Houston, TX — April 13, 2026 — McConnell Jones, recognized as the largest African American‑owned CPA firm in the U.S., announces the retirement of Kenneth Gibbs, CPA, Esq. effective June 30, 2026, after a notable career in public accounting.
As a Tax Partner, Ken has consistently served as a trusted advisor to clients in a broad array of industries, providing strategic guidance on complex tax matters, and supporting the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality service. His role at McConnell Jones was elevated following the firm’s strategic merger with Thomas & Gibbs CPAs, PLLC, a Durham, North Carolina-based CPA firm, on June 29, 2023. This merger expanded McConnell Jones’ presence in the Southeast and strengthened its ability to support clients across the region. As part of this integration, Ken joined McConnell Jones as a partner, continuing to lead the North Carolina office to ensure continuity of service and enhanced support for clients. During his tenure, Ken played an integral role in strengthening client relationships, mentoring professionals within the Tax Practice, and contributing to the firm’s growth.
“Ken’s professionalism, insight, and dedication to our clients have made a lasting impact on our firm,” said Wayne McConnell, Managing Partner. “We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him continued success and fulfillment in his retirement.”
McConnell Jones remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition for clients. The firm has implemented succession and continuity plans within the Tax Practice to maintain the high level of service clients expect. Following the merger, the North Carolina office has continued to deliver reliable, high-quality service to our clients. Our commitment to exceptional service is made even stronger by the way our McConnell Jones offices work together, ensuring that our clients continue to get the benefit of our team’s combined knowledge and support.
“Serving our clients and working alongside such talented colleagues at McConnell Jones has been the privilege of my career,” said Ken. “I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together and grateful for the trust our clients have placed in me over the years. As I begin this next chapter, I do so with deep appreciation for the relationships, mentorship, and shared commitment to excellence that define this firm.”
About McConnell Jones
McConnell Jones is a nationally recognized CPA firm providing tailored audit & assurance, tax, and advisory services across a broad range of industries. The firm has been recognized on INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) Top 300 list for four consecutive years and currently ranks No. 223 among more than 50,000 CPA firms nationwide. McConnell Jones is also in the Top 3% of firms performing Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audits and is the largest majority African American owned public accounting firm in the U.S. With a client-first approach, McConnell Jones delivers comprehensive, high‑quality solutions and exceptional value. The firm offers strategic tax planning and advisory services to businesses, individuals, and high net worth families, and partners with corporations, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government agencies to mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and achieve sustainable results through hands-on service and deep industry expertise.
At McConnell Jones, we recognize that our people and our clients are our most valuable assets. To uphold high standards and ensure long-term success, the firm has implemented a firmwide succession plan with defined roles and responsibilities, supported by ongoing training and leadership development. This approach strengthens governance, empowers our team to grow, and positions McConnell Jones for scalable growth while continuing to serve clients nationwide with consistency and excellence.
For more information, please contact info@mjlm.com.
