2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jason Rader

As a partner at Springfield-based BKD LLP, the 10th largest public accounting firm in the United States, CPA Jason Rader is committed to growing the company while also providing growth opportunities for all employees.

“It is very important to me that we as partners create the same opportunities for our staff that I was given,” Rader said.

Rader became a partner in the southern Missouri practice unit of BKD six years ago at the age of 33 and has since overseen the financial services team for southern Missouri, working with more than 30 banking organizations.

“We have averaged double-digit growth in the six years I have been a partner,” Rader said.

Rader also is the practice development director for BKD’s southern Missouri practice.

“I oversee our marketing programs and initiatives,” he said.

“I also spend a lot of time coaching and supervising our staff.”

Rader, a member of Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Springfield Class XVIII, recently was chosen by BKD management as one of four partners to serve on the firmwide financial services committee. His professional duties also include serving on boards of directors for organizations such as the Discovery Center and as chairman of the BKD Foundation Southern Missouri Advisory Committee.

He also is committed, however, to being involved at home.

Rader and Bertie, his wife of nearly 12 years, have a 7-year-old daughter, Anna, who is a first-grader at St. Agnes Elementary, and a 4-year-old son, Jeremy, who already shares his dad’s passion for sports.

“I want to continue to be active in my children’s endeavors,” Rader said.

On the lighter side, he adds, “I also want to continue to improve my golf game.”

Stats

Position: Partner, BKD LLP

Age: 39

Favorite professional sports teams: St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs

A quote to live by: “If you are going to do something, you may as well do it right.”

Information accurate at the time of the honor.