LEVITZACKS - Key Persons


Alexa Baughn

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate
As Administrative Associate, Alexa has a seasoned career in the Real Estate/Escrow industry spanning over 12 years. Alexa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role and is also a Notary Public. Alexa focuses on exceptional attention to detail and a proactive willingness to assist wherever needed. Alexa's education and personal experiences have seamlessly woven into her professional career. While her initial academic path led her towards a minor in sociology, her transition to pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration showcases her adaptability and passion for growth. Outside of the office, Alexa's heart for volunteering shines through. When time permits, she has enjoyed her involvement with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Feeding America. In the future, she plans to involve her daughters in her community service and instill the value of giving back. Alexa bonds with her daughters through their shared love for music and theatre, often engaging in lively singing and dancing sessions. In addition, Alexa enjoys her personal hobbies, crafting digital planners and journals.

Alexander Luciano

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Associate
As a Senior Tax Associate, Alexander resolves journal entry problems and tax issues that arise from regulatory agencies. He is known for being a quick learner and extremely efficient in preparing and reviewing complex tax returns. Alexander began taking night classes working toward his Master's in Accountancy at San Diego University while managing the catering department of a local hotel in Mission Valley. The experience working in the hotel inspired him to pursue a business degree, which led to the start of his accounting career. Alexander also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from San Diego University. Prior to joining LevitZacks, Alexander worked as a Senior Tax Associate at Ernst and Young LLP for three years, primarily in Private Client Services. Alexander and his wife volunteer at Young Life, an organization dedicated to helping and supporting teen mothers. He enjoys surfing, exploring San Diego's trails, and spending time with his family. Alexander joined LevitZacks in September 2021.

Alexandra Dollard

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Associate
As a Senior Tax Associate, Alexandra helps clients with preparing and adjusting journal entries regarding assets, liabilities, equities, and income statement account items to ensure their financials are ready for tax preparation. Known for her detailed work and communicating thoroughly with clients, Alexandra can tackle many projects at once without breaking a sweat. Alexandra's previous experience includes working at Armanino, LLP, as a senior tax associate working on several different tax engagements, mainly high-level real estate, preparing federal and multiple state tax returns. She also worked in accounting/bookkeeping in the business management department of Bolar Hirsch & Jennings, LLP. Alexandra has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from California State University San Bernardino and is licensed as a CPA. Alexandra loves to travel and in 2019, went to Thailand to teach kids English. She is passionate about animals, and while she volunteered in Thailand, she carried a bag of dog food with her everywhere and fed homeless dogs on the streets of Chiang Mai. Alexandra enjoys playing piano, going on hikes with friends, eating out at restaurants, watching movies, and spending the day at Disneyland with friends and family. She joined LevitZacks in November 2021.

Allison Taeger

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
In her role as a Tax Supervisor, Allison's attention to detail stands out in the work she does for clients. Before joining LevitZacks, Allison worked as an Accounting Assistant/Legal Secretary at a law firm. She started at LevitZacks as an Administrative Assistant and worked her way up to a supervisor, after receiving her degree in Accounting from San Diego State University. Allison remembers her mom always loving numbers and excelling at math, which helped drive Allison's love for numbers. She would not be where she is today without her education, as getting her degree in accounting opened a lot of doors professionally. In her free time, Allison loves hanging out with her son and husband; in fact, she says that watching her son play and hearing him laugh feeds her soul. Allison joined LevitZacks in 2011.

Anju Agrawal

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • MST
  • Tax Partner
As Tax Partner, Anju works on international tax planning and compliance for individuals, corporations, partnerships, foreign trusts, or U.S. trusts with foreign beneficiaries. With more than 25 years of private and public accounting experience, Anju has an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Anju… Read More As Tax Partner, Anju works on international tax planning and compliance for individuals, corporations, partnerships, foreign trusts, or U.S. trusts with foreign beneficiaries. With more than 25 years of private and public accounting experience, Anju has an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Anju earned the US International Tax Certificate issued by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Anju's education provided her with a strong technical background for consulting and compliance services for large and small businesses and high net worth individuals. Anju's skills focus on U.S. inbound and outbound tax planning and compliance, offshore disclosure filings, and advanced tax strategies for high net worth individuals and entities. She spends her spare time reading fiction and non-fiction books and enjoys hiking with family and friends. Anju also volunteers for a local nonprofit organization for women's and children's causes. She joined LevitZacks in 2007.

Ann R. Zapach

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Manager
As Senior Tax Manager, Ann ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal tax obligations for individuals and partnerships, specifically family limited partnerships. In addition, she develops internal policies relating to taxation and implements these policies into existing accounting practices. Ann has worked in public accounting since 1990. Working in the tax department most of her career focusing on high-net-worth individuals and family offices, she also has expertise in oil and gas taxation. Ann enjoys mentoring younger staff members to help develop their technical skills and is known for her client service ability and being responsive to their needs. Ann earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Texas A&M

Brittany Skeels

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
Brittany's experience as a Tax Manager, Tax Supervisor, Tax Senior Associate and Tax Associate at Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. in Evansville, IN, prepared her for her role as Tax Manager at LevitZacks. Brittany says her real learning began when she started as an intern. Being able to relate material to a client she's involved with or apply that concept to another client going through a similar situation has made her excel at client service. Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Professional Services, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance at University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. She has served on the Board for a few non-profits over the years, including as Treasurer of 4C of Southern Indiana, Inc., and the Secretary for Newburgh Junior Baseball, Inc. Brittany is passionate about developing children and future leaders, whether it's personally, physically, or academically. Brittany enjoys watching her boys play the many sports they're involved in year round, including wrestling, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, and football. She also loves reading fiction. Brittany started getting back into reading a couple of years ago, and read 31 books in 2022, 28 books in 2023, and her goal in 2024 is to read 30 books. Brittany joined LevitZacks in January 2024.

Bruce A. Strumlauf

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • MST
As Partner, Bruce primarily assists larger, closely held businesses and their shareholders with planning, structuring and tax compliance matters. He serves industries such as wholesale/retail, manufacturing, hospitality, biotech, technology and real estate. Bruce also has a substantial knowledge base advising U.S. residents of filing obligations with complex domestic or foreign tax matters. Bruce often finds opportunities when proposing new client engagements. A new client recently received a $750K check, including interest, as a result of Bruce's identification of improperly filed state taxes. He is known for his responsiveness, creative planning, and being a problem solver. Bruce is actively involved in mentoring young professional staff at LevitZacks by spending time sharing his own experience over the years. He enjoys golfing, going to the beach and spending time with his family. Bruce joined LevitZacks in 2005. Bruce graduated from Cal State Northridge with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting and earned a Master of Science in Business Taxation from Golden Gate University. As Partner, Bruce primarily assists larger, closely held businesses and their shareholders with planning, structuring and tax compliance matters. He serves industries such as wholesale/retail, manufacturing, hospitality, biotech, technology and real estate. Bruce also has a substantial knowledge base advising U.S. residents of filing obligations with complex domestic or foreign tax matters. Bruce often finds… Read More

Bryan Carpenter

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • Audit Partner
  • CGMA
As Audit Partner, Bryan works primarily with government contracting/DOD, manufacturing, including the craft beer industry, as well as employee benefit plans. He identifies opportunities to improve internal controls and accounting processes. Bryan also identifies clients' specific needs and helps them make connections with people who can address those needs. Bryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of San Diego, receiving a Bachelor of Accountancy with an emphasis in Real Estate and a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Information Technology. In addition, Bryan obtained a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer from San Diego State University. Since 2016, he has served as Treasurer of the San Diego Brewers Guild. Bryan participates in the CalCPA's mentorship programs, which provide guidance and advice to college students and young professionals. He also teaches financial literacy to second graders in economically disadvantaged areas via Junior Achievement. Bryan enjoys trekking on glaciers, climbing volcanos and discovering waterfalls and hot springs around the world, as well as visiting his hometown of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to hike and kayak with his parents. He joined LevitZacks in 2008. As Audit Partner, Bryan works primarily with government contracting/DOD, manufacturing, including the craft beer industry, as well as employee benefit plans. He identifies opportunities to improve internal controls and accounting processes. Bryan also identifies clients' specific needs and helps them make connections with people who can address those needs. Bryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from… Read More

Christina Xu

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Senior Associate / Audit

Christine Fleming

Job Titles:
  • Tax Counsel
Christine, Tax Counsel, began working in tax law in March 2021. Previously, she studied to become a licensed attorney and obtain the tax knowledge required for her career. Christine externed with the Internal Revenue Service Chief Counsel's Office in Houston, Texas, and was involved in South Texas College of Law's tax clinic where she assisted low-income taxpayers with their tax matters. She also has experience working as an accountant at a middle-market accounting firm in Houston, Texas before starting law school. Christine earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in Houston and a Master of Law in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law. Christine works with Senior Tax Counsel Mark Morris and the LevitZacks Shareholders to find strategies to minimize taxes for businesses and high-net worth individuals. She enjoys hiking, painting and traveling. Christine joined LevitZacks in March 2021.

Cristanne M. Leitner - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • Senior Vice President
As Partner and Senior Vice President, Cristanne has more than 35 years of experience in all aspects of tax and accounting. Cristanne works on trust, estate and gifts, flow through entities, real estate, law and medical practices and retail businesses. She is constantly looking for ways to reduce clients' tax liability through proper planning, assisting… Read More

Cynthia Torres

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
  • Member of Our International Tax Team
  • MSA
As Tax Manager, Cynthia is a member of our international tax team with a heavy focus on international tax compliance and consulting. In addition, Cynthia helps clients resolve issues with the IRS, provides guidance on the importance of good bookkeeping, and assists with questions regarding tax compliance. Previously a loan officer, she gained valuable experience in understanding the difference between book and tax financials, and how a tax return can be an instrument used for loan purposes. Cynthia graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance as well as obtained a Master of Science in Accountancy from The University of Texas, El Paso. She is known for being responsible, easy to work with, and keeping managers up to date on the status of projects. Cynthia is an active volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping grant wishes for children. She also enjoys running, cooking, trying out new recipes, and spending time with friends and family. Cynthia loves everything about traveling, from the planning to searching for a great restaurant to the airports. She joined LevitZacks in 2020.

Daniel I. Lavis

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • MPA
As Tax Shareholder, Dan's areas of proficiency include entity selection, acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, tax deferred exchanges, and tax accounting issues involving depreciation, utilization of the cash method, inventory, installment sales, and long-term contracts. His career experience spans government contractors, construction contractors, manufacturers, real estate, S corporations, acquisitions and dispositions, partnerships, multistate taxation and individual taxation. Most of Dan's clients are closely held businesses. He has a planning mindset and constantly tries to get the best tax results to his clients on a timely basis. Dan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, with Highest Honors, from the University of Texas, Austin, and a Master's in Professional Accounting with a Specialization in Federal Taxation from UT Austin. He enjoys hiking, swimming and watching sports. Dan joined LevitZacks in 1983. As Tax Shareholder, Dan's areas of proficiency include entity selection, acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, tax deferred exchanges, and tax accounting issues involving depreciation, utilization of the cash method, inventory, installment sales, and long-term contracts. His career experience spans government contractors, construction contractors, manufacturers, real estate, S corporations, acquisitions and dispositions, partnerships, multistate taxation and… Read More

Dylan Griffin

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
As a Tax Manager, Dylan prepares and files complex tax returns on behalf of clients, assists with federal and state audits, and responds to inquiries from regulatory agencies. Dylan works with closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Specifically, he assists with their tax, business planning, and accounting needs. Dylan is frequently assisting in year-end tax planning, decision-making analysis to reduce liabilities, deferred exchanges, and tax compliance. Prior to joining LevitZacks, Dylan worked on the tax staff doing ultra-high-net-worth services for families and individuals at Seiler LLP in San Francisco. He transferred to Ernst & Young, LLP in 2018 to work as a Tax Senior in EY's Private Client Services Group. Dylan has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics-Accounting from the University of California - Santa Barbara. His education has been effective in providing him with the foundational knowledge to understand business and accounting. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys watching Padres games, boogie boarding on the beach, spending time with family and friends, and traveling when possible. Dylan joined LevitZacks in January 2022.

Emily C. Yamate

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Associate

Hannah Samman

Job Titles:
  • Senior Audit Associate
Hannah has been working in public accounting for two years; her other positions include being a stay-at-home mom, and an executive assistant for a small e-factory company. As a Senior Audit Associate, Hannah is always open to new learning experiences in the workplace, and helps clients in any way they need, whether it involves conducting research for them, providing advice and guidance for accounting principles, or helping solve any issues they're facing. Hannah graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, with a specialization in Accounting, and minors in both Economics and Spanish. Her diverse coursework provided her with insight to different cultures and aspects of life. Hannah credits her love of working with different types of industries and clients to her studies, amazing professors, and experiences she had at Ohio State. Hannah is extremely passionate about the work that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does for children. She frequently participates in events to help raise awareness and funds for their cause. In her free time, Hannah enjoys painting, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her daughter and husband. Hannah joined LevitZacks in August 2021.

Jamie Devera

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
As a Senior Associate, Jamie has more than seven years of experience as a Tax Associate and CPA, providing tax preparation and accounting services to businesses. She helps clients with accounting or tax issues and takes time to clarify what's needed whenever there are any questions. Jamie is known for her efficiency, organization, ability to keep cool under pressure and help others stay calm. She earned a Bachelor's in Economics and Accounting from University of California Santa Barbara. After growing up in San Diego, she started her career here. Jamie enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, going to the beach, reading and painting. In addition, Jamie has prior volunteer experience with the San Diego Regional Center and the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy. She joined LevitZacks in 2021.

Jared P. Werner - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Partner
  • Shareholder
  • Partner and Director of Tax
As Partner and Director of Tax, Jared works with closely held businesses and high net worth individuals with their tax, business planning and accounting needs. Jared has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC and a J.D. and LL.M. (Master of Law - Taxation) from the University of San Diego School of Law. He is also a California licensed attorney and CPA. Jared has the background, knowledge and expertise to understand the intricate details of a company's financial statements and advise them on important business decisions to reduce tax liabilities, while still ensuring their taxes are professionally filed. Prior to joining LevitZacks, Jared worked at Ernst & Young, LLP. Jared is instrumental in developing LevitZacks' Mentor Program. He also helps facilitate the Junior Virtual Business Development Academy, a program the firm offers to staff, seniors and managers. The program focuses on career development such as building a personal brand, growing a referral source network, and understanding the services LevitZacks provides. Jared and his wife have three daughters, and when they're not helping them with homework, school projects, or running them back and forth to dance recitals and gymnastics, they spend as much of their free time as possible going on bike rides, hiking, camping, watching movies, going out for ice cream, dancing, or making each other laugh. Jared joined LevitZacks in 2011. Professional Affiliations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants California Society of Certified Public Accountants San Diego County Bar Association, Tax Section Prior Vice Chair of Tax Section State Bar of California Past Chair of Tax Section's Income and Other Taxes Committee Jewish Family Service Past Budget and Finance Committee, Member Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Southern California Juris Doctor University of San Diego School of Law LL.M. in Taxation As Partner and Director of Tax, Jared works with closely held businesses and high net worth individuals with their tax, business planning and accounting needs. Jared has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC and a J.D. and LL.M. (Master of Law - Taxation) from the University of San Diego School of Law. … Read More

Jordan Reed

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Associate

Joseph Messer

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Manager
  • MST
As Senior Tax Manager, Joe holds a Business Degree from Chico State with an accounting specialization and a Master's in Taxation from CSU, Northridge. He specializes in compliance and tax planning for pass-through entities and multi-state transactions in the manufacturing and real estate industries. Joe enjoys the technical aspects of taxation and works proactively to plan and efficiently apply tax laws for his clients' maximum benefit. Joe comes from a long line of accountants: his maternal grandmother was a CPA and tax partner for a Chicago-based firm, his paternal grandfather was a municipal treasurer in Michigan, several of his aunts and uncles are accountants, and an uncle is a controller for a logistics company in Michigan. He enjoys golf, deep sea and freshwater fishing, spending time with family and friends and an occasional pint of craft beer. Joe joined LevitZacks in 2016. As Senior Tax Manager, Joe holds a Business Degree from Chico State with an accounting specialization and a Master's in Taxation from CSU, Northridge. He specializes in compliance and tax planning for pass-through entities and multi-state transactions in the manufacturing and real estate industries. Joe enjoys the technical aspects of taxation and works proactively to… Read More

Josh van de Vrugt

Job Titles:
  • Senior Audit Manager
As a Senior Audit Manager, Josh never shies away from an opportunity to provide clients with advice, guidance or the research needed to assist in alleviating whatever issue they're facing. He received a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from UC San Diego and a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University. Josh's passion for traveling has given him an opportunity to connect with others from around the world with different backgrounds, cultures and professions, and to develop different perspectives on how to deal with situations. He is a RedShirt Committee Member of the San Diego Bowl Game Association, playing a significant role in the production of San Diego's largest annual festival of events. Josh enjoys traveling with his wife, trying local foods, meeting new people, and watching all things sports. Josh joined LevitZacks in 2016.

Keisha Price

Job Titles:
  • MST, CFP
  • MST, CFP® Senior Tax Manager
Keisha has more than 15 years of public tax accounting experience. Previously a Senior Tax Manager at Armanino, she also worked as a Managing Associate at Philadelphia-based tax firm Drucker & Scacetti, P.C. In addition, she was a supervisor at CPA firm Wheeler Wolfended and Dwares in Wilmington, DE, as well as an Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, Keisha is known for her responsiveness and calm demeanor. Keisha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting at the University of Delaware and a Masters in Taxation at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, DE. Keisha completed her CFP course work at Kaplan College for Financial Planning. Her education serves as the foundation of her professional career. Early on, Keisha was fascinated with the intricacies of tax code, the "drama" behind Congressional meetings and the impact of tax law on the nation. Each institution provided her clarity on just how important and fundamental taxation is in the U.S. Keisha has more than 15 years of public tax accounting experience. Previously a Senior Tax Manager at Armanino, she also worked as a Managing Associate at Philadelphia-based tax firm Drucker & Scacetti, P.C. In addition, she was a supervisor at CPA firm Wheeler Wolfended and Dwares in Wilmington, DE, as well as an Associate at… Read More

Kendra Marie Correia

Job Titles:
  • Senior Audit Associate
As Senior Audit Associate, Kendra is responsible for performing audits, reviews and compilations of privately held companies and 401(k) retirement plans. She works with companies in various industries, such as real estate, government contracting, service-based and retail and enjoys identifying areas where they can improve effectiveness in internal controls. A San Diego native, Kendra has a degree in Economics and minor in Accounting from UC San Diego, where she was selected to be a member of the Chancellor's Scholars Program. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, bike riding, and stand-up paddle boarding. Kendra joined LevitZacks in 2008.

Keolani Tayag

Job Titles:
  • Audit Associate

Kim Ufford

Job Titles:
  • ABV, CFF, ASA
  • ABV, CFF, ASA / Principal
As Audit Shareholder, Kim has 40 years of experience in the field, specializing in auditing, business valuation, expert witness and forensic accounting. He is an experienced business appraiser and holds the Accredited Business Valuation designation from the AICPA. Kim works mostly with financial reporting technical issues and business valuation questions. He serves on the Audit Committee for Appellate Defenders, and is on the Association for Corporate Growth, San Diego Board of Directors. Kim received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting, from the University of Minnesota. Kim has been with LevitZacks since 1986.

Lauren Rushford

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
  • MAT
With four years of experience as a Tax Associate and Tax Intern, Lauren excels at establishing workload priorities and completing work accurately in a timely manner. She clearly communicates the status of clients' tax returns and answer any questions that may arise while working with her clients. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and her Master of Accountancy in Taxation at the University of Texas, El Paso. Lauren volunteers with the U.S. Army as a Soldier Family Readiness Group Leader. She assists the Commander in building morale and comradery within the organization, planning various off-duty activities and relaying important information and updates to Soldier families. Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing, cooking, and traveling.

Lelah Walters

Job Titles:
  • Office Administrator
As Office Administrator, Lelah assists all of LevitZacks' clients as the primary "voice and face" of the firm. With a background in accounting and tax, Lelah is often able to answer client questions directly, and is known for her dependability, thoroughness and attention to detail, as well as the outstanding customer service she provides clients and team members. Lelah likes to read, travel, garden, write poetry and spend time with her family. Lelah has 18 years of experience in the accounting field and joined LevitZacks in 2016.

Liberty Griffin Carlin

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant
As Executive Assistant, Liberty has more than 15 years of experience working at accounting firms. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of San Diego. Liberty's ability to stay calm and keep a friendly smile on her face is one of her biggest assets. She is passionate about teaching her family the importance of tradition, honesty and compassion, and enjoys traveling, shopping and trying out new restaurants. Liberty joined LevitZacks in 2016.

Malcolm Shearer

Job Titles:
  • Senior Audit Associate

Marcela Torres

Job Titles:
  • Billing Manager
  • in 2016 As an Executive Assistant
Marcela joined LevitZacks in 2016 as an Executive Assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UC Riverside with course work in accounting and taxation classes. She is always willing to assist the team at every level with a positive attitude. Marcela excels in project management and oversees the Accounts Receivable and Practice Management functions in the firm, in addition to a variety of other administrative operations. Marcela is passionate about mentoring her children on a daily basis and values the opportunities LevitZacks creates to give back to the community. She loves going camping with her children and exploring new sites they've never been before.

Marci Simonson

Job Titles:
  • Tax Supervisor

Mark C. Morris

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Counsel

Mary Bren C. Borja

Job Titles:
  • Senior Tax Manager
  • MST
A Senior Tax Manager, Bren received a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Philippines, and her Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University, Chicago. She enjoys working on business entities both in the service/product industries, including manufacturers, contractors and nonprofits. Bren likes the challenges and… Read More

Melody Bakhshandeh

Job Titles:
  • Admin

Michael C. Friedman

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • Tax Department Partner
Mike enjoys visiting with his grown children, gardening in his rose gardens, working in his woodshop on furniture designs and traveling with his wife. Mike joined LevitZacks in 2003. As Tax Department Partner, Mike primarily works on tax planning for pass-through entities, closely held corporations and groups of entities with a common set of owners. His skills encompass merger and acquisition consulting, income tax planning, estate/trust/gift tax planning along with tax compliance. Mike helps clients with proactive planning that matches tax considerations with their business needs, helping clients make tax-efficient decisions and advising them how to navigate the tax law to best minimize their tax liabilities.

Monique Bourgeois Arias

Job Titles:
  • MSA
  • Senior Tax Manager and Assistant Tax Director
  • Tax Manager and Assistant Tax Director
As Tax Manager and Assistant Tax Director, Monique offers tax compliance and accounting services to the Trusts and Estates' practice. She excels at attention to detail, quickly responds to client requests and keeps them on track with budgets. She enjoys giving back by serving on the LevitZacks' community outreach committee, LevitZacks Loves San Diego, which… Read More

Nicholas Marinelli

Job Titles:
  • Audit Manager
As an Audit Manager, most of Nicholas's audit experience is with non-profit and governmental organizations. Assisting clients transition through multiple Accounting Standard Updates (ASUs) and helping explain the reasoning behind it is where he helps clients the most. Nicholas is often complimented on his thorough communication skills and sense of curiosity. Prior to joining LevitZacks, Nicholas started as an audit intern with Cuddy & Ward, LLP, then began as a full-time audit associate with Dermody, Burke & Brown, LLC, where he was promoted to Senior Audit Associate. Nicholas has an undergraduate degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Oswego. Nicholas enjoys playing sports, including softball, golf, and snowboarding. He is a big animal lover and between his own dog and his girlfriend's multiple dogs and cats, he is always hanging out and spending time with them. Nicholas joined LevitZacks in November 2021.

Nick Palmer

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Partner
  • CVA
  • Partner and Director of Audit
As Partner and Director of Audit, Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of California, Santa Cruz and a Certificate of Accountancy from San Diego State University College of Extended Studies. He uses his writing and research skills for proposals, technical memoranda, marketing materials and drafting financial statement disclosures. Nick is an… Read More

Ronnie Smith

Job Titles:
  • Audit Associate

San Diego Military

Job Titles:
  • Advisory Council
  • Secretary

Stephanie Pfaff

Job Titles:
  • Audit Manager

Steve Root

Job Titles:
  • Audit Partner
As Audit Partner, Steve also has a specialty in Forensic Accounting. He enjoys the opportunity to consult with clients to solve some of their more complicated issues, including the extensive changes and complexities in the world of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Steve recently partnered with two other LevitZacks' team members to form the firm's first… Read More

Sue Watson - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Member of the Executive Leadership Team
  • Partner
As Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Sue oversees the administration, marketing, financial and risk management, technology, human resources, strategic planning and operations of the firm. Throughout her career, Sue has participated in more than 30 merger and acquisition transactions, which provided her with the experience of working with all phases of an entity's lifecycle, from… Read More

Thanh Tang

Job Titles:
  • Tax Supervisor

Thien Nguyen

Job Titles:
  • CFE, MSA
  • Senior Audit Associate

Thomas Rex

Job Titles:
  • Principal
As Principal, Tom has 40+ years in the accounting industry. He identifies, analyzes and resolves complex accounting and reporting issues with his strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting from Washington State University. He serves on the Audit Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego and enjoys traveling, sports and reading. Tom joined LevitZacks in 1984.

Victor G. Ramsauer - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Member of the Executive Leadership Team
  • Partner
  • President
As CEO, President and Partner, not only does Victor Ramsauer lead the firm he advises the firm's clients on the sale, acquisition and divestiture of businesses with values exceeding $175 million. In addition, he provides senior leadership regarding deal structuring and negotiation, financial reporting research, and the design and performance of due diligence procedures. With… Read More

Yun Li

Job Titles:
  • Tax Manager
With 14 years of experience in the public accounting field, Yun's career includes various positions as a staff accountant, senior tax accountant and tax supervisor at national CPA firms in San Francisco. As a Tax Supervisor at LevitZacks, Yun is known for her diligence with identifying issues and providing solutions for her clients. Yun earned her Bachelor of Economics in International Business Administration from Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, China, her Master of Arts in Economics from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University. Yun volunteers at her daughter's school in the math club and teaches art lessons for the ‘Arts Attack' program, a method of teaching standards-based visual art to students. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading novels, and watching movies. Yun joined LevitZacks in December 2019.