BENNETT THRASHER ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGING PARTNER MICHAEL Y. DUKES
4th Largest Atlanta Based Accounting and Consulting Firm
Elects First Non-Founding, Managing Shareholder
ATLANTA (July 1, 2009) – Bennett Thrasher, the 4th largest Atlanta based accounting and consulting firm, today announces its new Managing Shareholder, Michael Y. Dukes. Dukes will be the first non-founding shareholder to hold the position since Bennett Thrasher was formed in 1980. Co-founders Rick Bennett and Ken Thrasher led the succession planning effort to prepare the 29 year old firm for the next generation of leadership.
Former managing partner Ken Thrasher and Rick Bennett were elected as Co-Chairmen of the firm’s Board of Directors and will continue to focus on associate training, business development and client service.
“Michael Dukes is the leader of one of the firm’s largest service lines and is one of our most successful shareholders. He is respected as one of our most dedicated and compassionate leaders. We are proud to have him as our new managing partner as we look forward to future success,” said Ken Thrasher.
“The appointment of Michael Dukes as managing partner is a natural component of our current long range strategic plan to continue to grow and create opportunity for all of our people and constantly improve our client service,” said Rick Bennett.
ABOUT MICHAEL Y. DUKES
Michael Dukes has led both the Financial Reporting & Assurance and the Dispute Resolution & Forensics practices of the firm. Prior to joining Bennett Thrasher in 2004, he had been a partner at both Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen in Atlanta.
In addition to core financial reporting engagements in many industries over the past 20 years, Dukes has significant experience in mergers and acquisition due diligence, commercial dispute resolution, corporate investigations, accounting position consultation and research, and other engagements of a consultative nature. In addition to participating in numerous internal quality control initiatives, he actively participates in the AIPCA Peer Review Program, and is a licensed CPA in both Georgia and Florida.
Dukes is also the founder and leader of the firm’s BT Track Club – a team of distance running, triathlon and walking enthusiasts.
ABOUT BENNETT THRASHER PC
Founded in 1980 by Rick Bennett and Ken Thrasher, Bennett Thrasher PC has become the 4th largest Atlanta based accounting and consulting firm. The firm's mission is to build trust through insight and involvement, focusing primarily on providing quality financial reporting, assurance, and tax services. The firm is located online at www.btcpa.net