Herschel Frierson is the Strategic Networks Leader and a Principal at Crowe LLP with over 29 years of experience. He has done governmental consulting and general consulting. In the past Herschel has assisted communities with municipal bond issues, short and long term financial planning, capital improvement plans, and budget consulting. He has also provided assistance in economic development activities including feasibility studies.
In his current role, Herschel is responsible for expanding the firm’s influence with network partners, including associations and creating new opportunities and deepening existing relationships. Herschel focuses on key networks for all industries across the firm and in the market. Herschel also is the executive champion for the Firms Business Resource Groups.
Herschel Frierson is the 27th Chairman of the Board of Directors for NABA, Inc which is a nonprofit membership association bridging the opportunity gap for Black Business Leaders in accounting, finance and entrepreneurship and is a lifetime member. Herschel in 2020 was named by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. Herschel has done podcasts with the AICPA, Becker CPA, Financial Executives International (FEI) and many others. Herschel has done fireside chats with the VP and Treasurer of PayPal Holding, Inc., CFO of Electronic Arts, the CFO for Target, President and CEO of Sam’s club, amongst other industry leaders.
Herschel has been the keynote speaker for the AICPA we’re about success program, University of Tennessee AIM Academy, and was part of the Distinguished Speaker Series at the Neel Corporate Governance Center at the University of Tennessee. Herschel has lead discussions with the Indiana CPA society, North Carolina CPA Society, Tax Executives Institute, Texas Society of CPA’s, as well participating in a DE&I round tables for the Institute of Internal Auditors GAM Conference amongst assisting other professional associations in the industry in various capacities. Herschel serves as an advisory member for the University of Texas McCombs School of Business Accounting Program, Butler University Lacy School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and a member of the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business AIM Advisory Round Table.
Herschel has been highlighted in various publications and articles. Herschel serves on the Finance Forward committee for Financial Executives International. Herschel continues to work with companies and organizations throughout the Country in their Inclusion efforts as well as speaking engagements on campus across this nation. Herschel continues to mentor students, young professionals and organizations in their path forward.
Just recently, Herschel had the distinguish honor as being the The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business 2026 Texas Star Award despite not being a UT-Austin Alumnus. Herschel received the Talent Pipeline award from the Indiana CPA Society in 2025. In 2021 Herschel served on the Business and Entrepreneurship Pillar for the Indianapolis African American Qualify of Life Initiative. In 2018 Herschel Received the Frank Ross National Outstanding Member of the Year Award from NABA. Herschel has served on various committees and advisory boards in the community.
In the past, Herschel served as a National Director with NABA and the chair of Organizational Effectiveness and Personnel. He has also chaired Membership where he focused on Student and Professional Membership Development and Growth. Herschel has served as the Central Region President for NABA. Chairman of the Audit Committee for NABA, chairman of the National Ethics Committee, served as a member of the Audit Committee, secretary to the Central Region, served in various capacities for the Central Region Student Conference and Indianapolis Chapter President.
Herschel has also been involved with Center for Leadership Development in Indianapolis, Indiana, Academy of Finance, 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee Member; NFL Community Impact. Herschel is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
