Baker Newman Noyes Announces New Leadership Structure Starting in 2025
Baker Newman Noyes (BNN), one of the nation’s top 100 accounting and consulting firms with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, announced that the firm will adopt a new leadership structure, effective January 1, 2025. This decision follows the firm’s announcement in June about Managing Principal Dayton Benway’s retirement from BNN at the end of this year. Benway has served as in the role since 2019 and previously led and served in the firm’s healthcare consulting practice since 2000.
Starting in January 2025, BNN will be led by a Board of Directors responsible for overall vision and strategy. Current Tax Principal and Director of Tax Services Andrew Smith will serve as Chairperson of the Board and be responsible for Board leadership and facilitation, as well as internal and external firm communications. Day-to-day leadership and firm business will be managed through the creation of the new role of President, with current Chief Financial Officer & Chief Risk Officer Darren Hurlburt, appointed to this role. The Managing Principal role will be fully retired from BNN’s leadership structure.
“I am excited at the direction the firm has chosen for the leadership group,” said Benway. “I have tremendous confidence in Andy and Darren to step into these new roles and help lead the firm along with the full Board. During my six years as Managing Principal, our strong team of professionals has grown strategically, learned how to work differently, and developed new and innovative ways to provide value and build trust with each other, our clients, and our communities. This transition represents a continued alignment with where our firm is today and how we can best support the BNN of tomorrow.“
“On behalf of the entire BNN team, Andy and I thank Dayton for his incredible leadership since 2019,” said Hurlburt. “He brought a transparent and employee-centric leadership style, which I admire and hope to continue during my time in this new role. I am humbled by the confidence the principals have shown in selecting me as the first President of the firm. This new structure allows us to maintain our current practice organization and independent ownership while positioning BNN for future growth and success in the rapidly changing accounting industry.”
Hurlburt returned to BNN in 2018 as CFO, having previously been a member of the audit department when the firm was founded in 1995. He will continue leadership of the finance function in addition to his responsibilities as President. Hurlburt’s approach focuses on guiding strategy through a business-focused, operational approach.
“This is an exciting time for the firm, and I am honored to be part of this strategic leadership transition,” said Smith. “Everything we do is centered on delivering value for our clients and our people, and that is reflected in this decision. Our team continues to drive tremendous growth through our high-quality service and focus on listening to our clients’ needs. As we enter a new decade, the diversity this leadership structure provides will allow us to continuously evolve and enhance our offerings to ensure BNN is well positioned to best serve our current and future clients, as well as remain a top place to work.”
Smith began his career at BNN in 1998. He is a principal of the firm and has served as director of tax services since January 2024. In addition to his leadership, Smith serves clients in the hospitality, construction, real estate, and professional services industries. He also advises clients on succession planning, cost segregation studies, and tax credit deals.
BNN is ranked as a top 100 firm by Accounting Today and INSIDE Public Accounting. Throughout New England and beyond, BNN is known for their specialized knowledge and experience, award-winning client service, and collaborative approach. The firm is led by 41 principals across five offices in New England. They are an independent member of HLB, a dynamic international advisory and accounting network.
About Baker Newman Noyes
Baker Newman Noyes (BNN), one of the top 100 tax, assurance, and advisory firms in the nation, fosters strong, personal relationships through timely advice that helps clients achieve their goals. BNN’s professionals are entrusted by organizations and individuals to deliver effective accounting and financial solutions with diligence, vision, and responsiveness. The firm draws on deep experience and fosters collaboration between practice groups to find solutions to any situation, with a focus on banking and financial services, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing and commercial, nonprofit, professional services, real estate and construction, public sector entities and privately held and family-owned businesses. With a Net Promoter® Score of 80, BNN has received the Best of Accounting™ Award from independent research firm ClearlyRated for providing superior client service for the past six consecutive years. BNN serves clients globally from its headquarters in Portland, Maine, and full-service offices in downtown Boston and Woburn, Mass., and Manchester and Portsmouth, N.H. BNN is an independent member of HLB – the global advisory and accounting network. Follow BNN on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.