CEO Lisa McIntire: A Head for Numbers, A Heart of Compassion

FORVIS alum Lisa McIntire is no stranger to adversity. She grew up in poverty and has survived two potentially fatal diseases. As a result, she possesses a deep passion for helping the hurting and hopeless, something she pours herself into every day as CEO of Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield, Missouri.

You were recently honored by the U.S. Congress for your “wisdom and compassion” as CEO of Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield. What is Pregnancy Care Center and what led you there?

PCC is a faith-based organization whose mission is to offer help, hope, and resources to those facing unplanned pregnancy. I grew up poor and often felt hopeless as our family faced many trials when I was young. So PCC’s mission is near and dear to my heart.

My husband and I are long-time supporters of PCC. In 2016, I learned that its founder and CEO was retiring. I was certainly not looking to leave BKD—now FORVIS—at the time, but I saw an opportunity to leverage the leadership skills I gained while working at the firm, with my desire to serve the underserved in our community. Some friends and family encouraged me to apply for the position, and well, here I am.

How did your experience as a senior managing consultant at BKD help prepare you for your current role?

In a number of ways. BKD believed in me and gave me leadership training and opportunities. At one point I co-led a team of about 12—that experience I use every day at PCC. I’m a better executive director because of everything the firm poured into me—and that allows me to serve others better. Second, FORVIS ingrains in its people the responsibility to give back—to give not just your money, but of your time and talents as well. That was a huge part of my decision to join PCC.

A former colleague describes you as a “catalyst who creates an atmosphere of helping and serving others and providing for those with less, asking for nothing in return.”

Well, when helping others I get to see their potential. I’ve always believed that if you empower people to be their best and make them feel appreciated, they will want to either give back or pay it forward. That’s something I tried to model with my team at BKD and now at PCC.

You’ve had a couple of serious health scares along the way …

Yes. In 2003 I was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal auto-immune disease. I had to step away from my career to focus on my health. By 2010, I felt strong enough to return to work. When I mentioned possibly coming back, the firm welcomed me back. I felt so appreciated.

Then, in 2021, I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. It was the hardest year of my life. It’s been a year since my radical surgery, and I’m still just putting one foot in front of the other, but I’m slowly recovering.

What impact have these illnesses had on you?

If anything, it’s re-ignited my passion to help others any way I can. I had absolutely no idea as to the degree of suffering cancer patients endure. I now spend time encouraging and supporting other cancer survivors. It can be gut-wrenching, but it gives me a great sense of purpose.

Who are some of the people who’ve most influenced your career?

First, there was Mrs. Griffeth. She was my high-school business teacher in the tiny town of Jewell, Kansas (pop. 500) She was kind and classy and made me want to learn all about business. There were also many at BKD; Julie Bilyeu is a friend and former colleague, Camille Lockhart, Brian Hickman, John Wanamaker, Chris Murphy, Lori Brunholtz, and Gary Schafer, who is now the managing partner in Springfield. These individuals really stand out. Those around me helped me see that, when people understand their individual strengths and how that contributes to the team’s overall success, you can achieve remarkable results.

What does it mean to be an alumnus of the firm?

I’m very proud to be an alum. I’m also very thankful. BKD taught me to think entrepreneurially and to strive for excellence in everything I do. One of the firm’s first managing partners said, “Don’t tell me why you can’t. Tell me how you can.” Those words of wisdom really stayed with me and continue to move me forward in a better way.

More about Lisa McIntire

• Born in Garden City, Kansas
• Was one of 12 students in her high school graduating class, where she was class valedictorian
• Received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Fort Hays State University (Kansas)
• Honored as one of Springfield Business Journal’s “Most Influential Women” in 2016
• Has been married for 30 years to her husband, Steve, who has taught a training class for new fathers at PCC for more than 15 years
• Has five children, ages 20-36, and eight grandchildren, ages 1-11
• Enjoys reading, blogging, and being out in nature