Member News

President's Message

 

Dear IPT Members,

I hope your new year is off to a strong start. As you know, 2026 holds special significance for IPT as we mark an important milestone in our organization’s history—50 years dedicated to the education, certification, and ethical guidance of state and local tax professionals. This golden anniversary represents far more than longevity; it reflects five decades of collaboration, shared expertise, and a community built by dedicated members and volunteers. I am so grateful that you are part of this moment in IPT’s history, and I am excited about all we have planned to celebrate this achievement. 

This year’s Annual Conference in Honolulu will be a centerpiece of our 50th anniversary year. Today, January 30, is the final day to receive early registration savings for the Annual Conference. If you have not yet registered, now is the time to do so. I also encourage you to review the newly released destination brochure, which highlights optional activities and post-conference travel so you can make the most of your time in Hawaii outside of conference programming.

Our other educational programming is already well underway. Sales Tax School I and the ABA-IPT Advanced Tax Seminars are quickly approaching and will once again offer the practical, high-quality instruction upon which our members rely. If you are planning to attend Sales Tax School I, remember that early registration and hotel room block savings end on February 2. 

Don't forget that we are still accepting speaker proposals for the Property Tax Symposium and the Credits & Incentives Symposium. Speaker proposals will be accepted through March, and I strongly encourage members to consider sharing their knowledge and experience. Our programs are strengthened by member involvement, and your perspectives are what continue to make IPT’s education so impactful.

Thank you for your continued support of IPT and your commitment to our profession. I look forward to experiencing this memorable and meaningful year together as we celebrate 50 years of IPT.
 
Warm regards,
Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI
IPT President

Related News

Member News

President's Message

 

Dear IPT Members,

I hope your new year is off to a strong start. As you know, 2026 holds special significance for IPT as we mark an important milestone in our organization’s history—50 years dedicated to the education, certification, and ethical guidance of state and local tax professionals. This golden anniversary represents far more than longevity; it reflects five decades of collaboration, shared expertise, and a community built by dedicated members and volunteers. I am so grateful that you are part of this moment in IPT’s history, and I am excited about all we have planned to celebrate this achievement. 

This year’s Annual Conference in Honolulu will be a centerpiece of our 50th anniversary year. Today, January 30, is the final day to receive early registration savings for the Annual Conference. If you have not yet registered, now is the time to do so. I also encourage you to review the newly released destination brochure, which highlights optional activities and post-conference travel so you can make the most of your time in Hawaii outside of conference programming.

Our other educational programming is already well underway. Sales Tax School I and the ABA-IPT Advanced Tax Seminars are quickly approaching and will once again offer the practical, high-quality instruction upon which our members rely. If you are planning to attend Sales Tax School I, remember that early registration and hotel room block savings end on February 2. 

Don't forget that we are still accepting speaker proposals for the Property Tax Symposium and the Credits & Incentives Symposium. Speaker proposals will be accepted through March, and I strongly encourage members to consider sharing their knowledge and experience. Our programs are strengthened by member involvement, and your perspectives are what continue to make IPT’s education so impactful.

Thank you for your continued support of IPT and your commitment to our profession. I look forward to experiencing this memorable and meaningful year together as we celebrate 50 years of IPT.
 
Warm regards,
Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI
IPT President

Related News

Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

02 Feb 2026IPT Member News
IPT Presidents January 2026 Message
I hope your new year is off to a strong start. As you know, 2026 holds special significance for IPT as we mark an important milestone in our organization’s history—50 years dedicated to the education, certification, and ethical guidance of state and
Click for more info...
IPT Member News

IPT’s New CMIs

Congratulations to New CMIs

IPT’s Board of Governors has awarded the CMI–Property Tax designation to the following members for meeting all education, experience, and examination requirements:

• Jonathan Adam Arroyos, CMI – Ryan, LLC
• Camil Asmar, CMI – Ryan, LLC
• Monica Boyles, CMI – KPMG LLP
• Melanie Brennan, CMI – KPMG LLP
• Donavan Catron, CMI – Crowe LLP
• Richard Chandler, CMI – The Walt Disney Company
• Derrick J. Dyslin, CMI – KPMG LLP
• Alaa Elemam, CMI – Amazon.com
• Taylor H. (Haug), CMI – The Irvine Company
• Patrick Lantrip, CMI – ClearEdge Tax Group
• Caleb Smoot, CMI – KPMG LLP


Related News

Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

16 Dec 2025IPT Member News
New CMIs
Congratulations to IPT’s Newest Property Tax CMIs
Click for more info...
IPT Member News

Meet IPTs President

Don Lippert serves as Principal and National Property Tax Leader at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, where he oversees strategy and execution for one of the firm’s most dynamic service lines. With more than three decades of experience, Don brings an enterprise perspective to property tax compliance and advisory, delivering measurable value to clients navigating complex and evolving tax landscapes. He currently leads a high-performing, cross-border team of 70 professionals, aligning tax strategies with broader business objectives.

Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Don held a senior leadership role at General Electric, where he managed the global property tax function for its Energy, Healthcare, Water, and Industrial divisions. His initiatives generated over $105 million in tax savings, underscoring his ability to drive performance through operational innovation and fiscal discipline. Don began his property tax career with a leasing company and quickly elevated his abilities by joining a Big 4 accounting firm, building the foundation for his broad expertise in strategic tax planning and execution.

He advises Fortune 500 clients and emerging enterprises alike across industries including manufacturing, retail, multi-family, senior living, hospitality, healthcare, captive finance, transportation, technology and centrally assessed – railroad, energy, airlines and telecommunication.

Credentials and Affiliations:
• Certified Member (CMI), Institute for Professionals in Taxation
• Licensed Senior Property Tax Consultant, State of Texas
• Member, International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
• Published author and speaker on tax strategy and organizational performance

Don lives in Glenview, IL (suburb of Chicago), with his wife Allie, kids Ava (Senior at SCAD), Sophie (Sophomore at Arizona) and Max (Senior in HS). Outside of work, he enjoys attending sporting events, concerts, travel, and spending time with the family at Disney.

Related News

Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

30 Jun 2025IPT Member News
Meet IPTs President
Don Lippert serves as Principal and National Property Tax Leader at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, where he oversees strategy and execution for one of the firm’s most dynamic service lines
Click for more info...
Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.