FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, PA — Schneider Downs & Co., one of the 60 largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms in the United States, announced the appointment of Vanessa Ethier, CPA, CCP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, as Chief Human Resources Officer and the promotion of Eric Surma, CPA, to Chief Financial Officer.
Ethier joined Schneider Downs on June 15 as Chief Human Resources Officer. She comes to the firm from a large national professional services firm, where she served as Managing Director of Human Resources, leading the organization’s national HR Consulting & Outsourcing practice. Prior to that, she held progressive global HR leadership positions at an international technology company, supporting large and complex workforces across multiple continents. Ethier began her career as an auditor at a Big 4 Firm, providing her with firsthand experience in the professional services environment.
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Ethier will partner with firm leadership to drive Schneider Downs’ people strategy across recruiting, development, total rewards and HR operations in support of the firm’s continued growth.
“Creating an environment where great people can build exceptional careers is fundamental to our long-term vision for Schneider Downs,” said Adam Goode, CEO of Schneider Downs. “Vanessa understands our profession and what it takes to help talented people thrive. Her leadership will strengthen the foundation that allows our people, our clients and our firm to succeed.”
The firm also announced the promotion of Eric Surma to Chief Financial Officer. Since joining Schneider Downs in 2024, Surma has served as a trusted business partner to firm leadership and functional areas across the organization, providing financial analysis and decision support that has directly contributed to the firm’s strategic and financial objectives.
Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Surma served a diverse set of clients in the audit and consulting practices of a national accounting firm and held finance leadership roles in industry, bringing extensive financial and operational experience to the firm.
“Schneider Downs is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity, and Eric’s leadership will be instrumental in helping us navigate that journey,” said Justin Steele, COO of Schneider Downs. “Eric has quickly become a strategic partner to our leadership team. His ability to combine financial discipline with business insight will help us capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
As Chief Financial Officer, Surma will oversee the firm’s finance function, providing strategic financial leadership and partnering with firm leadership to support continued growth and long-term objectives.
“These appointments reflect our continued investment in the leadership infrastructure necessary to support our people, clients and strategic priorities,” Goode said. “Vanessa and Eric each bring valuable experience, perspective and leadership that will help position Schneider Downs for continued success.”
Ethier is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership from City St. George’s, University of London. Ethier is also a licensed CPA and holds CCP, SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications.
Surma is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a licensed CPA.
About Schneider Downs
Schneider Downs is a Top 60 independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm providing accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services to public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations and global companies. The firm also offers Internal Audit; Technology Consulting; Software Solutions, Personal Financial Services, Retirement Plan Solutions and Corporate Finance Services. Schneider Downs is the 13th largest accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region and serves individuals and companies in Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), West Virginia (WV), New York (NY), Maryland (MD), and additional states in the nation with offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Columbus, OH and McLean, VA.