New Plante Moran Managing Partner Begins Term

Jason Drake has taken over as managing partner of Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms.

As managing partner, Drake will focus on firm growth and investments in people and technology, while also maintaining Plante Moran’s rich culture and dedication to client service. Drake succeeds Jim Proppe, who held the position for the last seven years.

“I am honored to begin my term as managing partner,” Drake said. “Plante Moran’s unwavering commitment to its ‘We Care’ culture has propelled the firm through a century of success, and I’m humbled to be part of that journey. By being good stewards of the firm and staying true to our core values, I’m confident we’ll continue to grow and thrive for another 100 years.” 

Elected for this position by his partners in November 2023, one of Drake’s first decisions in his new role was to select the management team members he’ll collaborate with to guide the firm’s client service, growth, people development, risk management, and strategic direction. The following partners have been named to the role: 

• Shane Brown, group managing partner, Colorado and Ohio offices
• Nathan Buchalski, group managing partner, Illinois and Michigan offices
• Laura Claeys, group managing partner, firm administration
• Dennis Graham, group managing partner, management consulting and international offices
• Donna Hanson, group managing partner, nonprofit and public sector industries
• John Lesser, group managing partner, wealth management 
• Curtis Ruppal, group managing partner, tax 
• Bryan Welsh, group managing partner, assurance
• Brian Wiedenhoeft, group managing partner, commercial industries

Starting with an internship in 1999, Drake has spent his entire professional career at Plante Moran. In his nearly 25 years at the firm, he’s focused on audit, consulting, and building and expanding Plante Moran’s international offices and practice, which he led for six years. He joined the management team in 2021 as group managing partner of offices for Chicagoland, Ohio, and the firm’s international locations.

Since its founding in 1924, Plante Moran has grown from a sole accounting practitioner in a Detroit office to a billion-dollar firm with more than 3,800 professionals serving clients around the globe. Throughout this growth, the firm has stayed true to the values, principles, and culture it was founded on. Drake will be the firm’s eighth managing partner and will focus on leading Plante Moran into its next century of continued success.