Fort Worth, TX (May 3, 2023) – It is with great sadness that Whitley Penn announced that firm co-founder, Mark Topel, passed away on May 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas.
Topel spent more than 40 years in public accounting where he focused on customer service, financial planning, family-owned and managed businesses, asset protection, profit enhancement and retirement planning.
Topel was instrumental in building a culture of mentorship and leadership at Whitley Penn. His love for people and gift of service withstood the ups and downs of the economy and the many changes of the firm.
“Mark impacted so many people in the community and at Whitley Penn. His legacy will continue to live in our hearts,” stated Larry Autrey, CEO for Whitley Penn.

Topel obtained held a BBA from in Accounting from Walsh College. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He served as president of Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Arlington, treasurer of the Professional Networking Connection, and Vice-President of Finance of the Grace Lutheran Church of Arlington.
Topel joined Whitley Penn in 1983 and maintained a full book of business until his retirement at the end of 2021.
About Whitley Penn, LLP
Whitley Penn, founded in 1983, is a full-service accounting firm with nine locations, and more than 800 employees delivering tax, audit and consulting services across more than 20 industries, has consistently been recognized as “One the Top 100 Firms in the U.S.” and “Best of the Best” by INSIDE Public Accounting and other industry publications. We are a member of HLB International, a global network of independent advisory and accounting firms. For more information on Whitley Penn, please visit www.whitleypenn.com.

Kristen Lollar
Chief Marketing Officer
Phone: 469-776-3645
Email: kristen.lollar@whitleypenn.com