DeJoy & Co. Announces New Leadership Structure
Co-Founder David DeJoy becomes Board Chair; Mike Cooke becomes Managing Partner; Chris Modesti promoted to President
ROCHESTER, NY, January 27, 2023 – DeJoy & Co., a leading regional business advisory and CPA firm, has implemented a new leadership structure that positions the highly trusted organization to continue providing differentiated, value-added advice and outstanding service in an increasingly dynamic market.
“After over 30 years in business, DeJoy & Co. is well-known as a premier regional performer and well-managed business whose clients continue relying on us for technical expertise, top-quality services, an effective team-based approach, and the highest standards of integrity,” says David J. DeJoy, Co-Founder and incoming Chair of the firm’s newly created Board of Directors.
“As the industry landscape becomes more demanding, with clients needing ever more complex counsel and services,” DeJoy adds, “DeJoy & Co. continues to seek ways to deliver that robust service while also cultivating the next generation of talented, experienced professionals capable of leading us into the future as successfully as we’ve done in the past.”
To achieve this balance, DeJoy & Co. has devised and rolled out an innovative leadership structure that has Chair DeJoy and incoming Managing Partner Michael L. Cooke collaborating closely with Christian B. Modesti, DeJoy & Co.’s President. Previously an executive with multiple businesses, Modesti was hired in 2021 as DeJoy & Co.’s Executive Vice President.
“Chris is a person of high integrity and outstanding leadership skills,” DeJoy says, “who has demonstrated his commitment to our vision around key milestones for achieving the firm’s goals. Chris’ embrace of the DeJoy & Co. culture, along with his deep and broad experience, have and will continue to help us bolster and fine-tune every aspect of DeJoy & Co.’s operations.
“Cooke, who’s been with DeJoy & Co. since 1997, emphasizes his and the other Partners’ confidence in Modesti, with whom they have developed a high degree of mutual respect and trust.
“The other Partners and I are thrilled with what Chris brings to the table,” Cooke says. “Placing Chris in this role has been a crucial step in positioning DeJoy & Co. for the future. Knowing that he is running the day-to-day with an expert hand while executing the firm’s strategic goals allows the Partners to focus fully on the complexities of DeJoy & Co.’s engagements with our clients, whose needs and expectations are growing more sophisticated every year.”
DeJoy & Co.’s longtime Partners average nearly 25 years with the firm, Cooke says, and bring a deep wealth of experience across all key disciplines of the DeJoy & Co. business. That impressive body of experience means that clients will continue enjoying the continuity, technical expertise, and attention to detail on which DeJoy & Co. has built its reputation and enduring relationships.
Modesti notes: “I’m gratified that DeJoy & Co.’s longtime Partners have come together to create this progressive structure and trust me in helping ensure the firm’s successful future.”
What hasn’t wavered, DeJoy says, is the firm’s founding mission: to provide high-quality client service while adhering to the highest standards of integrity.
“I’m excited that this well-planned handoff to Mike and Chris – a transition that we have been carefully putting together – is finally here,” DeJoy adds. “I have the utmost confidence in Mike’s ability to ensure a level of care, quality, and responsiveness that our clients expect, and in Chris’ talents to keep the business running smoothly while steadfastly advancing our progress toward achieving our strategic goals.”
Cooke and Modesti both note that, as recruiting and developing young talent grows more competitive every year, the new structure allows DeJoy & Co. to continually build and invest in its team of outstanding professionals. Effective this month, Kevin C. Woodworth – who joined DeJoy & Co. in 2011 – was named the firm’s newest Partner.
“This restructuring,” they add, “also allows DeJoy & Co. to focus the highest level of attention and resources on attracting and developing the firm’s future leaders – who deliver not only the technical excellence that our clients demand, but fully embrace the values-based culture on which DeJoy & Co.’s reputation has been built. Kevin Woodworth is an excellent example of DeJoy & Co.’s success in recruiting, cultivating, and elevating outstanding young professionals.”
DeJoy adds: “As Board Chair, I’m excited about what DeJoy & Co.’s future holds. I look forward to continuing to consult on select client engagements, and enjoying the energy of our talented, enthusiastic team members, who bring their best to work every day!”
About DeJoy & Co.
Based in downtown Rochester and deeply rooted in the community, DeJoy & Co. is a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm, serving clients across New York State and around the country. The firm provides business advisory, valuation, assurance, tax, and accounting services to privately held small- and medium-sized businesses, and individuals.
DeJoy & Co.’s professional advisors focus on delivering proactive, timely, and innovative advice—striving always to understand each client’s unique situations, and to design and execute business and financial strategies that further their short- and long-term objectives.