Around the Firm: June 2025

Written on June 30, 2025

Warren Averett Named One of Birmingham’s Largest Privately Held Companies

Warren Averett’s Birmingham office was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as one of the city’s largest privately held companies. Ranked #37 on the Birmingham 100 list, the firm continues to grow while delivering exceptional service and fostering a strong team culture. Read the full announcement.

WAAAG Volunteers Across the Southeast

Warren Averett’s Animal Advocacy Group (WAAAG) recently led another successful round of Annual Days of Service, with team members volunteering at animal shelters across the Southeast.

The Birmingham team supported the Greater Birmingham Humane Society by walking dogs, socializing cats and creating comfy kennel bedding.
In Tampa, team members visited the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to walk dogs, spend time with cats and clean cages.
Huntsville team members took 15 dogs from Huntsville Animal Services on a pack walk and gave them time to relax in the shade.
In Pensacola, volunteers walked and played with dogs, cleaned the shelter’s surgery building and organized the community pet pantry.
The Atlanta team visited Furkids to clean and organize crate storage, walk dogs and spend time with them.
Montgomery team members walked and played with dogs at the Montgomery Humane Society.
In Fort Walton Beach, the team cleaned dog beds, bathed dogs, built a garden fountain and reorganized the food pantry at Road Dogg Rescue.

Warren Averett Technology Group Speaks to Future High School Seniors

This month, Warren Averett Technology Group had the pleasure of hosting Alabama Boys’ State in our Montgomery office. While they were there, the future high school seniors learned about diverse careers in IT, valuable certifications for breaking into the field, what a typical day looks like for WATG team members and emerging trends shaping the future of technology.

Jennifer Hardin Recognized as Financial Leader by the Birmingham Business Journal

Birmingham’s CFO Jennifer Hardin, CPA, was recognized as one of seven honorees for the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2025 Financial Leadership Awards. Jennifer was selected based on her contributions to the firm, her leadership in financial operations and her impact on the local community. Read more about Jennifer Hardin and the BBJ Financial Leadership awards here.

Adam Quattlebaum Speaks at ALET Cyber Camp on Cybersecurity and Education

Warren Averett Technology Group’s Adam Quattlebaum spoke at the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology (ALET) Cyber Camp. The Cyber Camp brought together K-12 technology professionals, network engineers and guest speakers from across the state to explore cybersecurity practices in educational environments. Learn more about Adam Quattlebaum and ALET’s Cyber Camp.

Branden Crosby Graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida

Destin’s Branden Crosby, CPA, CGMA, a Member in the Tax Division, graduated from Leadership Northwest Florida’s Class III. The seven-month program focused on regional collaboration and included 22 participants from a variety of industries. Read more about Branden Crosby and Leadership Northwest Florida.

Cristy Andrews Discusses Personal Accounting on She Can Podcast

Montgomery’s Cristy Andrews, CPA, CGMA, was featured on an episode of the Alabama Securities Commission’s (ASC) She Can podcast, which features insights from women who are experts at navigating life’s financial challenges. During the episode, Cristy shared practical tips on understanding personal finances and more. Learn more about Cristy Andrews and ASC’s She Can podcast.

Jake Driggers Graduates from Leadership Tampa Bay

Tampa’s Jake Driggers, CPA, a Member in the Audit Division, graduated from the nine-month Leadership Tampa Bay program. Jake deepened his understanding of regional issues and is excited to apply what he’s learned to serve clients and the community. Read more about Jake’s leadership journey.

Katherine Gray Writes Article for the Global Technology Industry Association

Montgomery’s Katherine Gray, Operations Manager for Warren Averett Technology Group, published an article with the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) exploring the strengths of introverted leaders and the value of diverse leadership styles. Learn more about Katherine Gray and GTIA.

Justin Headley Receives AICPA Standing Ovation Award

Birmingham’s Justin Headley, CPA, CISSP, CISA, CRISC, received the AICPA’s Technology Advisory Standing Ovation Award at ENGAGE 2025. He was one of just six CPAs recognized nationally for excellence. Read more about Justin Headley and the AICPA Standing Ovation award.

Mindy Rankin Recognized at FICPA Mega Conference

Panama City’s Mindy Rankin, CPA, CCD, was honored with two awards at the 2025 FICPA MEGA Conference for her outstanding service and advocacy. She also presented on disaster relief strategies, offering conference attendees practical insights into IRS relief provisions, tax filing extensions and recent legislative developments. Read more about Mindy Rankin’s awards and her presentation at the 2025 FICPA Mega Conference.

Missy Herbert Speaks at the Georgia Society of CPAs’ 2025 Employee Benefit Plan Conference

Atlanta’s Missy Herbert, CPA, Practice Leader of the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Practice Group, spoke at the Georgia Society of CPAs’ 2025 Employee Benefit Plan Conference. She provided updates on accounting and auditing for employee benefit plans and participated in a lightning round audit panel. Learn more about Missy Herbert and her presentation at the GSCPA conference.

Jon Chancey Featured in CentrAL INC!

Montgomery’s Jon Chancey, CPA, a Member in the Audit Division, was featured in CentrAL INC! where he shared six key metrics manufacturing companies should use to assess financial health. His article explores how manufacturers can transform operational data into actionable insights to improve their businesses. Read more about Jon Chancey and CentrAL INC! here.

Rusty Pickering Featured in WorkForce Development Series

Birmingham’s Rusty Pickering, CPA, the firm’s Director of Recruiting, was featured in the Birmingham Business Journal’s WorkForce Development Series. He spoke on a panel about talent retention and the evolving role of accountants, emphasizing the importance of culture in addressing industry challenges. Learn more about Rusty Pickering and the BBJ’s WorkForce Development series.

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