Timothy L. Christen, chief executive of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, has been appointed chairman of the American Institute of CPAs’ Major Firms Group.

Christen will serve a three-year term in the position. Formed in the mid-1970s, the AICPA’s Major Firms Group consists of more than 75 of the nation’s top 100 firms who have 75 or more AICPA members. It acts as a unified voice representing the interests of national and regional firms. Christen will continue to serve as a member of the AICPA board of directors, working in conjunction with the organization’s national council to oversee management and services that impact the more than 350,000 AICPA members nationwide.

In addition to his involvement with the AICPA, Christen is a member of the Baker Tilly International board of directors and the Baker Tilly North American Regional Council. He has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the accounting profession.

On June 1, 2009, the former Virchow, Krause & Co. LLP changed its name to become the exclusive U.S.-branded firm in the Baker Tilly International network. On Dec. 1, 2009, the firm announced a merger with Beers + Cutler, a leading Washington, D.C., firm.