SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Abe Cole has been selected as BKD CPAs & Advisors’ next chief operating officer (COO). Cole fills this position after the retirement of former AICPA chair and BKD COO Eric Hansen. 

Cole will begin to transition into this role right away, initially focusing on select issues while he continues to serve as the regional managing partner (RMP) of the firm’s eight-state North Region, which includes Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, until his duties can be transitioned to a successor. 

"The COO plays a critical role in BKD’s success, with the responsibility of promoting firmwide operational excellence, which is one of the hallmarks that set BKD apart,” said CEO-elect Tom Watson. “Abe’s skill set is perfectly suited to keep us on top of our game when it comes to taking care of our business." 

Cole said he looks forward to focusing on innovative solutions to the firm’s current and future challenges. “The success I have had in my career has been a team effort, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with our firmwide team in this next chapter,” Cole said.

Read more here: https://www.bkd.com/news-releases/bkd-selects-next-chief-operating-officer