Center for Audit Quality Names Dave Sullivan CEO

The governing board has appointed the former Deloitte leader to head the public policy organization.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing an abstract architectural intersection, evoking institutional oversight and financial integrity. — The Center for Audit Quality has appointed former Deloitte leader Dave Sullivan as its new CEO to oversee financial reporting standards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Center for Audit Quality has officially named Dave Sullivan as its new CEO. Sullivan steps into the role following the tenure of former CEO Julie Bell Lindsay and acting CEO Mark Koziel.

Why it matters

The appointment brings a veteran leader with decades of audit experience to the organization as it continues to focus on investor confidence and financial reporting standards.

Dave Sullivan brings 35 years of experience from his time at Deloitte to the organization. The governing board officially confirmed his appointment on October 27, 2026.

The players

Dave Sullivan

He is the newly appointed CEO of the Center for Audit Quality and former audit and assurance quality leader at Deloitte.

Julie Bell Lindsay

She is the former CEO of the Center for Audit Quality who departed from the organization in April 2026.

Mark Koziel

He served as the acting CEO of the Center for Audit Quality following the departure of the previous permanent leadership.

Alicia Manders

She has been tasked with facilitating meetings for the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council on an interim basis.

The details

Sullivan previously served as the chair of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and held a seat on the Professional Practice Executive Committee of the CAQ. His transition leaves a vacancy at the Financial Accounting Foundation, which has initiated a search for his replacement while Alicia Manders oversees meetings on an interim basis.

Julie Bell Lindsay departed as CEO in April 2026.
Dave Sullivan became chair of FASAC at the beginning of 2026.
Dave Sullivan was named CEO of the CAQ on October 27, 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment marks a leadership transition for an organization that maintains critical ties to the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council. This move reflects a broader trend of shifting high-level talent between major audit firms and industry regulatory bodies.

The transition to new leadership is unlikely to immediately alter day-to-day services for clients or stakeholders. Consistent management at the Center for Audit Quality remains vital for those monitoring financial reporting integrity.

The takeaway

Leadership changes at major industry bodies often signal a recalibration of strategic priorities regarding accounting standards and public policy. Professionals in the sector should monitor future announcements for shifts in the organization's approach to audit quality.