Southfield-based certified public accounting, business advisory, and wealth management firm Plante Moran has elected Jason Drake as the firm’s next managing partner.
He will assume his new role effective July 1, 2024. He will succeed Jim Proppe, who held the position for the last seven years.
Since an internship in 1999, Drake has spent his entire professional career at Plante Moran. In his nearly 25 years at the firm, he’s focused on audit, consulting, and building and expanding Plante Moran’s international offices and practice, which he led for six years.
In 2021 he joined the firm’s management team as group managing partner of offices for Chicagoland, Ohio, and the firm’s international locations. In his new role, Drake will focus on firm growth and investments in people and technology.
Drake graduated as salutatorian from Pontiac Northern High School in 1996. His academic achievements, coupled with his work as a caddie at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield, earned Drake an Evans Scholarship granted to students with excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, outstanding character, and a strong caddie record.
“I’m honored that the firm has entrusted me with this important role,” says Drake. “As Plante Moran celebrates 100 years in business, it’s clear to me that we’ve achieved this milestone by staying true to our values, principles, and ‘We Care’ culture. I’m where I am today because of the investments people made in me, and that’s why, throughout my career, I’ve done my best to invest in others.
“Going forward, that won’t change. My plan for the future is to continue to be a good steward of the firm –– because that’s how we’ll thrive for another 100-plus years.”
With the help of the full tuition and housing scholarship, Drake graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing in 2000 with honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
“There are a variety of reasons why the partnership selected Jason as managing partner — from his vision for the future, experience in multiple service lines and international experience, to his deep relationships and connections with firms and colleagues around the world,” says Proppe. “Jason is an inspiring colleague, an outstanding mentor, and we know he’ll continue to do great things for the firm.”
Drake is the eighth managing partner in the firm’s 100-year history.
