Photo / Courtesy Baker Newman Noyes
Darren Hurlburt
August 13, 2024
Baker Newman Noyes will change up its leadership structure next year
Photo / Alexis Wells
Baker Newman Noyes is headquartered in Portland, at 280 Fore St.
Baker Newman Noyes, the second-largest accounting firm in Maine, will transform its leadership structure following the exit of Dayton Benway, who plans to retire at the end of the year.
Benway led the Portland-based firm for six years as managing principal. He previously led and served in the firm’s health care consulting practice since 2000.
New leadership
Starting in January, Baker Newman will be led by the board of directors, and the managing principal role will no longer exist in the firm's leadership structure.
Darren Hurlburt, the current chief financial officer and chief risk officer, has been appointed to the newly created role of president and will lead the firm's day-to-day management.
Before returning to BNN in 2018 as CFO, Hurlburt served in of the audit department since the firm's founding in 1995. He will continue leading the finance function in addition to his responsibilities as president.
Hurlburt holds a bachelor's degree from James Madison University.
“On behalf of the entire BNN team, Andy and I thank Dayton for his incredible leadership since 2019,” said Hurlburt. “He brought a transparent and employee-centric leadership style, which I admire and aim to continue during my time in this new role.
"I am humbled by the confidence the principals have shown in selecting me as the first president of the firm. This new structure allows us to maintain our current practice organization and independent ownership while positioning BNN for future growth and success in the rapidly changing accounting industry.”
Andrew Smith, the current tax principal and director of tax services, will become the firm's chairperson. In that role, he will be responsible for facilitating board leadership and for internal and external communications.
Photo / Courtesy Baker Newman Noyes
Andrew Smith
Smith began his career at BNN in 1998. In addition to his leadership, Smith serves clients in the hospitality, construction, real estate, and professional services industries. He also advises clients on succession planning, cost segregation studies and tax credit deals.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine, with concentrations in accounting and finance.
“Everything we do is centered on delivering value for our clients and our people, and that is reflected in this decision,” said Smith. “Our team continues to drive tremendous growth through our high-quality service and focus on listening to our clients’ needs.
"As we enter a new decade, the diversity this leadership structure provides will allow us to continuously evolve and enhance our offerings to ensure BNN is well positioned to best serve our current and future clients, as well as remain a top place to work.”
Baker Newman Noyes is ranked No. 2 among Maine’s largest accounting firms in the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists. The ranking was based on the firm's 2022 revenue of $33.1 million.
In addition to its Portland headquarters, the firm has two offices in Massachusetts and two in New Hampshire.
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