Eau Claire, Wis. (July 18, 2005) — Wipfli, a CPA and consulting firm with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is pleased to announce that Dick Dean was elected partner effective June 1, 2005. Dean joined Wipfli in 2001 and has over 35 years of financial institution experience. He works in the Eau Claire office.

As a financial institutions group partner and the practice leader of the risk management services, Dean is here to effectively deliver to our clients the level of service and expertise that they expect and deserve. He states, “My business philosophy revolves around client service. Listening to clients to determine their needs is essential to helping them meet the short- and long-term business challenges they face.” His values and knowledge provide the backbone of Wipfli’s financial institution practice, which is dedicated to providing financial institutions with the tools they need to make informed business decisions.

His background includes five years as Wisconsin’s first Secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). In this role, he served as the top financial regulator and chief advisor to the governor on matters regarding Wisconsin’s banks, savings institutions, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and licensed financial service providers. Dean also served as Wisconsin’s Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Banking for eight years.

Dean is a board member of the Economic Benefits Through Individual Disabled Employment (EBTIDE). He is also a member of the Pathways to Independence Advisory Council and a spokesperson for the Wheelchair Recycling Project.  He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Madison Business College.  He completed graduate and post graduate studies in banking at the Graduate School of Banking in Madison.

About Wipfli

With more than 650 associates and 18 offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Wipfli ranks among the 20 largest CPA and consulting firms in the nation. Wipfli can advise in all areas of business, from finance and operations to human resources, information technology, and customer relationships. Wipfli’s clients include manufacturers, health care organizations, financial institutions, nonprofit entities, dealerships, contractors and developers, small businesses, and individuals. Wipfli’s 75-year legacy of helping its clients succeed is a point of pride for each of the firm’s partners and employees.