John R. Schnitzer has been elected to serve as the managing member of Smith Elliott Kearns.
Schnitzer succeeds Edward L. Buchanan IV, who has served as managing member since 1999. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as managing member over the last 10 years, he said in a statement. John will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the managing member role. He has been directly involved in the management of the firm since his admission to the partnership in 1997 and is a natural choice to lead us into the next generation.
Under Buchanans direction, the firm has achieved a number of significant milestones. Total personnel increased from 85 in 1999 to 150 in 2009, while fees increased 125 percent over the same time period. The firm has moved to a paperless office environment, won several awards for community service and human resources policies, and worked to position itself as one of the most progressive CPA firms in the Quad State region.
Schnitzer joined SEK&Co in 1986 after graduating from Shippensburg University, assumed the management of the firms Hanover practice office in 1991, and was admitted to the partnership in 1997. I am honored by the opportunity to continue to build on the strong foundation built by the members and staff of SEK&Co, he said in a statement. I admire Eds contribution to the firm and the community. His pursuit of exceptional client service, strong leadership and effective strategic practices will continue to serve as a model for me as well as other firm leaders.
