Weaver is pleased to announce the promotion of five professionals to the firm’s executive team. Linc Ashby has been promoted to Chief Talent Officer, Demetrice Branch to Chief People Officer, Frank McElroy to General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Katie McGee to Chief Marketing Officer, and Robert Neill to Chief Information Officer.
“We could not be more pleased to have such talented professionals on our leadership team,” said Weaver CEO and Managing Partner, John Mackel. “They are each great at what they do and have demonstrated outstanding dedication to our team members, the firm and our clients. I look forward to working with them as they take on their new roles, help support our partners and lead the firm to new heights.”
Linc Ashby, Chief Talent Officer
Linc joined Weaver in 2021 as Director of People Engagement, Learning and Development to help enhance career development opportunities and prioritize the well-being of our team members. Tasked with interpreting organization capabilities and translating them into effective and relevant coaching solutions, Linc has worked closely with team members firm wide to meet personal and professional development goals. As Chief Talent Officer, Linc is building WeaverLEAD, an internal coaching program to serve high performing, up-and-coming professionals, as well as gifted leaders at the firm. He will also continue to oversee Weaver’s learning and development, and recruiting efforts.
Demetrice Branch, Chief People Officer
With 21 years of HR experience, Demetrice has served as Weaver’s Director of Human Resources for the past 13 years. She has been responsible for a range of HR functions, including compensation, benefits, compliance, recruiting, employee engagement and learning and development. Throughout her career, Demetrice has exceled at collaborating with leaders across the firm to translate strategic and tactical business goals into HR operational plans. As Chief People Officer, Demetrice will expand her focus to lead Weaver’s Culture Committee, as well as the firm’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.
Frank McElroy, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer
Frank has more than 15 years of experience guiding and defending CPAs and public accounting firms on issues related to the application of professional standards, client acceptance/continuance, and mitigating risks specific to the spectrum of services they offer. Since 2019, Frank McElroy, JD., has served as Weaver’s in-house legal counsel, assisting with quality and risk management, compliance, licensing, and the coordination of outside counsel. More specifically, Frank has assisted the firm in strengthening and expanding its systems of quality control, overseeing the firm’s transition to a new engagement letter template system, instructing at level trainings and leadership programs, and acting as an advisor to the firm’s Executive Committee, quality and risk management teams, and leaders across the firm.
Katie McGee, Chief Marketing Officer
Katie has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, business development and communications. She’s been with Weaver for more than 12 years, responsible for overseeing the firm’s marketing strategy development and execution to drive firm growth and increase brand recognition. As Chief Marketing Officer, Katie will lead Weaver’s national marketing and business development strategy, including driving and supporting growth firm wide, and expanding the firm’s brand awareness to drive demand and loyalty across marketing channels. She will also help build our talent acquisition strategy by enhancing our brand as an employer of choice.
Robert Neill, Chief Information Officer
Robert joined Weaver in 2019 as the director of CIO advisory services. In this role, he provided technology-focused consulting services to a wide variety of the firm’s clients, including large and small private companies, as well as government entities. With more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership and management consulting, Robert’s background includes positions in management of enterprise applications, data security and privacy, risk management, corporate IT management, operations management, and senior leadership. In his role as Chief Information Officer, Robert will plan and lead the firm’s future IT growth, while also maintaining oversight of the day-to-day administration, maintenance and support of current systems.
