January 7, 2008

Cotton & Company’s partners have announced the retirement of Charles Hayward, a partner with the firm since October 1983. Mr. Hayward started his career performing grant audits with a predecessor firm in 1977 and single-handedly completed hundreds of audits throughout the country. Cotton & Company was selected as the “CPA Firm of the Year” by the Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General due to Mr. Hayward’s leadership in grant audits.

Following passage of the CFO Act, Mr. Hayward became interested in federal financial reporting and led our efforts to develop a solid financial statement and information system audit and consulting practice. Mr. Hayward has always been a valuable technical resource and skilled auditor willing to share his knowledge with others, and we will miss his talents. For his contributions to the firm’s integrity, professional reputation, and growth for nearly three decades, we thank Mr. Hayward and wish him all the best.