PYA names David McMillan as CEO-elect

PYA, a Knoxville-based accounting and consulting firm, has appointed David McMillan as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027.

McMillan, who was named the top-100 firm’s president earlier this year, will succeed CEO Martin (Marty) Brown, who has led PYA for the last decade.

During Brown’s tenure, the firm completed expansions in Nashville, Tampa, and Kansas City. The accounting firm serves clients in 50 states across a range of industries.

After he steps down as CEO at the end of the year, Brown will remain at PYA as chief growth officer for accounting and advisory services.

“Marty will continue to be an important bridge between our firm, our clients, and the broader business communities we serve,” McMillan said.

McMillan has been at PYA for over three decades. He most recently spent six years as CFO and managing principal for consulting, and before that served as managing principal for strategy and integration.

McMillan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“David brings a deep understanding of our business, our clients, and our people, making him uniquely equipped to lead PYA into its next chapter of growth,” Brown said.

Lori Foley, head of PYA’s Atlanta office, succeeds McMillan as managing principal for consulting, while Angie Caldwell, head of PYA’s Tampa office, takes on the CFO role.

PYA’s partnership group recently voted to remain privately held and independent, as many rival mid-market firms have sought out private equity investments to drive scale and technology. 

PYA was founded in 1983 and is the 82nd-largest CPA firm in the United States, according to Inside Public Accounting, with $74.3 million in annual revenue. The firm has more than 300 employees listed on LinkedIn and offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Kansas City, Knoxville, Nashville, and Tampa.