Saltmarsh Announces Jason Keith and Jay Newsome Firm Partners

Saltmarsh, the leading full-service accounting and advisory firm in the Southeast, today announced that Jason Keith, CIA, CISA, and Jay Newsome, CPA, have been named partners effective January 1, 2026.
 
Jason joined Saltmarsh in 2018 as part of the firm’s Financial Institution Advisory Group, bringing more than two decades of experience in technology risk management and compliance for highly regulated industries. He has held leadership roles, including CIO, COO, Bank Director, and Compliance Officer, providing him with a broad perspective on the challenges facing today’s institutions. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, frequently speaks for the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) and the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA), and is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and InfraGard.
 
Jay joined Saltmarsh in 2023 and is a key member of the firm’s Audit and Assurance practice, specializing in external audits and advisory services for financial institutions. Drawing on 20 years of experience, he develops training programs for auditors and has served as an instructor for the Alabama Bankers Association (ABA) Banking School. He received his bachelor’s and Master of Accounting from Troy University and is a graduate of the ABA Banking School. Jay is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.
 
“Jason’s deep industry experience and ability to build strong advisory relationships have made him a go-to strategic partner for financial institutions,” said Saltmarsh CEO Lee Bell. “Jay brings exceptional technical expertise and a remarkable commitment to service that has earned the trust and respect of our clients across the region. We are at an exciting time for our firm’s growth, and the addition of Jason and Jay to our partner group strengthens our ability to deliver legendary service for years to come.”
 
ABOUT SALTMARSH
Saltmarsh is a ‘Top 200’ business advisory and consulting firm with more than 170 professionals nationwide. Since 1944, the firm has provided a range of financial services, including tax, accounting and related advisory services, employee benefits consulting, valuation and transaction advisory services, managed security and IT services. Saltmarsh offers industry-tailored solutions to clients in the financial institution, construction and real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors. Saltmarsh has been recognized by Accounting Today as a Regional Leader, Best Firm to Work For and ranked #4 nationally as a Best Firm for Young Accountants. The firm is also a proud recipient of ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting™ Award, based on a world-class Net Promoter® Score (NPS) rating from current clients. For more about Saltmarsh, please visit www.saltmarshadvisors.com.