Ascend has named Evie Woodforde as its first Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role designed to manage the platform's rapid expansion. Previously a Regional President, Woodforde will now oversee platform-wide operations and infrastructure for more than 20 firms generating over $700 million in collective revenue.

Wyoming’s largest accounting firm, McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP (MHP), has expanded its local footprint by integrating Jackson-based Thompson, Palmer & Associates (TPA). This strategic move adds two partners and eight staff members, enhancing MHP’s tax, audit, and advisory services across Jackson and Teton County.

Ascend platform firms Lucas Horsfall and Wilson Lewis have completed strategic mergers with Gettleson, Witzer & O’Connor and Alexander, Almand & Bangs, respectively. These acquisitions expand Ascend’s footprint in Southern California and Georgia, enhancing specialized family office services and regional expertise while driving continued industry-leading growth.

Ascend has expanded its Southwest footprint by adding Tyler, Texas-based Gollob Morgan Peddy (GMP) to its platform. The partnership brings nine partners and 100 staff members to Ascend. GMP adopted an alternative practice structure, with GMP Advisors joining Ascend to provide tax and business advisory services.

Ascend has strengthened its West Coast presence by partnering with Sweeney Conrad in Kirkland, Washington. This addition brings 14 partners and 117 staff members to the platform. As a Top 150 firm, Sweeney Conrad will utilize Ascend’s resources to enhance client service and talent development while maintaining its independent culture.

BiggsKofford, a leading CPA and advisory firm with offices in Colorado Springs and Denver, has joined the Ascend platform. Founded in 1982, the firm brings expertise in tax, CAS, and transaction advisory. The partnership expands Ascend’s national reach while allowing BiggsKofford to stay independent and enhance its service capabilities with recruiting, technology, and back-office support.

Ascend's founder and CEO, David Wurtzbacher, recently appeared on the Earmark Podcast to discuss the future of the accounting profession. He highlighted the need for CPAs to nearly triple their productivity by 2035 to meet rising demand, and he outlined three key transformations to achieve this goal.

Ascend announced its largest merger to date with Miami-based KSDT, a Top 200 Firm and Accounting Today 2025 Firm to Watch, adding five offices, 29 partners, and 276 professionals to its growing southeastern footprint. KSDT’s India team will also integrate into Ascend’s offshore captive, Sentient Solutions for Accounting, strengthening its global delivery model. The partnership preserves KSDT’s culture while equipping the firm with expanded technology, resources, and national reach to accelerate growth and impact.

Ascend has announced the addition of two East Coast firms—BGW of North Carolina and Tronconi Segarra & Associates of New York—to its accounting firm platform, effective July 1, 2025. Both firms cite Ascend’s modern management approach, resources, and commitment to preserving firm culture as key reasons for joining.

Ascend has added two prominent regional accounting firms—Glenn Burdette of California and Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund of Florida—to its growing platform, effective June 1. These partnerships expand its reach and reinforce shared values around PeopleFirst, innovation, and legacy. Firm leaders cited Ascend’s cultural fit and forward-thinking approach as key to continued growth and service excellence.

In this episode of Accounting Today’s podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dan Hood sits down with Ascend CEO David Wurtzbacher and Bill Kelly of AICPAs PCPS to explore how alternative practice structures are reshaping the future of accounting. Hear how Ascend’s model supports firm independence while offering the scale and flexibility of a modern growth platform.

Ascend's David Wurtzbacher and Nishaad Ruparel join the Everything CPA and Private Equity podcast to share how they built a national growth platform for entrepreneurial CPA firms — and why it's changing the game.

Nishaad Ruparel, President of Ascend, was recently featured on The Big 4 Transparency Podcast, sharing insights into Ascend’s strategic approach to acquiring and growing regional accounting firms. The conversation explores how Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, is modernizing accounting firm operations, streamlining firm integration, and differentiating itself from traditional consolidators.

Ascend has announced the appointment of Maureen Churgovich Dillmore as its new Vice President of Partnerships. With a strong background in accounting firm networks, including leadership roles at PrimeGlobal and DFK International/USA, Dillmore will focus on expanding Ascend’s partnership network for mid-sized accounting firms.

Ascend, a strategic partner for regional accounting and advisory firms backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors, today announced its entry into Wyoming with the addition of Cheyenne-based McGee, Hearne & Paiz (MHP) as its newest platform firm.

San Jose, CA – PP&Co, a leading provider of accounting, tax, and advisory services, has announced that Delucchi Hawn, LLP has officially joined the firm, effective December 1, 2024. This strategic merger unites two regional leaders known for their client-centric approach and commitment to service excellence.

Ascend is strengthening its leadership and technological capabilities with strategic executive appointments and AI-driven innovation. CEO David Wurtzbacher emphasizes a people-first approach, ensuring that top-tier talent and cutting-edge solutions drive long-term success in the evolving accounting industry.

ATKG Advisors and SPR P.C. have merged, creating the largest homegrown accounting and advisory firm in South Texas. With a combined team of 150 professionals and 15 partners, the firm remains committed to its people-first culture while expanding its capabilities to better serve clients across the region.

Ascend has expanded its leadership team by appointing two new executives to its C-suite, signaling a strategic focus on growth and operational improvements. The announcement highlights Ascend’s ongoing efforts to enhance its executive leadership as part of its long-term business strategy.

Ascend welcomes Lucas Horsfall to its platform, expanding its national footprint with the addition of 15 partners and 125 professionals. This partnership will provide LH with the resources and technology needed to accelerate growth and navigate the evolving accounting landscape.