PYA announced Tuesday that David McMillan, CFO of the top 100 accounting firm and leader of its healthcare consulting practice, will succeed Marty Brown as president and CEO.
McMillan officially took over as PYA president on Jan. 1, and he will assume the title of CEO on Jan. 1, 2027.
Shaped by the accounting firm’s multigenerational private ownership model, succession planning began more than two years ago, “reflecting shared alignment of values across the firm’s executive leaders and owners,” PYA said in a media release.
McMillan has been instrumental in supporting the firm’s strategic direction, serving as CFO, executive committee member, and leader of PYA’s national consulting practice since 2020. He has worked at the firm for nearly 33 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The firm said McMillan’s promotion to president earlier this month and to CEO next year “is an affirmation of his strong leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and dedication to client service.”
In a Jan. 6 post on LinkedIn, McMillan wrote, “I am not sure who said it (some say Heraclitus), but it is certainly true—the one constant in life is change. If change is truly a constant, then planning for that change is a necessity. PYA is always planning—for our clients and for our firm.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to Martin D. (Marty) Brown, CPA, who is a truly transformative leader, mentor, and dear friend,” he continued. “Marty is a living testament to PYA’s values. You would be hard pressed to find someone who has interacted with Marty and not walked away the better for it. I look forward to PYA’s future, which will continue to include Marty’s influence and presence.”
Brown will remain chief executive of the Knoxville, TN-based firm throughout 2026, then take on the non-ownership role of chief growth officer, accounting and advisory services, in 2027. He joined PYA in 1991 and became the firm’s president in January 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. Brown was named CEO in January 2020.
In that advisory role, focused on growth for PYA’s audit, tax, and client accounting services, Brown will serve as a strategic counselor and connector by engaging with entrepreneurs, advising CEOs, and fostering relationships across his extensive business, academic, and professional services networks, the firm said.
During Brown’s tenure, the firm broadened its geographic footprint and invested in growing key offices, adding and expanding locations across the country, including two expansions in Nashville, a major expansion in Tampa, FL, a new office in Charlotte, NC, and growth in Kansas City, KS.
“These strategic moves, combined with enhanced service offerings and investments in technology and talent, fueled PYA’s evolution into a nationally recognized consulting and accounting firm that now serves clients in 50 states across a span of industries, from banking and startups to healthcare systems and providers of all sizes,” PYA said.
Brown said in a statement that McMillan’s integrity and authenticity exemplify the very best of PYA’s entrepreneurial culture and core values.
“As CFO, David brought much-needed vision and demonstrated outstanding financial acumen,” he said. “He guided the firm through complex challenges—including the pandemic—and manages some of our largest client relationships with precision and care. David brings a deep understanding of our business, our clients, and our people, making him uniquely equipped to lead PYA into its next chapter of growth.”
As McMillan assumes the presidency, next-generation leaders are also stepping into expanded roles. Lori Foley, managing principal of revenue and compliance advisory and Atlanta office managing principal, has succeeded McMillan as managing principal of consulting, effective Jan. 1.
In addition, Angie Caldwell, principal and Tampa office managing principal, has taken on the additional role of CFO from McMillan.
“This transition underscores PYA’s strengths—not just in strategy and financial performance, but in culture, mentorship, and shared purpose,” Foley said in a statement. “We are invested in our people and the deep knowledge and care they bring to our longstanding relationships with clients and the communities where we live and work.”
PYA also announced that its ownership group voted unanimously to remain privately held and independent, “reaffirming the firm’s unwavering commitment to independence in a market increasingly shaped by private equity investments and the pressures of public markets.”
“These changes mark yet another new and exciting chapter for our firm and reflects thoughtful, long-term planning to ensure PYA remains an independent, trusted advisor to our clients and communities,” McMillan wrote on LinkedIn. “As we begin this next chapter, our commitment to independence and excellence remains steadfast. Thank you to our ownership group, the PYA team, and our clients for your trust and confidence.”
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