Smith Howard Executive and Leadership Team

Karthik Krishnamurthy, the Chief Financial Officer at Smith Howard, directs all internal fiscal operations and capital allocation strategies. Managing the firm's financial health, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and long-term investment planning to ensure stability across all service lines. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while supporting the broader advisory goals of the organization. By optimizing internal accounting processes, Karthik Krishnamurthy directly impacts the firm's ability to scale operations effectively. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal performance with the evolving needs of global clients. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for continued expansion in the competitive accounting landscape. This position remains vital for maintaining the integrity of the firm's audit and assurance offerings while driving overall profitability and operational efficiency.

J. Sean Spitzer, the President at Smith Howard, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the firm. Overseeing the firm's diverse service offerings, the President ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to excellence in tax, accounting, and consulting. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's expansion and managing the integration of affiliated companies to provide comprehensive client support. By setting the strategic direction, J. Sean Spitzer drives the firm's growth and market impact across various stages of business development. The President collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all departments remain aligned with the firm's core mission and values. Through decisive leadership and a focus on client-centric solutions, the President secures the firm's position as a trusted advisor. This position remains central to the firm's ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver consistent value to clients globally.

Russ Kanner, the Chief Revenue Officer at Smith Howard, drives all business development initiatives and client acquisition strategies. Overseeing the firm's growth trajectory, the Chief Revenue Officer manages the expansion of service offerings including tax planning, transfer pricing, and consulting solutions. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and strengthening relationships with existing clients across diverse industries. By aligning sales efforts with the firm's core advisory capabilities, Russ Kanner ensures consistent revenue generation and market penetration. The Chief Revenue Officer coordinates with department heads to tailor service packages that address complex financial and compliance challenges. Through strategic outreach and partnership development, the Chief Revenue Officer expands the firm's footprint, ensuring that the organization remains a preferred partner for businesses seeking high-level professional services. This focus on revenue optimization supports the firm's long-term commitment to delivering value-driven results.

Brielle Ferrante, the Chief Marketing Officer at Smith Howard, architects the firm's brand identity and market positioning strategies. Overseeing all digital and traditional marketing channels, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the firm's expertise in tax, accounting, and consulting reaches target audiences effectively. This leadership role involves developing content strategies that highlight the firm's specialized services, such as R&D tax credits and SOC reporting. By managing brand reputation and client engagement initiatives, Brielle Ferrante drives awareness and supports the firm's growth objectives. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with service line leaders to create targeted campaigns that address specific client pain points. Through data-driven marketing efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer enhances the firm's visibility in the professional services sector. This role remains essential for maintaining a strong market presence and communicating the value of the firm's integrated service model to a global client base.

Scott Goodwin, the Chief Information Officer at Smith Howard, directs the firm's technology infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols. Overseeing the implementation of advanced digital tools, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all accounting and advisory services operate on secure, scalable platforms. This leadership role involves managing cyber risk compliance and protecting sensitive client data across all service lines. By integrating innovative software solutions, Scott Goodwin improves operational efficiency and service delivery speed. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to align technological investments with the firm's strategic goals. Through the deployment of robust IT systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's ability to handle complex financial data and reporting requirements. This position remains critical for maintaining the firm's reputation for security and reliability, ensuring that all technological assets support the evolving needs of the firm's diverse client portfolio.

Julie Barnes, the Chief Of Staff at Smith Howard, executes strategic initiatives and coordinates cross-functional operations across the firm. Overseeing the alignment of internal processes, the Chief Of Staff ensures that the executive team functions cohesively to meet organizational objectives. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects and facilitating communication between departments to streamline decision-making. By optimizing internal workflows, Julie Barnes supports the firm's ability to deliver comprehensive tax and consulting services efficiently. The Chief Of Staff acts as a central point of contact for strategic planning, ensuring that all business units remain focused on the firm's core mission. Through meticulous project management and operational oversight, the Chief Of Staff drives organizational excellence. This position remains vital for maintaining the firm's agility and ensuring that all internal resources are effectively utilized to support the firm's growth and client service standards.

Kerry Eales, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith Howard, directs all talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies. Overseeing the firm's human capital initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and maintains top-tier professionals capable of delivering high-quality accounting and advisory services. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth through training and performance management programs. By aligning workforce capabilities with the firm's service requirements, Kerry Eales supports the firm's ability to meet complex client needs. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement policies that promote employee engagement and organizational health. Through strategic talent management, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm remains a leader in the professional services industry. This position remains essential for building a resilient and skilled workforce that drives the firm's long-term success.