BerryDunn

History and Founding

BerryDunn was founded in 1974 in Portland, Maine, as an accounting firm built on close client relationships. Originally established as Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, the firm has evolved over five decades from a traditional assurance and tax practice into a full-service professional services firm with a strong consulting arm. The specific given names of the founding partners with surnames Berry, Dunn, McNeil, and Parker remain unconfirmed in available public records. The firm operates under an alternative practice structure compliant with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC handling tax and advisory services and BDMP Assurance, LLP providing attest services.

Business Model and Services

BerryDunn's client base includes businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across more than 30 industries. The firm is organized into practice groups including Financial Services, Healthcare, State and Local Government, Not-for-Profit, Manufacturing and Technology, and Commercial enterprises. Its service lines encompass audit and assurance, tax preparation and planning, management consulting, IT consulting, digital accessibility compliance (WCAG/Section 508), software needs assessments, valuation, actuarial services, and wealth management. The firm also operates an Outsourced Accounting practice and a specialized Government consulting practice that assists municipalities with strategic planning, organizational assessments, and regulatory compliance. BerryDunn hosts industry-specific conferences such as the EMPOWER Summit for nonprofits and the Commercial Summit, which draw participants from across the country.

Market Position and Reputation

BerryDunn is consistently listed among the top 50 accounting firms in the United States. It maintains a Net Promoter Score of 79.6, significantly exceeding the industry average, and reports low client churn rates indicative of deep, long-term partnerships. The firm's CEO, Sarah Belliveau, was named to Forbes' 2025 list of America's Top 200 CPAs. BerryDunn has also earned accolades for its workplace culture and community impact.

Leadership and Culture

The firm's leadership team was restructured in 2021, with Sarah Belliveau becoming CEO, succeeding John Chandler. New positions such as Chief Culture and Engagement Officer were created. In early 2025, Tammy Brunetti was promoted to Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, leading the Assurance, Tax, and Advisory practice, succeeding Renee Bishop who retired after more than 30 years. In February 2026, Carson Hanrahan was appointed as BerryDunn's first Chief Transformation Officer, responsible for unifying technology strategy, innovation, and organizational change management. BerryDunn emphasizes a people-first culture, with diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access (DEIBA) initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, learning and development programs, and community service activities such as the '50 Acts of Caring' during its 50th anniversary year.

Recent Developments

BerryDunn has focused on strategic expansion into high-growth sectors such as renewable energy and healthcare, and has invested in technology to support remote work and digital client engagement. The firm continues to grow its national footprint while retaining a client-driven, relationship-focused approach. Its website and marketing materials emphasize being 'agile and entrepreneurial,' with a commitment to helping clients become self-sufficient.