Long-time NSBA member and board member Lawrence (Larry) S. Nannis of Framingham, Mass. has officially taken over as Chair of the Board of Trustees for NSBA. A shareholder with the Needham-based CPA firm, Levine, Katz, Nannis + Solomon, PC, Nannis has brought a wealth of expertise in taxation and emerging technology issues to NSBA throughout his tenure.

“Larry has demonstrated time and again an unflagging commitment to the small-business community,” stated NSBA President Todd McCracken. “He brings to the table a passion for ensuring the long-term viability of entrepreneurship and has been an invaluable resource for our organization.”

Active with NSBA-affiliate group, the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) since the 1980’s, Nannis has been integral in moving several key pieces of legislation forward to enhance small-business innovation. He has held various leadership positions within SBANE, and most recently served as chair from 2003 to 2005.

His long track record of involvement includes being named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Accountant Advocate of the Year in 1988. In 1995, Nannis was elected as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, and over the last decade has held various leadership positions within NSBA.

Nannis will replace Keith Ashmus of Frantz Ward, LLP in Cleveland, Ohio, who oversaw the organization during a critical time in which many key small-business issues, including health care reform, were front-and-center.

“For the past 73 years, NSBA has been out there fighting the good fight on behalf of America’s small-business owners,” stated Nannis. “I am honored to take the reins of such an outstanding organization, and I look forward to the next year and a half as we continue that good work.”