Laird Norton Forms Strategic Partnership with CFO Selections for Growth

Laird Norton Partners with CFO Selections

On April 22, 2026, Laird Norton Company announced a significant minority investment in CFO Selections, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey focused on enhancing financial leadership for growing businesses and nonprofits. This partnership is not just about investment; it embodies a shared vision of lasting growth and sustainability.

Laird Norton Company is an eighth-generation family enterprise, proudly established in Seattle since 1855. Renowned for its patient, long-term investment strategies, Laird Norton has no predefined exit strategy or fund lifecycle, which means their focus is on building enduring relationships and shared values with partners.

CFO Selections, founded in 2002 by Tom Varga, also hails from the Pacific Northwest and is dedicated to providing top-tier financial expertise to small and mid-market organizations. The firm has grown exponentially since its inception and currently employs over 250 skilled financial professionals across several states, including Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Texas.

Brian Turner, Managing Partner of CFO Selections, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the complementary strengths of both organizations. “We looked carefully at what kind of partner would genuinely strengthen what we've built without changing what makes it work. Laird Norton brings strategic resources and a perspective shaped by nearly 170 years of building enduring businesses,” he noted. This synergy allows CFO Selections to enhance its services for the many businesses it serves.

Laird Norton’s CEO, Brian McGuigan, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the importance of working together. “CFO Selections has built something genuinely special—where experienced financial leaders do meaningful work for businesses that need it most,” he remarked. This collaboration aims to tap into existing strengths while also exploring new markets together, ensuring both firms can expand their influence while remaining true to their core missions.

Kevin Briscoe, who has been at the helm of CFO Selections for over a decade, is optimistic about this investment. “Every decision we've made as a firm has tried to honor the relationships and local commitment this company was built on,” he said. Briscoe sees the partnership with Laird Norton as a natural progression, saying, “They've been doing it in this region for generations.”

One of the critical aspects of this partnership is the intention to advance initiatives such as the CFOS Foundation, which supports youth and families in the foster care and kinship care systems. With Laird Norton’s backing, CFO Selections is poised to invest more into these meaningful causes that resonate deeply with their values.

Importantly, this partnership will not disrupt CFO Selections' operational structure or client relationships. Brian Turner remains in charge as Managing Partner, assuring clients that the firm’s dedication to providing hands-on financial leadership will continue unabated.

As both firms look ahead, the future seems bright. The investment not only catalyzes growth but also reinforces a commitment to collaboration and community involvement. With Laird Norton’s historical perspective and CFO Selections’ innovative approach to financial leadership, their combined efforts are set to make a significant impact in the market.

In summary, the partnership between Laird Norton Company and CFO Selections is a strategic move aimed at enhancing financial leadership capabilities for those who need it most. The collaboration is built on a foundation of shared values, a deep understanding of local market needs, and a commitment to fostering lasting relationships. This investment represents a promising step forward for both companies as they continue their journey in providing exceptional service and support to the communities they serve.