CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DSWD Advisory, a leading full-service accounting & advisory firm today announced the appointment of Phil Whitman and Brian Blaha to its Board of Directors. Their addition marks a pivotal moment for the firm as it seeks to strategically expand its footprint and enhance its organic and inorganic growth capabilities. Both Whitman and Blaha bring decades of complementary experience in firm strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation within the accounting and professional services sectors.
“We are at a turning point in the accounting industry, and having the right strategic minds at the table is critical,” said John Sciaccotta, Managing Partner at DSWD Advisory Group. “Phil and Brian are true leaders in our space. Their deep understanding of how to drive growth—both through internal optimization and strategic acquisitions—will be a force multiplier for our firm, our people and our clients.”
About Phil Whitman
Phil Whitman, CPA has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the top 100 most influential people in accounting from 2022 to present. He serves as CEO of Whitman Advisory, the nation’s largest advisory firm dedicated exclusively to helping CPA firms with M&A, talent solutions, profitability and advisory service offerings. Whitman currently serves on multiple boards where, as both a CPA and seasoned facilitator, he has earned the trust of fellow board members, shareholders and management teams by helping those organizations navigate complex decisions and align stakeholders toward clear outcomes.
“From my first conversation with John Sciaccotta, Joseph DeMarco, and the team at 119th Street Capital, it was clear that DSWD Advisory is led by a forward-thinking, high-impact leadership group. Their people-first philosophy creates the kind of environment where meaningful growth happens. I’m energized by the opportunity to collaborate with this team and help accelerate DSWD’s next phase of strategic expansion and profitability.”
About Brian Blaha
Brian is a nationally recognized growth strategist and leadership advisor at Winding River Consulting, where he works with managing partners, boards, and investing stakeholders to design intentional growth strategies, strengthen leadership alignment, and build sustainable enterprise value. He is passionate about helping firms scale through clarity of strategy, disciplined execution, and a people-first culture. Previously, Brian served as Chief Growth Officer of a Top 20 accounting firm, where he helped lead significant revenue expansion, built industry-focused go-to-market models, and guided the integration of numerous acquisitions. He currently serves as Chair of the Illinois CPA Society Board of Directors.
“DSWD has built a strong foundation, and that’s the starting point for long-term enterprise value. In today’s environment, firms that intentionally align strategy, leadership, and disciplined execution will not only grow revenue — they will build enduring value for partners, employees, and investors. I’m excited to support DSWD as it accelerates that journey.”
For more information about DSWD Advisory Group, please visit https://dswd-advisory.com/.
About DSWD Advisory
Founded in 2009 by Joseph DeMarco, John Sciaccotta, and Rick Wilkens, DSWD was built on a simple vision: create a firm where people and clients always come first. What began as three leaders with a shared purpose has grown into a thriving practice defined by genuine care, trusted relationships, and a culture that feels more like family than firm. At DSWD, our philosophy is rooted in people. From celebrating personal milestones to supporting professional goals, we value relationships above all else. That same care extends to our clients, who count on us to guide them with integrity, foresight, and a commitment to their success – today and for the long term. In 2025, DSWD partnered with 119th Street Capital, a Family Office that invests exclusively in financial services firms. This partnership reflects a shared belief that culture drives success. Together, we’ve created a roadmap for purposeful growth: investing in our people, enhancing client service, and expanding opportunities through strategic partnerships.
Contacts
Media Contact:
John Sciaccotta
Managing Partner
708-629-7984
[email protected]
