Pacific Tax Institute 2024
16.0 Credits
Member Price $599.00
Non-Member Price $699.00
Overview
The Pacific Tax Institute offers a unique opportunity to engage with top industry experts, network with fellow professionals, and enhance your expertise in a wide range of critical tax topics. Whether you’re looking to stay current on the latest tax regulations, gain strategic insights into complex issues, or drive innovation within your firm, this conference is your gateway to success in today’s dynamic tax environment.
Highlights
Prerequisites
None.
Designed For
Experienced tax professionals.
Objectives
Engage with top industry experts, network with fellow professionals, and enhance your expertise in a wide range of critical tax topics.
Preparation
None.
Bronze Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Tuesday, October 29
General Session
- Registration, Sign-in, and Breakfast
General Session
- Welcome and Announcements
General Session
- From the Commissioner: A Look Inside the IRS
Charles Rettig, Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez PCCharles Rettig
Chuck Rettig specializes in federal and state tax litigation and tax controversy matters. As stated in the Chambers USA Guide, “According to peers, Charles Rettig of small tax controversy boutique Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez is ‘phenomenal, just phenomenal.’ Further, “Charles Rettig of California’s Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez is regarded by market sources as a ‘brilliant and gifted lawyer …a real star and a national leader’” who “enjoys a superb reputation and benefits from ‘great presence.’” Chambers USA further stated “Fantastic controversy tax lawyer” Charles Rettig is “knowledgeable and very intelligent …a force to be reckoned with …a driving force in policy making at the national level with great client skills when it comes to sensitive matters” and, as to the firm Chambers USA added “This renowned tax boutique is a ‘go-to firm for tax controversy, particularly for criminal tax cases.’” He is a Certified Specialist in both Taxation Law and Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Rettig is the past Chair of the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC); a Member of the Advisory Board of the California Franchise Tax Board; a Member of the Advisory Council of the California State Board of Equalization; the Institute Chair for the UCLA Extension 28th Annual Tax Controversy Institute; a Planning Committee Member for the USC School of Law, 55nd Annual Institute on Federal Taxation (Institute Chair for the Subcommittee on Ethics, Compliance and Enforcement); a Planning Committee Member and the “Tax Controversies” Chair for the 71th NYU Institute on Federal Taxation; Co-Chair of the ABA 29th Annual National Institute on Criminal Tax Fraud and Tax Controversy; and a Past-Member of the Board of Trustees for the California CPA Education Foundation. He was selected as both a Top 100 Super Lawyer (Los Angeles County) by Los Angeles Magazine / Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine in 2005 and a Top Tax Super Lawyer (Los Angeles County), Los Angeles Magazine / Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine in 2004-2011. Mr. Rettig is a Regent (Chair, Nominating Committee) and an Elected Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel; is on the National Board of Advisors for the Graduate Tax Program (LL.M. in Taxation) at New York University School of Law; is on the Board of Advisors for the CCH Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure; is a Council Director for the ABA Taxation Section, the Immediate Past-Chair of the Committee on Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties of the ABA Taxation Section, and is a Member of the Committee on Appointments to the U.S. Tax Court for the ABA Taxation Section. He was selected as one of the “Top 50 IRS Representation Practitioners for 2008” by CPA Magazine” and 2009 Tax Person of the Year (Top 10) by Tax Notes / Tax Analysts. Mr. Rettig is also on the Advisory Board and an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Taxation, Golden Gate University, in Los Angeles. He co-authors the Practice Column for the CCH Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure and authors the Tax Controversy and Litigation Report for Tax Notes and recently co-authored the “Tax Practice & Procedure” treatise for the CCH Expert Treatise Library.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 appropriated almost $80 billion to the IRS to be expended over 10 years, mostly for Taxpayer Services, Enforcement, Operations Support, and Business Systems Modernization. Former IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig will discuss the importance of these funds to support meaningful, effective tax administration for your clients, you, and our country.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Employee Retention Credit: Opportunities and Compliance
Hale Sheppard
Hale Sheppard
Hale E. Sheppard (B.S., M.A., J.D., LL.M. and LL.M.T.) is a Shareholder in the Tax Controversy Section of Chamberlain Hrdlicka in Atlanta. Hale defends individuals and businesses during tax audits, appeals, and litigation. He has participated in over 250 cases with the Tax Court and obtained dozens of positive Private Letter Rulings for clients. Hale holds five college degrees. At the University of Kansas, he earned a B.S., with distinction, M.A., with honors, and J.D. He later received an LL.M. degree in international law, with highest distinction, from the University of Chile. Finally, he obtained an LL.M. degree in tax from the University of Florida, where he was a graduate tax scholar. During his studies, Hale served as a graduate editor of the Florida Tax Review and member of the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy. Hale has been recognized as a leader in tax litigation for many years by Chambers USA, Legal 500, and other respected organizations, and was inducted into the American College of Tax Counsel. Hale ranks among the most active tax writers in the country, publishing more than 260 articles in top tax journals and law reviews, both in the United States and abroad. He has held leadership positions in many professional organizations, including as editor of national publications and President of the Tax Section of the Georgia Bar.
General Session
- Break
Breakout Session
- Concurrent Session A01 | Tangible Property Regulations
- Concurrent Session A02 | Research and Development Tax Credit
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Nexus Rules: What Every Tax Professional Should Know
Michael Roben, KOM Consulting PLLCMichael Roben
Mike Roben is the founder and Managing Director of KOM Consulting, PLLC. Mike has been providing state and local tax consulting services to clients for over 26 years and is a frequent speaker on state and local tax matters. His expertise is in the area of multi-state sales and use, gross receipts, franchise, and income taxes, with a strong emphasis in Washington State and local excise taxes. Mike represents clients in audit defense, refund claims, appeals, settlement negotiations, drafting ruling requests, corporate transactions and planning, and assisting clients in evaluating legislative and regulatory changes.
General Session
- Lunch Break
General Session
- Cybersecurity Ninjas: Driving Awareness and Action
Tom Richards, NINJIO, LLC
General Session
- Break
Breakout Session
- Concurrent Session B01 | Beyond the Obvious: Navigating Scary Client Conversations
Darek JarskiDarek Jarski
Mr. Jarski represents clients in a wide range of tax controversy matters before the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Jarski also assists clients with international tax and information return compliance matters. His cases include, but are not limited to, complex IRS audits, challenging Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessments, and offshore and domestic voluntary disclosures, non-filers, IRS collection cases, penalty abatements, employment tax matters, refund claims, ESRP/Sec. 4980H matters, criminal tax matters, domestic and international information return matters. Mr. Jarski joined a boutique tax controversy law firm in 2003 after having completed the Masters of Law in Taxation program at New York University. While at NYU, he focused on business taxation, with an emphasis on corporate reorganizations and partnership taxation. Prior to attending NYU, he graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. While at Gonzaga, he interned with United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Mr. Jarski speaks Polish and studied German and Russian. In his free time, he enjoys snow skiing, cycling, and spending time with his wife and two children.
- Concurrent Session B02 | Capital Gains Tax Planning
Michael Roben, KOM Consulting PLLCMichael Roben
Mike Roben is the founder and Managing Director of KOM Consulting, PLLC. Mike has been providing state and local tax consulting services to clients for over 26 years and is a frequent speaker on state and local tax matters. His expertise is in the area of multi-state sales and use, gross receipts, franchise, and income taxes, with a strong emphasis in Washington State and local excise taxes. Mike represents clients in audit defense, refund claims, appeals, settlement negotiations, drafting ruling requests, corporate transactions and planning, and assisting clients in evaluating legislative and regulatory changes.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Achieving Work/Life Balance in a Demanding CPA Environment
Osama Mansour, Stauffer & Associates PLLCOsama Mansour
Sam Mansour, CPA, and partner at Stauffer & Associates PLLC. Sam is a very driven father, husband, business owner, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and Ironman who specializes in working with medium to large businesses. The biggest priority behind his work is focused on strengthening the net income and cash flow. Sam’s depth and knowledge combined with his passion for business transformation creates powerful opportunities for his clients. Sam is an active teacher, coach, advisor, and speaker. Sam’s mission in assisting businesses with implementation and execution of strategies is supported by his team of 65 accountants.
Explore why achieving a healthy work/life balance is critical for personal well-being, job satisfaction, and long-term career success in the accounting profession.
General Session
- Adjourn
General Session
- Reception
Wednesday, October 30
General Session
- Registration, Sign-in, and Breakfast
General Session
- Welcome and Announcements
General Session
- Federal Tax Update
George Koutelieris, Johnson & Shute PSGeorge Koutelieris
4.93 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
Gregory White
4.96 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
General Session
- S Corporations - Planning and Tax Strategies
George Koutelieris, Johnson & Shute PSGeorge Koutelieris
4.93 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
Gregory White
4.96 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
General Session
- Break
Breakout Session
- Concurrent Session C01 | Unlocking Tax Deferred Wealth
Mary Foster, President, 1031 Services, IncMary Foster
Mary B. Foster, President of 1031 Services, Inc., has been involved in numerous exchanges as attorney and intermediary. She frequently lectures before professional groups, State Bar Associations and investors on the topic of tax-deferred exchanges. Ms. Foster is co-author of “Tax Free Exchanges under §1031”, published by Thomson Reuters, and supplemented annually, and a contributing author to Merten ’s Law of Federal Income Taxation, The Real Estate Tax Digest, Tax Management Memorandum, The Journal of Taxation of Passthrough Entities, The Journal of Accountancy, the NYU Institute on Federal Taxation, and Business Law Today. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Boalt Hall, University of California, Berkeley, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif. She is a member of the ABA Section on Taxation and Past Chairperson of the Committee on Sales, Exchanges and Basis, and a member of the Real Estate Taxation Committee, and she frequently lectures at ABA Tax Section meetings. She is also a member of the Washington State Bar Tax Section, the American College of Tax Counsel, and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. She is Past President and Board Member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators. She is the co-chairman of the Jeremiah M. Long Memorial National Conference on 1031 Exchanges, a three day, advanced seminar on tax deferred exchanges that has been held yearly since 1996.
- Concurrent Session C02 | IRA Tax Planning
General Session
- Break
General Session
- The Chevron Ruling: Redefining Tax Compliance and Planning
John Colvin, Colvin & Hallett PSJohn Colvin
John draws from his almost three decades of practice and experience in tax law to develop legal theories and strategies in defense of his clients. John keeps a close eye on developments in the tax law, which enables him to provide his clients an unparalleled awareness of current developments and their implications.
John is a very active and respected member of the American Bar Association Tax Section, having served as Chair of the Committee covering tax controversy matters, and currently overseeing Tax Section comments on government regulatory efforts in the procedural areas as part of the Committee on Government Submissions. He is often sought out to speak at a national level on various tax law issues, and has been intimately involved in drafting comments to proposed regulations on a variety of topics on behalf of the ABA Tax Section. He also teaches Tax Crimes: Investigations, Prosecutions, and Penalties at the University of Washington School of Law.
John is a wine and food connoisseur and is always on the lookout for Seattle’s next great restaurant. He enjoys swimming and, in addition to tax news, is an avid reader of non-tax materials.
General Session
- Lunch Break
General Session
- Understanding Estate Planning: Lifetime vs. Testamentary Strategies for Estates Valued Between $3M and $15M
Avery Frank, Senior, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (Bellevue)
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Economic Update
Ryan Herzog, Ph.D., Gonzaga University Office of Scholarship/Financial AidRyan Herzog
Professor Herzog is an Associate Professor of Economics at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Tacoma, Washington and grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated with a B.A. in Economics with minors in Mathematics and Business. After a brief stint at Russell/Mellon (Russell Investment) he went on to graduate school at the University of Oregon. He completed his doctorate in 2009 with a focus in International Capital Mobility, Econometrics, and International Finance. Professor Herzog’s academic interest include international capital flows, monetary policy, and regional business cycles. At Gonzaga he has served on a number of committees including faculty compensation (chair), retirement benefits, and university assessment (chair). He is a member of the Audit Committee at Numerica Credit Union.
General Session
- Break
Breakout Session
- Concurrent Session D01 | Understanding Section 529 Plans
Andrea Michaels, Edward Jones
- Concurrent Session D02 | Your Accounting Dream Team
Matthew Hersch, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Wealth ManagementMatthew Hersch
Matt Hersch is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley and has been helping clients with their financial planning needs since 2003. Matthew joined the firm immediately after graduating from Western Washington University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Matt focuses on working with clients to develop financial strategies helping clients and their families realize their goals.
Matt received the 2015-2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award and the 2019-2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State Awards. He also received the 2021 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors Award.
Matt and his wife, Alissa, are both natives of the Seattle area and now reside on Queen Anne, with their daughter, Blakely. In his free time, Matt enjoys photography, skiing, cycling, or cooking up a new meal.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Innovating the CPA Firm: Strategies for Success
Monette Anderson, VP of Membership & Education, Washington Society of CPAs
Monette Anderson
Monette Anderson, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Gallup Strengths Coach, brings a wealth of program management experience in the non-profit sector to her roles at the WSCPA and the WA CPA Foundation. With over 20 years of expertise gained from esteemed organizations like PBS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Monette currently serves as the Vice President of Member Services and Education for the WSCPA and Executive Director of the WA CPA Foundation. Monette oversees annual scholarship awards exceeding $500,000 and manages a grant program aimed at fostering diversity and equity within the accounting pipeline.
A proud graduate of San Diego State University, Monette’s professional journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering growth, supporting diversity, and building inclusive communities. Her dedicated efforts in promoting diversity and spearheading association innovation are further underscored by her role as President of the Washington Society of Association Excellence (WSAE).
As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Monette complements her mission by empowering others and creating stronger organizational cultures and teams. This certification has equipped her with the insights and tools to help individuals and teams discover and optimize their unique strengths.
Matthew Hersch
Matt Hersch is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley and has been helping clients with their financial planning needs since 2003. Matthew joined the firm immediately after graduating from Western Washington University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Matt focuses on working with clients to develop financial strategies helping clients and their families realize their goals.
Matt received the 2015-2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award and the 2019-2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State Awards. He also received the 2021 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors Award.
Matt and his wife, Alissa, are both natives of the Seattle area and now reside on Queen Anne, with their daughter, Blakely. In his free time, Matt enjoys photography, skiing, cycling, or cooking up a new meal.
General Session
- Adjourn
Leader(s):
- Andrea Michaels, Edward Jones
- Avery Frank, Senior, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (Bellevue)
- Charles Rettig, Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez PC
- Darek Jarski
- George Koutelieris, Johnson & Shute PS
- Gregory White, President, WGN PS
- Hale Sheppard
- John Colvin, Colvin & Hallett PS
- Mary Foster, President, 1031 Services, Inc
- Matthew Hersch, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Michael Roben, KOM Consulting PLLC
- Monette Anderson, VP of Membership & Education, Washington Society of CPAs
- Osama Mansour, Stauffer & Associates PLLC
- Ryan Herzog, Ph.D., Gonzaga University Office of Scholarship/Financial Aid
- Tom Richards, NINJIO, LLC
Leader Bios
Charles Rettig, Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez PC
Chuck Rettig specializes in federal and state tax litigation and tax controversy matters. As stated in the Chambers USA Guide, “According to peers, Charles Rettig of small tax controversy boutique Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez is ‘phenomenal, just phenomenal.’ Further, “Charles Rettig of California’s Hochman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez is regarded by market sources as a ‘brilliant and gifted lawyer …a real star and a national leader’” who “enjoys a superb reputation and benefits from ‘great presence.’” Chambers USA further stated “Fantastic controversy tax lawyer” Charles Rettig is “knowledgeable and very intelligent …a force to be reckoned with …a driving force in policy making at the national level with great client skills when it comes to sensitive matters” and, as to the firm Chambers USA added “This renowned tax boutique is a ‘go-to firm for tax controversy, particularly for criminal tax cases.’” He is a Certified Specialist in both Taxation Law and Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Rettig is the past Chair of the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC); a Member of the Advisory Board of the California Franchise Tax Board; a Member of the Advisory Council of the California State Board of Equalization; the Institute Chair for the UCLA Extension 28th Annual Tax Controversy Institute; a Planning Committee Member for the USC School of Law, 55nd Annual Institute on Federal Taxation (Institute Chair for the Subcommittee on Ethics, Compliance and Enforcement); a Planning Committee Member and the “Tax Controversies” Chair for the 71th NYU Institute on Federal Taxation; Co-Chair of the ABA 29th Annual National Institute on Criminal Tax Fraud and Tax Controversy; and a Past-Member of the Board of Trustees for the California CPA Education Foundation. He was selected as both a Top 100 Super Lawyer (Los Angeles County) by Los Angeles Magazine / Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine in 2005 and a Top Tax Super Lawyer (Los Angeles County), Los Angeles Magazine / Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine in 2004-2011. Mr. Rettig is a Regent (Chair, Nominating Committee) and an Elected Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel; is on the National Board of Advisors for the Graduate Tax Program (LL.M. in Taxation) at New York University School of Law; is on the Board of Advisors for the CCH Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure; is a Council Director for the ABA Taxation Section, the Immediate Past-Chair of the Committee on Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties of the ABA Taxation Section, and is a Member of the Committee on Appointments to the U.S. Tax Court for the ABA Taxation Section. He was selected as one of the “Top 50 IRS Representation Practitioners for 2008” by CPA Magazine” and 2009 Tax Person of the Year (Top 10) by Tax Notes / Tax Analysts. Mr. Rettig is also on the Advisory Board and an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Taxation, Golden Gate University, in Los Angeles. He co-authors the Practice Column for the CCH Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure and authors the Tax Controversy and Litigation Report for Tax Notes and recently co-authored the “Tax Practice & Procedure” treatise for the CCH Expert Treatise Library.
Darek Jarski
Mr. Jarski represents clients in a wide range of tax controversy matters before the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Jarski also assists clients with international tax and information return compliance matters. His cases include, but are not limited to, complex IRS audits, challenging Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessments, and offshore and domestic voluntary disclosures, non-filers, IRS collection cases, penalty abatements, employment tax matters, refund claims, ESRP/Sec. 4980H matters, criminal tax matters, domestic and international information return matters. Mr. Jarski joined a boutique tax controversy law firm in 2003 after having completed the Masters of Law in Taxation program at New York University. While at NYU, he focused on business taxation, with an emphasis on corporate reorganizations and partnership taxation. Prior to attending NYU, he graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. While at Gonzaga, he interned with United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Mr. Jarski speaks Polish and studied German and Russian. In his free time, he enjoys snow skiing, cycling, and spending time with his wife and two children.
George Koutelieris, Johnson & Shute PS
4.93 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
Gregory White, President, WGN PS
4.96 stars out of 5
“These 2 rock. [They are] prepared and knowledgeable.”
“George & Greg always do a great job! They are always super helpful.” - past attendees
Hale Sheppard
Hale E. Sheppard (B.S., M.A., J.D., LL.M. and LL.M.T.) is a Shareholder in the Tax Controversy Section of Chamberlain Hrdlicka in Atlanta. Hale defends individuals and businesses during tax audits, appeals, and litigation. He has participated in over 250 cases with the Tax Court and obtained dozens of positive Private Letter Rulings for clients. Hale holds five college degrees. At the University of Kansas, he earned a B.S., with distinction, M.A., with honors, and J.D. He later received an LL.M. degree in international law, with highest distinction, from the University of Chile. Finally, he obtained an LL.M. degree in tax from the University of Florida, where he was a graduate tax scholar. During his studies, Hale served as a graduate editor of the Florida Tax Review and member of the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy. Hale has been recognized as a leader in tax litigation for many years by Chambers USA, Legal 500, and other respected organizations, and was inducted into the American College of Tax Counsel. Hale ranks among the most active tax writers in the country, publishing more than 260 articles in top tax journals and law reviews, both in the United States and abroad. He has held leadership positions in many professional organizations, including as editor of national publications and President of the Tax Section of the Georgia Bar.
John Colvin, Colvin & Hallett PS
John draws from his almost three decades of practice and experience in tax law to develop legal theories and strategies in defense of his clients. John keeps a close eye on developments in the tax law, which enables him to provide his clients an unparalleled awareness of current developments and their implications.
John is a very active and respected member of the American Bar Association Tax Section, having served as Chair of the Committee covering tax controversy matters, and currently overseeing Tax Section comments on government regulatory efforts in the procedural areas as part of the Committee on Government Submissions. He is often sought out to speak at a national level on various tax law issues, and has been intimately involved in drafting comments to proposed regulations on a variety of topics on behalf of the ABA Tax Section. He also teaches Tax Crimes: Investigations, Prosecutions, and Penalties at the University of Washington School of Law.
John is a wine and food connoisseur and is always on the lookout for Seattle’s next great restaurant. He enjoys swimming and, in addition to tax news, is an avid reader of non-tax materials.
Mary Foster, President, 1031 Services, Inc
Mary B. Foster, President of 1031 Services, Inc., has been involved in numerous exchanges as attorney and intermediary. She frequently lectures before professional groups, State Bar Associations and investors on the topic of tax-deferred exchanges. Ms. Foster is co-author of “Tax Free Exchanges under §1031”, published by Thomson Reuters, and supplemented annually, and a contributing author to Merten ’s Law of Federal Income Taxation, The Real Estate Tax Digest, Tax Management Memorandum, The Journal of Taxation of Passthrough Entities, The Journal of Accountancy, the NYU Institute on Federal Taxation, and Business Law Today. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Boalt Hall, University of California, Berkeley, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif. She is a member of the ABA Section on Taxation and Past Chairperson of the Committee on Sales, Exchanges and Basis, and a member of the Real Estate Taxation Committee, and she frequently lectures at ABA Tax Section meetings. She is also a member of the Washington State Bar Tax Section, the American College of Tax Counsel, and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. She is Past President and Board Member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators. She is the co-chairman of the Jeremiah M. Long Memorial National Conference on 1031 Exchanges, a three day, advanced seminar on tax deferred exchanges that has been held yearly since 1996.
Matthew Hersch, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Matt Hersch is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley and has been helping clients with their financial planning needs since 2003. Matthew joined the firm immediately after graduating from Western Washington University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Matt focuses on working with clients to develop financial strategies helping clients and their families realize their goals.
Matt received the 2015-2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award and the 2019-2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State Awards. He also received the 2021 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors Award.
Matt and his wife, Alissa, are both natives of the Seattle area and now reside on Queen Anne, with their daughter, Blakely. In his free time, Matt enjoys photography, skiing, cycling, or cooking up a new meal.
Michael Roben, KOM Consulting PLLC
Mike Roben is the founder and Managing Director of KOM Consulting, PLLC. Mike has been providing state and local tax consulting services to clients for over 26 years and is a frequent speaker on state and local tax matters. His expertise is in the area of multi-state sales and use, gross receipts, franchise, and income taxes, with a strong emphasis in Washington State and local excise taxes. Mike represents clients in audit defense, refund claims, appeals, settlement negotiations, drafting ruling requests, corporate transactions and planning, and assisting clients in evaluating legislative and regulatory changes.
Monette Anderson, VP of Membership & Education, Washington Society of CPAs
Monette Anderson, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Gallup Strengths Coach, brings a wealth of program management experience in the non-profit sector to her roles at the WSCPA and the WA CPA Foundation. With over 20 years of expertise gained from esteemed organizations like PBS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Monette currently serves as the Vice President of Member Services and Education for the WSCPA and Executive Director of the WA CPA Foundation. Monette oversees annual scholarship awards exceeding $500,000 and manages a grant program aimed at fostering diversity and equity within the accounting pipeline.
A proud graduate of San Diego State University, Monette’s professional journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering growth, supporting diversity, and building inclusive communities. Her dedicated efforts in promoting diversity and spearheading association innovation are further underscored by her role as President of the Washington Society of Association Excellence (WSAE).
As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Monette complements her mission by empowering others and creating stronger organizational cultures and teams. This certification has equipped her with the insights and tools to help individuals and teams discover and optimize their unique strengths.
Osama Mansour, Stauffer & Associates PLLC
Sam Mansour, CPA, and partner at Stauffer & Associates PLLC. Sam is a very driven father, husband, business owner, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and Ironman who specializes in working with medium to large businesses. The biggest priority behind his work is focused on strengthening the net income and cash flow. Sam’s depth and knowledge combined with his passion for business transformation creates powerful opportunities for his clients. Sam is an active teacher, coach, advisor, and speaker. Sam’s mission in assisting businesses with implementation and execution of strategies is supported by his team of 65 accountants.
Ryan Herzog, Ph.D., Gonzaga University Office of Scholarship/Financial Aid
Professor Herzog is an Associate Professor of Economics at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Tacoma, Washington and grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated with a B.A. in Economics with minors in Mathematics and Business. After a brief stint at Russell/Mellon (Russell Investment) he went on to graduate school at the University of Oregon. He completed his doctorate in 2009 with a focus in International Capital Mobility, Econometrics, and International Finance. Professor Herzog’s academic interest include international capital flows, monetary policy, and regional business cycles. At Gonzaga he has served on a number of committees including faculty compensation (chair), retirement benefits, and university assessment (chair). He is a member of the Audit Committee at Numerica Credit Union.
Non-Member Price $699.00
Member Price $599.00