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Michelle Loyd Thompson, CPA

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Michelle Thompson is the Chief Executive Officer of Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, appointed in 2022. She leads the Executive Management Team and serves on the Executive Board, guiding the overall strategy, growth, and financial management of the firm. Previously, she served as CEO of Cherry Bekaert LLP from 2018. Joining the Firm in 1998, Michelle established and scaled the Risk & Accounting Advisory Services (RAAS) practice, and she served as Managing Partner of Assurance Services for eight years.

With over two decades in the accounting industry, Michelle is renowned for her skill in advisory services and her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the Firm's capabilities and enhancing client satisfaction. Michelle is actively involved in several professional organizations, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and the community. Recognized for her contributions, Michelle has been honored by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting in 2024, 2022, and 2019, and was named a Forbes Top 200 CPA in 2024. 

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Professional Involvement

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA")
    • Member, Major Firms Group Chair
    • Former Member, Nominating Committee
    • Former Member, National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion
  • North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants ("NCACPA")
  • Former Member of the Baker Tilly International Governing Board and Finance Committee Member

 

CPA License

  • NC-26641

Education

  • B.S. in Business Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Master of Accountancy, University of South Carolina

 

Professional Involvement

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA")
    • Member, Major Firms Group Chair
    • Former Member, Nominating Committee
    • Former Member, National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion
  • North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants ("NCACPA")
  • Former Member of the Baker Tilly International Governing Board and Finance Committee Member

 

CPA License

  • NC-26641

Education

  • B.S. in Business Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Master of Accountancy, University of South Carolina

 

Related Insights

Making a Difference Every Day

Video

4/29/2019 2:59:40 PM

Firm Managing Partner Michelle Thompson describes the four core principles that guides Cherry Bekaert’s day-to-day operations.