PBMares names new CEO

Newport News-based accounting and consulting firm PBMares LLP announced Tuesday that Harvey L. Johnson has been promoted as CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Johnson, a partner and cybersecurity and control risk services practice leader, will serve as the company’s second CEO in the firm’s 58-year history. He succeeds Alan S. Witt, who became CEO in 1979.

“While my tenure has exposed me to significant organizational change and growth through the years, the firm has always maintained a culture that values integrity, creativity and teamwork above all else,” Johnson said in a statement. “This culture has cemented my love and loyalty to this firm, and it is a culture I will defend as our next CEO.”

Johnson has been with the firm since 2003 and was involved with establishing the firm’s cybersecurity and control risk services practices. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and his master’s degree in accounting from Old Dominion University. He has previously served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA).

“As CEO, he will lead the firm into its next chapter, which will continue to keep our clients first and foremost in our focus while expanding and innovating our service offerings to proactively meet their growth needs,” Keith Wampler, PBMares partner and board chairman, said in a statement.

Founded in 1963, PBMares has 12 offices across Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. It provides services to Fortune 500 companies and is ranked among the top 100 U.S. accounting firms by net revenue.

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