Gilbert CPAs welcomes a new leader as Bobbie Hales steps into the role of CEO on Jan. 1, 2022. The appointment of Hales is the fulfillment of the firm’s succession planning for leadership. David Ljung, CEO for the past six years, will continue as a firm shareholder until his retirement in a couple of years.
“It’s a great honor to be elevated to this role,” Hales says. “Gilbert has an amazing and accomplished leadership team and to have their vote of confidence as I step into this position is very humbling. Oh, and my mom is pretty proud.”
Gilbert provides accounting, consulting, tax and audit services to businesses throughout Northern California, including nearly 300 nonprofits. “In an industry with ever-increasing consolidation, we are proud to remain an independent, Sacramento-owned CPA firm,” Hales says. “Given our roots, there is a logical fit with clients who also have a stake in and a commitment to Sacramento, including family-owned and privately-held businesses and nonprofit organizations.”
“Gilbert has an amazing and accomplished leadership team and to have their vote of confidence as I step into this position is very humbling.”
— Bobbie Hales, CEO
With women as six of their 10 shareholders, the firm has a much higher proportion of female leadership than the industry average. “Women currently represent approximately 60% of our leadership team, but we didn’t set that as a goal,” Hales says. “Instead, it speaks to our desire to have the best talent available. The firm’s flexibility has enabled team members to achieve career and personal success, and we have been devoted to developing career pathways to accommodate their unique interests and needs.”
Hales notes that her goal as CEO is to keep the firm moving forward and focused on providing value to clients and the community. “As a leader, I believe that success is dependent on the people you bring to the team. By building and maintaining a team of committed professionals, we position Gilbert well for continued success.”
