PYA is pleased to announce that Jennifer Blackwood, Principal, has been named to lead the firm’s Tax Services as Managing Principal of Tax. The company also announces the promotion of Derek Long to Principal and several other promotions effective July 1, 2025.
“Jennifer is a respected leader in tax and accounting and will lead our Tax Services with integrity and vision,” said PYA President and CEO Marty Brown. “She brings decades of experience dedicated to helping clients succeed across many industries. Jennifer exemplifies PYA’s values, and we are excited about the future of our nationally recognized service area under her leadership.”
Blackwood has been assisting clients with tax needs for 30 years. She joined PYA in 2023 as Tax Services Principal and in that role, has served individuals, partnerships, and corporate entities in multiple industries, including retail, professional services, for-profit healthcare, real estate, and more. She has supported clients on federal and multi-state tax compliance matters as well as tax planning and consulting engagements.
Blackwood earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and holds leadership roles in the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. She has served the Singleton B. Wolfe Memorial Tax Conference and currently serves as a member of the board of directors and finance committee of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.
The transition of leadership in the firm’s Tax Services ensures a continued focus on client service, exemplary expertise, and growth of the service area. In 2025, PYA’s Tax Services was named by USA TODAY as one of the Most Recommended Tax Firms in America for the second consecutive year. PYA also was named a Top 100 Accounting Firm by Accounting Today and INSIDE Public Accounting, both for the ninth year in a row. The firm also launched its International Tax service line in 2025, a key element in PYA’s growth strategy.
Additionally, PYA’s Compensation Valuation Planning and Design service line welcomes Derek Long as Principal. With a focus on health systems and physician practice groups, Long has years of expertise in valuations of hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, cancer centers, imaging centers, and management services organizations. His work also includes reimbursement, strategy, and transactional matters.
An Accredited Senior Appraiser, Long is an experienced author and presenter on healthcare valuation topics and a member of the American Society of Appraisers and American Association of Provider Compensation Professionals.
“Since our founding in 1983, PYA has focused on a Serve to Solve culture, and Derek’s commitment to that value is admirable,” said Brown. “His expertise in physician compensation valuation and business valuation helps PYA provide exemplary service to healthcare clients across the country.”
Other firmwide promotions effective July 1 include these:
James Ferguson, Senior Manager – Audit & Assurance
Miriam Murray, Senior Manager – Strategic Transaction Services
Laura Sharp, Senior Manager – Audit & Assurance
Anthony Campanile, Manager, Strategic Transaction Services
Alex Williams, Manager, Tax Services
Marlene Iredale, Manager, Tax Services
Michelle Smith, Manager, Strategic Transaction Services
Asya Craven, Senior, Audit & Assurance
Nathan Wade, Senior, Tax Services
Chandler Ford, Senior, Tax Services
