Whitlock Co. appoints new CEO

provided by The Whitlock Co.

Josh Beaird has worked at the company since 2010.

Springfield certified public accounting firm The Whitlock Co. has named a new CEO.

Josh Beaird, a partner who started at the firm as a staff accountant in 2010, was appointed to the top role, according to a news release.

“I am grateful to have the trust of the partners and staff at The Whitlock Co. to lead this firm," Beaird said in the release. "A solid foundation has been built by those who led in the past, and we have a talented team to take us into the future. My goal is to continue the firm’s legacy of enhancing our client’s prosperity and developing great people.”

Beaird succeeds Joe Page, who will focus on client service and assisting Beaird in transitioning to CEO.

“After serving as CEO for over 10 years, I feel it is time to turn over the leadership role to the next generation," Page said in the release. "Josh is a younger partner who thrives in taking leadership roles. The Whitlock Co. has a long-standing policy of promoting from within, and Josh will be an asset for many years to come."

He takes the reins of the area’s sixth largest CPA firm, based on Springfield Business Journal's list research last year. The Whitlock Co. reported 11 CPAs, six partners and 30 total staff for the list published Aug. 15, 2022.

Beaird is overseeing the implementation of an entrepreneurial operation system business management initiative at the firm, and in recent years he's worked to drive staff development initiatives, optimize operational processes and create a virtual office environment, according to the release.