Former Wipfli executive to help clients navigate growth
Cleveland, OH, May 1, 2025 — Winding River Consulting (WRC), a premier advisory firm dedicated to developing firm leadership and facilitating growth in the accounting and professional services industries, is proud to announce the addition of Brian Blaha, CPA. Brian’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as WRC expands its consulting services to meet increased demand from firms navigating transformation, succession, and sustainable growth.
Blaha brings 30 years of experience leading growth strategy, marketing and sales transformation, and executive team alignment. As former Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Wipfli LLP, he helped propel the firm from $227M to $590M in revenue. He developed nationally recognized go-to-market strategies, integrated forty acquisitions, and built scalable business development frameworks rooted in industry specialization and a people-first philosophy.
“Brian’s track record speaks for itself. He’s built growth engines, transformed cultures, and coached leadership teams,” said David Toth, CGO of Winding River Consulting (WRC). “He brings a rare mix of strategic vision, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to people, performance, and purpose. His approach is exactly what our clients are asking for and what professional services need right now.”
Blaha will work directly with managing partners and CEOs, private equity investors, and firm leadership teams to craft strategic growth plans, optimize M&A integration, and guide leadership development initiatives. His belief in an “Outward Mindset”—focused on collaboration, accountability, and empathy—aligns closely with WRC’s mission to help firms grow through leadership clarity and intentional execution.
“Joining Winding River is a natural extension of my career-long passion for helping firms and professionals grow, scale, and lead with purpose,” said Blaha. “I’m excited to partner with an exceptional team of thinkers and doers, and even more excited to work alongside the next generation of firm leaders.”
"The addition of Brian ensures continuity, strengthens our leadership bench, and positions us for long-term success,” added Gary Shamis, CEO of WRC.
Blaha currently serves as Chair of the Illinois CPA Society Board of Directors. He also represents the state on the AICPA Council and contributes a regular column, Growth Perspectives, to the Society’s quarterly publication.
About Winding River Consulting
Winding River Consulting (www.WindingRiverConsulting.com) is the premier consulting firm providing the nation’s top professional services firms and their investors with specialized services in growth consulting, leadership development, and digital growth. Through its strategic consulting practice and exclusive events, Winding River helps managing partners, CEOs, and leadership teams identify and attain goals of growth, productivity, and profit.