Ascend, a private equity-backed accounting firm, added a vice president of partnerships to its leadership team.
Maureen Churgovich Dillmore will oversee the expansion of Ascend's growth platform for regional accounting firms into new U.S. markets, effective Feb. 17. She was previously executive director of the Americas at PrimeGlobal. Prior to that, she was executive director at DFK International/USA.
"I have dedicated a large part of my career to supporting firms that want to remain independent," Churgovich Dillmore said in a statement. "The dynamics of achieving success in this area are evolving rapidly, and the Ascend model was created so that firm identity would not be at odds with accessing the community and resources needed to prosper. I am genuinely impressed by Ascend's ability to assist midsized firms in making the necessary strides to stay relevant, sustain growth, and provide their staff and clients with top-tier shared services—all while preserving their unique brand and culture."
Ascend has added 14 partner firms across 11 states since the company launched in January 2023.
"So much of association work is theoretical, advising member firms on best practices, and you don't get to see the end game. What excites me about being on the Ascend team is the opportunity to be a force behind the change, to help enact the change and see where and how it comes in," Churgovich Dillmore added.
"Maureen's decision to join Ascend is rooted in her desire to serve the profession in a way that maximizes her impact," Nishaad (Nish) Ruparel, president of Ascend, said in a statement. "We are all excited to welcome someone into our company who has been an advisor and friend to midsized CPA firms for over a decade, and it is all the more rewarding when you realize that the community and resources we are bringing to life will allow Maureen to have conversations with firms that she's never had before. Her curiosity, commitment and deep care for others are going to stand out in this role."
Ascend is backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors and works with regional accounting firms with between $15 and $50 million in revenue. It ranked No. 59 on Accounting Today's
