RSM’s Patti Burquest to assume role of Washington National Tax Leader

Dave Kautter, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington National Tax practice since November 2014, was confirmed earlier today as assistant secretary of the Treasury, tax policy, a key position in the administration. The confirmation follows the President’s May 10 announcement of his intent to nominate Kautter. Patti Burquest, currently principal – tax controversy services, will replace Kautter as Washington National Tax leader with RSM.

“On behalf of our 9,000+ employees across the country, I’d like to thank Dave for his outstanding service to RSM and our middle market clients and to welcome Patti in her new role as Washington National Tax leader with RSM,” said Joe Adams, managing partner and CEO for RSM US LLP. “While we will miss Dave at RSM, we are proud that he was selected for this unique opportunity and that he has chosen to serve his country. With the potential for significant tax reform on the horizon, Dave’s deep knowledge, experience and commitment can benefit our country, its businesses and its citizens for years to come. And we know that RSM’s Washington National Tax team will be in good hands under Patti’s leadership.”

“Dave is incredibly qualified for the position as assistant secretary of the Treasury, tax policy,” said Jeff Johannesen, national tax leader with RSM US LLP. “He knows tax theory and is a very collegial and principled person. I’m confident Dave’s collaborative approach to helping modernize the country’s tax policies will put the country’s and its citizens’ interests first. I feel proud to have someone like Dave serving our country. At the same time, Patti is eminently qualified to serve as leader for RSM’s Washington National Tax team, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to promote her from among the team, as part of our strategy to grow and develop our people. Those who’ve worked with Patti know that she brings significant value to our clients.”

Prior to joining RSM, Kautter served as managing director of the Kogod Tax Center executive-in-residence at Kogod School of Business at American University (AU). Prior to his work at AU, he spent more than 30 years at a Big Four firm, where he served as director of national tax for more than 13 years. He also worked on Capitol Hill as tax legislative counsel. He is a high honors graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and received his J.D. from Georgetown Law Center.

Burquest has more than 25 years of experience managing IRS examination and appeals matters. She is a former national principal-in-charge of the tax controversy practice for a Big Four firm. Previously, she was with the IRS Chief Counsel’s office where she served as a national office attorney and technical advisor to the IRS Chief Counsel and to the Special Counsel (Large Case). Burquest holds a Master of Laws, a Juris Doctor and a B.A. from the University of Florida.

Watch Dave’s brief video about his new role, and to hear what he has enjoyed most about RSM.

About RSM US LLP

RSM US LLP is the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, with 9,000 people in 90 offices nationwide. It is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 41,000 people in over 120 countries. RSM uses its deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of clients to help them succeed. For more information, visit rsmus.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and/or connect with us on LinkedIn.