NORFOLK, Virginia – Tax Partner Patrick Shuler announces his retirement from Forvis Mazars after more than four decades of service to the business community in Virginia and Hampton Roads. Shuler will retire on Dec. 31, 2025. In keeping with a longstanding commitment to thoughtful transition planning, Forvis Mazars has also announced the addition of Tax Director Ahmad Al-Taher, who began serving clients from the firm’s Norfolk office in July after moving from the Charlotte market.

“When people think about Forvis Mazars in Norfolk, they think about Pat Shuler,” said Jennifer Wold, managing partner for Forvis Mazars in Virginia. “Our profession and our firm have both experienced a great deal of growth and evolution over the years. Pat has been a constant throughout that time and always with a heart for serving clients and  community.”

Shuler entered the accounting profession after graduating from Old Dominion University in 1985 and his career has been defined by a deep commitment to mentorship, client service, and long-term growth. He began at a small, four-person CPA firm, then became chief financial officer of a large retail and distribution company in 1993, where he gained valuable business experience. In 1998, he returned to public accounting and joined a firm that later merged with Norfolk-based Goodman & Company LLP.

That merger marked a turning point for Shuler. He played a central role in the firm’s expansion, particularly through the subsequent 2011 merger with Dixon Hughes that extended its reach across the Southeast as Dixon Hughes Goodman.

“It was fun. I’m telling you, it was exciting,” Shuler said of that time.

As a member of the DHG executive committee, he helped shape the firm’s strategic direction while consistently encouraging others to lead through service, clear communication, and prioritizing strong relationships with clients. Those cultural values remained as the firm eventually reached a national and international scale as Forvis Mazars.

Much has changed over time, especially in terms of technology, but Shuler said one thing that has not is the value of forming personal relationships with clients and colleagues. He’s still a fan of picking up the phone to talk to clients or walking down the hall to meet with team members, something he stresses the importance of with younger accountants in the firm today.

“When our clients call us, it’s important to them,” he said. “They aren’t just calling to talk about the weather. You’ve got to get back to them; call them. It’s so important to communicate.”

Throughout his career, Shuler remained dedicated to community involvement. He served on local, state, and national boards for the American Diabetes Association. He was treasurer of the organization’s national board and testified before Congress in support of federal NIH funding while in that role. Locally, Shuler has fundraised for many children’s charities and has been actively involved in the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival alongside his wife, Kim, a banker and longtime Hampton Roads Chamber board member. Pat was honored to serve as an ambassador for the festival and for the City of Virginia Beach in 2021 as King Neptune 47 with Kim serving beside him.

“You never know how you might end up helping somebody when you say ‘yes’ if you’re asked to volunteer your time or talents,” Shuler said. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved so many great organizations and proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

With the addition of Al-Taher as a new tax director, the firm’s Norfolk team led by partners Don McNeill, Rob Oden, and Michael Hanger remains focused on helping clients unlock potential through mentoring the next generation of local leadership and utilizing Forvis Mazars’ extensive national and global bench of talent.

“We’re excited to bring Ahmad to the market,” Hanger said. “He has a wealth of experience and is truly committed to furthering the Unmatched Client Experience that leaders like Pat have personified for so many years.”

About Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, the firm’s 7,000 dedicated team members provide an Unmatched Client Experience^® through the delivery of assurance, tax, and consulting services for clients in all 50 states and internationally through the global network. Visit forvismazars.us/about-us to learn more.