EKS&H Announces New Leadership

Colorado-based audit, tax, technology and business consulting firm, EKS&H announced several new leadership positions in conjunction with the firm's planned combination with Plante Moran.

Upon combining the two firms, Plante Moran will be the 11th largest accounting, tax, consulting and wealth management firm in the country, with more than 3,000 professionals working in 27 offices to serve national and international clients in the middle markets.

"EKS&H leaders and their teams have a proven track record [of] providing their clients exceptional service and expertise, and we're excited to see our two teams coming together to share their combined experience and insights," said Jim Proppe, Plante Moran managing partner.

The following new positions will be effective October 1.

JOE BERTSCH, CPA :: MANAGING PARTNER, PLANTE MORAN'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

The EKS&H lead tax partner will become the managing partner of Plante Moran's Rocky Mountain region. In this role, Bertsch will focus on the continued development and growth of the firm's Colorado-based staff and offices. He will also serve as managing partner of the firm's Denver Tech Center and Downtown Denver offices and continue to provide tax counsel to clients.

JIM COWGILL, CPA :: MANAGING PARTNER, PLANTE MORAN'S BOULDER OFFICE

The EKS&H Boulder office lead will move into the role of managing partner of Plante Moran's Boulder office. In this role, Cowgill will focus on developing the Boulder staff as well as expanding the firm's community involvement. He will also continue to serve as an assurance partner working with early-stage to middle market clients n the Boulder County area and hospitality clients in the United States.

CHRIS OTTO, CPA :: MANAGING PARTNER, PLANTE MORAN'S FORT COLLINS OFFICE

The EKS&H Fort Collins office lead becomes managing partner of Plante Moran's Fort Collins office. In this role, Otto will focus on developing the Fort Collins staff as well as the firm's community involvement. He will also continue to serve as an assurance partner working with clients in a variety of industries.

JEFF WATKINS, CPA :: PLANTE MORAN'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL TAX DIRECTOR

Formerly EKS&H's Wealth Advisory Services lead, Otto become Plante Moran's Rocky Mountain regional tax director. Watkins will lead a team of more than 200 tax professionals throughout the organization's Rocky Mountain offices. He will also continue to provide tax counsel to clients.

The following Plante Moran partners will relocate to the soon-to-be Plante Moran Denver Tech Center office:

BOB PALMER :: WEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICE LEADER

The firm-wide leader of Plante Moran's wealth management practice will relocate from Southfield, Michigan. While Palmers' position will remain the same, this Denver presence will allow him to assist with broader firm integration and focus on growing Plante Moran's wealth management practice in Colorado. The firm's wealth management services include: tax, wealth transfer (including insurance consulting through Plante Moran Insurance Agency), trust through Plante Moran Trust and investment consulting through Plante Moran Financial Advisors.

NATHAN BUCHALSKI​ :: FIRMWIDE LEADER OF PLANTE MORAN'S TAX SOLUTIONS GROUP

Nathan Buchalski will relocate from Ann Arbor, Michigan and while his position will remain the same, his new Denver location will allow hm to bring the full suite of Plante Moran's tax offerings to the Colorado market while building upon EKS&H's already-strong tax practice.