Cray, Kaiser Ltd. names Deanna Salo managing principal

OAKBROOK TERRACE - Cray, Kaiser, Ltd., a public accounting firm with special expertise in closely held and family-owned businesses, said certified public accountant Deanna Salo has been named the firm's managing principal.

In her new role, Salo will drive the firm's strategic vision while continuing to manage day-to-day operations with the other principals.

Salo, who has spent her entire career at Cray Kaiser, joined the firm in 1986 and was named a principal in 2001. Her ability to identify strategic opportunities while also maintaining focus on the details has been instrumental in the firm's growth over the past 35 years. Her people-centric approach is evident in the firm's day-to-day operations and core values.

"I've grown up professionally at Cray Kaiser," Salo said. "The CK culture of care, integrity and education has shaped who I am as a professional and a CPA. As I step into the role of managing principal, my focus is continuing our legacy of serving privately held and family-owned businesses. We know the work we do matters, especially in times like the last two years, because of the people and the businesses it impacts. I am proud to carry our mission forward with the entire CK team."

Salo leads Cray Kaiser's relationship with the Entrepreneur and Family Business Council at DePaul University, where she serves on its Finance and Curriculum committees. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Annual Awards of Business Excellence.

Salo is the first woman to hold the position of managing principal at Cray Kaiser. She succeeds Jim Scherzinger, who will continue to serve clients as a trusted adviser and maintain his role as a principal.

Salo graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in accountancy.