BKD CEO to resign

Neal Spencer, CEO of Springfield-based BKD LLP, is resigning from the accounting firm's top post effective June 1.

Spencer, who became CEO of the Top 10 national accounting firm on June 1, 2007, will remain with BKD to assist in evaluating existing growth and service opportunities and pursuing new ventures, according to a news release.

“It has been my highest honor and privilege to serve as CEO of BKD,” Spencer said in the release. The resignation also would allow Spencer to spend more time with family.

BKD has not named a successor but officials said they're moving forward with a succession plan to select the next CEO.

“The partner chosen to succeed me will have the passion to take our firm to heights even greater than I imagined, and I will be the next CEO’s biggest supporter,” Spencer said in the release.

During Spencer's time as CEO, he helped the firm move into the Dallas, San Antonio and Waco, Texas, markets via acquisitions. He also restructured the firm into three geographic operating regions and a virtual operating region, and led a comprehensive rewriting of the BKD partnership agreement and rebranding efforts. Spencer also has served as chairman of the BKD Governing Board, which sets policies and strategic initiatives, the release said.

Spencer was named a partner of BKD in 1995, and he served as managing partner of the Kentucky and southern Indiana offices for 10 years before becoming CEO, according to the release.

BKD comprises nearly 2,000 employees, including roughly 250 partners, in 30 offices.

BKD has been listed as the 10th largest accounting firm by the Inside Public Accounting newsletter since 2005. The report ranks the list based on net revenue growth, number of offices and other criteria. BKD's fiscal 2011 net revenue was approximately $390.68 million, a 0.8 percent increase from 2010, according to the latest report.
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