For more than 50 years, Donovan CPAs has built a legacy of excellence, service, and forward-thinking leadership.
Now, as the firm enters a new chapter, it does so with a clear vision for the future.
We are proud to announce that BJ Lippert has been named Managing Partner, while Jeff Donovan transitions into the role of Firm Visionary.
Both are strategic moves designed to position the firm for continued success and growth.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Founded in 1972, Donovan CPAs has always been a family-led business. But as the firm has grown, so has its vision. The transition of leadership from Jeff to BJ marks an important milestone—one that ensures the firm’s future remains strong, innovative, and people-first.
Reflecting on his tenure as Managing Partner, Jeff shared what he’s most proud of:
“One accomplishment is carrying on the business after my father’s succession. Another is transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a well-structured firm. And perhaps most importantly, I’m proud of the incredible team we’ve built—some of the best people in the Indianapolis market.”
Under Jeff’s leadership, Donovan CPAs has grown nearly fourfold, expanded its service offerings, and positioned itself as a top-tier accounting firm.
Now, as he steps into the Firm Visionary role, he remains deeply involved in shaping the firm’s long-term direction.
“I’m in the Firm Visionary role because it gives me the freedom to focus on the big picture—bringing in new ideas, identifying new revenue streams, and solving challenges before they arise.”
Why BJ Lippert is the Right Leader for This Moment
BJ Lippert, who joined Donovan CPAs nearly a decade ago, has been instrumental in the firm’s evolution. From leading the assurance practice to driving operational efficiency, BJ’s leadership has always been about empowering people and building sustainable growth.
“When I joined the firm in 2015, Jeff Donovan and Rex Miller told me, ‘Our assurance practice isn’t where it should be. We need someone to take ownership of it—revamp the process, build the systems, and lead the way forward.’ That was exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for.”
Now, as Managing Partner, BJ is ready to take Donovan CPAs to new heights. His leadership style is rooted in structure, accountability, and a strong vision for the firm’s future. He understands that to grow, a firm needs more than just great accountants. It needs systems, processes, and a culture of trust.
“Jeff has always been a big-picture thinker. But for Donovan CPAs to continue scaling, we need structure, consistency, and accountability. That’s where my strengths lie, and I believe that’s what the firm needs right now.”
A People-First Approach to Growth
One of the key themes of this leadership transition is Donovan CPAs’ commitment to its people—both employees and clients. BJ and Jeff share a deep belief that culture is at the heart of success.
“If we take care of our people in a world-class manner, they will take care of our clients. And if our clients love working with us, the firm will thrive,” BJ explained.
This philosophy isn’t just words. It’s embedded in the firm’s approach. From open-door leadership and mentorship programs to fostering a culture of support, communication, and development, Donovan CPAs ensures that employees feel valued and heard.
“We believe in real conversations. We don’t just talk tax codes—we talk about our clients’ lives, challenges, and goals. That’s the difference.”
What’s Next for Donovan CPAs?
With BJ at the helm and Jeff focusing on visionary leadership, Donovan CPAs is poised for strategic, sustainable growth. Key initiatives for the future include:
- Strengthening internal processes to support expansion.
- Investing in top talent to better serve clients.
- Continuing to innovate client advisory services.
- Expanding the firm’s impact beyond just numbers—helping business owners build lasting legacies.
“We’re not just here to crunch numbers. We’re here to make a difference—for our clients, our team, and our community. That’s the future of Donovan CPAs,” said BJ.
A Leadership Change That Strengthens the Firm
This leadership transition is not just a passing of the baton. It’s a strategic evolution designed to ensure Donovan CPAs continues thriving for decades to come.
Jeff’s new role allows him to focus on big-picture strategy, while BJ’s leadership provides day-to-day operational excellence and stability.
As the firm moves forward, the mission remains the same: to serve clients with excellence, build a thriving culture, and continuously evolve to meet the needs of a changing business world.
“We’ve built something special at Donovan CPAs,” Jeff shared. “And this transition ensures that we continue building—better, stronger, and smarter.”
We invite our clients, partners, and community to celebrate this exciting next chapter with us. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue growing, innovating, and serving you at the highest level.
Join Us in Our New Chapter
If you have questions about this leadership transition or want to learn more about how Donovan CPAs can support your business, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Connect with Jeff Donovan and BJ Lippert on LinkedIn, and follow Donovan CPAs, to stay in the know about the firm.
