News
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Celebrates 25 Years of Service
(HOUSTON, TEXAS — July 16, 2012)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP (MJLM), along with its affiliates, is proud to celebrate 25 years of providing exceptional professional accounting and consulting services to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private and public companies as well as business owners and high net-worth individuals.
Twenty-five years of quality accounting service began when the firm’s founder, Wayne McConnell, successfully opened the CPA firm of McConnell & Company in July 1987. Nine years later, Thomas Jones, a leading tax advisor, joined McConnell to form McConnell & Jones LLP, which today is one of Houston’s largest CPA firms. The firm’s history continued in March of 1999 when McConnell & Jones merged with Odysseus Lanier and Sharon Murphy of Empirical Management Services to create the professional services firm we know today as McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP.
“As we mark our 25th anniversary, I am grateful to my partners and the extraordinary professionals working in our practice who have helped us reach this milestone,” said Founder and Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell.
Today the partnership of MJLM continues to thrive and the firm’s business achievements can be seen by its significant milestones. In the last two and a half decades, MJLM has grown from a handful of employees in one office to more than 175 employees operating in six locations making it the largest African-American owned professional services firm in the South. In the same time, MJLM’s CPA affiliate has established itselft as one of Houston’s largest CPA firms and continues to expand its services to new markets as evident in the organization’s two recent acquisitions.
The firm’s core belief of building enduring relationships with clients, staff and the community has cultivated a robust corporate culture that has truly catapulted the brand to the next level. As testimony to this commitment, the firm has obtained several awards and accolades for their services; most recently being recognized as a Gold Star Supplier from Energy Future Holdings for exceptional performance and customer satisfaction.
“The accomplishments seen by MJLM in the last 25 years are a result of our clients’ uncompromising standard of quality and our employees’ strength to uphold the firm’s mission of providing exceptional client service with integrity and personal attention”, says Odysseus Lanier, Partner.
About McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP:
MJLM is a professional consulting firm providing a full range of services in, but not limited to, accounting, business process improvement, internal audit and strategic operations planning. The MJLM team, speaking more than 15 languages, is uniquely qualified to assist global business owners with developing sound strategic solutions that ultimately create sustainable results and improve profitability. For additional information please see www.mjlm.com.
Public accounting services, including financial statement and benefit plan audits as well as tax and business advisory services, are provided through MJLM affiliate, McConnell & Jones LLP. According to a recent survey by the Houston Business Journal, McConnell & Jones is the 14th largest CPA firm in Houston. For additional information please see www.mcconnellandjones.com.
For more information, contact:
Lori Jamail
Director of Marketing
MJLM LLP 713.968.1608
ljamail@mjlm.com
MJLM Consulting Announces New Partner of Risk Advisory Services, James Brodnax
(HOUSTON, TEXAS — March 16, 2011)
MJLM Consulting, a division of McConnell & Jones CPAs, is proud to announce James Brodnax, CPA, as Partner in Charge of Risk Advisory Services. In his new role, Brodnax will lead the firm's internal audit consulting team which works with a wide array of privately-held and publicly-traded companies as well as public sector agencies.
Brodnax brings more than 30 years of experience in risk management, process improvement, financial management, and audit to MJLM. He is an alumnus of a national firm where he founded the Enterprise Risk Advisory Services practice which worked with more than 30 of Houston's Top 100 public companies.
"James is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise advising senior executives and Boards of Directors on internal audit, IT, Sarbanes-Oxley and other control issues," said Consulting Services Partner, Odysseus Lanier.
In addition to implementing Sarbanes-Oxley processes and controls for more than 55 organizations, Brodnax has worked with multinational Fortune 500 companies, public companies, not-for-profit organizations, family-owned businesses and other organizations to achieve strategic goals, optimize organizational growth, reengineer business processes, improve internal controls (accounting and operational) and refine risk management practices.
"The need for companies to implement and evaluate internal controls, ensure systems meet business needs, and develop affordable and effective risk mitigation strategies has never been greater," said Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. "We're thrilled to have someone with James' background assisting our clients in this area."
Brodnax is a certified public accountant and is an active member of the community: serving as Chair Elect of the Board of Directors for Child Advocates, Inc. and Board President for Crisis Intervention of Houston. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Partners' Expert Testimony on Behalf of the American Institute of CPAs
Results in an Increase in Small Business Size Standards
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —March 8, 2012)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Partner, Odysseus Lanier, provided expert testimony to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) which has resulted in the first substantial size standard increase in more than 20 years.
The SBA's size standards define whether a business is small and thus eligible for government programs and preferences reserved for small business concerns. To determine eligibility for federal government small business programs, the SBA establishes small business size definitions (referred to as size standards) for most private sector industries in the United States.
In April of last year, Lanier testified before the US House of Representative's Committee on Small Business regarding the small business size standard for CPA firms pursuing work with the federal government, and suggested the size standards for accounting firms should be increased to $25.5 million from the current $8.5 million. Upon review and consideration of Lanier's research, the SBA is adopting $19 million as the appropriate size standard for these professional services. In addition to the services of Certified Public Accounting firms, the SBA has ruled to increase small business size standards for 34 industries and three sub-industries in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 54, Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services. This change, which will impact hundreds of small businesses, is effective March 21, 2012.
"The services small accounting firms provide to the federal government have a strong public interest component," Lanier explained. "These services include, among others, implementation and maintenance of financial and accounting systems ensuring that taxpayer resources are effectively and efficiently utilized, and independent audits of government organizations and programs to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with appropriate laws and regulations."
The SBA started looking at the size standards issue as a result of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 which called for agencies to update/streamline their regulatory rules in order to "encourage and strengthen" the competitiveness of small businesses in our current economy. Under provisions in the Act, the SBA will continue its comprehensive review of all size standards for the next several years.
To view Mr. Lanier's opening statement during the standards hearing, visit www.mjlm.com
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Sends 'Holiday Mail for Heroes'
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —December 8, 2011)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation's largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is sending soldiers overseas a heartfelt thank you for their leadership and dedication this holiday season. With admiration for American soldiers, the Houston office of MJLM gathered to write a special message to the soldiers in battle.
Managing Partner, Ira Wayne McConnell says, "As a United States Army veteran, and someone who employees many retired soldiers, I feel it's our social responsibility to support our troops overseas."
According to McConnell, the firm's Houston office spends more than 1,000 hours a year on community activities. Additionally, the firm's Engineering & Technical Services affiliate, based in Huntsville, Alabama, has a staff which includes numerous military veterans who work closely with the US Department of Defense to provide Integrated Logistics Support and Program Management services.
Holiday Mail for Heroes is an initiative through the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, to ensure all Americans have an opportunity to send a message from home this holiday season to members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families; many of whom will be far away from home this holiday season. Both organizations will collect and distribute the holiday cards in the United States and around the world.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy Partner Re-elected President Pro Tempore Of Alabama A&M University's Board of Trustees
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —November 11, 2011)McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce the re-election of Odysseus Lanier, Federal Services Partner, as President Pro Tempore (Chairman) for the Alabama A&M University’s (AAMU) Board of Trustees.
Trustees voted at their annual meeting held during the Annual Magic City Classic football game against Alabama State University. Lanier intends to continue to lead the board to achieve strategic goals established by the President of the University and the trustees. MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell, said, “The re election is a great accomplishment and speaks volumes to the dynamic leadership skills that Odysseus possesses, not only for the firm, but in the community in which we serve.”
Lanier’s love for his alma mater is evident through his family and his service. “Service is sovereignty,” is AAMU’s motto, which Lanier has demonstrated. He has served in various roles and on committees at the University since 2005, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee in 2008. In June 2009, Alabama Governor, Bob Riley appointed him to the Alabama University Board of Trustee to serve in one of the two at-large board positions. In addition, Lanier’s parents, sisters, and eldest child, are graduates of AAMU.
Rice Student Athletes Gain New Leadership Development Program: Football Letterman Bobby Dixon, MJLM LLP to Underwrite Program
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —October 22, 2011)
(from The Cypress Times)
Rice University student-athletes will have an opportunity to hone leadership and management skills through a new program during the course of the academic year. Funded by McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP (MJLM) through Rice football letterman Bobby Dixon, the 'Developing Leaders in Sports and in Life' program will focus on different aspects of leadership.
"The advancement of today's society is contingent upon the emergence and development of leaders, whether they be in business, medicine, politics ore the community," said Dixon, a 1997 Rice graduate who leads the Strategy and Operations group at MJLM. "I can say first-hand that Rice University aids in this pursuit by providing a solid foundation of leadership qualities I have used throughout my professional career. I am both proud and honored that MJLM is sponsoring the program and involved in shaping the leaders of the future."
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP is a professional consulting firm providing a range of services in, but not limited to, accounting, financial planning management, operations, human resources, supply change management and strategic operations planning.
"We are pleased to offer our student-athletes the opportunity to impact their teams and community by enhancing the leadership skills they already possess," said Rick Greenspan, Rice University's Director of Athletics. "The leadership development program provides additional tools our student-athletes will utilize beyond their collegiate careers and instill within them the importance of developing a culture of respect and responsibility toward others."
Read more about Rice University's 'Developing Leaders in Sports and in Life' Program here...(The Cypress Times)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy Expanding Services With Addition of Strategy & Operations Practice
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —June 30, 2011)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation's largest African-American owned accounting and consultancy firms, has expanded its consulting and business advisory practice with the addition of the Strategy and Operations practice. The new practice focuses on working with clients to design and implement solutions that create sustainable competitive advantages, increase operational efficiency and improve profitability. Service lines include: Strategy, Process Excellence, Financial Analysis, Technology Enablement and Organizational Change.
"To consistently deliver profitable growth requires complete alignment between a company's strategy and the people, processes, systems, technologies, etc. required to flawlessly execute that strategy," stated Jeremy Thigpen, Division President – National Oilwell Varco. "MJLM's Strategy and Operations practice is comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive and diverse experience who focus on the interrelatedness of the above issues to ensure the strategy is sound, and the organization is properly aligned and equipped to deliver," Thigpen continued.
"MJLM's Strategy and Operations practice is replete with experts who bring executive level experience from 'Big Four' firms," said Odysseus Lanier, MJLM Consulting Partner. "Their global expertise will provide a broad range of quantifiable solutions for our clients and further MJLM's ability to provide effective approaches that solve complex business challenges."
The practice is led by Bobby Dixon, a Harvard MBA, who possesses more than 15 years of experience providing strategic consulting services to companies in various industries. Terrence Gee, a former partner at Accenture, provides subject matter expertise, thought leadership and in depth knowledge of oil and gas markets. Thomas Benford, a Harvard MBA and accomplished manager whose experiences include managing projects at Halliburton and J.P. Morgan, rounds out the practice's leadership team.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy Partner Selected for Who's Who in Black Houston
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —May 25, 2011)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is excited to announce the selection of Tax Partner, Tene Thomas, as a Who's Who in Black Houston. The recognition is afforded to those who have made a mark in their chosen field and whose contributions to community affairs have improved the quality of life for all of us.
The Who's Who in Black Houston, in its fourth year of publication, is committed to delivering remarkable stories of high-achieving African Americans in the Houston metropolitan area with the goal of not only celebrating the success and accomplishments of those recognized, but also inspiring future generations. As a testament to this goal, this year, the organization started the Who's Who 1,000 'Books for 1,000 Kids' campaign to bring awareness to children throughout the City of Houston and showcase honorees as strong, positive role models.
"I look forward to working with other community leaders to make an impact in our City", said Thomas. "Through 'Who's Who', I can use my past experiences and personal encounters to empower others and make positive change for future generations."
"We have always recognized Tene as a leader in our organization," said MJLM Partner, Thomas Jones. "I'm now looking forward to seeing her accomplish these leadership goals on a large scale and influence constructive transformations in our community."
Thomas, a licensed CPA with more than 16 years of technical experience, is a graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she holds a bachelor of business administration. In addition to her involvement with 'Who's Who in Black Houston', Thomas serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, is a member of Leadership Houston Class XXVII, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Robert Horry Foundation. She also is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy Partner Offers Expert Testimony Before the US House of Representatives on Behalf of the American Institute of CPAs
(HOUSTON, TEXAS — May 6, 2011)
The American Institute of CPAs, through the expert testimony of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Partner, Odysseus Lanier, told a congressional subcommittee Thursday that the small business size standards for accounting firms should be increased to $25.5 million from the current $8.5 million.
The information from this hearing will be useful as the SBA is in the process of redefining what exactly is a small business. Thursday's hearing focused specifically on legal services, accounting and tax preparation services, architectural and engineering services, computer systems related services, management services and advertising.
"We heard firsthand from small business owners who provided specific insight into factors that must be addressed by the SBA, such as grouping related industries, reducing the number of size standards, and the issue of small businesses being denied the protections of the Small Business Act," stated US Congressman Joe Walsh (R-IL), Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Assess.
Lanier, testifying on behalf of the AICPA and the accounting profession, confirmed before a House Small Business subcommittee about the need to raise the limit. "To fully capture the small business accounting firms that have the resources to invest in the necessary infrastructure and properly perform services as required by Federal government contracts reserved for just small business contractors, …the size limit standard would need to be raised to $25.5 million," he said.
The SBA's size standards define whether a business is small and thus eligible for government programs and preferences reserved for small business concerns. To determine eligibility for federal government small business programs, the SBA establishes small business size definitions (referred to as size standards) for most private sector industries in the United States. The SBA's existing size standards use two primary measures of business size – receipts and number of employees.
"Accounting firms contract with the federal government to provide accounting and attest services as well as a wide array of consulting services such as strategic planning and financial management," Lanier explained to the House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access. "The services small accounting firms provide to the federal government have a strong public interest component. These services include, among others, implementation and maintenance of financial and accounting systems ensuring that taxpayer resources are effectively and efficiently utilized, and independent audits of government organizations and programs to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with appropriate laws and regulations. As such, AICPA believes that SBA should focus on the experience and qualifications of the accounting firms performing the services and ensure the small business size standard for accounting firms is closely aligned and appropriate."
View Mr. Lanier's opening statement during the standards hearing here.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Partner Elected as President Pro Tempore for Alabama A&M University’s Board of Trustees
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —November 2, 2010)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce the election of Odysseus Lanier, Federal Services Partner, as President Pro Tempore for the Alabama A&M University’s (AAMU) Board of Trustees.
Though the election was close (7-4), Lanier intends to utilize his charismatic leadership style to communicate, engage and obtain consensus of the Board. MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell, commented, “We are excited and proud to see Odysseus in this leadership role, he is skilled in pulling parties of differing minds together to obtain mutual goals.”
AAMU reported Lanier’s response to the election, “A&M has been a labor of love since I first set foot on the campus back in 1974.” Lanier’s love for his alma mature is evident in his family and his service. Lanier has served in various roles and committees since 2008, and in 2009 he was hand-selected by Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, to serve in one of the four open board positions on the AAMU Board of Regents. Furthermore, Lanier’s eldest child, Geraud, is a 2005 graduate of Alabama A&M University
AAMU, a nationally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities, was originally established by an act of the Alabama State Legislature in 1873. Additional information on the University’s election results were release by AAMU in following press release.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Expands Consulting Services Appointing Bobby Dixon as Consulting Director
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —August 20, 2010)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest African-American accounting and consultancy firms, is proud to welcome Bobby Dixon to the consulting practice. Dixon brings more than 10 years of experience in consulting and management services to the team, and in his new role he will be responsible for consulting engagements in corporate strategy, supply chain management, strategic sourcing, business process outsourcing, operations improvement, mergers & acquisitions, change management, and corporate restructuring.
Having served as a consulting manager with a “Big Four” as well as a chief financial officer, chief operating officer and president within the retail, real estate, construction, energy, banking, manufacturing, distribution, and telecom industries, Dixon fully understands the strategic and operational issues facing businesses today. Dixon’s experience reaches across continents and encompasses the full business cycle from raising capital to streamlining operations to implementing sustainable growth strategies including mergers and acquisitions.
“Bobby is a perfect complement to the MJLM team. He has been on the front-line with startup companies and Fortune 500 firms and fully understands the challenges faced when developing and implementing sustainable solutions with regard to coordinating and managing supply chains, streamlining business processes, creating business strategies, and driving profitability,” stated Odysseus Lanier, Consulting Services Partner. “Adding his experience and knowledge to the team will directly impact MJLM’s ability to provide custom solutions to our clients.”
Dixon is an alumni Rice University where he graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in economics and managerial studies. Following his undergraduate degree, Dixon earned a master of business administration from the Harvard Business School. Dixon is active in the community and is a current board member for Rice University Athletic Department, Liberation Project, and Matt Musil Foundation.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Opens New Office in Tennessee
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —March 30, 2010)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned management consulting and engineering logistics firms, proudly announces the opening of its newest office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Being part of the Small Business Administration’s Mentor-Protégée Program with B&W Y12, operator for the Department of Energy’s Y-12 Security Complex in Oak Ridge, MJLM’s new office will provide opportunities to better collaborate with strategic alliances and compete for federal government contracts. The new office is lead by MJLM Engineering & Technical Services’ Manager and Tennessee native, Gina Walker. With more than 30 years experience, Walker has an extensive management background and hands-on experience providing engineering and technical services. Walker, a University of Alabama alumnus, holds a bachelor of arts in mathematics/computer science and a master of arts in psychology (human factor) sociology. Furthermore, Walker has earned the National Defense Industrial Association’s (NDIA) specialist’s and manager’s certificates as well as the software configuration and data management certification. Walker will work in tandem with MJLM’s Engineering & Technical Services Division based in Huntsville, Alabama to provide life-cycle solutions as well as long-term technical support services in logistics, UID/RFID, ISO and CMMI, sustainment, and ATE TPS fabrication, as well as growth in ATE TPS design. “Providing best practices in engineering and technical support with a local presence is the goal for our new office,” said MJLM Partner of Federal Services, Odysseus Lanier. “The opening of an office in Tennessee is a demonstration of MJLM’s significant and sustained investment in growth – not only for our firm, but for our federal clients and partners.”
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Wears Red to Support the American Heart Association
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —February 5, 2010)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest African-American owned accounting and consulting firms, is proud to support the American Heart Association (AHA). More than 40 MJLM employees across the nation wore red to work today in tribute to the AHA’s National Wear Red for Women awareness campaign.
“Heart disease and stroke affects our friends, family and community,” commented Wayne McConnell, MJLM’s Managing Partner and former member of the AHA Houston Chapter board of directors. “It is a small effort with a big result to work with the American Heart Association in raising awareness and educating others on prevention, symptoms and potential cures of these deadly diseases.”
MJLM is proud to support the AHA, and as a testament to our commitment in the fight against heart disease and stroke, MJLM recently sponsored four walking teams for the AHA Heartwalk held in Houston this past November. All four MJLM offices helped raise more than $10,000 to support the efforts of the AHA.
Community is the heart of MJLM with its leadership serving on boards and committees for a number of philanthropic organizations such as the United Way of Greater Houston, Greater Houston Partnership, National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Aspiring Youth of Houston and the Ensemble Theater.
MJLM Wealth Solutions Moves Office Locations
(HOUSTON,TEXAS —September 3, 2009)
MJLM Wealth Solutions, the financial planning affiliate of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and consulting firms, announces the relocation of its office to 4203 Montrose Blvd, Fifth Floor, Houston, Texas 77006.
Established in 2000 through a strategic partnership with Wealth Development Strategies L.P. (WDS), a comprehensive financial services provider, MJLM Wealth Solutions offers comprehensive financial and retirement planning services to individuals as well as private business owners and entertainers.
Since the launch of MJLM Wealth Solutions, the relationship between MJLM and WDS has seen tremendous success. In order to facilitate this growth as well as increased client needs, MJLM Wealth Solutions has selected a new office location that includes shared space with WDS.
“Everyone involved is excited about the upcoming move and the professional opportunities that will result,” said MJLM Wealth Solutions Founder, Thomas Jones Jr. “By physically joining forces with Wealth Development Strategies we will have access to a myriad of financial resources that allow us to better serve our existing clients while continuing to grow our practice.”
Contact information for MJLM Wealth Solutions advisors:
C. Allen Robinson
713-561-8163
arobinson@mjlmwealthsolutions.com
Catina Risper
713-561-8149
crisper@mjlmwealthsolutions.com
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Opens New Office to Serve Dallas-Fort Worth Region
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —August 15, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and consulting firms, proudly announces the opening of a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The new office provides MJLM with the opportunity to expand capabilities to this rapidly growing geographic market, while better serving existing public and private clients located throughout the State.
Under the leadership of MJLM Partner, Thomas Jones Jr., Marilyn S. Locus, Esq., Practice Growth Director, will be responsible for the new office and the firm’s business development and strategic growth efforts in North Texas. With more than 20 years experience in accounting, legal, financial, and business consulting, Locus has an extensive background that also includes working with public and private organizations as well as nonprofit entities.
“I am pleased to introduce MJLM’s services to the North Texas business communities,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “The expansion strengthens MJLM’s presence and provides greater opportunity for our firm to bring innovative solutions to our clients’ most challenging projects.”
Locus, a native of North Texas, has been based in MJLM’s Houston, Texas Headquarters for five years. Her knowledge of the Texas market coupled with a strong technical background will be a valuable asset in building the MJLM brand in Dallas-Fort Worth. Locus and her team are located in Irving at 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd. The telephone number is 972.401.4102.
“Providing practical recommendations with local relevance is the goal for our new office,” said MJLM Consulting Partner, Odysseus Lanier. “The opening of our office in the Metroplex is a demonstration of MJLM’s significant and sustained investment in growth – not only for our firm, but for our clients.”
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Founding Partner Selected for Board of Trustees at Alabama A&M University
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —June 29, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Odysseus Lanier, Federal Services Partner, to the Board of Trustees for Alabama A&M University.
Lanier, an alumnus of Alabama A&M University and former Regent for Texas Southern University, was hand-selected by Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, to serve in one of the four open board positions.
The following press release, issued by the Office of the Governor, Bob Riley, provides additional information regarding the appointment.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Announces
Richard Johnson as
Director of Financial Institution Support Services
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —June 25, 2009)
One of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Johnson as Director of Financial Institution Support Services. With more than 25 years of banking and trust experience, Johnson will be responsible for managing MJLM’s national Financial Institution Support Services division as well as establishing new client relationships for the firm.
Having worked in various aspects of banking from servicing loans and managing owned real estate to retail and commercial loan origination and extensive securitization, Johnson offers considerable financial expertise to MJLM and its clients. His background includes negotiating governing documents; on-boarding new asset securitizations; solving complex issues; financial, SEC, and tax reporting; and managing cross-functional teams across technical disciplines.
Johnson gained widespread industry experience by leading major projects on strategy, reconciliations, building infrastructure and system conversions while managing a client service division for JPMorgan Chase. Additionally, as vice president and senior deal manager for the Bank of New York Mellon, Johnson resolved a variety of critical aspects arising during the life cycle of multiple transactions and is skilled in helping clients optimize operational efficiency, mitigate risk and enhance revenue.
"We are excited to have someone with Richard’s, tremendous industry knowledge and deep client relationships join our firm," said Odysseus Lanier, Partner over Federal Services. "I am confident that Richard’s addition to MJLM will prove to be an enormous benefit to our clients."
Johnson, a licensed CPA, holds a bachelor of business administration from Stephen F. Austin University. He is actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and sits on the board of directors for the Sam Houston Council. Additionally, he is a member of the American Institute of CPAs as well as the Texas Society of CPAs.
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP Partner Selected for Board of Directors of Mental Health America of Greater Houston
(HOUSTON, TEXAS —June 9, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of Odysseus Lanier to the board of directors with Mental Health America of Greater Houston. With a three-year board term, Lanier will be instrumental in improving the community’s wellbeing through increased awareness and education on mental health and mental illnesses.
“We are very excited to welcome Odysseus to our board of directors,” said Betsy Schwartz, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Houston. “His community leadership, knowledge and business expertise are invaluable and will certainly add breadth to our advocacy efforts and move us closer to achieving our strategic mental health and wellness goals."
Lanier, who serves as Partner of Federal Services for MJLM, is a licensed CPA with more than 30 years of experience in business consulting and advisory services. A graduate of Alabama A&M University, Lanier is active in the community and dedicated to giving back and volunteering on a local level. In addition to his involvement with Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Lanier is the former chairperson on the Board of Commissioners for the Harris County Housing Authority and is a former member of the Board of Regents for Texas Southern University.
“I am thrilled for Odysseus and excited about his new role with Mental Health America of Greater Houston,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “Not only will his contributions improve lives, but it also reinforces our firm’s culture of community service.”
About Mental Health America of Greater Houston:
Mental Health America of Greater Houston is one of the area’s oldest mental health education and advocacy organizations. Its mission is to enhance the mental health of all Houstonians and to improve the lives of those living with mental illnesses. For more information, visit www.mhahouston.org.
