Six PYA leaders make Forbes’ Best-in-State CPA list, leading East Tennessee firms
PYA's six honorees represent more than 10% of all Tennessee firms named and more than 20% of East Tennessee's total.
Forbes has named six PYA leaders to its 2026 Best-in-State CPAs list — the most of any firm in East Tennessee and among the Top 5 firms across the Southeast.
Those honored include CEO Marty Brown, President David McMillan, Managing Principal of Tax Jennifer Blackwood, Principal and Chief Privacy Officer Shannon Sumner, Managing Principal of Compensation Valuation Planning and Design Carol Carden, and Principal of Business Valuation Services Matthew Warren.
“Candidates are assessed across a range of weighted criteria, with an emphasis on recent achievements, professional impact, and contributions to the broader community….Each honoree reflects not only technical expertise, but also leadership, integrity, and meaningful influence, which serves as a trusted signal of distinction for clients, peers, and the profession at large,” according to Forbes’ methodology statement.
PYA had the most CPA honorees—more than 10% of those named—among firms with locations in Tennessee, with the list comprising less than 0.5% of all
licensed CPAs in Tennessee, highlighting PYA’s depth of talent. Among firms in East Tennessee, PYA had the most professionals named—more than 20% of the
total—and across the Southeast, PYA is in the Top 5 with the most honorees.
PYA ownership comprises 56% female leaders, twice the industry average, and three of those leaders are named to the Forbes list.
“The breadth and depth of PYA’s expertise in accounting, tax, and audit reflect our firm’s culture of lifelong learning, integrity, and dedication to putting our clients’ needs
first,” said Brown. “My colleagues and I are grateful for the statewide accolade and honored to be part of recognition that represents PYA’s leadership in the accounting industry.”
As the accounting industry faces a talent shortage, AI adoption pressures, and private equity consolidation (trends Forbes highlighted in its report). PYA says it continues to grow, takes a measured approach to AI, and remains privately held.
PYA offers services across client accounting, tax planning and advisory, business and healthcare valuation, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and compensation design.
The Forbes Best-in-State CPAs list is developed through a rigorous, multi-step methodology that combines editorial research, industry nominations, and evaluation by an
independent advisory board of experts.
“As with all Forbes lists, candidates do not pay any fee to be considered,” according to the publication.
Editor’s Note: PYA is the publisher of Teknovation.biz.
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