Aprio’s Richard Kopelman Named Finalist for Atlanta Business Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta “Most People-Focused CEO,” 2024 HR Excellence Awards

ATLANTA – March 22, 2024 – Aprio, LLP Managing Partner & CEO Richard Kopelman has been named a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Atlanta’s 2024 HR Excellence Awards as a Most People-Focused CEO, highlighting his unwavering commitment to Aprio team members and his steadfast people-first approach to team member empowerment.

A 33-year Aprio veteran, Richard joined Aprio in 1992 as a Staff Accountant. He elevated within the firm and was appointed Partner-in-Charge of the Manufacturing & Distribution practice in 2000, then stepping into the role as managing partner and CEO in 2013. With Richard’s leadership, Aprio has undergone significant growth and transformation, from a single office in Atlanta to 24 different offices in major markets across the U.S. He also led the re-brand of the firm from HA&W to Aprio in 2017, showcasing his innovative and trailblazing leadership as the accounting profession followed suit in the years after. Richard established “The Aprio Way”, a set of 31 unifying fundamentals to guide how the firm cares for its team members and clients. During his tenure, Aprio has experienced exponential year-over-year revenue, geographic and team member growth and become a top awarded accounting firm.

Under Richard’s leadership, Aprio has prioritized cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive and belonging environment where all team members are valued and empowered to succeed. Most recently, the firm’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council launched its inaugural Employee Resource Groups, a team member-driven network that fosters an inclusive culture and workforce by bringing together individuals with shared identities and backgrounds, along with allies, towards creating a culture of belonging at Aprio. The firm has received numerous accolades for its workplace culture which include the Top Five Workplace in Atlanta award by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, A Healthiest Employer by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, a 2023 Top Workplace for DE&I Practices by Top Workplaces, a Glassdoor Best Place to Work in 2022, and received recognition on Vault’s Top Accounting 25 list, which ranks the best accounting firms to work for in 2023. Aprio consistently ranks as a top firm for wellness, the hiring process and culture, underscoring its dedication to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility efforts across various markets.

 The Atlanta Business Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta’s selection of Richard Kopelman as a finalist in the CEO category underscores Aprio’s dedication to nurturing talent, promoting employee engagement and driving transformative change. The winners of the 2024 HR Excellence Awards are set to be unveiled during SHRM-Atlanta’s SOAHR Annual Conference on April 17, the recognition further solidifies Aprio’s position as a trailblazer in fostering a culture of growth, innovation and team member-centric leadership.

Richard has been named one of Georgia’s 500 Most Influential Leaders for 2023 by Georgia Trend Magazine, recognizing his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to local economic development. Acknowledged for fostering a people-focused culture and driving substantial growth, Richard was also honored as a 2023 MP Elite by Accounting Today, highlighting his innovative approach in meeting the critical needs of his team amidst Aprio’s impressive expansion.

In 2023, Aprio’s outstanding accomplishments garnered both regional and national acclaim. Accounting Today hailed Aprio as the No. 1 Fastest-Growing Firm in the U.S., while the Atlanta Business Chronicle honored it as a Pacesetter for achieving over 50 percent growth in two years and significant employee expansion.

About Aprio:

Aprio is a premier, full-service business advisory and accounting firm that advises clients on achieving what’s next. Aprio professionals work as integrated teams across advisory, audit, tax, outsourcing, talent solutions and private client services, bringing the best thinking and personal commitment to each client. Across practices, Aprio brings together proven expertise, deep understanding and strategic foresight for industries including Manufacturing and Distribution; Non-Profit and Education; Professional Services; Real Estate; Construction; Restaurant, Franchise & Hospitality; Government Contracting, and Technology and Blockchain. Aprio has grown to over 2,100 team members. To serve clients wherever life or business may take them, Aprio’s teams speak more than 60 languages and work with clients in over 50 countries. For more, visit www.aprio.com.

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Media Contact:

Leslie Bashuk, Senior Public Relations Specialist
leslie.bashuk@aprio.com