Forvis Mazars Stakes Claim in Seattle, Intensifying Competition in a Booming Market

SEATTLE, WA – June 01, 2026 – Forvis Mazars, LLP, a major player in the global accounting and consulting landscape, has officially planted its flag in the Pacific Northwest with the launch of a new office in Seattle. The move, which establishes the firm’s 77th U.S. location at 1111 Third Avenue, is a calculated strategic investment into one of the nation's most dynamic and globally-connected economic hubs.

While the office is new, the firm’s presence is not. The decision follows years of serving a substantial client base in the region across a swath of industries, from the area's iconic technology and manufacturing sectors to healthcare, construction, and private equity. This formal expansion signals the firm's intent to deepen its regional roots, increase proximity to its clients, and compete more aggressively in a crowded professional services market.

“Seattle is a dynamic market with a concentration of businesses that align closely with how our firm works and the clients we serve,” said Jeff Ronsse, northwest regional managing partner at Forvis Mazars. “By establishing a presence here, we’re able to work more closely with clients through greater proximity and collaboration, reinforcing the Unmatched Client Experience that defines the firm while positioning Forvis Mazars for long-term growth across the Pacific Northwest.”

A Strategic Play in a Crowded Market

The entry into Seattle is more than just a new pin on the map; it's a deliberate move to capitalize on a thriving, albeit complex, business environment. Seattle’s economy is a powerhouse, driven by global giants like Amazon and Microsoft, a historic aerospace manufacturing base, and a burgeoning biotechnology and healthcare sector. This diverse industrial base creates a significant demand for sophisticated financial, tax, and advisory services.

Furthermore, businesses operating in Washington face a unique and often complicated regulatory landscape, including the state’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax and the absence of a state income tax, which creates intricate compliance challenges. Forvis Mazars is betting that its expertise can provide significant value to companies navigating these complexities. The move is also a key component of the firm's broader national growth strategy, which has seen recent expansions in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota, and bolsters its West Coast presence alongside several offices in California.

“Opening a Seattle office furthers the momentum we have built over the last four years, enhancing our reputation as a national firm backed by a truly global brand,” said Tom Watson, CEO of Forvis Mazars. “As we continue to expand across the U.S., we’re investing in key markets so we can help our clients unlock their full potential while our people grow alongside them.”

Differentiating in a Competitive Field

Forvis Mazars enters a market with no shortage of established competitors. The Big Four—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—have long-standing, dominant presences, as do strong national and regional firms like Moss Adams, RSM, and Grant Thornton, all of which heavily court the same clients. To carve out its niche, Forvis Mazars is emphasizing its distinct service model and global connectivity.

The firm is explicitly targeting the middle market alongside large, complex organizations, a segment that often seeks a more personalized level of service than what massive multinational firms might offer. The new Seattle office will be led by Donald Rawe, a tax partner with over two decades of experience, who is tasked with building a team that embodies the firm’s service philosophy.

“Our culture is built around high-touch service, thoughtful collaboration, and a long-term commitment to client success,” Rawe stated. “As the Seattle market continues to evolve, we see a robust opportunity to bring that approach to businesses and stakeholders looking for advisors who are deeply invested in their outcomes.”

Tapping Seattle’s Deep Talent Pool

A cornerstone of the firm's strategy is to leverage Seattle's rich talent ecosystem. The region is home to world-class academic institutions, including the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, which produces a steady stream of highly qualified accounting and finance professionals. Forvis Mazars plans a dual approach to recruitment, seeking to attract both seasoned professionals from the local market and new graduates from these top-tier programs.

Joining Rawe in the new office is Kimberly Taylor, an audit senior manager with deep expertise in the manufacturing, technology, and software sectors. Her experience with private equity-backed companies and business combinations is particularly relevant to Seattle's active M&A environment. The strategic placement of leaders with such specialized skills underscores the firm's intent to build a team that can immediately address the specific needs of the local market.

Leveraging a Global Network for Local Growth

Perhaps the most significant differentiator for Forvis Mazars is the power of its global network. Formed on June 1, 2024, the Forvis Mazars Global network is a top 10 global professional services entity with a combined revenue exceeding $5 billion, operating in over 100 countries and territories. This unique two-firm structure combines the strength of Forvis Mazars, LLP in the U.S. with Forvis Mazars Group SC, an internationally integrated partnership.

For Seattle, a city with a port that is a critical gateway for international trade and home to countless multinational corporations, this global reach is a powerful asset. The network allows the firm to offer seamless, consistent service to clients whether their operations are local, national, or spread across continents. This capability enables Forvis Mazars to support the global ambitions of its middle-market clients while also competing for the business of the largest international players in the region, offering a compelling combination of localized, high-touch service and worldwide capacity.