Dallas-based Whitley Penn, a public accounting firm that works with Texas community banks, announced that Felix J. Lozano III, CPA, CFE, partner and director of audit, will be transitioning to the role of chief growth officer effective January 1, 2022. He has more than 31 years of public accounting experience auditing public and private companies. His specific audit experience focuses on forensic accounting, fraud auditing and special services related to internal control assessments. In addition to being a certified public accountant, Lozano is a certified fraud examiner.
“This is an exciting and necessary step forward as we focus on the sustainable growth and future of the firm,” says Larry G. Autrey, managing partner. “Felix will work closely with firm leaders from all service lines and industries with a focus on both internal and external growth. With an emphasis on learning and development, our goal is to equip and prepare our professionals for the future of the firm.”
“I am thrilled to be stepping into this role to lead business development efforts at such a pivotal time in our firm history,” Lozano says. “This growth initiative is something I have been passionate about for years, so having the opportunity to lead and encourage cross collaboration at all levels is an incredible opportunity.”
“Partnering with Felix in his new role alongside firm leadership is key to the growth of Whitley Penn,” says Dave Adcox, learning and organizational development director.
Lozano received a BBA degree in accounting from Texas Christian University and is an alumnus of Ernst & Young. Lozano previously served on the board of directors and board of advisors for the Dallas Regional Chamber, is a member of the Dallas Assembly, served on the Park City Club board of governors and sits on the board of advisors for the State Fair of Texas. He is a former advisor and chairman for Nexia’s international audit committee and chair of Nexia’s international digital committee. In addition, Lozano is a member of the Association for Accounting Marketing’s major growth firms group and is on the board of directors, executive committee and finance committee for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas on which he served as the 2018 and 2019 annual campaign chair. He is a member of Leadership Dallas and Leadership Fort Worth.
Lozano is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA), Dallas chapter of the TXCPA, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.