Nathen McEown has been a vital part of Whitley Penn for more than two decades, beginning his journey as an intern, steadily advancing to Audit Partner in 2015, and assuming the role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2025.  

As the former Energy Practice Leader, Nathen worked with many private equity-backed energy companies and led various initiatives, including the creation of Whitley Penn’s Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) Energy Outsourced Accounting, Land Administration, and Mineral Management service lines. After moving his family from Dallas to Houston in 2016, Nathen served as the Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, Nathen transitioned away from audit to join the firm’s management committee, assuming the role of Partner-in-Charge of Consulting. 

In 2024, Nathen expanded his responsibilities taking on the role of Chief Growth Officer where he identified and led the incorporation of two acquisitions, further expanding the firm’s consulting practice. As CEO, Nathen continues to lead the firm’s Growth Champions training initiative helping future firm leaders make the transition from Senior Manager to Partner. 

Nathen co-authored “PPC Practice Aids for Audits of Oil and Gas Entities”, published by Thomson Reuters as part of their Checkpoint brand. In 2015, he was selected as the Dallas Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy” and was awarded “Forty Under Forty” by the Dallas Business Journal. Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Dallas class of 2014, and currently sits on Texas Tech’s Accounting Advisory Council. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Nathen is committed to driving growth and creating a positive impact within the broader community. He co-founded the Bayou City Houston Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and currently serves as its Learning Officer. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Fitness nonprofit organization and, together with his wife, supports the Houston March of Dimes. 

Nathen received his BBA and MS in Accounting from Texas Tech University.