Kruggel Lawton is honored to announce that after nearly 20 years of client service, Michael Varner, CPA, CGMA, will be leaving the firm to take a management role in an organization serving individuals and families in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Mike joined Kruggel Lawton (KL) in October of 2005 as a Senior Manager and was elected partner on January 1, 2007. Mike demonstrated strong leadership in the firm’s Elkhart office as the partner-in-charge. When KL opened its Goshen office in 2019, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of partner-in-charge for all of Elkhart County. Mike has been instrumental in the firm’s growth in Elkhart County, served on KL’s executive committee, and helped lead strategy and execution for the firm’s tax practice. While his contributions to the firm have been abundant and significant, one of the most important credits to his name is bringing to life the firm’s annual CFO Summit. Since 2008, Mike has played a key role in planning and hosting this well-respected and widely attended event. Heading into its 17th year in 2025, the CFO Summit will remain a cherished event for Mike and the nearly 250 attendees annually.
“We are incredibly grateful for Mike’s many years of service and leadership,” said Barry Hall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner at Kruggel Lawton. “His passion for community and mentorship has profoundly influenced the development of successful accountants and created numerous opportunities for our team to thrive. Mike will certainly be missed, but his Kruggel Lawton family will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
“I am so thankful for my 30-year career in public accounting, especially my time at Kruggel Lawton,” said Mike. “As I embark on a new professional chapter serving families in Elkhart County, I will miss the relationships I’ve built with our team and clients. I will always be an ambassador for KL, a firm with outstanding professionals who care about each other, our clients, and our community. I look forward to staying in touch and wish the firm continued success.”
“Mike has been an invaluable mentor to me and many others at our firm, as well as a dear friend,” said Patrick Lee, CPA, Partner at Kruggel Lawton. “He has a true gift for working with families and connecting with youth, and our community will benefit greatly from Mike’s commitment to strengthening families and empowering the next generation.”
Mike graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration/Accounting from Bridgewater College near Harrisonburg, Virginia. He holds an active Indiana CPA license and is a member of the Indiana CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has actively participated in a diverse array of community organizations, including the Middlebury Community Schools Board of Trustees, Goshen Noon Kiwanis, Stable Grounds, Child and Parent Services (CAPS), and the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
