WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, announced today that it has named Gerald (Jerry) Carlson as managing partner for the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes 2,000 professionals in KPMG offices in Washington, D.C. and Tysons Corner in Virginia.
In his new role, Carlson, who has led KPMG's St. Louis office since 2008, will be responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the area offices. He assumes his new role on Dec. 1, succeeding Candace H. Duncan, who will retire after 35 years with the firm.
"I'm thrilled to take the lead in this critical market for KPMG," said Carlson. "The thousands of KPMG professionals in the Washington metro area have built an incredible record of success helping our clients on both the business and government side navigate the fast-changing regulatory and technology landscape that is impacting all sectors of our economy. I'm looking forward to helping to build on this record of success and to continuing to expand KPMG's market position, and its strong place as a member of the community."
Carlson led the St. Louis office through years of outstanding growth and has worked with both private and publicly held clients in a number of industries, serving as both the lead audit partner and as an account executive for the firm with a number of Fortune 1000 companies. He has considerable experience with telecommunications and technology clients as well as manufacturing and consumer goods companies.
"Jerry is a terrific leader who has delivered outstanding results for KPMG in St. Louis," said Rob Arning, KPMG's Vice Chair of Market Development. "His ability to understand market needs, connect with our people and create a collaborative environment, and deliver high quality service to clients are attributes that will help us to continue to expand our position in this key market. He will very effectively build on the great work Candy Duncan has done for us over many years there."
Duncan has served KPMG as managing partner of the Washington Metro area since 2009 and was the first woman to lead the office. Under her tenure, the Washington Metro Area offices have been among the fastest growing in the U.S. She has also served the firm in a number of key leadership positions, including its Board of Directors and Operations Committee.
"Candy has broken down barriers throughout her career, entering our profession when few women became CPAs," said John Veihmeyer, KPMG's chairman and chief executive officer, who served as managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office from 2003 to 2005. "During her time with the firm, she has made a positive impact on countless careers. She has been an incredible leader, mentor and partner, and we wish her the best in her retirement."
Both Duncan and Carlson have given significant time to assisting non profits and leading KPMG partners and employees in giving back to the community. Duncan is serving as co-chair of the Leukemia Ball, has chaired the Heart Ball and has been active in other civic organizations, including the Greater Washington Board of Trade, World Affairs Council, the Women's Forum of Washington, D.C., and the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. Carlson served as chairman of the board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and on the boards of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Regional Chamber.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.kpmg.com/us), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG International's member firms have 152,000 professionals, including more than 8,600 partners, in 156 countries.