Forvis names new Va. managing partner

Forvis has named Jennifer Wold as managing partner of its Virginia practice unit, the accounting firm announced Monday.

Wold’s role becomes effective June 1. She succeeds Tom Hazelwood, who has served as managing partner for the past year. Wold will oversee offices in Richmond, where she will be based, and in Norfolk. She is a member of the firm’s commercial products practice and is coming from Wichita, Kanas.

Wold will lead day-to-day operations in Virginia with an emphasis on strategic growth, talent acquisition and development and client experience, the firm said in a news release. Wold and Hazelwood, who is returning to North Carolina and will continue serving clients as a partner, are collaborating with other Forvis leaders to ensure a smooth transition.

Wold has nearly 30 years of experience and joined Forvis in 2018 as an audit partner.

“I am honored to lead our Virginia offices as Tom Hazelwood passes the baton. He has done an incredible job overseeing growth in the market and building great relationships with clients,” Wold said in a statement. “Virginia is a dynamic state and business environment, and I can tell you from getting to know the local team that we are ready to continue unlocking potential for current and new clients.” 

Forvis is a top 10 accounting firm formed by the 2022 merger of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP and Springfield, Missouri-based BKD CPAs & Advisor.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of our Virginia practice and Jennifer will continue a tradition of great leadership,” Thomas Boothby, regional managing partner with Forvis, said in a statement. “She brings a passion for our people and clients that is second-to-none. She has worked hand-in-hand with Tom on this transition leading and she is ready to hit the ground running.” 

Wold’s career as an audit partner includes experience assisting clients through mergers and acquisitions, various accounting issues and new standard implementations.

“My role as a leader is to ensure that our people are able to unlock their full potential,” Wold said. “I truly believe it is my responsibility to ensure the next generation of our firm’s leadership is even more successful than the last.” 

Wold has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wichita State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of CPAs and the Kansas Society of CPAs. In Wichita, she served on the boards of United Methodist Open Door, EmberHope Youthville and Music Theatre Wichita.