Forbes Names PYA Executives Top CPAs in Inaugural List

This week, Forbes released its inaugural list of Best-in-State CPAs, and PYA, a national accounting and healthcare management consulting firm, is honored to announce two PYA executives were recognized. Marty Brown, President and CEO, and Carol Carden, Managing Principal, Compensation Valuation Planning and Design, are included in the prestigious list. Of the 28 CPAs recognized across Tennessee—10 from East Tennessee and 6 from Knoxville—PYA is the only firm headquartered in Knoxville with two professionals on the list, highlighting its unique concentration of top-tier talent within the region.

The honorees are recognized by Forbes as some of America’s best CPAs. “The first-ever…list highlights the finest in the profession: CPAs with impressive track records in their specialties, who have broken barriers to emerge as leaders in their fields, have contributed to advancing the CPA profession, and have given back to society,” according to Forbes.

The Best-in-State CPA award is based on a multi-stage process of Forbes’ editorial research and evaluation. Candidates are rated on achievements, professional honors, influence on the profession, performance, thought leadership, and community service.

“Carol represents the best of PYA’s culture: integrity, honesty, and radical responsiveness on behalf of our clients,” said PYA President and CEO Marty Brown, who was also named a 2024 Top 200 CPA in America by Forbes in its inaugural national rankings.  “She contributes unparalleled professionalism in helping our healthcare clients with valuation, compliance, and compensation design services, advances the CPA profession through leadership in key organizations, and supports her community in important ways. I’m proud to call Carol a teammate and congratulate her on this well-deserved accolade.”

A certified public accountant, Carden provides valuation, compliance, compensation design, and related consulting services to healthcare clients and a variety of business organizations. She is a frequent speaker and published author and is active in national associations, including the American Health Law Association, where she serves on the board of directors, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which inducted her into the Business Valuation Hall of Fame.

Read more about the Best-in-State CPA award methodology.

About PYA

Serving clients in all 50 states and around the world from offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Kansas City, Knoxville, Nashville, and Tampa, PYA is an independently owned, national certified public accounting, professional services, and management consulting firm. Since 1983, the firm’s undeterred focus on relationship-building, authenticity, and radical responsiveness with unparalleled expertise has led to many national recognitions. In February, PYA’s Tax services again were recognized when the firm was named by USA TODAY as one of America’s Most Recommended Tax Firms for the second year in a row. In 2024, the firm was named an INSIDE Public Accounting Top 100 Firm for the ninth year. Follow PYA on LinkedIn, and learn about PYA’s webinars.