Local Forvis Mazars managing partner reelected to firm's governing board

Gary Schafer, managing partner of Forvis Mazars LLP's southern Missouri practice unit, has been reelected to the company's governing board.

Schafer's new three-year term is his second on the board, which sets the strategic direction of Forvis Mazars in the United States, according to a news release. His new term started in November.

Forvis Mazars was formerly FORVIS LLP, which this year partnered to create a new global accounting network with Paris-based international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars Group. Forvis Mazars spokesperson Mike Brothers said the international arm called Forvis Mazars Group SC has a separate board, as does the combined network known as Forvis Mazars Global.

For the Forvis Mazars governing board, Schafer was elected along with Sarah Saunders, audit partner in the financial services practice, and Brian West, managing partner of the Houston market, for new three-year terms, according to the Dec. 12 release. Karine Philippon, managing partner for the California and Arizona practice unit, and JoAnna Simek, assistant managing partner in the Indianapolis market, additionally were appointed to two-year terms as advisory board members.

“These individuals are all exceptional leaders with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the evolving landscape of the profession,” said Matt Snow, Forvis Mazars governing chair, in the release. “Their insights and experience will be invaluable as we move forward during a pivotal era in our firm’s 100-year history. I am eager to see how they will help us unlock our potential in the years ahead.”

The Forvis Mazars governing board has 18 members, Brothers said.

Schafer, who has worked his entire career at Forvis Mazars, was named the Top CEO/Managing Partner in Springfield Business Journal's Dynamic Dozen awards this year. He oversees the firm’s offices in Springfield, Branson and Joplin.