PYA’s succession plan elevates emerging C-suite leaders for new chapter of growth
PYA President and CEO Marty Brown will step down from ownership at the end of 2026, after leading the firm for a decade. The owners of the firm unanimously voted David McMillan as Brown’s successor.
After a decade of transformative growth for PYA, Marty Brown, the firm’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the past decade, announced he will be retiring from the role at the end of 2026. Owners of the firm unanimously voted that David McMillan, the leader of PYA’s premier healthcare consulting practice, will succeed Brown as CEO beginning in January 2027.
Specifically, McMillan became President effective January 1, 2026, and he will assume the additional title of CEO on January 1, 2027. Brown will remain CEO throughout 2026, then assume the non-ownership role of Chief Growth Officer, Accounting and Advisory Services, in 2027.
This leadership progression marks a new chapter for PYA. Shaped by the firm’s multigenerational private ownership model, the shift is the result of a planning process that began more than two years ago, reflecting shared alignment of values across the firm’s executive leaders and owners.
“Marty’s leadership has been transformative for PYA,” said McMillan. “His entrepreneurial spirit has elevated PYA to national prominence while his focus on relationship-building and the firm’s culture of community service has kept us connected to our Tennessee heritage. Marty will continue to be an important bridge between our firm, our clients, and the broader business communities we serve.”
The changes also reflect PYA’s client-first ownership philosophy. The firm’s ownership group has voted unanimously to remain privately held and independent, reaffirming PYA’s unwavering commitment to independence in a market increasingly shaped by private equity investments and the pressures of public markets.
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, a new office in Charlotte, and growth in Kansas City. 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 start-ups to healthcare systems and providers of all sizes.
The owners have asked Brown, who has spent a cumulative 32 years at the firm, to continue to support PYA as Chief Growth Officer, Accounting and Advisory Services, starting in 2027, and he has agreed to do so. 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.
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. His elevation to President in January 2026 — and to CEO in 2027 — is an affirmation of his strong leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and dedication to client service.
“David’s integrity and authenticity exemplify the very best of PYA’s entrepreneurial culture and core values,” Brown said. “As CFO, David brought much-needed vision and demonstrated outstanding financial acumen. 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 & Compliance Advisory and Office Managing Principal, Atlanta, succeeded McMillan as Managing Principal, Consulting, effective January 1, 2026.
Angie Caldwell, Principal and Office Managing Principal, Tampa, took on the additional role of CFO from McMillan. Their elevation highlights PYA’s intentional succession planning and the firm’s ability to cultivate leadership talent from within.
“This transition underscores PYA’s strengths — not just in strategy and financial performance, but in culture, mentorship, and shared purpose,” said Foley. “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, which is the publisher of Teknovation.biz, is entering its next chapter with confidence, backed by a strong foundation, visionary leadership, and a shared commitment to independence and excellence.
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