Thompson was previously managing partner of the firm’s assurance services practice. She will also serve as chair of the firm’s executive board. Cherry Bekaert’s official statement described her focus as being “on the opportunities that technology presents for our clients, our profession, our Firm and our people.”

Kurt W. Taves from the Virginia Beach, Va., office was selected for the newly created role of chief operating officer, and will oversee the tax, assurance and advisory service lines. He previously served as managing partner of the Hampton Roads, Va., and tax services practices. Tax partner Christine W. Pierce, based in the Atlanta, Ga., office, has replaced Taves in leading tax services

Thompson’s role in leading the assurance practice is being assumed by Collin G. Hill, an audit partner and North Carolina Regional Service Line Leader with the Firm’s Assurance & Accounting Services Group. He works at the Raleigh, N.C., office.

Thompson joined Cherry Bekaert in December 1998. She worked at Deloitte for six years before that.