Withum, a national top 25 accounting and advisory firm, announced today that Pat Walsh, Partner and Market Leader for Withum’s National Tax Services Practice, will succeed CEO and Managing Partner Bill Hagaman, after his term ends in 2023.
Under Hagaman’s tenure, Withum grew six times in revenue and expanded nationally since January 2010, when he took over the role of Managing Partner. He redefined the Firm’s growth strategy by segmenting the client base into industry verticals to enhance its go-to-market strategy, allowing the firm to branch out into non-traditional advisory services.
Internally, Withum’s culture thrived—now well-known within the industry for its unique work environment centered around family-first values and the Withum Way. Hagaman’s leadership inspired Withum team members to work hard and play hard, dancing and lip-syncing in their annual culture videos, while always encouraging philanthropy and personal growth alongside a commitment to being a catalyst for the growth and success of the firm’s clients.
It is certainly bittersweet to begin planning the transition to my next professional stage. When I joined Withum in 1980, I expected to stay five years as part of my own professional development plan and then move on elsewhere. What I discovered was I found a second home and family and remained here for 43 years. Withum is a part of my DNA. However, we must make room for the future generation of leaders, and I am confident my successor has all of the skills required to keep Withum moving forward as a major firm in our great profession.
Bill Hagaman, CPA, CGMA
Managing Partner and CEO, Withum
Walsh has over 30 years of public accounting experience, specializing in corporate taxation, income tax accounting, international taxation, and tax structuring. A Seton Hall University graduate with an accounting degree, he also attended New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, earning his MBA. Prior to joining Withum, Walsh was a managing member of his own firm, Walsh & Borresen, which joined Withum in March 2014. Walsh has been a member of Withum’s management since that union, giving him all the relevant and comprehensive experience to take on this new role.
Like Hagaman, Walsh believes in people-driven, forward-thinking leadership. Those who work with Walsh know that looking to the future inspires innovation, making world-class service the reality, not just the expectation. Fostering an environment that supports collaboration, inclusiveness and integrity are integral to Walsh’s vision for the Firm.
I’m honored to have the opportunity to follow Bill to serve as the next Managing Partner of Withum. I look forward to working with Bill over the next year to ensure a seamless transition. The success and growth we’ve achieved are a testament to the team members and leadership of our firm. Withum is and continues to be a platform for entrepreneurs that provides growth and opportunities for our people, our clients and our communities.
Pat Walsh, CPA, MBA
Partner and Market Leader, Withum’s National Tax Services Practice
Hagaman will continue to lead Withum through the next year, preparing Walsh to step into the role on January 1, 2023.