Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. (BPS) have announced that Jay Swearingen, CPA, will succeed Russell Bauknight, CPA, as managing shareholder of BPS effective January 1, 2024. Bauknight, who will complete his five-year term as managing shareholder at the end of the year, will continue as a BPS shareholder and focus his time consulting with clients within the firm’s vibrant Estate and Trust practice.

Assuming the role of managing shareholder is particularly gratifying for Swearingen, who joined BPS 29 years ago as one of the firm’s first hires. At the time, BPS had less than 10 employees. Swearingen was also the first employee to become a shareholder outside of the founding partners: Ken Bauknight, Russell Bauknight, Tom Pietras, and Chris Stormer.

"We have come a long way since I joined the firm, developing into one of the premier accounting firms in the United States with a strong brand and an excellent platform for continued success,” Swearingen said.

A native of Columbia, S.C., Swearingen earned a B.S. in Accounting from Clemson University and a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina. He joined BPS in 1994 and was named a shareholder in 2001. Over the years, he has built a thriving business and tax consulting practice, specializing in privately held, owner-managed businesses with an emphasis on real estate, franchise restaurant businesses, professional service companies, manufacturing, retail, and distribution. Swearingen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the South Carolina Association of Public Accountants, and is president of the Norman J. and Gerry Sue Arnold Foundation as well as treasurer of South Carolina United FC, the state’s largest amateur soccer club.

Commenting on the announcement, Bauknight said he is proud of everything BPS has accomplished over the last five years and excited to see Swearingen step up as the firm’s next managing shareholder. “BPS has grown phenomenally since 2019 and has been recognized among the best by Forbes and INSIDE Public Accounting. We achieved both milestones despite a global pandemic that shut many businesses down, by creating a culture that puts our people first, supporting professional development while prioritizing personal and family obligations. This year it was also gratifying that BPS was named among South Carolina’s Top Ten Best Places to Work for mid-sized companies.”

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Bauknight is a trusted advisor to closely held businesses and their owners. Recognized by several South Carolina courts as an expert in fiduciary administration, he serves as trustee or personal representative to many trusts and estates. Since 2009, Bauknight has been the court-appointed fiduciary of the James Brown Estate (Godfather of Soul). He serves on the board of PrimeGlobal and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the South Carolina Association of Public Accountants.