider Downs includes leaders such as Adam Goode (Chief Executive Officer), Eric Surma (Chief Financial Officer), Justin Steele (Chief Operating Officer) 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 Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Group Chief Operating Officer, Family Office Services, Chief Human Resources Officer.