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 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 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.

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.

Amber Goering, a CPA and small firm owner, partnered with Ascend after recognizing her need for change at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE. The deal, completed in four months, enables her firm to retain independence while accessing Ascend’s growth resources.

Ascend, a private equity-backed partner for regional accounting firms, has added three new firms: Blackman & Sloop, TSS Advisors, and Vogel & Co. Leaders of the new firms expressed confidence that joining Ascend will enhance their client service, growth, and commitment to excellence.

Today's top accounting firm leaders must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, taking on roles like technologists, deal brokers, and brand ambassadors to attract new talent. Accounting Today's 2024 MP Elite recognizes leaders like Eileen Sheridan, who embraces disruption and innovation to help her firm adapt and thrive.

When Erin Stahmer and David Wurtzbacher founded Ascend, they aimed to unite smaller CPA firms under a single platform for growth. Partnering with Alpine PeopleFirst, they designed a workshop to establish core values and strategies, resulting in the PeopleFirst program that helps new firms align their vision and goals within months of joining Ascend.

Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, acquired LevitZacks' San Diego advisory practice. Non-attest services will be handled by LevitZacks Corporation under Ascend, while attest services remain with a separate CPA firm. The partnership brings 9 partners and 51 staff to Ascend, fostering growth while maintaining independence.

Ascend's David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer joined the Small Firm Philosophy podcast to discuss their strategies for transforming accounting firms, focusing on people management, offshoring, and enhancing service value.