Baker Newman Noyes Announces Andrew Smith as Director of Tax Practice
Baker Newman Noyes, one of New England’s largest accounting and advisory firms, announced Andrew Smith, CPA, as director of the firm’s tax practice, effective January 1. Smith takes over the role of director from Michael Stillings, CPA, who has served as director of tax at BNN for the last 15 years.
“It is truly an honor to take over the role of director of BNN’s tax practice from Mike Stillings,” said Smith. “Mike’s leadership has helped each member of our team build meaningful professional relationships, develop specialized technical acumen, and deliver forward-thinking client service. He has always encouraged me and the others he has worked with to grow and challenge themselves while providing unwavering support. I look forward to continuing to lead the team and providing our clients with the outstanding service they have come to expect from BNN.”
In the director role, Smith will oversee BNN’s tax team and delivery of all corporate and individual tax services across its five offices. He will ensure a continued focus on best practices, strategic growth for the firm, and the highest level of professional service for the firm’s clients.
Smith began his career at Baker Newman Noyes in 1998, after interning with the firm in 1997. He primarily serves clients in the hospitality, construction, real estate, and professional service industries, and has extensive experience advising his clients on succession planning, like-kind exchanges, cost segregation studies, and tax credit deals. In addition to his client responsibilities, Smith has played an active role in BNN’s college recruiting initiatives, quickly forging connections with many of the firm’s new hires. He is also involved in several professional and community organizations, including the Cumberland/North Yarmouth Little League and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, where he serves as a board member.
“On behalf of myself and the tax team, I want to thank Mike for his years of service in the director role,” says Smith. “I have enjoyed working with him, growing our practice and expanding our capabilities. He did a fantastic job leading our team and will continue to serve as a mentor and role model for our professionals. Mike will also continue to serve our business and high net-worth tax clients with tailored tax planning and strategy.”
Stillings served as director of tax services since 2008. During his tenure, the BNN tax department has grown from 43 employees in Maine and New Hampshire to 143 employees working throughout New England and beyond.
“Mike has had a tremendous impact on the careers of each and every one of our employees in the tax practice,” says Dayton Benway, managing principal. “Our people are the backbone of our ability to service clients, and Mike has pushed our teams to be the best they can be while fostering a sense of teamwork and community in the practice. We are grateful for his vision for the tax practice, dedication to BNN, and commitment to our clients. We know Andy will continue that legacy and develop it to best meet the needs of the firm and our clients as we evolve in the future.”
Baker Newman Noyes is one of the largest tax practices among regional accounting firms in New England. The firm serves businesses and high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on international, state, and local taxation; tax-exempt organizations and private foundations; gifts, trusts, and estate tax planning; tax planning for closely held businesses; and complex corporate tax advisory.
BNN is ranked as a top 100 firm by Accounting Today and INSIDE Public Accounting and has received a Best of Accounting award for superior client service for five consecutive years. Throughout New England and beyond, BNN is known for their specialized knowledge and experience, award-winning client service, and collaborative approach. The firm is an independent member of HLB, a dynamic international, advisory and accounting network.