Press Release

Baker Tilly Launches National Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee

Firm will leverage cross-functional team to drive transformation and build on the success of GROW and SOAR diversity and inclusion programs.

CHICAGO (December 15, 2016) – Nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Baker Tilly) has announced the implementation of a new national steering committee designed to strengthen the firm’s culture of diversity and inclusion.

“At Baker Tilly, we strive to create a diverse, engaging and inclusive firm that allows all of our exceptional team members to succeed and thrive,” Chairman and CEO Alan Whitman said. “Our goal with a national steering committee is to elevate that commitment even more and make diversity and inclusion our culture — rather than part of our culture — to ensure progress in every facet of our diversity and inclusion efforts.” 

Alan Whitman will chair the new Baker Tilly steering committee which will be made up of individuals from across the firm and it will have oversight responsibility for developing and implementing a holistic diversity and inclusion strategy. It will oversee the firm’s diversity and inclusion communications, enhance accountability measures for its substantial diversity goals and coordinate the activities of the firm’s two signature successful diversity and inclusion initiatives, GROW and SOAR.

GROW (Growth and Retention of Women) began in 2007 and has focused on attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining the firm’s women professionals. The program has focused on ways — such as increasing the number of women on firm committees — to amplify the leadership and influence of diverse voices on the strategic direction of the firm.

Baker Tilly’s SOAR (Supporting Opportunity, Advancement, and Recognition for All), created in 2015, focuses on ensuring all team members are supported, valued and respected regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, age, physical ability, faith, sexual orientation, education, personality, skills or life experiences.

“Diverse and inclusive businesses are more successful than those that are not and Baker Tilly understands that our continued success relies on new perspectives and approaches,” Chief Human Resources Officer Karleen Mussman said.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion reflects who we are and what we believe as a firm. It signals to our clients, the market and, most importantly, our people that we are committed to remaining an exceptional workplace that welcomes a rich diversity of individuals and ideas,” Mussman added.

Both GROW and SOAR will continue their respective missions and the work of these initiatives will move forward under the auspices of the new Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.

About Baker Tilly US, LLP (bakertilly.com)

Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm whose specialized professionals guide clients through an ever-changing business world, helping them win now and anticipate tomorrow. Headquartered in Chicago, Baker Tilly, and its affiliated entities, have operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Baker Tilly is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 145 territories, with 34,700 professionals. The combined worldwide revenue of independent member firms is $3.6 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.