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Press Releases | 2009 Highlights:

•   Partner Odysseus Lanier Selected for Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees

•   Announcing Richard Johnson as MJLM's Director of Financial Institution Support Services

•   Announcing John Redd as MJLM Tax Director

•   Partner Thomas Jones Jr. Selected to Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership
    Minority Task Force

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 Appoints John Redd
as Tax Director

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —April 27, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of John Redd as Tax Director. In his new position, Redd will manage the firm’s tax services group which works with public and private companies as well as individuals to manage to provide tax compliance and planning services.

With more than 15 years experience in federal, state, and local tax matters, Redd’s background includes working with Fortune 500 firms to perform federal and multi-state income tax return, state and local excise tax returns, and tax minimization planning projects.
Redd holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Houston and is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs.
“I am delighted to have John join our team,” said MJLM Tax Services Partner Thomas Jones. “John’s experience and well-rounded tax background will be invaluable as we continue to grow our practice”

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Selected to Manage State of Louisiana Road Home Program as a Subcontractor to Hammerman and Gainer, Inc.

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —March 4, 2009)
The Consulting Division of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce its role as a subcontractor to Hammerman and Gainer, Inc for the management of the Road Home Program for the State of Louisiana. 

As sub-consultants to Hammerman and Gainer Inc, MJLM will be responsible for accounting support services and will have five to seven employees dedicated to the engagement. 

The following press release , issued by the Louisiana Recovery Authority, provides additional information regarding the State’s Road Home Program.   

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Partner Thomas Jones Jr. Selected to Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership Minority Task Force 

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —February 28, 2009)
The principal objective of the Greater Houston Partnership, which traces its roots back to Houston's original Chamber of Commerce founded in 1840, is to build regional economic prosperity. The Partnership facilitates relocations and expansions in the Houston area; international outreach initiatives such as business development missions outside the U.S. and receiving foreign trade delegations; and strategic planning.

“I look forward to working through the Partnership to help Houston’s minority businesses develop and thrive,” says Jones. “As important as Houston has become to the world’s economy, it makes sense to increase the opportunities available to disadvantaged business enterprises in our community.  This will increase competition in the marketplace and ultimately keep our local economy growing.”

Jones, a founding partner in Texas’ largest African-American owned accounting and consulting practices, has first hand experience in growing a minority-owned business in Houston.  As the leader of this special task force, Jones plans to apply his experience in spearheading several major initiatives, including increasing the visibility of Houston’s diversity to international businesses.

Known as a world-class city with a pro-business culture, Houston’s global possibilities are significant to the growth of minority-owned businesses.  The many dynamic business opportunities available in this region will help to achieve Jones’ goals for the task force.

“I congratulate the Partnership on its choice of Thomas Jones as its next Chair of the Minority Task Force,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “His leadership skills and business savvy will be a true asset as the Partnership continues to advance Houston’s image as a sophisticated international business center.” 

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Managing Partner Recognized by Grambling State University

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —October 17, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the induction of Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell into the Grambling State University (GSU) Alumni Hall of Fame. This notable honor recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional GSU alumni that make substantial and unique contributions to society.

A licensed CPA with more than 33 years of experience in assurance and accounting services, McConnell received his bachelors in business administration from GSU in 1972 and remains actively involved with the University. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Grambling Black and Gold Foundation, McConnell, who is an avid art collector, donated a portion of his West African Art collection to the University earlier this year.

McConnell is passionate about giving back to the community, and as a testament to this commitment, he donates much of his time to philanthropic causes. At the American Heart Association, McConnell currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee on the national level, is a board member and Nominating Committee Chair of the Houston Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Central Affiliate. Wayne is also a member of the Minority Partnership Task Force of the Greater Houston Partnership and serves on the United Way Audit Committee. Additionally, Wayne serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Museum of African American Culture, where he is Chairman of the Finance Committee. In addition to receiving his undergraduate degree from GSU, McConnell holds an MBA from Louisiana Tech University.

“The entire firm is proud of Wayne and his accomplishments” said MJLM Partner, Sharon Murphy. “Grambling’s recognition only solidifies what we’ve known all these years; that Wayne is an exceptional leader and has positioned himself as a true role model for future generations.”

About Grambling State University and The Alumni Hall of Fame
Grambling State University was founded in 1901 and offers degrees in seventy-two (72) disciplines, graduate and undergraduate, in four (4) colleges and three (3) schools. Grambling State University Alumni are recognized nationally and internationally as exceptional individuals performing or having performed, extraordinary feats within and beyond their areas of study and practice. These are the graduates that Grambling State University celebrates by bestowing them with the honor of induction in their "rightful place,” The Grambling State University Hall of Fame, Gallery of Distinction.

The Grambling State University Hall of Fame was initially started in 1980, under the administration of Dr. Joseph B. Johnson and has been dormant since 1996. Restoring the Hall of Fame is consistent with President Horace Judson’s mission of “Reclaiming Our Legacy and Claiming Our Place”.

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Announces Dionne Roberts as Senior Manager of Consulting Services

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 23, 2008)
One of the nation’s largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), announces the appointment of Dionne Roberts as Senior Manager of Consulting Services. With more than 15 years experience in the national housing market, Roberts will be responsible for managing MJLM’s national consulting projects as well as establishing new client relationships for the firm.

Having worked extensively with developers, investors, housing authorities and non-profit organizations, Roberts offers considerable expertise to MJLM and its clients. She previously oversaw a $435M Tax Increment Financing program, which received a 2008 Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and secured $2.4M in technical assistance for a national non-profit dedicated to developing sustainable communities.

Roberts gained widespread housing industry experience by leading major undertakings such as the National Affordable Housing Training Institute, Transpire and the City of San Antonio’s Good Neighbor Initiative. Previously serving as Assistant Director for the City of San Antonio’s Department of Housing & Neighborhood Services, Roberts is keenly aware of the value of productive working relationships and is skilled at bringing stakeholders and community agencies together to implement integrated approaches to community and economic development needs.

Roberts is a member of Women in Housing and Finance as well as NAHRO where she currently serves on the National Community Revitalization & Development Committee. Additionally, she is actively involved in the community through the Junior League of San Antonio and volunteers her time as a tax preparer through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

“We are excited Dionne has joined the MJLM family,” said MJLM Consulting Partner, Odysseus Lanier. “Her background of working with housing and community development agencies provides a proven track record of success and establishes a strong platform for MJLM’s growth in the housing industry.”

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Appoints Victor Langford IV as Consulting Director

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 22, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM), one of the nation's largest minority-owned accounting and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce the addition of Victor "Vic" Langford IV as Director of Consulting Services. In this capacity, Mr. Langford will be responsible for managing MJLM's consulting projects within the housing industry. Not only will he oversee project delivery, but he will also provide day-to-day management and keep the operational aspects of MJLM’s housing practice connected.

With more than eight years experience, Mr. Langford provides a wealth of civil service experience and expertise to MJLM. As a former advisor to the current and past Secretaries of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, he is skilled in providing strategic planning, operational recommendations, process reengineering and compliance tracking to housing agencies and developers throughout the nation. Mr. Langford’s experience includes working internationally and domestically to stimulate subsidized housing policies that contribute to revitalizing our nation's housing industry, increasing home ownership and reducing homelessness.

Mr. Langford holds a bachelor of arts from Hampton University and is a graduate of the Campaign Management Studies program at Regent University School of Government. Having worked extensively in the Washington DC metro area, Mr. Langford is well versed in interacting with federal, state and local governments as well as working with public and private industry groups. His familiarity with coordinating elected officials and government representatives to produce successful projects on a national scale is a significant strength that brings value-added benefits to MJLM’s clients.

"We are thrilled to have Vic join our management team," said MJLM Consulting Partner, Odysseus Lanier. "His experience working with government agencies, public housing authorities and real-estate developers is invaluable to further enhance MJLM's presence in the public housing space on a national scale."

MJLM Partner, Thomas Jones, Selected as Chairman of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau for Second Term

Please follow this link to read the related article: A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE GHCVB.

Managing Partner Wayne McConnell Selected as Chairman of the Board for the American Heart Association South Central Affiliate

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 6, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of Wayne McConnell as the 2008-2010 Chairman of the Board for the American Heart Association (AHA) South Central Affiliate. As Chairman of the Board, McConnell will be instrumental in assisting the AHA with fundraising and educational projects throughout the four-state region, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico. Additionally, he will support the association’s mission by advocating for public policy to increase research funds, expand smoke-free environments and improve quality of patient care.

McConnell is actively involved with the AHA on many levels. In addition to his current role as Chairman of the Board for the AHA South Central Affiliate, he also serves on the local level as Board Member and Nominating Committee Chairman for the AHA’s Houston division and on the national level as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

McConnell, Managing Partner of MJLM, is a licensed CPA with more than 32 years of technical experience in assurance and accounting services. McConnell holds an MBA from Louisiana Tech University and Bachelor of Science from Grambling State University.

“Wayne’s commitment to the American Heart Association is not only inspiring, but it also embodies our firm’s culture of giving back to the community.” said MJLM Partner, Thomas Jones, “We’re proud of his dedication to improving the health of others and support his endeavors to educate and raise the public’s awareness of heart disease and stroke.”

“The American Heart Association is fortunate to have someone of Wayne McConnell's stature and expertise dedicated to our mission,” said Midge LaPorte Epstein, Executive Vice President of the South Central Affiliate of the AHA. “Wayne is passionate about educating people on prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Because of his influence in the community, he is able to get others involved on a significant level in supporting the fight against Houston's and the nation's number one killer — heart disease and stroke. Wayne is a wonderful volunteer leader and we look forward to his leadership of our affiliate." 

About the American Heart Association:
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart diseases and stroke. These diseases, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases, claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006-07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.americanheart.org.

Principal Tene Thomas Selected for Board of Directors of the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 16, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of Tene Thomas, to the 2008-2009 board of directors for the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas. As a board member for the Foundation, Thomas will be instrumental in helping with fund raising initiatives as well as improving the community’s health through increased awareness and education on kidney diseases. 

Thomas is a licensed CPA with more than 14 years of technical experience in tax compliance and accounting services. A graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona, Thomas holds a bachelor of business administration.  In addition to her involvement with the National Kidney Foundation, Thomas also is a board member of the Robert Horry Foundation and is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs. 

“I am proud of Tene’s new role with the National Kidney Foundation.” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell, “Not only will her contributions improve lives, but it also reinforces our firm’s culture of community service.”

About the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas:
The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the overall health and well-being of those affected by these diseases and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information regarding this organization, please visit their website: www.nkfset.org.

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Opens New Office to Serve Washington D.C. Area

HOUSTON, Texas (April 9, 2008)
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 District of Columbia metro area. The new office provides MJLM with opportunities to better serve their existing public and private clients as well as expand their capabilities in the federal market.

MJLM Washington, D.C. is lead by Director, Eric Ernest, professional accountant, Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants in the United Kingdom and associate member of the Association of Fraud Examiners. Ernest has been with the firm for more than 7 years in the headquarters office in Houston, Tex., and recently moved to Maryland to focus on business development and start-up operations within the new market area.

The office is expanding with key hires including accounting, assurance and tax professionals. Staff will be located on the Red Line next to the Bethesda Metro Station at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700.

Current MJLM services to the Washington D.C. metro area will include benefit plan audits, tax planning and consulting, corporate assurance services and small business accounting assistance.

“I am thrilled to introduce Eric and our firm to the Washington D.C. business community,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “The expansion strengthens MJLM’s presence nationally and provides opportunity for our firm to grow into more diverse business sectors.”

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Names Rance Buss and Tene Thomas as Principals

HOUSTON, Texas (March 12, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent promotions of Rance Buss and Tene Thomas to principal. As principals for the firm, Buss and Thomas are responsible for the organization’s strategic growth initiatives as well leadership and mentoring to the firm’s audit and tax teams.

Buss leads the firm’s employee benefit plan assurance and compliance services practice. He is a licensed CPA with more than 20 years of public and industry accounting experience including assurance services, corporate federal income tax and internal audit. Buss’ work has benefited a diverse range of clients, both domestic and abroad, within the manufacturing, distribution, real estate and professional service industries. Buss is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio where he holds a bachelor of business administration in accounting.

Thomas is a licensed CPA with more than 14 years of technical experience in tax compliance and accounting services and specializes in federal and multi-state income taxation. She has benefited a diverse range of clients, both privately and publicly held domestic and foreign owned companies, within the real estate, restaurant, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, legal, oil and gas, and sports and entertainment. She is highly skilled at conducting technical research, providing high-level individual and small business accounting and tax solutions, and consultation on business entity formation and restructuring. Thomas is a graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona where she holds a bachelor of business administration and is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs.

“I am delighted to announce the promotions of Tene and Russ,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell, “both have a tremendous amount of experience as well as an incredible work ethic that adds value to our firm and our clients.”