Chief Executive Officer
Whitley Penn
Nathen McEown has been a vital part of Whitley Penn for over two decades, beginning his journey as an intern and steadily advancing to Audit Partner in 2015. As the firm’s former Energy Practice Leader, he worked with many private equity-backed energy companies and led various initiatives, including the creation of Whitley Penn’s Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) Energy Outsourced Accounting, Land Administration, and Mineral Management service lines. After moving his family from Dallas to Houston in 2016, Nathen served as the Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, Nathen transitioned away from audit to join the firm's management committee, assuming the role of Partner-in-Charge of Consulting. In 2024, Nathen expanded his responsibilities taking on the role of Chief Growth Officer. Since becoming Chief Growth Officer, he has identified and led the incorporation of two acquisitions, further expanding the firm's consulting practice. Nathen also leads the firm’s Growth Champions training initiative helping future firm leaders make the transition from Senior Manager to Partner. Nathen co-authored “PPC Practice Aids for Audits of Oil and Gas Entities”, published by Thomson Reuters as part of their Checkpoint brand. In 2015, he was selected as the Dallas Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy” and was awarded “Forty Under Forty” by the Dallas Business Journal. Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Dallas class of 2014, and currently sits on Texas Tech’s Accounting Advisory Council. Beyond his professional achievements, Nathen is committed to driving growth and creating a positive impact within the broader community. He co-founded the Bayou City Houston Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and currently serves as its Learning Officer. Additionally, he is the Audit Committee Chairman for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Fitness nonprofit organization and, together with his wife, supports the Houston March of Dimes. Nathen received his BBA and MS in Accounting from Texas Tech University.
In this session, Nathen will share Whitley Penn’s journey of considering private equity funding, providing an in-depth look at the considerations and evaluations that ultimately led the firm to step away from pursuing PE investment. He’ll discuss key factors such as maintaining control over the firm’s strategic direction, preserving partner influence and majority equity, ensuring the appeal of a partner-track career path for rising CPAs, and safeguarding the firm’s culture and core values. This session will provide valuable lessons for firms navigating their own growth and funding decisions.
What you’ll learn: