About Us

W. MARK SHIRLEY, CPA
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Mark graduated from Texas State University with a BBA in Accounting where he was also awarded the Financial Executives International Accounting Student of the Year Award in 1980.

Prior to forming WM Shirley, Mark was with Arthur Andersen’s Audit & Business Advisory Practice for 14 years (80-94), starting in the Houston Office in 1980, and admitted as Partner in 1991, in Andersen’s Toronto, Canada Office (87-92) before returning to the Houston Office in 1992. During his 14 years with Andersen, Mark served on and led many Audit & Business Advisory engagements within a diverse base of clients including Enron, Texaco, Mitchell Energy, American Exploration, Estée Lauder, Canadian Gypsum Corporation (a subsidiary of USG, the largest wallboard maker in North America), Lucas Oil Products, Thomson SA Consumer Electronics (RCA/GE)-Canadian Division, Royal Doulton-Canada, and many others.

Mark and Julie, Mark’s wife since 1982, are native Texans and members of Houston’s First Baptist Church-Cypress Campus. They both enjoy serving their Church and the Cypress Area community. Mark also facilitates and co-hosts the Men’s FIGHT Bible Study every Tuesday morning with 100+ other men. Additionally, Mark enjoys his weekly dates with Julie, and they both enjoy spending time with their 3 sons, their wives and 8 grandchildren (5 boys & 3 girls!). He also enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing corn hole and board games with family & friends.

KAREN S. BROWN
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Karen initially developed her skills during her career with Deloitte (1980-1996). She has been with WM Shirley since 1996, and manages all the candidates and clients for open positions. She is active in her church, Lamb of God Lutheran, where she has served as Chair on the Board of Directors and is currently on the Women’s Ministry Team and Chair of Adult Fellowship. Karen is a native Houstonian and is active in her local community, volunteering for various neighborhood events. She has been married to Layne since 1981. Their son and daughter are both married and have blessed 2Mom and 2Pop (as the grands call them) with four grandchildren – 2 boys and 2 girls. They enjoy spending time with friends and family playing games, boating, and also enjoy traveling in their RV.

Fun Facts: Karen & Layne are big sports fans – just ask her about the Astros, Rockets or Texans! She is also an avid reader, averaging about 10 books each month. If you have any book recommendations, be sure to let her know!