2023 40 Under 40: Carly Taft

Carly Taft was a key player in the monumental name change to FORVIS, following Springfield-based BKD’s merger that created a $1.5 billion national accounting firm.

“Rebranding a nearly 100-year-old company was no small feat, especially when everyone in the Springfield community knew about BKD,” says the 34-year-old marketing and business development manager. “It was important that our clients and the community knew that our values and services were not changing just because we had a new name.”

Her efforts, which she says are her proudest professional accomplishment, involved planned ribbon-cuttings, open houses, sponsored events and the detailed work of changing every place that listed the name BKD.

As a new resident of Springfield six years ago, Taft quickly got involved in civic affairs, joining The Network for young professionals and the Association of Women in Communications, for which she served as chapter president. She most recently joined the board for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Your first job? A Sonic carhop, and no, I couldn’t roller skate

Best productivity hack? Task batching. Group similar tasks to complete at the same time instead of forcing your brain to switch projects several times throughout the day.

Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Whipped chevre at Vineyard Market.