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The Team
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Curtis Belcher
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Curtis Belcher has been directly involved in property tax for 29 years. He filed his first appeal as a
7th grader to correct the appraisal and tax on his family’s residence. A passion for accurate assessments
was born from that personal experience, that passion is alive and well today.
Curtis served as Assessor in Mesa County, Western Colorado’s largest county, for eight years. 65,000 real
estate parcels and 3,000 personal property schedules were successfully valued and audited through four
reappraisal cycles. Curtis administered an office of 29 employees in three departments, Appraisal,
Administration and Mapping. He served in the Colorado Assessor’s Association on Legislative,
Oil & Gas, Ski & Recreation and GIS Committees. He also served as District 5 Chairman which represents western Colorado.
Curtis owned Belcher Consulting Property Tax Specialists from 1987 to 1999. He designed, constructed,
and analyzed CAMA and Administrative databases for 16 Colorado counties with clients in New Mexico and
North Carolina. Government and corporate clients benefited from the services of Belcher Consulting.
From 1978 to 1987 Curtis was employed as appraiser in Montezuma and Garfield Counties
in Colorado. He has valued all classes of property from sheds to large industrial
facilities. As Chief Appraiser in Garfield County, Curtis valued oil shale operations
owned by Exxon, Union Oil, Oxy, and Shell Oil.
Business Experience
- Mesa County Assessor (1999-2007)
- Belcher Consulting Property Tax Specialists (1987-1999)
- Chief Appraiser, Garfield County (1983-1987)
- Appraiser, Montezuma County (1978-1983)
Education
- 1970 Montezuma Cortez High School
- 1975 Fort Lewis College B.A. Political Science
- Colorado Certified General Appraiser License
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Michael Bobelian
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
An attorney of broad business experience, Michael Bobelian brings knowledge of financing,
restructuring, acquisitions, mediation and litigation to Cost Containment Advisors. In his work
at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, one of the largest law firms on Wall Street, he represented clients in
all these various commercial settings. He is an expert on resolving disputes with regulators, and
in dealing with compliance requirements. Additionally, Michael advises on litigation matters and
is experienced in appearing before state and federal courts and arbitral bodies.
Michael is adept in examining complicated, overlapping state and municipal tax systems and in
convincingly communicating with government officials.
Business Experience
- Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP (1998 - 2002) Experience included regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, debtor-in-possession financing, securities law, accounting liability, joint-ventures, and commercial litigation and arbitration. Clients included Viacom, Merck, Continental Airlines, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Christie's, Daewoo, and Honeywell.
- United States Department of Labor (1996) Assisted in investigations of fraudulent ERISA plans.
- United States Department of Commerce (1993) Helped American businesses find markets overseas, advised businesses with import and export laws.
Education
- University of Michigan Law School (1995 - 1998) J.D.; Associate and Contributing Editor, Michigan Journal of Law Reform
- University of Michigan Business School (1991 - 1995) B.B.A. With High Distinction; Class Honors all semesters
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Vergie Booty
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Vergie Booty joins Cost Containment Advisors with over 28 years of experience in the property tax arena.
Vergie worked for the Louisiana Tax Commission (LTC) as a utility appraiser, utility division director and retired as the Administrator of the LTC. As the Public Utility Director, she was responsible for the appraisal and assessment of over 650 electric, gas, water, pipeline, telephone, railroad, private car line, and barge companies annually. Vergie has been certified as an expert witness in the field of utility appraisals and has testified on numerous occasions.
LTC has oversight authority over the 70 local Parish assessors and as administrator she worked on the rules and regulations that are adopted annually by the Commission for use by the local assessors in their appraisals and assessments.
She has been involved with the Wichita State University conference, “Appraisal for Ad Valorem Taxation of Communications, Energy and Transportation Properties” for many years. She has also presented at this conference. Vergie has been a member of IAAO for many years, having served on the utility section committee; she has also served as its chair.
Vergie’s biggest attributes are her ability to negotiate and settle disputes. As Public Utility Director, and LTC Administrator, she has experience in successfully dealing with thousands of valuation issues.
Business Experience
- Louisiana Tax Commission Public Utility Appraiser
- Louisiana Tax Commission Public Utility Director
- Louisiana Tax Commission Administrator
Professional Designation
- Louisiana Assessors Association – CLAA
Education
- Over 400 Hours Continuing Education Property Appraisal Credits at University of Louisiana, Lafayette
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Gail Budzinski
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Gail Budzinski joins Cost Containment Advisors after having been a former Township Assessor with extensive knowledge of both real and personal property taxes in Indiana. She has over 18 years of experience in all aspects of property taxation in the state, having dealt with the wide-ranging assessment issues of 16,000 real and 27,000 personal property taxes.
Gail obtained her Level 2 Indiana Certified Assessor designation in 1995. She was Chief Deputy of German Township, the fastest growing township in the South Bend Metropolitan area. Subsequently she was elected Township Assessor in 2000 where her focus was on quality assessments, customer service and education.
Gail brings extensive appeal experience, both at the local and state level. She continues to participate in continuing education to stay current with the ever-changing Indiana property tax system. She has the ability to analyze hybrid assessments from the smallest business to the largest industrial facility.
Business Experience
- German Township Assessor (2000-2008)
- Chief Deputy Assessor (1990-2000)
Education
- International Association of Assessing Officials
- Indiana Assessor’s Association
- Indiana Chapter IAAO
- Indiana University
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John Coates
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
John Coates joins Cost Containment Advisors with in excess of 26 years of experience in property taxation. He has had engagements in over 40 states.
John was employed as an industrial property appraiser by the Montana Department of Revenue. He was responsible for the valuation of coal mines, oil refineries, cement plants, flower mills, grain terminals, meat packing plants, lumber mills, aluminum reduction facilities, and other special purpose industrial properties statewide.
John spent a total of 17 years with Tenenbaum and Associates and with Ernst & Young LLP in Kansas City, Missouri. During his tenure here, John was busy in property tax appeals and fee appraisals in 40 states. His specialties included electric generating facilities, rural electric distribution cooperatives, CLEC&rsqup;s (competitive local exchange carriers), coal and metal mining operations, aluminum reduction facilities, flour and feed mills, food processing facilities, and paper mills.
John has also been active in the State of Ohio with state assessed properties.
John holds the Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) designation from the IAAO where he was also a Senior Instructor. He served as a demonstration appraisal report grader for 13 years and was grading chairman for the last nine years of his tenure.
Business Experience
- Independent Property Tax Consultant
- Property Tax Consultant – Ernst & Young LLP
- Senior Research Associate – Tenenbaum and Associates, Inc.
- Industrial Property Appraiser – Montana Department of Revenue
Education
- University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI – Master of Business Administration
- California State University East Bay – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- University of California Berkeley – Certificate in Real Estate
- Over 1,000 continuing education hours
Professional Affiliations and Licenses
- IAAO – Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE)
- IAAO – Demonstration report grader and grading chairman
- Certified General Appraiser – Colorado
- Arizona Registered Property Tax Agent
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Jack Connell
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Prior to joining Cost Containment Advisors, Jack was involved in the field of property taxes in Florida for over 22 years. He worked at Gulf Power Company, an electric utility for 12 years, 7 of which he spent as Coordinator of Regulatory Affairs before the Florida Public Service Commission. Thereafter, he was with the Florida Department of Revenue, Division of Property Tax Oversight for over 10 years where he valued the railroads for property tax purposes.
While performing this function on Class I as well as Shortline Railroads, Jack developed an extensive database on Shortlines. He shared the results of his research as a speaker at the annual Wichita State University conference, ÂAppraisal for Ad Valorem Taxation of Communications, Energy and Transportation PropertiesÂ, and at the Western Association of State Property Tax Administrators course at Utah State University.
Business Experience
- Florida Department of Revenue, Division of Property Tax Oversight, Railroad Valuations
- Gulf Power Company, Coordinator of Regulatory Affairs
Education
- Georgia Tech, BS in Industrial Management
- University of West Florida, BA in Accounting
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Syndi Gates
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Syndi Gates joins Cost Containment Advisors with over 15 years of experience in all aspects of
personal property in Oregon. Syndi worked for Oregon Department of Revenue as Property Program
Analyst and Property Appraiser of the Personal Property Tax program overseeing the counties’
administration of the Personal Property Tax program. She developed the Personal Property Valuation
Guidelines & Depreciation Schedules used by the department and counties in Oregon to assist in developing values.
In addition to her extensive background in tax compliance, Syndi was also the Training Development Specialist
for the Department. She worked to establish a new way of administering the training program. Syndi developed
Personal Property courses and presented them to department and county assessors and appraisers; Taxpayer Seminars
for multiple Taxpayer and Accounting groups; and Department & County Disclosure Training. She also developed and
implemented one-on-one training with the individual counties’ staff instructing them in completing full site
visits and developing values to place on the tax assessment rolls.
Syndi is proficient in the property tax and disclosure laws in Oregon which enables her to
understand the program. She was an integral part of numerous system-related implementations
and upgrades. Syndi offers a keen sense of analyzing needs and processes and is able to translate
these into action steps that increase efficiencies and cost savings.
Business Experience
- Oregon Department of Revenue (37 years)
- Registered Oregon Appraiser
- Chemeketa Courses
Courses Developed & Taught
- Beginning Personal Property (Developer & Instructor)
- Personal Property II (How to Conduct a Physical Audit) (Developer & Instructor)
- Personal Property III (How to Conduct a Book Audit) (Developer & Instructor)
- Taxpayer Information Seminars (Developer & Instructor)
- Department & County Disclosure Training (Developer & Instructor)
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Thomas G. Glock
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Tom Glock joins Cost Containment Advisors with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of property
taxation in the state. He is a former New Jersey Municipal Assessor, with extensive knowledge of ad
valorem property taxes in New Jersey, and has dealt with wide-range of assessment issues on over 33,000
real property assessments.
Tom obtained his New Jersey Certified Tax Assessor (CTA) designation in 1985. Most recently he was the
Department Head of the Cherry Hill Township Assessing Department, the largest municipality in Camden
County. Tom has also served as a part-time assessor in the Boroughs of Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Haddon
Heights, Gibbsboro and Farmingdale. He is a designated member (IFA) of the National Association of
Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) and is a licensed real estate appraiser, certified by the State of
New Jersey.
Tom brings extensive appeal experience, both at the county and state level, and has the ability to
analyze hybrid assessments of all types of real estate. He continues to participate in further
education, to stay current with the ever-changing New Jersey property tax system and economy.
Business Experience
- Cherry Hill Township Assessor (1993-2010)
- Lindenwold Borough Assessor (1987-2010)
- Wall Township Assessor (1991-1993)
- Farmingdale Borough Assessor (1992-2010)
- Gibbsboro Borough Assessor (2009-2010)
Education
- International Association of Assessing Officials
- New Jersey Assessorâs Association
- New Jersey Chapter IAAO
- National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers
- Rutgers University
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Kevin Gold
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Kevin worked at Cadence Network a utility cost containment service used by large corporations.
In this position, he led Cadence's team to assist the aggregation of utility expenses to enable
their better management and cost reduction.
Currently, Kevin is a partner with an online business advisory firm, Enhanced Concepts, Inc.
He works with large and small companies and successful entrepreneurs both nationally and internationally
to develop economically beneficial online business models and strategies.
Kevin's utility market awareness, strategic mindset and Internet expertise is, therefore,
a tremendous resource for effective analytical review of cost containment initiatives, client-focused
deliverables and the assessment of Internet-based cost control solutions.
Business Experience
- Improved Results, LLC. (2003 - Present), Partner, Online Business Advisory firm specializing in niche market development, online business strategy, profitability analysis and e-commerce consultation with large to small corporations internationally.
- Cadence Network, Inc., (2001 - 2003), Market Strategy and Business Development, a Utility Technology company focused on delivering cost containment services and products to Fortune 1000 companies.
- Fifth Third Bancorp (1995 - 2000), Officer; Systems Consultant and Global Client Manager
Education
- Xavier University Graduate School of Business, (2000 - 2001) M.B.A., Concentration in Marketing
- Thomas More College, (1991 - 1995) Summa Cum Laude, Honors Scholar, B.A., Major: Business Administration with focus in Marketing.
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Stan Graiewski, DSCE
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Stan Graiewski solidifies Cost Containment Advisor’s professionalism with over 43 years of experience with Wisconsin’s general property tax system. Stan’s primary concerns are customer satisfaction and preventative problem solving.
After retiring in 2003, Stan assisted two newly appointed municipal assessors achieve professionalism and respect. Stan also assisted with certified training for Wisconsin Board of Review members. He planned and coordinated “Conducting A Sign Inventory Program” with the South Eastern Wisconsin Assessor’s Association. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue approved the course for three hours of appraisal recertification credits. The Wisconsin Department of Licensing approved the course for real estate appraiser continuing education credits.
Stan was a residential appraiser (1979-1989) and personal property appraiser (1989-2003) for the City of Madison, Wisconsin’s Assessor’s Office where he was directly responsible for 6,500 personal property and 700 mobile/manufactured housing valuations annually. He has provided sworn oral testimony at quasi-judicial and judicial hearings. His research and recommendations form a solid foundation for successful casework. He also served on the Board of Assessors.
Stan was the personal property appraiser for the City of Sun Prairie; Wisconsin from 2004-2010 where he was responsible for valuing 1,200 personal property accounts. His values were reported to six school districts and six tax incremental financing districts.
Additional pertinent experience from 1968-1979: Equalization, Assessment Standards and Manufacturing with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue; a combined municipal assessor-building inspector position and three private firms specializing in revaluations and assessments.
Education
- Public Administration Master’s Degree course work University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Bachelor of Arts St Mary’s College Winona, Minnesota
- US Cavalry School
Professional Training
University of Wisconsin, Technical Colleges, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Appraisal Education Academy, Assessment Technologies of Wisconsin, International Association of Assessing Officers, Wisconsin Association of Assessing Officers, South Eastern Wisconsin Assessors Association, Digital Signage Experts Group, Society of Real Estate Appraisers and Toastmasters
Professional Affiliations
- Digital Signage Certified Expert
- Wisconsin Assessor II
- Board of Review Member
- Distinguished Toastmaster
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Kitty I. Guinsler
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Kitty Guinsler joins Cost Containment Advisors with over 15 years of experience in all aspects of personal property and sale/use tax across the US. Kitty worked for JPMorgan Chase (formerly Banc One) as Manager of Personal Property Tax compliance, Chase Equipment Leasing and Chase Auto Finance. In her last role she saved Chase over $11 million in personal property taxes over a two year period. Kitty also led the Chase personal property tax compliance group through multiple mergers and acquisitions. Kitty has garnered tax reductions via compliance, audits, inventories, appraisals, protests, and appeals.
In addition to her extensive background in tax compliance, Kitty is proficient in accounting and systems which enables her to understand the environment in which clients operate and navigate the demanding compliance responsibilities. She was an integral part of numerous system-related implementations and upgrades. Kitty offers a keen sense of analyzing needs and processes and is able to translate these into action steps that increase efficiencies and cost savings. She goes beyond the initial task of identifying cost savings by correcting the root cause of such inefficiencies. She is also familiar with offshoring and outsourcing efforts.
Kitty is active in her community as President of the Friends of the Pataskala Library, Forty Plus of Central Ohio, and in assisting students at Franklin University as a coach.
Business Experience
- JPMorgan Chase & Company
- Lane Bryant
- Cardinal Industries, Inc.
- Harper Industries, Inc.
Education
- Master of Business Administration – Franklin University
- Bachelor of Science Degrees in Finance and Business Management – Franklin University
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management – Columbus State Community College
- Personal and Real Property Tax Schools – Institute for Professionals in Taxation
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Brian M. Hess
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Brian Hess has over 20 years experience as Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser. He has
expertise in both commercial and residential property assessment for various financial institutions,
attorneys, corporations and individuals, specializing in several Midwestern and New England states.
While functioning as President for the Niagara County Assessors Association from 1991 to 1993 and President
of WNY Chapter of International Association of Assessing Officers from 1998 to 2000, Brian managed several
large-scale city reassessment projects.
Brian has worked with Fortune 500 firms and banking institutions, such as M&T Bank, GMAC Mortgage
Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, HSBC, and Devere Capital Corporation, among others. After
receiving his degrees in Business Administration and Constructional Technology, Brian has continued
his education by attending numerous seminars sponsored by the International Association of Assessing
Officers (IAAO) and Appraisal Institute (AI) and academic courses at Cornell University, University of
Buffalo, and Erie County Community College. Brian possesses excellent communication and negotiation skills.
He consistently garners the respect of his clients by with his accurate market analysis, research, and documentation.
Brian augments Cost Containment Advisors’ skills in the Northeast with his extensive expertise in
residential and commercial property valuation and real property tax assessment litigation.
Business Experience
- Town of Cheektowaga Assessor (2005-Present)
- City of North Tonawanda Assessor (1985-2005)
- United States Marine Corps, E-4 Corporal (1969-1971)
Professional Associations:
- President of WNY Chapter of the International Assoc. of Assessing Officers (1998-2000)
- President of Niagara County Assessors Association (1991-1993)
- Greater Buffalo Board of Realtors
- International Association of Assessing Officers
- Institute of Assessing Officers
- New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers
- New York State Assessors Association
Professional Affiliations
- New York State Certified R.E. Residential Appraiser #45 9677
- Board of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- State Certified Assessor Professional (SCAP)
- Professional Assessor, Institute of Assessing Officers (IAO)
- State Certified Assessor, Advanced (SCAA)
- IAAO Accreditation: December 1999
Education
- Erie County Community College – AA Constructional Technology
- Niagara County Community College – Business Administration
- Cornell University – Certificate in Appraising and Training & Phase I and Phase II
- University of Buffalo – Various Appraisal Courses
- Over 1,000 continuing education hours
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William F. Mack
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Prior to joining Cost Containment Advisors, William Mack retired from the State of Oklahoma after
more than 28 years of service. As Administrator of Public Service Valuation, he was responsible
for the annual valuation of more than 200 centrally assessed railroads, airlines, electric companies,
telephone companies, water companies as well as oil and gas pipelines. These companies produced
approximately 17% of the ad valorem revenue within the State.
William was also highly instrumental in the computerization of the Ad Valorem Division of the
Oklahoma Tax Commission. Beginning with an old Commodore computer in the early 80’s and
transitioning to Windows and Microsoft Office today, William’s secondary role was as the Network
Administrator for the Ad Valorem Division.
Since retiring from the State, William has worked on the valuation of the Alaskan Pipeline,
the discovery and valuation of oil and gas properties in Oklahoma and Colorado, the Basic
Equipment Lists (BELS) for the State of Colorado and has done visual inspection and agricultural
study work for various counties in Oklahoma.
Business Experience
- Administrator of Public Service Valuations for the State of Oklahoma
- Network Administrator for the Ad Valorem Division of the Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Consultant for Visual Lease Services (Oil and Gas Discovery, Mapping and Valuation)
Professional Associations
- Chairman of the Public Utility Section of the International Association of Assessing Officers
- Chairman of the Research and Education Committee of the National Conference of Unit Valuation States and one of the founding members
- Presenter and Planning Committee Member for the Wichita State University Conference, “Appraisal for Ad Valorem Taxation of communications, Energy and Transportation Properties.”
- Advanced Accredited with the County Assessor Accreditation Program in Oklahoma
Education
- Northeastern State University – BS in Business Administration and Marketing
- Oklahoma School of Banking and Business – Certificate of Accounting
- University of Central Oklahoma – Various Auditing Courses
- International Association of Assessing Officers – Various Appraisal Courses
- Center for Local Government Technology – Advanced Accreditation
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John P. Nola
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
John is an seasoned property tax professional with over 20 years’ experience with IBM where
he has managed personal property tax compliance and related valuation issues.
John is an expert in establishing and negotiating the fair market value of information
technology assets for purposes of personal property tax compliance and assessments. He
has been recognized nationwide for his successes in reaching settlements with taxing
jurisdictions on various tax issues including assessments, audit findings, valuations.
John is also responsible for having initiated a dialogue with several significant jurisdictions for the adoption of market-derived IT depreciation schedules.
Business Experience
- Advisory Tax Analyst, (1996-Feb 2009) IBM Corporation, Southbury, CT
- Personal Property Tax Program Administrator, (1993-1995) IBM Corporation, Southbury, CT
- IBM Credit Personal Property Tax Compliance Manager, (1993-1995) IBM Corporation, Southbury CT
- IBM Financial Systems Development Project Leader, (1988-1990) IBM Corporation, Danbury CT
- Various Management Positions, (1981 -1987) IBM Corporation – New York, New Jersey, Connecticut Tri-State area
Professional Affiliations
- Associate Member – Institute for Professional in Taxation (IPT)
- Former Member – International Association of Assessing Officials (IAAO)
Education
- Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY., B.S Business Administration Cum Laude – Finance. Department Honors – Business Administration
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James Nelson
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Jim is a seasoned facilities manager with over twenty-five years' experience.
He has managed facilities and provided outsourced facilities management solutions
nationally for premier organizations in the public, private, and governmental sectors.
His hallmark has been the delivery of increasing value with decreasing expense, while
maintaining a tight focus on the higher goals of the organizations served.
His continuous improvement mentality and process orientation help ensure that successes
are both measurable and repeatable. Jim has managed facilities that support many industries,
including pharmaceutical research, government, heavy industrial, educational, financial, corporate,
warehouse and distribution, as well as multi-tenant office buildings and retail in both branch and
campus settings.
Jim knows how diverse facilities management tools augment the vitality of clients.
Business Experience
Prior to joining Cost Containment Advisors, Jim worked at United Rentals, Johnson Controls,
GE, and the US Coast Guard in a variety of facilities-related positions, providing services
to their clients. These clients have included Pfizer, IBM, Becton Dickinson, Hartford Public
Schools, Hoffman LaRoche, the National Security Agency, the Social Security Administration,
and Westinghouse, among others. Key results have included improvement of service level and
reduction in cost of all facilities related systems and services, including:
- Energy management, purchasing
- Outsourcing maintenance, operations, landscaping, cleaning, many other related services.
- Employee environment-air quality, lighting quality, remediation of mold, asbestos, etc.
- Organizational management to achieve optimum service levels to achieve business goals
Education
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy, B.S. in Civil Engineering
- The Johns Hopkins University, Graduate Studies in Environmental Engineering
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John Ragan
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
John Ragan has over twenty years experience in the assessment field.
Most recently he was Assessor for the City and County of Denver, managing
a staff of 85, with responsibility for assessing 120,000 real property
and 30,000 personal property accounts, with a total assessed value of $9 billion.
John began his career with the City and County of Denver as Manager of Personal
Property Assessments, and remained directly involved with personal property
assessment procedures and practices during his entire tenure with Denver.
During this time he developed innovative methods for personal property filings and appeals.
John was a registered appraiser in Colorado until recently. He has been invited to
speak at various professional conferences on tax policy, assessments and government
procedures. In addition, John has authored several published articles on
property tax, including an article entitled “Tax Increment Financing, and Tax
Limitations.” In 2006 John was a finalist for IAAO’s Donehoo Essay Award.
Business Experience
- City and County of Denver (1986-2006), Deputy Assessor and Assessor
- Federal Reserve Bank, Denver, CO (1982-86), Assistant Manager
- University of Denver (1977-82), Assistant Dean of Admissions
Education
- University of Denver, (Present) Further graduate work in history
- Southern Illinois University, (1976) M.S.
- State University of New York at Brockport, (1974) B.S. Graduated Cum Laude
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Stephen Schaeffner, AAS
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Stephen has been involved in the property tax profession for 27 years at both the local and state levels, as well as operating in the consulting and independent fee appraisal fields. The experience gained in working in four states over the years has given him a wide ranging perspective on property tax issues.
Stephen is the former Chief Appraiser of Glynn County, Georgia, where he implemented a modern assessment system in accordance with Georgia law and oversaw the migration to state-of-the-art CAMA software. Prior to that, Stephen was the Director of Valuation for Sarasota County, Florida, was a Senior Appraiser for the Florida Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division and was a Reappraisal Project Manager in both Kansas and Missouri.
Stephen is well versed in Georgia and Florida ad valorem tax laws, valuation requirements and appeal processes and has also served as an expert witness in property tax cases in local, state and federal courts.
Business Experience
- Senior Consultant in property taxation and local government software implementation, (2007 – present).
- Chief Appraiser, Glynn County, GA, (2001 – 2007)
- Director of Valuation Services, Sarasota, FL, (2000 – 2001)
- Senior Appraiser, Florida Department of Revenue, (1991 – 2000)
- Director of Reappraisal, Lyon County, KS, (1986 – 1989)
- Director of Reappraisal, Lincoln County, Missouri, (1984 – 1985)
- Director of Reappraisal, Polk County, Missouri, (1982 – 1984)
Professional Affiliations
- Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) with the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).
- Member of IAAO since 1992
- Member of the Florida Chapter of IAAO (FCIAAO)
- Member of the Georgia Association of Assessing Officials (GAAO)
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Thomas Schulz
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Tom is an experienced facilities management advisor with over twenty years' experience.
He has developed facility management solutions nationally and internationally for the Fortune
1000, delivering the two primary goals of such initiatives: cost containment and enhanced services.
In addition, Tom has been responsible for the development and installation of large-scale energy
retrofit programs for commercial and governmental institutions.
Tom is known for his exceptional people skills, and has a record of good communication and successful
negotiations. He readily wins clients' confidence with his ability to analyze and assist clients to make
sound decisions. Tom is a personable self-confident advisor with an upbeat positive attitude.
Tom has worked on engagements in most industries including manufacturing, banking and insurance,
data processing, retail and automotive.
Business Experience
Prior to joining Cost Containment Advisors, Tom worked for Johnson Controls as a lead executive
assisting both potential and existing clients in facilities management outsourcing solutions.
Tom has worked with regional, national and global clients in delivering:
- Guaranteed results in cost, savings and service levels
- Technology-driven solutions
- Business-to-business opportunities
- Strategic alliances for single-source delivery
Professional Affiliations
Education
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Louis Spisak
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Louis Spisak is a tax professional with over thirty years of administrative, managerial and technical experience in Ohio Taxation. Louis retired from the Ohio Department of Taxation in December of 2002. He was responsible for the annual valuation and assessment of personal property of public utilities and interexchange telecommunications companies and the administration of a gross receipts tax on utilities. He testified before the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals on numerous occasions.
In addition to being a member of the Cost Containment Advisory team, Louis is also the president of Louis J. Spisak & Associates, Inc., a firm that specializes in Ohio public utility personal property tax. LouisÂs clients include Ohio public utilities, interexchange telecommunications companies, school districts, county auditors and attorneys who specialize in utility taxation. During the last six years Louis was directly responsible for tax savings in excess of $10 million.
Business Experience
- President and owner Louis J. Spisak & Associates, Inc. (2002 to Present)
- Assistant Administrator Public Utility Tax Division (1998-2002)
- Assistant Administrator Personal Property Tax Division (1989Â1998)
- Assistant Administrator Public Utility Tax Division (1984-1989)
- Audit Supervisor Public Utility Tax Division (1980-1984)
- Tax Agent – Highway Use Tax & Public Utility Tax (1971-1980)
Education
- Franklin University (1971), B.S. Business Administration, Minor in Accounting
- International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Â Appraisal Courses and Property Workshops
- Member, Planning Committee, Wichita State University Utility Appraisal Workshop, (2000-2002)
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Matthew Stellato
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Matthew provides Cost Containment Advisors detailed research and analysis pertaining to personal property taxes that apply to current and potential CCA clients. His analyses provide a concise overview of a company's existing tax practices, and provide areas of savings that can be garnered efficiently. In addition, Matthew provides creative insight regarding official CCA documentation and publications.
Business Experience
- Cost Containment Advisors, Greenwich, CT (May 2005 - Present)
Personal Property Tax Research Analyst and Official Layout Design and Publications
- Social Media Group, LLC. Superior CO, (January 2007 - April 2007)
Website Designer and Developer.
- RIT, Information Technology Services, Rochester, NY, (June 2006 - November 2006)
Cooperative Education Web Designer
Education
- Rochester Institute of Technology (2002-2006) BS, New Media Publishing.
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Steven C. Tatro, ASA
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA),
Cost Containment Advisors
Steve has provided services in the areas of eminent domain, Ad Valorem taxation, allocation of sale or purchase, bankruptcy, lease and finance, estate planning, insurance loss and liquidation. Steve has directly prepared and/or supervised these services relating to the analysis of plant machinery and equipment, construction, agriculture, printing, woodworking, material handling, textile, medical, furniture and fixtures, heavy equipment, rolling stock, inventory and technologies including computers, telecommunications and medical equipment.
During his appraisal career, Steve has been employed as an appraiser by Fleet National Bank and as Appraisal Manager of a Fortune 100 company. He is well versed in the appraisal disciplines of accounting, appraising, finance and leasing including residual calculations and consulting.
Professional Affiliations
- Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), American Society of Appraisers, Machinery/Technical Specialties, Initial Certification (1997), Re-Certification (2007)
- Special Magistrate, Value Adjustment Board, several Florida counties, (2001-2007)
- District Director, Region 2, American Society of Appraisers
- Immediate Past Governor, Region 5, American Society of Appraisers
- Past President, Central Florida Chapter, American Society of Appraisers
- International Association of Assessing Officers
- Association of Eminent Domain Professionals
Education
- BA, Business - Lyndon State College (1972)
- Principles of Valuation 201, 202, 203, 204 - American Society of Appraisers
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice - American Society of Appraisers
- Various Appraisal Theory Courses & Seminars - American Society of Appraisers
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Susan Tallchief
Team Member,
Cost Containment Advisors
Susan Tallchief joins Cost Containment Advisors as a retired County Assessor with extensive knowledge of personal property tax law as it pertains to Oklahoma. With over 40 years experience and an excellent background in management, scheduling, and budgeting, Susan is a welcome addition to Cost Containment Advisors offers their clients.
As a Licensed Property Title Abstractor for the State of Oklahoma, Susan organized individual abstract account assignments, as well as compiled and interpreted all federal, state, and local recorded documents relevant to compilation of abstracts of title. She advised the initial planning of company automation of property and land records, including digitizing and indexing.
As President of the County Assessors and Deputies Association of Oklahoma, Susan served on the Oklahoma Ad Valorem Task Force, an ad hoc committee created by action of the Oklahoma Legislature.
Working in conjunction with the State Auditor and Inspector, the Ad Valorem Division of the Oklahoma Tax Commission and members of the Oklahoma legislature, the charge of the task force was to implement reform in the manner and method of conducting appraisals and establishing values on properties subject to personal property taxation.
During her tenure, Susan worked closely with the Center for Local Government Technology at Oklahoma State University and the Ad Valorem Division of the Oklahoma Tax Commission as well as the State Auditor and Inspector’s Office in the pilot stages of the course work in place today.
Business Experience
- Oklahoma Licensed Property Title Abstractor (2000-2007) Creek County Abstract
- County Assessor (1975-1998) Creek County Oklahoma
- County Treasurer Clerk/Collector (1965-1975) Creek County Oklahoma
Education
- Tulsa Junior College, Tulsa, OK
- International Association of Assessing Officers
- State of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University, Center for Local Government Technology
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State and Local Experts
Team Members,
Cost Containment Advisors
The laws and regulations of the multitude of jurisdictions that levy property taxes are complex and in flux constantly. Cost Containment Advisors has established relationships with preeminent local experts in virtually all significant tax districts, and accesses these resources rigorously.
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Analytical and Market Data Resources
Team Members,
Cost Containment Advisors
Cost Containment Advisors conducts extensive market data mining to discern the accurate value of clients' assessed property. In order to analyze such market data it accesses extensive high-level analytical resources that undertake wide-ranging iterations in order to support valuations.
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