Pacific Tax Institute 2026 IN PERSON

Aaron Johnson, JD, LLM, Shareholder, Tax Attorney & Professor, Ballard Spahr

Aaron is a partner at Ballard Spahr Lane Powell in Seattle, WA, where he co-leads the firm’s SALT team and represents multinational, U.S., and regional businesses in SALT matters including tax litigation, audit defense, appeals, planning and structuring tax efficient transactions. Previously, he was an experienced tax manager at PwC where he managed a multistate practice and tax controversies, a judicial law clerk, stockbroker and financial advisor, and an enlisted U.S. Army Soldier. He is the WA Bar SALT Committee Chair, a member of the Legislative and founder of the Tax DEI committee; on the ABA SALT Executive Committee; and teaches tax at UW School of Law. He previously taught corp. tax at UW Foster and fed. tax at SPU (20-21 prof. of the year). Aaron is an appointed member of the WA DOR’s Business Advisory Council and an advisory member to the Assoc. of WA Bus. (AWB).

Alec Taylor, ATTM Technologies

Alec Taylor has 32 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity and leadership. Alec spent 7 years at T-Mobile, managing systems engineering & information security, and 16 years as co-owner of IVOXY Consulting, focusing on building scalable, secure & high-performance platforms & systems for banks, hospitals, and state organizations. Alec now focuses his efforts in assisting businesses minimize digital risk, ensuring compliance with government information security laws, and improving their experience with technology.

Brett Durbin, JD, Ballard Spahr

Brett S. Durbin counsels clients on SALT issues spanning both transactional and litigation matters, including general business planning and representing clients before state tax agencies, the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals, and all levels of courts across the state. Brett’s experience includes serving as the Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where he represented the Washington State DOR. He is the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Tax Section’s Legislative Chair and past Section Chair, and he is on the ABA Tax Section SALT Executive Committee, where he is the Co-Chair of both the Model Tax Tribunal Taskforce and the Website Committee. For tax litigation and controversy, he was voted as the 2023 “Seattle Lawyer of the Year,” is listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America®, and has been awarded the Excellence Award from the Institute for Professionals in Taxation. He received his B.A. from Western Washington University and his J.D. from the University of Washington.

Duncan Will, CPA/ABV/CFF, C, Loss Prevention Manager & Accounting, CAMICO Mutual Insurance Co

Duncan Will, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE, leverages his more than 40 years of experience in accounting, including public accounting, forensic accounting, consulting, and audit and tax compliance, to deliver to policyholders the high-touch, high-quality CAMICO experience. He works closely with the Loss Prevention Specialists to manage the department’s efforts to deliver policyholder service. Will’s specialties are accounting and auditing and business valuation-related risk management. He advises policyholders through the CAMICO Loss Prevention Hotline, speaks to CPA groups, and writes articles on a wide range of accounting risk management and ethics topics. Topics of particular interest include complying with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, cyber-security, and serving clients in the cannabis industry. Will began his accounting career in 1979 as a staff accountant in the Washington, D.C. area and spent most of his public accounting career in California and Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland and is Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics. A Certified Fraud Examiner, Will is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; has supplemented his education with college courses at the University of Baltimore, Golden Gate University, and Florida Atlantic University; and welcomes opportunities to expand his knowledge over a broad spectrum of accounting-related curricula.

Liz Arnold is a CPA and a people person who thrives on connecting with clients to better understand their needs and aspirations. Through these connections, she ensures her clients’ tax strategies—whether for individuals, families, or partnerships—align with their long-term goals and values. Specializing in estate, gift, and income tax strategies, Liz helps clients navigate complex estate structures, minimize tax liabilities, and incorporate charitable giving into their financial plans.

A Pacific Northwest native and proud CWU graduate, Liz loves spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter. Whether it’s camping, exploring new places, or enjoying a weekend getaway, she’s always up for an adventure.

George Koutelieris, CPA,MSTax, 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

George Koutelieris, CPA, is a shareholder with the firm Johnson & Shute P.S. He subsequently received his Master’s in Taxation from Golden Gate University graduating with Highest Honors in 2010 and being awarded the Outstanding Graduate Tax Student Award for the Seattle campus of Golden Gate. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University teaching various tax courses. George’s practice includes planning and consulting on complex transactions including formations, liquidations, mergers and acquisitions, purchase and sales, multi-state and international tax for closely held businesses and their owners. In addition, George provides compliance and representation services before the IRS and various state taxing agencies for clients. George is also an active speaker on various tax topics, having presented in the past for Golden Gate University, the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants. George Koutelieris and Greg White are available to teach in-house courses in tandem for company CPE needs.

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

Greg White, CPA, has practiced tax accounting for more than 35 years. He is founder, shareholder, and President of CPA firm WGN, P.S. in Seattle, Washington, which serves a successful entrepreneurial client base. He also owns and operates State of the Art Tax, LLC, a tax education company. Greg is in his twelfth year as an Adjunct Professor at the Golden Gate University’s Seattle Campus. Greg is licensed to practice in and has argued cases before the U.S. Tax Court. He has been named a “Top 50” IRS Practitioner by CPA Magazine. Greg has extensively presented tax CPE, predominantly on the west coast, over the last decade and has written and presented live courses and webinars for CCH and others nationally. He has presented tax topics in the Pacific Northwest on TV including spots on KOMO TV and King TV.

Jeffrey Martin, CPA, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP

Jeff Martin, CPA, is Grant Thornton’s tax technical leader for compensation and employee benefits. Jeff has been practicing in the area of taxation for over 20 years, all with Grant Thornton. In his current role, Jeff advises Grant Thornton’s offices and clients with respect to tax issues that impact compensation and employee benefits. In addition, he leads the firm’s training programs in several complex areas related to compensation and employee benefits. Jeff graduated from West Virginia University with a Masters in Professional Accountancy and a B.S. in business administration with a specialty in accounting. He is a CPA licensed in Washington, DC and Virginia. Jeff is an active member of the AICPA, where he is the past Chair of the technical resource panel on employee benefits and AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference. Jeff has authored articles in the Journal of Taxation, Tax Analysts, the Journal of Accountancy, Bloomberg BNA and The Tax Adviser. He has spoken at the AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference, the AICPA National Tax Conference, the Federal Bar Association Tax Law Conference, and various Tax Executive Institute conferences.

Moses Man, CPA, President & Owner, M Squared Tax PLLC

Moses Man, CPA, is the CEO of M Squared Tax PLLC, a CPA firm specializing in international taxation. His practice focuses on US international tax planning and compliance for individuals and small businesses. He also assists CPA firms across the US with international tax issues, including international tax consultation and compliance review. Moses is a frequent speaker on international tax topics. Prior to M Squared Tax, Moses spent 11 years at national and regional accounting firms serving multinational companies, including startups, venture capital funds, and Fortune 500 companies. Moses earned his B.A. from Seattle University and his Master’s in Taxation from the University of Washington.

Rachelle Strawther, Gonzaga University

A dynamic keynote speaker, facilitator, and leadership consultant, Rachelle helps people and organizations grow into their full potential. As Founding Director of Gonzaga University’s Center for Lifelong Learning, she built the university’s hub for professional development and continuing education.

Her worldview is shaped by nearly a decade of work in Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Italy —leading community programs and a sports-for-development organization serving 3,000 youth. She co-founded Gonzaga’s Women Lead initiative and the Kalaki Fund scholarship program, andhas represented over 800 staff as President of Gonzaga’s Staff Assembly

Ryan Herzog, Ph.D., School of Bus. Admin., Program Coord.

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 interests 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.

Xuanlu Ni, CPA, Andersen LLP

Lucy Ni, CPA, is a Managing Director (Tax Partner) at Andersen with more than two decades of experience advising founders, entrepreneurs, senior executives, family offices, and high-net-worth families on sophisticated U.S. and international tax matters.

She specializes in cross-border tax and wealth planning, advising clients on residency and expatriation, tax treaties, foreign business and investment structures, foreign trusts, international income, gift and estate planning, executive compensation, liquidity events, and global tax compliance. Lucy has particular expertise working with clients across the Asia–U.S. corridor, combining deep international tax knowledge with an understanding of the business, cultural, and family considerations that shape cross-border planning.

Prior to Andersen, Lucy served as a Managing Director in Private Client Services at Baker Tilly and as a Partner at Vialto Partners, formerly part of PwC, where she led the Americas International Inbound practice. She previously spent nearly two decades at PwC advising multinational organizations, executives, and private clients.