February 10, 2022

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. (BLS), a certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Delaware and Pennsylvania, announces a new leadership structure and recognizes the firm’s achievements under Michael T. French, CPA as Managing Director.

To ensure the proper management and succession of the firm, it is with great excitement and anticipation that we announce a new shared leadership governance structure effective January 1, 2022.  As such, BLS is evolving from a traditional, singular Managing Director model to a three-member Executive Director model. This newly appointed leadership team will create an even more collaborative approach to managing the firm while improving on our ability to continue providing exceptional services for our clients. The following individuals were appointed to the new Executive Director roles:

• Jeffrey A. Elwell, CPA – Executive Director of Administration
• Anne Mary Kluska, CPA, CVA – Executive Director of Client Services
• Jonathan D. Moll, CPA – Executive Director of Strategy

Jonathan D. Moll, CPA states, “This new governance model will allow us to continue to build on the leadership philosophy rooted in respect and communication established by Michael and leverage the strengths and unique skill sets of our team to continue to manage the firm toward continued success.”

After seven years of working tirelessly in the role of Managing Director to help promote BLS’ mission of providing exceptional services through exceptional people, Michael T. French, CPA will now work with the new leadership team as part of a detailed succession plan that has been designed to ensure BLS’ sustainability as one of the largest and most respected locally owned firms in Delaware. Michael has been Managing Director of BLS since 2015 and a member of the firm since 1980 when he started as an Intern. The transition began on January 1, 2022 and Michael will remain a valued member of the BLS Family to help guide new leadership until his retirement.

“Michael helped build a culture at the firm in which everyone on our team had a platform for recognition in the community as a leader within their practice niche. His empathetic leadership style was paramount to developing the next generation of firm leadership. Along with being a sounding board for new leadership, Michael will play a key role in identified projects including, facilities, client experience, and chairing the firm’s upcoming 100th Anniversary Committee, as well as continue to service clients as a director/shareholder at BLS,” comments Jonathan D. Moll, CPA.

A brief sample of the many accomplishments during Michael’s time as Managing Director include:

• Led an infusion of new talent to where 40% of the firm’s current team started during his tenure as Managing Director
• Expanded the leadership group with four members admitted to Director/Shareholder and six to Principal during his Managing Director tenure
• Focused on diversifying leadership to where 62% of current shareholders are females vs. 16% in 2014
• Increased firm revenue by 45% during his Managing Director tenure
• Fostered an era of automation, including Lean Six Sigma process reengineering, cloud-based workflow management, and a totally paperless environment.

Michael T. French, CPA states, “It was only through a true collaborative approach that we realized this success and it couldn’t have happened without the contributions from all of our team. I have enjoyed the past 42 years at BLS, especially the last seven years as Managing Director, and I’m so very proud of how we have grown as a company, as individuals, and as a community. By remaining true to our core values, we continue to enhance our roles as trusted advisors to our clients, and our valued position among other business professionals and community leaders, as well as our relationships with each other. No one gets this far in life without help. It’s accomplished as a team, and I know that better than anyone. With our new leadership, I’m very confident in our ability to continue to build on what we have achieved, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support over the years.”