Keith Warren, the CEO of Smith Warren Management Co., has announced that he is stepping down from his role as CEO and CFO, with Brannon Littleton taking over those responsibilities. Warren will remain as president and owner of the company but will withdraw from daily business activities, focusing instead on communication with board members and legislative personnel.
Warren’s management of several professional licensing boards has faced criticism, leading to the dissolution of the state massage board and questions about fees collected by the Board of Electrical Contractors. Warren’s company was paid $1.6 million by 15 boards in 2022 for management services.
Lawmakers are now questioning the validity of Warren’s existing contracts to manage boards, with some expressing concerns about his changing responsibilities. Senator Chris Elliott has sponsored bills to put privately run boards under a state agency to improve efficiency and save money for licensees.
Warren’s announcement has raised questions about the impact on the boards he manages and the future of their contracts with his company. Despite attempts to reach Warren for comment, he has not responded.
The shakeup in leadership at Smith Warren Management Co. raises concerns about the oversight of professional licensing boards in the state and the need for transparency and accountability in their management. Warren’s decision to step back from daily business activities has implications for the boards he oversees and the services they provide to licensees.
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