BKD promotes 3 to partner at Springfield office

Certified public accounting firm BKD LLP promoted three local employees to partners at its Springfield office.

Jim Ashley, Eric Rogers and Ryan Sivill are slated to become partners on June 1, according to a news release. They were elected by the firm's existing partner base and ratified by BKD's governing board.

"They have consistently demonstrated deep technical proficiency and professional skill," said Gary Schafer, managing partner of BKD's Springfield office, in the release. “I am excited to see what they will accomplish in the next chapter of their careers.”

BKD spokesperson Anna Larriu said the Springfield office would have 26 partners when Ashley, Rogers and Sivill are elevated next month. Partners, which are directly below managing partners in the BKD hierarchy, become equity owners in the firm, she said.

Ashley is the national leader of BKD’s accounting outsourcing services growth initiative; Rogers serves as a member of the national health care performance advisory services team; and Sivill works as a member of the company's commercial audit team, according to the release.

BKD additionally announced the promotions of Rachel Elsberry and Catherine Gilpin to managing directors. Larriu said the managing director position is one step below partner.

Elsberry provides tax planning, consulting and preparation services, and Gilpin is a member of the BKD national health care group, according to the release.