Smith Howard Executive and Leadership Team

Karthik Krishnamurthy, the Chief Financial Officer at Smith Howard, directs the firm's financial planning, management, and reporting. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Krishnamurthy ensures robust financial health and strategic resource allocation to support Smith Howard's extensive service offerings, including audit, assurance, and international tax. This role involves managing budgets, analyzing financial performance, and mitigating financial risks across the organization and its affiliated entities. By implementing sound financial controls, Karthik Krishnamurthy safeguards the firm's assets and supports its global client reach. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial for driving profitability and enabling the expansion of specialized services like wealth management and human capital consulting. Krishnamurthy's financial acumen underpins Smith Howard's capacity to deliver comprehensive solutions and navigate economic complexities.

J. Sean Spitzer, the President at Smith Howard, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the firm's comprehensive tax, accounting, advisory, and consulting services. Overseeing all operational facets, Spitzer drives the firm's mission to support businesses globally through financial, operational, and compliance expertise. This leadership role involves guiding the integration of Smith Howard's core offerings with those of its affiliated companies, such as wealth management, property tax services, and executive search solutions. By fostering a client-centric approach, J. Sean Spitzer ensures the delivery of tailored support across diverse industries. Spitzer's vision propels the firm's growth and market expansion, reinforcing its position as a trusted advisor. The President's strategic oversight guarantees that Smith Howard consistently adapts to evolving market demands and client needs, maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Julie Barnes, the Chief of Staff at Smith Howard, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the firm. Overseeing critical projects, Barnes ensures alignment with the company's overarching goals of providing comprehensive tax, accounting, advisory, and consulting services. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental collaboration to enhance service delivery for a global client base. By optimizing internal processes, Julie Barnes directly supports the firm's mission to help businesses navigate financial, operational, and compliance challenges. The Chief of Staff's focus extends to fostering a culture of excellence and driving the successful integration of affiliated companies' specialized offerings, including wealth management and sales tax advisory. Barnes's strategic oversight guarantees that Smith Howard consistently meets evolving client needs and maintains its market position in Atlanta and beyond.

Brielle Castronuova, the Chief Marketing Officer at Smith Howard, architects and executes the firm's comprehensive marketing and brand strategy. Overseeing all promotional activities, Castronuova drives market penetration and client acquisition for a broad range of professional services, including audit, tax planning, and cyber risk compliance. This role involves developing targeted campaigns that highlight Smith Howard's integrated approach and global client reach. By managing digital presence and public relations, Brielle Castronuova ensures the firm's value proposition resonates with businesses across various growth stages. The Chief Marketing Officer's leadership supports the expansion of services offered through affiliated companies, such as sales and use tax advisory and executive search solutions. Castronuova's strategic vision amplifies Smith Howard's impact, solidifying its reputation as a premier advisory firm.

Russell Kanner, the Chief Revenue Officer at Smith Howard, spearheads all revenue generation strategies and sales operations. Directing the firm's commercial efforts, Kanner focuses on expanding market share for tax, accounting, advisory, and consulting services offered both domestically and internationally. This critical position involves cultivating client relationships and driving growth across all service lines, including R&D tax credits and SOC reporting. By optimizing the sales funnel and identifying new business opportunities, Russell Kanner ensures sustained financial performance. The Chief Revenue Officer's leadership is integral to integrating the capabilities of affiliated companies, such as property tax services and management consulting, into cohesive client solutions. Kanner's strategic sales initiatives directly contribute to Smith Howard's mission of supporting businesses through complex financial and operational landscapes.

Kerry Eales, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith Howard, leads all aspects of human capital management and organizational development. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation strategies, Eales cultivates a high-performance culture essential for delivering specialized tax, accounting, and advisory services. This position involves ensuring that Smith Howard attracts and retains top talent to support its global client base and diverse service portfolio, including cyber risk compliance and R&D tax credits. By fostering employee engagement and professional growth, Kerry Eales directly contributes to the firm's operational excellence. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic approach is vital for integrating the workforce across Smith Howard and its affiliated companies, ensuring seamless collaboration for services like sales and use tax advisory and management consulting. Eales's focus on people empowers the firm to meet complex client needs.