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Tim Cook Named CEO and President of Katz, Sapper & Miller

October 2, 2020

KSM

INDIANAPOLIS – Today Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis’ largest certified public accounting firm, announced the election of Tim Cook, a 17-year KSM veteran, as its next firm leader. Cook will succeed Managing Partner David Resnick, effective Jan. 1, 2021.

As KSM’s new CEO and president and the first non-CPA to lead the 78-year-old firm, Cook will draw on both his training as an attorney and his experience growing two highly successful practices within the firm – the State and Local Tax Group and KSM Location Advisors, a national site selection and incentives practice, for which he’ll remain an advisory partner. Cook’s succession comes at a pivotal time in the accounting industry, as a variety of factors converge to remake the profession, including technology, which has impacted how firms conduct business and serve clients; changing demographics in the workplace; and evolving client expectations.

“As the next-generation leader of KSM, Tim brings to the table many attributes that will serve the future of our firm well, including his perspective as a non-CPA, his experience building a niche advisory service line, and a transparent leadership style,” said Resnick, who has served as KSM’s managing partner since 2002. “Since Tim’s election by our partner group in June 2019, we have worked closely as I transition my managing partner responsibilities. I have been impressed with his intelligence, thoughtful insight, and compassion for our employees, clients, and community, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Tim brings to the table many attributes that will serve the future of our firm well, including his perspective as a non-CPA, his experience building a niche advisory service line, and a transparent leadership style.

Prior to joining KSM in 2003, Cook spent seven years at Ernst & Young as the Indiana leader of business incentives and controversy services as well as area leader of unclaimed property services. Previous to his time at EY, Cook worked for five years at the Indiana Department of Revenue, where he last served as legal counsel on policy and legislation. A life-long Hoosier, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Indiana University School of Law.

“David leaves an unsurpassed legacy as managing partner – a strong people-centric firm culture, superior growth and performance, and an incredible commitment to our communities. He has been a mentor to me and countless others inside and outside of KSM. I am honored and humbled to follow him in this role and make the most of this opportunity to take KSM into its next chapter,” said Cook. “While we could not have anticipated that the last leg of the transition would happen during a global pandemic, it has only accelerated our sense of urgency to continue to provide best-in-class client service, transformative technology, and proactive consultation. Of course, none of it is possible without our phenomenal people. Their versatility, resourcefulness, and resilience during this time has inspired David and me and our entire leadership team. Despite working from home during an extended tax season, they continue to deliver the same high level of client service on which KSM was built.”

In addition, Cook will continue building on KSM’s long history of community engagement by making community involvement, and diversity, inclusion, and equity focal points of his tenure.

“I believe meaningful progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion is pivotal to the firm’s success and vital to the community as a whole,” Cook said. “If we’re going to make a difference, change has to happen everywhere, both in society and inside the walls of businesses like ours.”

As of Jan. 1, Resnick will succeed Curt Miller, one of KSM’s namesakes, as chair of the board. As he has throughout his time as managing partner, Resnick will continue serving his current client roster while also supporting Cook. In addition, he will maintain his position on numerous high-profile community boards, including vice chair of the University of Indianapolis board of trustees.

Under Resnick’s leadership, KSM grew from 100 employees to more than 350 located in four offices across the nation. The firm has continually been recognized as a top performer by multiple organizations. Accolades during Resnick’s tenure include being named an INSIDE Public Accounting “Best of the Best” accounting firm multiple times, Indianapolis Business Journal’s largest Indianapolis-area accounting firm, and an Indiana Chamber of Commerce “Best Place to Work in Indiana” for 15 consecutive years. KSM is one of only two companies in the state to be named a Best Place to Work in Indiana every year since the program’s inception.

“The highlight of my career has been watching our people grow and flourish. I know we’ve put the right leader in place to ensure KSM’s future success,” Resnick said.

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