RIDGELAND, MS, September 24, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dickens Q. Fournet, CPA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Fournet's distinguished career in accounting reflects decades of dedicated service and expertise. From 2001 to 2026, he served as a partner at Grantham Poole CPAs, where his leadership and commitment to client-oriented service shape the firm's reputation for excellence in full-service accounting, audit and tax services. Inside Public Accounting has ranked Grantham Poole as a top 300 firm in the nation. Mr. Fournet serves as partner in charge of the non-profit practice. He also was elected in 2026 to the seven member governing board. His tenure as partner was marked by a steadfast dedication to professional standards and a focus on delivering tailored solutions to clients across various sectors. Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Fournet has demonstrated a high level of expertise in full-service accounting, client-oriented service and audit and tax services. His commitment to these areas has earned him recognition among peers and clients alike.

Before becoming partner, Mr. Fournet worked for a local CPA firm from 1988 to 1994 and then he worked at Poole, Cunningham and Reitano, PA from 1994 to 2000 before merging to Grantham Poole further developing his skills in client service and technical proficiency. His work during this period laid the foundation for his later achievements, allowing him to build strong relationships within the firm and the broader business community.

Mr. Fournet's educational background has been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory. He earned a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in accounting from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, graduating in 1988.

During college he was a member of several organizations, including Lambda Chi Alpha Social Fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon National Marketing Fraternity and Outstanding College Students of America. Additionally, his involvement with the Mississippi State University soccer team speaks to his well-rounded collegiate experience. He was also a dean's list scholar during his college career. This solid academic foundation provided him with the technical knowledge necessary for success in accounting.

A legacy of family achievement inspired Mr. Fournet to enter the accounting profession. His maternal grandfather, Dick Quin, was a prominent certified public accountant in Mississippi who served as president of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants board. Mr. Quin achieved national distinction by earning the highest grade on the Certified Public Accountant exam and receiving the Elijah Sells Award. Mr. Fournet was also influenced by his paternal grandfather, John Baptiste Fournet, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana. These role models instilled in Mr. Fournet an enduring appreciation for hard work, dedication and service.

Central to Mr. Fournet's success has been his unwavering commitment to client care and surrounding himself with outstanding colleagues and mentors both professionally and personally. He credits great role models—especially his parents and firm leaders—for guiding his career. His main mentors during his career were Bob Cunningham, Jim Poole and Alan Arrington who were wonderful role models for Mr. Fournet to follow.

Mr. Fournet has been active in the Mississippi Society of CPA's (MSCPA) and has served two terms as a Board member. He has also served as a Central Chapter of MSCPA Vice President and Treasurer. In addition, he has served on the Governmental and Auditing Committee for several years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Fournet has made significant contributions to civic life through leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. He served as chairman of the St. Dominic's Health Services Foundation Board at the hospital where he was born, finding personal meaning in this connection. As treasurer and board member for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi—one of Mississippi's largest foundations—he played an important role in advancing philanthropic initiatives across the state. Other Boards he has served on include Mississippi Opera Board, Leukemia and Lymphoma Board of MS/LA, ALS Association Board of MS/LA, Saint Joseph Catholic School, Saint Richard's Catholic School and Assissi Early Learning Center. He was also selected to serve in the Leadership Jackson, MS program for 2003/2004.

Since 2016, Mr. Fournet has participated annually as a St. Jude Hero in the St. Jude Race in Memphis, Tennessee, raising more than $1,000 each year for pediatric healthcare research and treatment efforts. He also regularly competes in local charity 5K races throughout Central Mississippi, further demonstrating his commitment to community engagement.

His achievements have been recognized with several prestigious honors toward the culmination of his career. In 2025, Mr. Fournet was named to Forbes' Top 200 Certified Public Accountants in the nation—the only Mississippian included on that list—and received the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants Public Service Award that same year. In 2026, he was honored on Forbes' Best in State Top Certified Public Accountants list. These accolades reflect not only his professional excellence but also his sustained dedication to public service through board involvement and volunteer work.

Mr. Fournet's personal history is deeply rooted in Jackson, where he was born into a family that valued service and volunteerism. His mother's active involvement at St. Richard's Catholic Church—where she helped launch a religious education program for people with disabilities (Saint Richard's Religious Education for the Area Community Handicapped) —and her work with Goodwill Industries set an early example for community engagement that continues to inspire him today.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Fournet enjoys running and competing in charity 5K events—a passion that aligns with his broader commitment to health-related causes and philanthropy. He was also a member of the Mississippi Pride National Minor League Football Team in 1996 earning the Dedication and Courage Award at the end of the season.

Looking ahead, Mr. Fournet intends to retire after completing his current commitments so he can devote more time to volunteer work and spend quality time with his son John Brody and his spouse, Brandi. The family plans to support John Brody's educational pursuits through involvement with programs at Mississippi State University while maintaining close ties to their community roots. Mr. Fournet also plans to continue supporting nonprofit organizations such as St. Dominic's Health Services Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi through ongoing volunteer efforts.

Mr. Fournet's legacy is defined by professional achievement, steadfast dedication to community service and an enduring commitment to family values—qualities that have shaped every chapter of his distinguished life and career.

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