Martin “Marty” Brown, president and CEO of PYA, an independent consulting and accounting firm, will be stepping down from ownership at the end of 2026, after leading the firm through a decade of transformative growth. The owners of the firm unanimously voted to name David McMillan, leader of the firm’s premier healthcare consulting practice, as Brown’s successor.
Specifically, McMillan became president effective Jan. 1, 2026, and he will assume the additional title of CEO on Jan. 1, 2027. Brown will remain CEO throughout 2026, then assume the non-ownership role of chief growth officer, accounting and advisory services, in 2027.
This leadership progression marks a new chapter for PYA. Shaped by the firm’s multigenerational private ownership model, the shift is the result of a planning process that began more than two years ago, reflecting shared alignment of values across the firm’s executive leaders and owners.
“Marty’s leadership has been transformative for PYA,” McMillan said. “His entrepreneurial spirit has elevated PYA to national prominence while his focus on relationship-building and the firm’s culture of community service has kept us connected to our Tennessee heritage. Marty will continue to be an important bridge between our firm, our clients and the broader business communities we serve.”
The changes also reflect PYA’s client-first ownership philosophy. The firm’s ownership group has voted unanimously to remain privately held and independent, reaffirming PYA’s unwavering commitment to independence in a market increasingly shaped by private equity investments and the pressures of public markets.
During Brown’s tenure, the firm broadened its geographic footprint and invested in growing key offices, adding and expanding locations across the country, including two expansions in Nashville, a major expansion in Tampa and growth in Kansas City. These strategic moves, combined with enhanced service offerings and investments in technology and talent, fueled PYA’s evolution.
The owners have asked Brown, who will be stepping away from the CEO role and ownership of the firm on Jan. 1, 2027, after 31 years, to continue to support PYA as chief growth officer, accounting and advisory services, starting in 2027, and he has agreed to do so. In that advisory role, focused on growth for PYA’s audit, tax and client accounting services, Brown will serve as a strategic counselor and connector by engaging with entrepreneurs, advising CEOs and fostering relationships across his extensive business, academic and professional services networks.
McMillan has been instrumental in supporting the firm’s strategic direction, serving as CFO, executive committee member and leader of PYA’s national consulting practice since 2020. His elevation to president in January 2026 — and to CEO in 2027 — is an affirmation of his strong leadership, deep institutional knowledge and dedication to client service.
“David’s integrity and authenticity exemplify the very best of PYA’s entrepreneurial culture and core values,” Brown said. “As CFO, David brought much-needed vision and demonstrated outstanding financial acumen. He guided the firm through complex challenges — including the pandemic — and managed some of our largest client relationships with precision and care. 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.”
As McMillan assumes the presidency, next-generation leaders are also stepping into expanded roles. Lori Foley, managing principal of revenue and compliance advisory and office managing principal, Atlanta, succeeded McMillan as managing principal, consulting, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Angie Caldwell, principal and office managing principal, Tampa, took on the additional role of CFO from McMillan. Their elevation highlights PYA’s intentional succession planning and the firm’s ability to cultivate leadership talent from within.
“This transition underscores PYA’s strengths — not just in strategy and financial performance, but in culture, mentorship and shared purpose,” Foley said. “We are invested in our people and the deep knowledge and care they bring to our longstanding relationships with clients and the communities where we live and work.”
