Professional Services 2023: HARVEY L. JOHNSON

Johnson’s 20-year career at PBMares culminated in his appointment as CEO in January 2021, only the second person to hold that position after co-founder Alan S. Witt.

Johnson leads PBMares’ strategy and team divisions and was instrumental in leading its cybersecurity and control risk services. Previously, he was practice leader of the financial institutions team and a regional market partner in Hampton Roads.

Ranked the nation’s 80th largest accounting firm by revenue, according to Inside Public Accounting, PBMares reported $68.48 million in 2022 revenue. The firm has 13 offices and employs 400 people in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Old Dominion University, Johnson serves on TowneBank’s Peninsula board and on the boards of RVA757 Connects and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

FIRST JOB: Pool lifeguard

HOBBY/PASSION: Surfing and the beach

RECENT BOOK READ: Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.”

WHAT I’D CHANGE ABOUT VIRGINIA: I would like to see greater cooperation between the cities and regions. Oftentimes, the boundaries make it difficult to collaborate to bring new and diverse companies to Virginia.