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Gary Shamis, CPA, M.Acc. was recently appointed to the newly created chairman emeritus position of The Leading Edge Alliance. Shamis is stepping down as chairman eight years after he founded the alliance. The new position was created to honor Shamis for his "extraordinary vision, dynamic leadership, and dedication to the accounting industry". He will maintain his voting privileges and remain an active member of the board.

The Leading Edge Alliance is an international partnership of independently owned accounting and consulting firms that share an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to be the leading providers of professional services in their chosen markets. The Leading Edge was founded through the participation of 16 firms, with Gary Shamis being the driving force behind the formation. Under Shamis' direction as chairman, The Leading Edge Alliance has grown to become the 11^th largest international accounting association (International Accounting Bulletin) with 140 firms. In the eight years since its founding, the association has increased collective firm revenues from 185.5 million to over 1.6 billon dollars.

"It has been rewarding to see the success of The Leading Edge Alliance and to know that SS&G had a great impact in its formation," said Shamis. "I am looking forward to being a part of The Leading Edge's continued growth both nationally and internationally through my new role."

Shamis is succeeded as chairman of the board by Michael Cain, CPA, co-managing partner of Lattimore, Black, Morgan & Cain, P.C. in Nashville, Tenn. Michael Davis, CPA, managing partner of H.W. Fisher & Company in London, has become vice-chairman of the board.