The story below appears in today’s Charleston Daily Mail. The Charleston Area Alliance would like to thank Jack for his years of dedication to business and community development.

By George Hohmann
Daily Mail Business Editor

Jack Rossi

Jack Rossi announced he is stepping down as presiding member of the Charleston-based accounting and consulting firm Arnett & Foster and as chairman of the Charleston Area Alliance.

Rossi said he is approaching Arnett & Foster’s prescribed retirement age. He said he is stepping down as alliance chairman because of a term limitation.

Rossi has been presiding member of Arnett & Foster for 10 years and chairman of the alliance for six years.

At the accounting and consulting firm, “Building one of the finest teams in our profession – a team now 100 strong – has been a high point,” Rossi said in a letter to clients. “Today, A&F enjoys relationships with clients from coast to coast. This growth tells us that our core mission – help our clients succeed – is a value that continues to stand the test of time.”

“As I approach our firm’s prescribed retirement age, my colleagues have graciously persuaded me to continue serving our firm and our clients,” he said. “As a result, I will now be able to apply greater focus toward client matters and client service. In addition, I will be able to concentrate more time on the firm’s overall business development strategy. I am excited about spending more time with clients and concentrating my energies growing our business and expanding our footprint.”

Steve Robey, who joined Arnett & Foster in 1977 upon graduation from West Virginia University, will be the firm’s new presiding member.

Robey has earned the respect and trust of clients and colleagues, Rossi said. “He possesses both instinct and vision, two ingredients critical to staying ahead in an ever-changing, fast-paced business environment,” Rossi said.

Pat Bond has been elected chairman of the alliance, Rossi said.

Also, the alliance announced that Lois Gillenwater and Tom Provost have been elected to its Board of Directors.

Gillenwater, a Pennsboro native, is one of the owners of Pray Construction. Provost is manager of the $100 million specialty plastics plant Kureha is building at Belle.