“We have a lot of young folks in our firm coming up,” said the 65-year-old Katz. “It’s not only important to say we’re perpetuating our firm, but to show we’re perpetuating our firm.”

Effective July 1, Mark Cissell will succeed Katz as the firm’s president and chief executive officer, becoming the group’s third CEO in its history after Abosch and Katz. Katz will remain with the firm as chair of the company and will continue to work on client development and relations.

“I’m in no way, shape or form retiring,” Katz said. “I still love to work, and I couldn’t imagine not coming to work every day.”

Additionally, the firm announced a rebranding campaign with a name change from KAWG&F to Katz Abosch, effective immediately.

The firm had been going by the name KAWG&F for almost 25 years.

“The branding just didn’t seem to work, and the shorter names seem to help with reputation and recognition,” Katz said.

Cissell, 48, joined the firm in 1985 and has more than 20 years experience in consulting, auditing, accounting and taxation. Katz recommended Cissell to succeed him to the firm’s board, and he said Cissell would “bring youth” to the president and CEO role.

“For nearly four decades, Alvin Katz, John Abosch, Al Windesheim, Steve Gershman and Mark Freedman have led our firm in a forward-thinking, innovative and passionate fashion,” Cissell said. “I look forward to following in their footsteps and continuing to grow the business for decades to come.”

The firm announced the leadership and branding change during difficult economic times, but Katz said the group “continues to develop new business” and has added staff in recent weeks.

“We’re busy,” Katz said.

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