Diversity, equity, inclusion and access.

A message from our managing partner.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and access underscore the very foundation of who Hood & Strong is as a firm and the core values that have guided our success throughout our history. We have always been an equal opportunity employer and prohibited discrimination of any type – going back to our founding in 1917. I am proud that today we continue to expand and evolve our commitment and understanding of DEI, and that women and people of color comprise more than 60 percent of our total team members, as well as more than 50 percent of our partner group and firm management.

By encouraging diversity in all its manifestations – age, ethnicity, marital status, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation and all other characteristics that make our team members unique – we are not only a stronger, more inclusive firm, but we are able to connect more fully with our clients and with each other. Our partners, directors and managers are empowered and encouraged to mentor the next generation of Hood & Strong leaders. Many also serve as board members and participate in professional organizations that have a diverse membership base and a mission of equity and access, among them the Caribbean Business Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Ascend Pan-Asian Professional Leaders in Finance and Accounting, and National Association of Women Business Owners.

Connecting with each other and discussing DEI is critical to our continued progress. We regularly communicate the value and importance of diversity in our strategic initiatives and in our recruitment, professional development, and advancement programs. Our professionally facilitated, firm-wide meetings feature open discussions and breakout sessions to ensure team members at all levels can contribute and share ways to make Hood & Strong an even more inclusive and welcoming workplace.

In the 1960s, in what was then exceedingly rare for the accounting profession, Hood & Strong became one of the first CPA firms in the country to actively recruit, hire and promote women. Today, I am one of only a handful of female Managing Partners leading a major U.S. public accounting firm, along with the heads of our Assurance Service Group, Maria Giambona, and our Not-for-Profit Service Group, Kathy Grogan.

I am immensely proud that H&S has one of the narrowest gender gaps in the industry, and our mission has always emphasized a workplace culture that enables everyone to advance their careers by ensuring a work-life balance and providing options for flexible schedules and remote work. As a result, Hood & Strong has been recognized as a Best Accounting Firm for Leadership Equity by the Accounting MOVE Project, an annual survey of the nation’s leading financial and accounting firms to determine the state of women in our industry.  Hood & Strong is a diverse community of talented individuals who care about each other, our clients,  and the communities where we live and work. Please explore this website to learn more about our culture and the people and values behind our commitment to DEI and our enduring success.

Susan Malone
Managing Partner