News

Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas’s Karen Love Named One of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People

HOUSTON – October 18, 2002 – Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C.’s (PKF Texas) Director of Business Development, Karen Love, has earned a coveted spot on Accounting Today’s elite list of the Top 100 Most Influential People. The 2002 list recognizes industry leaders who have contributed to the accounting profession in a meaningful way.

Love, one of the accounting industry’s most accomplished and veteran marketers and business developers, has implemented visionary strategies to help accounting firms boost revenue and explore new niche channels. Her ability to spot trends well before they take hold has enabled her to implement forward-thinking innovation that led to market leverage for her firm.

“Her extraordinary ability to spot opportunity and ways people can do business together has transformed the way PKF  Texas cultivates and strengthens our business relationships,” said Warren Cole, president. “We are proud to have Karen on our executive team, and believe she clearly has earned this distinct honor.”

Karen’s contribution to the industry is vast. On a weekly basis, she talks to firms across the nation who are interested in hiring a full-time Business Development Director.  She has personally trained more than eight marketing/business development directors, and was named CPA Marketing Report’s Marketer of the Year for 2002. In addition to Karen’s securing this pinnacle award, PKF Texas has won seven marketing awards this year including the American Horizons Showcase of Ingenuity, a Gold Excalibur from the Public Relations Society of America, four awards of excellence from the American Association of Marketing, and a first-place award from the Association for Accounting Marketing. Karen also was integral to the firm’s second Architects of Innovation Award win from the Practical Accountant..

Karen Love’s business savvy goes well beyond the marketing and business development realm; she truly understands how business works. Accounting Today spotlighted Love’s advice to professionals entering the accounting profession. She says, “The CPA firm offers a kaleidoscope of opportunities and affords members the chance to learn about a diverse number of disciplines. Accountants need to develop “soft skills” – communication, presentation skills, networking, creativity, and listening. Accountants will continue to evolve from being strictly technical practitioners to diverse business advisors.”

Karen Love competed against individuals from all over the nation in the annual by-nomination-only event. Others joining her on the list include Barry Melancon, President, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Representative Michael G. Oxley, Ohio Congressman.

###

Contact Karen Love, Director, Practice Growth or Raissa Evans, Manager, Practice Growth at 713-860-1400