Jon McDowell, managing partner of BKD, LLP’s San Antonio office, announced BKD’s debut on Training magazine’s annual Training Top 125, which ranks companies based on the excellence of their training and development programs.
BKD—the only CPA and advisory firm on this year’s list—was among thousands of applicants vying for a spot on the prestigious list. BKD ranked 89th and was one of 27 organizations to make an initial appearance on the 2014 list. Firm representatives accepted the Top 125 award at Training’s Golden Gala in San Diego, California, on February 3.
“BKD is honored to be among these top-tier training organizations,” McDowell said. “Our firm is committed to lifelong learning, and we strongly believe that investing in our professionals’ technical expertise and leadership development skills enhances their career opportunities and allows them to better serve our clients.”
Now in its 14th year, the Training Top 125 is based on myriad benchmarking statistics such as total training budget, percentage of payroll, number of training hours per employee program, hours of training per employee annually and detailed formal programs as well as goals, evaluation and workplace surveys. The ranking is determined by assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, scope of development programs and how closely those efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.
“We’re learning a lot from our Training Top 125 peers and are looking forward to incorporating some of their best practices as focus on institutional excellence,” said Greg Cole, director of the firm’s Learning & Development Department. “When it comes to innovative training and development programs, these organizations have really raised the bar—and BKD is proud to be part of Training’s upper echelon.”
BKD University (BKDU) is the latest enhancement to the firm’s educational infrastructure. BKDU is an online, on-demand platform housed on the firm’s intranet that gives personnel access to a wide range of content that includes technical training as well as shorter, more digestible video clips on leadership, ethics, client service and technology. The firm also hosts Camp BKD—a week long orientation held three times a year for newly hired client service professionals—and relies on a robust coaching program to develop individual talent and prepare professionals for career advancement.
About BKD
BKD, LLP is the top-tier U.S. CPA and advisory firm that delivers its experience and service with a deep understanding of your business, your needs and what it takes to improve your business performance. BKD’s approximately 2,000 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, serve clients in all 50 states and internationally. To learn more, visit bkd.com.
Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD’s ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients. Praxity™ provides the gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.
Wade Scroggins joins Broadway Bank as vice president, market manager of Broadway Bank’s Wilderness Oak Banking Center, which is slated for completion in June. He will serve as market manager at the Encino Banking Center in the interim. Scroggins brings 13 years of experience in the Stone Oak/Vineyard market area. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and holds Series 7, 63 and Group I licenses. He is active in the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and Stone Oak Business Association.
Mike Rowland has been promoted to market manager, military liaison officer at the Broadway Bank Fort Sam Houston Banking Center and will interact with all military units on Joint Base San Antonio. He joined Broadway in 2010 as a military business development officer. Rowland, a retired chief master sergeant, served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He serves on the board of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and is chairman of its Military Affairs Committee. Rowland recently earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.
Angela Portwood has been named vice president. Portwood began her career with Broadway Bank in January 2007 as a credit analyst in the credit department. She has received several promotions and presently serves Broadway Bank as a credit risk analyst in the enterprise risk management department. Portwood earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Texas Tech University.
Karen Bell, learning and development facilitator, has been named banking officer. She began her career at Broadway Bank in April 1994 and has served as a Wealth Management Division assistant, trust associate and senior training officer. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology of organizations and development from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Anna Garza has been named banking officer. Garza began her career at Broadway Bank in December 2010 as a learning and development facilitator. She received a Bachelor of English and a secondary teaching certification from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She also has Microsoft Office specialist certifications.