On the move: A new chair at the IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors elected a new chair; the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's chief auditor is departing; a Lifetime Achievement Award in Illinois; and other firm and personnel news from across the profession.

These summaries were drafted using AI and subjected to editorial review.

FLORIDA

Stacey Schnabel

Stacey Schabel, senior vice president and global head of operational risk at RGA Reinsurance Company, was elected chair of the global board of the Institute of Internal Auditors for the 2026-2027 term. The announcement was made at the IIA's International Conference in Singapore. Schabel has more than 25 years of experience in internal audit, risk management and governance, and previously served as chief audit executive for Jackson Financial.

GEORGIA

Jeff Ryder

Aprio, Atlanta, named four new partners: Dave Little (international tax) in Atlanta; David Greenamyre (technology tax) in Nashville, Tennessee; Jeff Ryder (aerospace, defense and government advisory services) in the Washington D.C., area; and Rick Paden (construction tax) in Raleigh, North Carolina.

ILLINOIS

Scott Steffens (center) with ICPAS chair Mark Wolfgram (left) and ICPAS president and CEO Geoffrey Brown (right).

Scott Steffens (c) with ICPAS chair Mark Wolfgram (l) and president and CEO Geoffrey Brown (r).

The Illinois CPA Society honored Scott Steffens with its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his distinguished service to the society and the accounting profession. Steffens, who retired after more than 34 years in the profession, including 24 years as a partner at Deloitte and Grant Thornton, served as chairperson of the ICPAS Board of Directors in 2016 and held numerous volunteer leadership roles with the Society over 35 years. The award was presented at the ICPAS Leader Recognition and Awards Dinner on June 18, 2026.

Allan Lyon has been promoted to leader of the for-profit audit and assurance service line at Sikich, Chicago. Lyon has been with the firm since 2009.

NORTH CAROLINA

The Cherry Bekaert Foundation released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting more than 2,800 volunteer hours contributed in support of 79 nonprofit organizations and $563,494 in total grants awarded, including 50 Community IMPACT Grants totaling $211,000, nearly doubling the foundation's total grant amount awarded from 2023 to 2024. The report also notes nearly $49,000 raised and matched through disaster relief efforts supporting Texas flood recovery. The full report is available on the firm's website.

TEXAS

Wade Watson

Wade Watson was appointed national practice leader of energy compliance services at Weaver, Houston. Separately, Weaver was recognized as a 2026 Platinum Green Lease Leader by the Institute for Market Transformation through its Green Lease Leaders program. The recognition highlights the firm's incorporation of green leasing principles into real estate strategies and operational practices.

David Zaozirny was named Houston office managing partner at Ernst & Young, effective July 1. Zaozirny, an assurance partner with more than 30 years of experience, succeeds Esi Akinosho, who will serve as global client service partner for major energy companies across the U.S.

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On the move: A new chair at the IIA

ALABAMA

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

NORTH CAROLINA

TEXAS

UNITED KINGDOM

UTAH

WASHINGTON, D.C.