Member News

President's Message

 

Hello IPT! It is my honor and privilege to serve as IPT’s President for the 2025 – 2026 term. I am very grateful for the leadership of Immediate Past President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA, and applaud all IPT’s accomplishments under her leadership. I look forward to working with her, First Vice President Jeff McGhehey, CMI, Second Vice President Jan Nash, CMI, and the entire Board of Governors throughout the coming year.

I must also extend a tremendous thank you to Immediate Past President Fortune and Second Vice President Nash, who served as Overall Chair of the Annual Conference Committee, as well as the entire Annual Conference Committee, for producing an educational and exciting 49th Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale. The sessions were informative and entertaining, the networking opportunities and activities were outstanding, and the location was magnificent. Congratulations to all who gave their time and talent to this wonderful event. A special thank you to all who attended; your participation made this program a success.

In addition to continuing the stellar work established by prior leadership, I have two primary objectives for my term as President, both of which focus on furthering IPT’s sustainability in the years to come. My goal is to develop and implement a program that would make IPT’s educational offerings accessible to tax professionals overseas. Extending IPT’s educational reach would expand our prominence as the premier provider of state and local tax education to a new and entirely diverse audience. Further, it will assist U.S. companies that rely on foreign resources for tax administration by educating these individuals. I am excited to provide more details on this strategy as the year progresses, and I look forward to working with many of you to achieve this goal.

I also envision implementing new resources for CMI and CCIP candidates. As IPT enters its 50th year, it is vital that we maintain and strengthen the professional designation program to ensure lasting success and future growth. As you are aware, these designations carry the weight of knowledge, expertise, and ethical responsibility, and we must ensure that resources are available to candidates as they pursue this esteemed credential. You can expect more details to come as we develop and implement this program.

This is an exciting time for IPT as we draw closer to celebrating 50 years of excellence in state and local tax education. It will be a year of celebration and growth. I anticipate a year of hard work, but tremendous accomplishment, and I am proud to be in it with you.

Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI
IPT President

Related News

Member News

President's Message

 

Hello IPT! It is my honor and privilege to serve as IPT’s President for the 2025 – 2026 term. I am very grateful for the leadership of Immediate Past President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA, and applaud all IPT’s accomplishments under her leadership. I look forward to working with her, First Vice President Jeff McGhehey, CMI, Second Vice President Jan Nash, CMI, and the entire Board of Governors throughout the coming year.

I must also extend a tremendous thank you to Immediate Past President Fortune and Second Vice President Nash, who served as Overall Chair of the Annual Conference Committee, as well as the entire Annual Conference Committee, for producing an educational and exciting 49th Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale. The sessions were informative and entertaining, the networking opportunities and activities were outstanding, and the location was magnificent. Congratulations to all who gave their time and talent to this wonderful event. A special thank you to all who attended; your participation made this program a success.

In addition to continuing the stellar work established by prior leadership, I have two primary objectives for my term as President, both of which focus on furthering IPT’s sustainability in the years to come. My goal is to develop and implement a program that would make IPT’s educational offerings accessible to tax professionals overseas. Extending IPT’s educational reach would expand our prominence as the premier provider of state and local tax education to a new and entirely diverse audience. Further, it will assist U.S. companies that rely on foreign resources for tax administration by educating these individuals. I am excited to provide more details on this strategy as the year progresses, and I look forward to working with many of you to achieve this goal.

I also envision implementing new resources for CMI and CCIP candidates. As IPT enters its 50th year, it is vital that we maintain and strengthen the professional designation program to ensure lasting success and future growth. As you are aware, these designations carry the weight of knowledge, expertise, and ethical responsibility, and we must ensure that resources are available to candidates as they pursue this esteemed credential. You can expect more details to come as we develop and implement this program.

This is an exciting time for IPT as we draw closer to celebrating 50 years of excellence in state and local tax education. It will be a year of celebration and growth. I anticipate a year of hard work, but tremendous accomplishment, and I am proud to be in it with you.

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.

16 Jul 2025IPT Member News
IPT Presidents July 2025 Message
Hello IPT! It is my honor and privilege to serve as IPT’s President for the 2025 – 2026 term. I am very grateful for the leadership of Immediate Past President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA, and applaud all IPT’s accomplishments under her leadership.
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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...

Apply for IPT’s Advanced Property Tax School Scholarships in 2025

The IPT Scholarship Program offers an excellent opportunity for professionals working in state and local property tax to enhance their education and advance their careers. IPT offers two scholarships each year for its Advanced Property Tax Schools – the Real Property Tax School and the Personal Property Tax School.

The Real Property Tax School
October 13 – 17, 2025
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta, Georgia

This is an advanced program designed for professionals with experience in real property tax who seek a deeper understanding of the field's complex concepts and principles. The comprehensive curriculum builds on foundational knowledge, equipping attendees with advanced skills to apply in real-world scenarios. Topics covered at school include a comprehensive study of the property tax valuation process, concentrating on the three approaches to value.

The Personal Property Tax School
October 20 – 24, 2025
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta, Georgia

This school incorporates an advanced learning experience tailored for property tax professionals who already possess a basic grasp of ad valorem principles. The school's comprehensive curriculum demonstrates how proper management of tangible personal property can significantly impact a company’s financial performance. Topics covered at the school include a deep dive into the four cornerstones of personal property tax: classification, valuation of machinery & equipment, compliance, and audits & appeals.

Both schools are ideal for those who want to expand their careers in property taxation and are essential to those who aspire to earn the CMI - Property Tax professional designation.

These scholarships can support your journey toward professional growth and leadership roles within the field of property taxation. Ideal candidates include those who work in corporate property tax departments and other SALT professionals who work on state and local property tax issues on behalf of their employers. For them, having a deep knowledge of property taxation and staying current on regulations and issues is crucial.

Details of the Scholarships

To make these valuable learning opportunities more accessible, you can apply for one of two scholarships that can be used for either the Real Property Tax School or the Personal Property Tax School.

  • Each individual scholarship covers up to $2,500 of eligible travel and lodging expenses.

  • The registration fee for the selected school is waived for the scholarship winner.

  • Scholarship applications must be submitted by July 25, 2025.

  • These scholarships are available only to corporate members of IPT.

  • To take the Advanced Property Tax Schools, applicants must pass the IPT Property Tax School or the Online Property Tax School Competency Exam.

How to Apply for the Scholarships

To apply for the Advanced Property Tax Schools scholarships, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Submit a Letter of Recommendation: A letter from your supervisor is required. The letter should highlight your contributions to your organization, your potential for career growth, and why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship. Be sure to include contact details so your supervisor can verify the recommendation.

  2. Write a Personal Statement: Each applicant must submit a short personal statement that outlines their interest in ad valorem tax and their experience in the field. This statement should reflect your passion for property tax, your career goals, and what you hope to gain from attending your selected Advanced Property Tax School. Be clear and concise and focus on why you are committed to advancing your expertise in property taxation.

  3. Complete the Application Forms: Ensure you fill out the application form thoroughly. Make sure all sections are completed accurately and submitted before the deadline. All applications must be submitted by July 25, 2025.

Brochure

Application Form


Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for crafting a strong scholarship application:

  • Letter of Recommendation:

    • Ask your supervisor to focus on your potential for growth and commitment to property tax.

    • Highlight your professional achievements and how attending the school will benefit both your career and your employer.

  • Personal Statement:

    • Be specific about your career goals and interest in ad valorem tax.

    • Emphasize how attending your selected Advanced Property Tax School aligns with your current role and future aspirations.

    • Please share any previous experiences in property tax that have driven your desire to deepen your expertise.

Additional Information

  • Verify Corporate Membership: If you are applying for the Advanced Property Tax Schools Scholarship, you must confirm your corporate membership with IPT on the scholarship application form.

  • Questions and Support: If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to reach out to at iptinfo@ipt.org.

Take the Next Step

Regardless of which Advanced Property Tax School you’re looking to attend, these scholarships offer tools and resources to help you thrive in the competitive world of property taxation.

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.

18 Mar 2025Property Tax
Advance Your SALT Career: Apply for IPT’s Advanced Property Tax School Scholarships in 2025
The IPT Scholarship Program offers an excellent opportunity for professionals working in state and local property tax to enhance their education and advance their careers. IPT offers two scholarships each year for its Advanced Property Tax Schools –
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.