Chris is a Tax Shareholder with more than 35 years of experience advising closely held businesses, their owners and family enterprises on complex tax matters. He serves as a trusted advisor throughout the business lifecycle, helping clients navigate growth, acquisitions, succession planning and ownership transitions.
Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Chris was an International Tax Partner and Tax Market Leader with a Big Four accounting firm, where he advised public and privately held companies on domestic and international tax planning, mergers and acquisitions, tax accounting and global structuring matters. He also served as co-CEO of Schneider Downs from July 2020 through June 2026.
Today, Chris focuses on helping closely-held and entrepreneurial businesses address complex tax challenges while identifying planning opportunities that enhance enterprise value and support owner objectives. He has extensive experience advising multi-state businesses, organizations evaluating strategic transactions and owners seeking to maximize after-tax wealth creation.
Chris works extensively with founder-led, family-owned and private equity-backed companies across a variety of industries, including professional services, manufacturing, distribution, technology and business services.
Masters – Taxation, College of William & Mary
B.S. – Accounting, West Virginia University
Member—Allegheny Conference Advisory Committee
Member—American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Board Member—St. Joseph’s House
Member—UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees
Co-Chair—2025 Walk for Children’s, UPMC Children’s Hospital
Do you have a hobby/personal passion?
Baseball, Running, American history
What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
Strive to be “the” foremost expert on a topic
Who is your role model?
My Mother
What was your childhood dream?
To play professional baseball
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
Slow down, be in the present
People would be surprised to know that I…
…have run 4 marathons
What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
After 25+ years, I continue to learn something new every day
What was your first job?
Coopers & Lybrand – Honolulu, Hawaii
Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)
Treat everyone like your most important client
When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
Be with my wife and three kids
Do you have advice for young professionals?
Say “yes”
Our Thoughts On
Our Thoughts On
Big Problem: A Limited Employee Benefit Plan.
Big Thinking: Increased Contributions And Employee Retention.
