BKD to open Iowa office

Springfield-based certified public accounting firm BKD LLP is establishing its first office in Iowa.

The Des Moines office will be led by January hire Marv Debner, former managing partner of Des Moines-based accounting firm LWBJ Financial, according to a news release.

“The strong relationships Marv has built in the Des Moines community will be instrumental in helping us grow in the Hawkeye State,"  Doug Gaston, managing partner of BKD’s north region, said in the release of the firm's new partner.

In an email, BKD spokesman Matt Wagner said the company is in the process of leasing space in Des Moines and hiring additional staff for the office.

Gaston said the Iowa office would help BKD assist its $3 million client base in the state and pursue new relationships. One such client is Iowa Health-Des Moines, which has worked with BKD for nearly a decade.

“We are pleased to learn the firm is establishing a Des Moines office, which demonstrates its commitment to Iowa clients and the market in this state,” said Joe Corfits, chief financial officer of Iowa Health-Des Moines, in the release.

BKD - which operates roughly 30 offices and employs 2,000 including 250 partners and principals - reported fiscal 2012 revenues of $402 million, according to its website.