Susan Himes Named a Winner in D CEO’s 2026 Financial Executive Awards
Dallas, TX (May 7, 2026)
Susan Himes, Chief Accounting Officer at Whitley Penn, has been named a winner in D CEO’s 2026 Financial Executive Awards.
D CEO’s Financial Executive Awards event honors North Texas’ most accomplished financial leaders, recognizing CFOs, chief accounting officers, and other senior finance professionals who play critical roles in driving growth, innovation, and long-term value within their organizations. Presented in partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Dallas-Fort Worth, Financial Executives International (FEI), and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA) Dallas, the annual awards program highlights executives who demonstrate strategic leadership, financial excellence, and meaningful impact across the region’s business community.
“Susan’s recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary impact she has had on our firm over the course of her career,” said Toby Cotton, Whitley Penn Chief Operating Officer. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental to our growth, and we are proud to see her honored for this award.”
Since joining Whitley Penn in 1984, Himes has served in a variety of leadership roles, including office and facilities management, human resources, payroll, retirement plans, and accounting and finance. As Chief Accounting Officer, she leads the firm’s accounting function, overseeing day-to-day operations, retirement plan administration, state compliance, and merger and acquisition activity, while working closely with the firm’s COO and CEO to support Whitley Penn’s overall financial health.
Himes collaborates extensively with internal leaders and external banking, insurance, and retirement plan advisors to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, benefit plan, and corporate regulations. She also oversees budgeting and cost controls, providing financial reporting, and performance analysis that supports informed decision-making across the firm. Beyond her role, Himes is part of the fabric and culture of the longstanding traditions of the firm that contribute to its culture of community.
About D CEO
D CEO is a leading North Texas business publication from D Magazine Partners that covers the executives, companies, and trends shaping the Dallas-Fort Worth business community. Through award-winning journalism, events, and recognition programs, D CEO highlights leadership excellence, innovation, and impact across industries. The publication serves as a trusted resource for senior executives and decision-makers navigating one of the country’s fastest-growing business regions. For more information, visit www.dmagazine.com/dceo.
About Whitley Penn, LLP
For more than 40 years, Whitley Penn tax, audit, and advisory professionals have been dedicated to the success of our clients. Our mission is to provide transformative solutions that deliver valuable results and develop strong relationships. With an established presence in the Southwest and as an independent member of HLB International, we are strategically positioned to help you grow both locally and globally. At Whitley Penn, your future is our focus. www.whitleypenn.com.
Dallas, TX (May 7, 2026)
Susan Himes, Chief Accounting Officer at Whitley Penn, has been named a winner in D CEO’s 2026 Financial Executive Awards.
D CEO’s Financial Executive Awards event honors North Texas’ most accomplished financial leaders, recognizing CFOs, chief accounting officers, and other senior finance professionals who play critical roles in driving growth, innovation, and long-term value within their organizations. Presented in partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Dallas-Fort Worth, Financial Executives International (FEI), and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA) Dallas, the annual awards program highlights executives who demonstrate strategic leadership, financial excellence, and meaningful impact across the region’s business community.
“Susan’s recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary impact she has had on our firm over the course of her career,” said Toby Cotton, Whitley Penn Chief Operating Officer. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental to our growth, and we are proud to see her honored for this award.”
Since joining Whitley Penn in 1984, Himes has served in a variety of leadership roles, including office and facilities management, human resources, payroll, retirement plans, and accounting and finance.
As Chief Accounting Officer, she leads the firm’s accounting function, overseeing day-to-day operations, retirement plan administration, state compliance, and merger and acquisition activity, while working closely with the firm’s COO and CEO to support Whitley Penn’s overall financial health.
Himes collaborates extensively with internal leaders and external banking, insurance, and retirement plan advisors to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, benefit plan, and corporate regulations. She also oversees budgeting and cost controls, providing financial reporting, and performance analysis that supports informed decision-making across the firm. Beyond her role, Himes is part of the fabric and culture of the longstanding traditions of the firm that contribute to its culture of community.
About D CEO
D CEO is a leading North Texas business publication from D Magazine Partners that covers the executives, companies, and trends shaping the Dallas-Fort Worth business community. Through award-winning journalism, events, and recognition programs, D CEO highlights leadership excellence, innovation, and impact across industries. The publication serves as a trusted resource for senior executives and decision-makers navigating one of the country’s fastest-growing business regions. For more information, visit www.dmagazine.com/dceo.
About Whitley Penn, LLP
For more than 40 years, Whitley Penn tax, audit, and advisory professionals have been dedicated to the success of our clients. Our mission is to provide transformative solutions that deliver valuable results and develop strong relationships. With an established presence in the Southwest and as an independent member of HLB International, we are strategically positioned to help you grow both locally and globally. At Whitley Penn, your future is our focus. www.whitleypenn.com.
