Blackman Kallick Names New Managing Partner

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blackman Kallick, Chicago’s ninth largest accounting firm, today announced the election of Steven Schneider, CPA, to managing partner effective Jan. 1, 2008. Schneider will succeed Daniel Fensin who held the position for the past 17 years and will remain a partner until his retirement in December 2008. Schneider and Fensin will serve as co-managing partners through 2007.

“He’s also an outstanding auditor and a terrific client services practitioner. With his business acumen, dedication to providing outstanding service and ability to foster strong relationships with clients and colleagues, Steve will serve us well as managing partner.”

“Steve has been an extremely influential partner. He has contributed greatly to Blackman Kallick’s success, and he is highly respected by members of the firm,” said Fensin. “He’s also an outstanding auditor and a terrific client services practitioner. With his business acumen, dedication to providing outstanding service and ability to foster strong relationships with clients and colleagues, Steve will serve us well as managing partner.”

Schneider, 58, joined Blackman Kallick in 1981 and has been involved in firm leadership for many years as a member of its management committee and as partner in charge of marketing. In addition to his role as managing partner, he will continue to serve as engagement partner for many of the firm’s clients.

A 30-year accounting and auditing veteran, Schneider works with clients in a variety of industries, including private equity, service, manufacturing and distribution. He counsels clients on a wide range of issues, such as buying and selling companies, organizational matters and ownership succession. Schneider is also an active member in HLB International, Blackman Kallick’s worldwide affiliate firm network.

Schneider is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society and the Illinois Venture Capital Association. He has spoken at a variety of conferences, has authored articles for professional associations and trade groups, and has served as an officer and a director of several not-for-profit organizations.

Prior to joining Blackman Kallick in 1981, Schneider was a manager in the banking practice at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG). A native of the Chicago area, Schneider received his Bachelor of Science in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

About Blackman Kallick

Blackman Kallick is the ninth largest accounting firm in Chicago (Crain's Chicago Business, Nov. 20, 2006). The firm’s more than 230 professionals provide audit, tax and consulting services for private and public companies as well as not-for-profit organizations. Blackman Kallick is a member of HLB International, a worldwide organization of independent accounting firms with more than 13,000 professionals in more than 100 countries.

Blackman Kallick, 10 South Riverside Plaza, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-207-1040, www.blackmankallick.com.