Tax Conference Livestream (Both Days)

Dale Kooyenga

Dale Kooyenga is president & CEO of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). He is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently serving as the Battalion Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion. Kooyenga has served in the U.S. Army for over 19 years and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He maintains his CPA license and has over twenty years of experience as a CPA, including 10 years at KPMG and twelve years working as a CFO for start-up, early stage and private equity companies. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly followed by four years of service as a Wisconsin State Senator. He played NCAA Division III basketball at Lakeland University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained an MBA from Marquette University.

Douglas Van Der Aa

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker - especially on the subject of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA Associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years.

Doug has over 25 years of professional experience, including tax practice in CPA firms and the practice of transactional business and real estate law as an attorney. As a CPA, Doug’s practice concentrated on the tax needs of closely held businesses, with their related pass-through entities, complex individual returns, estates and trusts.

Doug taught for 12 years as an Adjunct Instructor and for one year as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, where he taught in both the undergraduate and MST programs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in accounting from Dordt College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Doug is an avid sailor and lives with his wife Mary and three children in Byron Center, Michigan

Douglas Van Der Aa

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker - especially on the subject of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA Associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years.

Doug has over 25 years of professional experience, including tax practice in CPA firms and the practice of transactional business and real estate law as an attorney. As a CPA, Doug’s practice concentrated on the tax needs of closely held businesses, with their related pass-through entities, complex individual returns, estates and trusts.

Doug taught for 12 years as an Adjunct Instructor and for one year as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, where he taught in both the undergraduate and MST programs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in accounting from Dordt College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Doug is an avid sailor and lives with his wife Mary and three children in Byron Center, Michigan

John Sikora

John Sikora is a Shareholder representing clients in tax planning, tax controversies and the buying and selling of businesses and real estate with a particular focus on corporate, partnership and other business matters.

John is an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University Law School, where he has taught the tax practice and procedure and corporate income tax courses. John has also taught the taxation of partnerships and S corporations course to graduate accounting degree candidates at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition he has served as the instructor for numerous continuing education programs, including courses offered by the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA).

John has served as the chair of the Taxation Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association, was the chair of the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Wisconsin Taxation Section, and the editor of the Wisconsin State Bar Tax News.

John Higgins

John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.

Richard Reuter

Rick Reuter is a Principal and Chief Tax Strategist at MLG Capital, where he is responsible for the structuring and administration of MLG Funds and leads the firm’s tax and accounting functions. He is also a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Rick plays a key role in the development and management of MLG Capital’s tax-deferred products, including the MLG Legacy Fund and Managed Accounts.

Prior to joining MLG Capital, Rick worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in Chicago, where he focused primarily on external audits for investment management and manufacturing clients.

Rick received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accountancy from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he was a Top 10 Accounting Graduate.

He is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant and Illinois CPA Excel Award Winner.

John Higgins

John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.

Joseph Rekrut

As an attorney in Reinhart’s Tax Practice, Joseph Rekrut provides counsel to mid-sized businesses, public charities, family foundations and high-net-worth individuals on tax controversy, planning and litigation matters, collaborating with clients to develop tax-efficient strategies that fully align with their goals.

Joe understands that wading through the complexities of the tax code is not for everyone and works to streamline the process whenever possible. His ability to effectively communicate the intricacies of federal and state tax law in a concise manner enables clients to make informed decisions. He takes the time to listen to their vision and asks questions to provide the best possible guidance, always keeping their ultimate goals firmly in mind.

Joe’s natural ability to translate complex matters for a specific audience makes him an engaging speaker, and he regularly presents at conferences and large gatherings of industry experts.

Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, learning about watchmaking and traveling to concerts and sporting events.

Education: University of Illinois College of Law, J.D. Gonzaga University, B.A.

Kyle Chuck

Kyle focuses on the preparation and review of corporate, individual, and partnership tax returns as well as providing tax research and planning. His primary focus includes working with manufacturers and distributors. Kyle is a member of our Wisconsin manufacturing and wholesale distribution niche team. Kyle has more than 18 years of experience.

Technical experience Preparation and review of corporate, individual, and partnership tax returns, including deferred tax calculations and consolidations Tax research and planning Manufacturing Wholesale distribution

Education and professional involvement Bachelor of business administration, accounting and finance, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin Certified Public Accountant American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Allen LaCrosse

Allen has over 18 years of experience providing tax planning, consulting and compliance for individuals and businesses in the manufacturing industry. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to develop tax-efficient strategies, optimize credits and incentives, manage multistate tax obligations and ensure compliance with evolving tax laws.

Technical experience

• Tax planning and compliance for individuals and closely held entities
• Multi-state taxation planning and compliance
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions
• Manufacturing and distribution industry

Education and professional involvement

• Master of public administration in tax from University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee
• Bachelor of business administration in accounting from University of Wisconsin—Whitewater, graduated cum laude
• Certified Public Accountant in the state of Wisconsin

Scott Pooch

Scott Pooch spent 20+ years working with business owners on employee benefits, operational efficiency, and growth — managing 160 retirement plans along the way. He presented at the Ohio Society of CPAs’ Employee Benefit Plan Audit Conference in April 2026. Today he runs 401Grow, a consulting and education practice built on a simple observation: most employers spend real money on benefits programs their employees barely use. His sessions run the same way — hands-on, jargon-free, built for practitioners.

Michael Goller

Michael Goller is a shareholder in Reinhart’s Corporate and Tax Departments, where he served as Tax Department Chair for more than 10 years. He leverages his more than three decades of experience, accounting degree and strong relationships within the IRS and various State Departments of Revenue to be an especially effective lawyer. He assists clients with federal and state tax controversy, tax litigation and tax planning.

Michael’s clients vary from large public corporations to mid-sized, private businesses. He’s a self-described “tax geek who litigates,” pairing his outgoing personality with extensive, detailed knowledge and a dedicated work ethic. He represents clients involved in complex disputes with the IRS, the U.S. Department of Justice and various other authorities and has an impressive track record of favorable settlements.

He is the co-author of Federal Tax Practice and Procedure (CCH). Michael enjoys sharing his expertise through writing and speaking engagements on a variety of tax controversy, litigation and planning topics. He is a longtime faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Lubar School of Business and teaches Tax Practice and Procedure in the Graduate Tax Program.

Outside the office, he enjoys cooking haute cuisine, having taken cooking classes in both Italy and France. In fact, over the years, Michael has raised significant funds for a variety of charities by auctioning his services as a chef. He spends time with his wife and daughter, plays golf and loves to travel.

Kristina Somers

Kristina E. Somers is a shareholder in Reinhart’s Tax, Litigation and Tax-Exempt Organizations practices. She advocates on behalf of clients involved in tax controversy disputes in Wisconsin and other states. Kristina also offers planning strategies to minimize taxes for businesses operating in Wisconsin and those with multi-state operations. Over the course of her career, she has gained significant experience assisting clients in a variety of state and local tax matters including sales and use taxes, income and franchise taxes, property taxes and real estate transfer fees.

In addition to her work on tax issues at the state level, Kristina also handles matters related to federal tax, including Federal Tax Controversy and Litigation and Federal Tax Planning. She also is an experienced litigator.

Kristina primarily serves clients in the following areas:

• State and Local Tax
• Tax Controversy and Litigation
• Tax-Exempt Organizations
• Federal Tax Planning

Nathaniel Weber

Nate Weber is the Director of the Office of Technical Services in the Income, Sales & Excise Tax Division at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Nate and his staff are responsible for implementing legislative changes, drafting changes to administrative rules, updating tax forms, instructions, and publications, and responding to the most difficult tax questions.

Nate has been with the department since 2000. He was a field auditor for the department for over 12 years, auditing both small and large businesses for sales and use tax, and income and franchise tax.

Nate graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is a CPA.

Kathryn Belz

Katie Belz is a Managing Director with more than 13 years of experience providing tax compliance, planning, and advisory services to investment entities, family offices, trusts and high-net-worth individuals. She partners with clients to address complex tax matters and serves as a key relationship leader throughout the client lifecycle.

Katie’s experience includes investment partnerships, venture capital structures, trust and estate tax matters, and family office tax services. She oversees the delivery of tax engagements, collaborates with clients and advisors on strategic tax planning opportunities, and leads teams responsible for executing complex tax compliance projects.

In addition to her client-facing responsibilities, Katie is committed to talent development and firm growth through recruiting, training, mentoring and fostering the professional development of emerging tax professionals.

Bradley Kalscheur

Brad’s practice includes all areas of estate and business succession planning. He serves as a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and companies seeking to cost-effectively structure or transfer businesses. Clients value Brad’s responsiveness, particularly his ability to help them understand complex property and tax law concepts. His background as a certified public accountant (CPA) provides him with a valuable perspective in counseling through financial matters.

Joseph Bukowski

Joseph W. Bukowski is a senior associate in the wealth planning practice at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. He regularly counsels businesses, organizations and individuals on matters involving wills, trusts, estates, powers of attorney and marital property agreements. In addition to matters involving trust and estate administration, Mr. Bukowski also assists clients with tax planning, business succession planning, charitable planning and other related considerations. This includes preparing complex trusts to help clients transfer wealth to future generations and assisting clients with business entity and private foundation creation and maintenance. Mr. Bukowski is a member of the Milwaukee Bar Association, the State Bar of Wisconsin and American Bar Association. He is involved in the community as follows: volunteer attorney with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic; Member of the Executive Committee for the Three Harbors Council of the Boy Scouts of America; Eagle Scout Networking Committee; Member of the Board of Governors for the Saint Thomas More Lawyers Society; Member of the Friends Group and Trust Committee for Life Navigators, Inc.; Member of the Governance Committee for Saint Thomas More High School; and Commissioner on the Police and Fire Commission in Cudahy, Wisconsin.

Jordan Robinson-Delaney

Jordan is an associate at Michael Best, where she specializes in estate planning and wealth transfer strategies. She counsels clients on probate avoidance, complex family dynamics, and strategic wealth preservation, and is experienced drafting estate planning documents, including spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs), irrevocable life insurance trust (ILITs), and intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGTs). Jordan also prepares complex gift, fiduciary income, and estate tax returns, coordinates real property and corporate documents, and administers probate estates.

Mike Santoro

Mike is a State and Local Tax Managing Director with more than 29 years of experience in multistate tax consulting and compliance, specializing in state income and franchise tax consulting, transaction assistance, and compliance for Fortune 1000 and mid size companies. His experience spans a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, consumer and retail, and international businesses, advising clients on complex state tax matters such as multistate apportionment, nexus, conformity to federal tax law changes, inbound structuring, transactional planning, audit defense, compliance and refund reviews, and ongoing tax strategy.
Mike regularly leads sophisticated engagements involving cross border operations, acquisitions, and restructurings, coordinating closely with federal, international, and transfer pricing teams to deliver integrated, defensible tax strategies aligned with clients’ business objectives and financial reporting requirements. Prior to joining BDO, he spent over 26 years in state and local tax roles with Big Four accounting firms. Recognized as a technical authority at his firms, Mike has played a key role in developing and maintaining firmwide SALT technical guidance, including state conformity tools used for provisions, compliance, and advisory services. He served as a final reviewer and trusted advisor on high judgment positions, balancing technical precision with practical risk assessment and materiality considerations. In addition to his client work, Mike is an active relationship manager and business developer, partnering with tax executives and senior leadership to translate complex tax issues into clear, actionable guidance while mentoring teams and supporting the firm’s broader thought leadership efforts.

Douglas Patch

Doug Patch is shareholder in the Milwaukee office of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. and the leader of the firm’s Tax team. He focuses his practice on the tax and corporate law aspects of complex business transactions. Representative matters include private equity financings, acquisitions, tax-free reorganizations of corporations (both publicly and privately held), like-kind exchanges, equity compensation structuring and acquisitive partnership transactions. Mr. Patch is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin law school and received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Marquette University.

Emily Maurice

Emily Maurice is a Director at Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, specializing in state and local taxation. Her experience includes state income and franchise taxes, non-income taxes, and sales and use taxes. She has extensive experience advising clients on the SALT implications of mergers and acquisitions, including both buy-side and sell-side tax due diligence, with a particular focus on identifying and analyzing potential state and local tax exposures and transaction-related considerations.

Elena Curtis

Director - State & Local Tax, Baker Tilly

Justin Vredeveld

Justin Vredeveld is a Business Development Manager at Ontech Systems. He works closely with business owners, CFOs, controllers, tax professionals and IT leaders throughout Wisconsin to understand the technology, compliance, cybersecurity and operational challenges impacting organizations today.

Through ongoing conversations with business leaders and collaboration with Ontech’s security and engineering teams, Justin brings a practical business perspective to discussions around cybersecurity risk, regulatory requirements, AI adoption, disaster recovery and technology strategy. His experience helps connect technical concepts to the real-world concerns and priorities facing firms and their clients.

Keegan Bolstad

Keegan Bolstad is the Vice President of Ontech Systems and has more than 15 years of experience helping organizations navigate technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and business resilience challenges. He oversees Ontech’s Account Management, Technical, Security, and Service teams, providing a broad perspective on both business and technology strategy. Keegan works closely with organizations on cybersecurity risk management, cyber insurance requirements, AI governance, government-regulated industries, disaster recovery planning, tabletop exercises, and business process improvement. His experience across all areas of IT service delivery allows him to help organizations align technology, security, and business objectives to support long-term growth and operational resilience.

Robert Keebler

Robert S. Keebler, CPA/PFS, MST, AEP (Distinguished) is a partner with Keebler & Associates, LLP and is a 2007 recipient of the prestigious Accredited Estate Planners (Distinguished) award from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. He has been named by Forbes as one of the 2024 America’s Top 200 CPAs, by CPA Magazine as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Practitioners in the United States, and one of the Top 40 Tax Advisors to Know During a Recession. His practice includes family wealth transfer and preservation planning, charitable giving, retirement distribution planning, and estate administration. Mr. Keebler frequently represents clients before the National Office of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the private letter ruling process and in estate, gift, and income tax examinations and appeals, and he has received more than 350 favorable private letter rulings including several key rulings of “first impression.” He is the author of over 100 articles and columns and is the editor, author, or co-author of many books and treatises on wealth transfer and taxation. Mr. Keebler has been a speaker at national estate planning and tax seminars for over 30 years including the AICPA’s: Estate Planning, High Income, Advanced Financial Planning Conferences, ABA Conferences, NAPEC Conferences, The Notre Dame Estate Planning Conference, and the Heckerling Estate Planning Institute. He also served as chair of the AICPA’s Advanced Estate Planning Conference from 2014-2020. Mr. Keebler received an award from CPAacademy for Top Presenter 2022. This award honors those who are committed to the education of accounting professionals and shares their knowledge in an open and easily accessible format. He also received an award for Top Tax Educator of the Year for 2021-22 from myCPE for outstanding contributions in the field of tax education and exceptional dedication to the field.