Smith Howard Executive and Leadership Team

J. Sean Spitzer, the President at Smith Howard, provides overarching strategic direction and leadership for the entire firm. Overseeing the firm's long-term vision, the President ensures that all service lines, from tax planning to management consulting, adhere to the highest standards of professional excellence. This leadership role involves guiding the firm through complex market shifts and maintaining a culture of innovation and client-centric service. By collaborating with the executive team, J. Sean Spitzer drives the firm's growth strategy and ensures that the organization remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial and operational guidance. The President monitors the performance of all affiliated companies, ensuring that the integrated structure delivers maximum value to clients. Through a focus on sustainable development and strategic expansion, Spitzer secures the firm's reputation as a leader in the accounting and advisory sector, consistently delivering results that support client success across various industries.

Russ Kanner, the Chief Revenue Officer at Smith Howard, directs all revenue-generating activities and business development initiatives across the firm. Overseeing the expansion of client portfolios, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures alignment between service delivery and market demand. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities within the tax, accounting, and consulting sectors to maximize firm profitability. By optimizing sales processes and fostering long-term client relationships, Russ Kanner directly impacts the financial trajectory of the organization. The Chief Revenue Officer collaborates with the broader leadership team to refine service offerings, ensuring that the firm remains competitive in a complex regulatory environment. Through strategic oversight of regional market penetration, Kanner secures consistent growth and strengthens the firm's position as a premier provider of professional advisory services for businesses navigating various stages of development.

Brielle Ferrante, the Chief Marketing Officer at Smith Howard, architects the firm's brand identity and market positioning strategies. Overseeing all digital and traditional outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the firm's expertise in audit, tax planning, and consulting reaches the intended professional audience. This leadership role involves developing integrated campaigns that highlight the value of the firm's specialized services, including cyber risk compliance and R&D tax credits. By analyzing market trends and client feedback, Brielle Ferrante drives engagement and elevates the firm's reputation as a thought leader in the accounting industry. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with internal departments to maintain consistent messaging across all service lines, from wealth management to human capital consulting. Ultimately, Ferrante strengthens the firm's market presence, ensuring that the brand effectively communicates its commitment to providing comprehensive, tailored financial solutions to a diverse global client base.

Julie Barnes, the Chief Of Staff at Smith Howard, manages internal operations and facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the broader organization. Overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Chief Of Staff ensures that firm-wide objectives remain on track and that resources are allocated efficiently across all departments. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes and supporting the integration of the firm's various affiliated companies, including management consulting and executive search solutions. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, Julie Barnes optimizes the firm's internal infrastructure to support high-level decision-making. The Chief Of Staff acts as a central point of coordination, ensuring that the firm's operational standards align with its mission of providing exceptional client service. Through meticulous oversight of internal projects, Barnes maintains organizational agility, allowing the firm to adapt quickly to the evolving financial and compliance needs of its clients.