The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the addition of 18 new members to the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC), marking another step toward fostering collaboration and improving tax administration. Established in 1953, the IRSAC serves as an organized public forum for meaningful discussions between IRS officials and representatives of the taxpaying public. The council’s mission is to provide constructive feedback, valuable observations, and actionable recommendations that aid the IRS in enhancing its services and addressing challenges in tax administration.
The Role of IRSAC
The IRSAC is a vital bridge between the IRS and various stakeholders, ensuring that the agency’s initiatives are informed by diverse perspectives. Members of the council include professionals from the taxpaying public, tax practitioners, representatives of small and large businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and government entities. This diversity allows the council to address a wide range of issues, including taxpayer rights, compliance, tax policy, and administrative efficiency.
Each year, the council submits a comprehensive report to the IRS, detailing its findings and recommendations. The annual report highlights key areas for improvement and suggests strategies to address emerging challenges in tax administration. The 2025 report is scheduled to be presented at a public meeting in November.
Leadership and Expertise
The 2025 IRSAC Chair is Christine Freeland, a distinguished tax professional with decades of experience. Freeland, the President of Christine Z. Freeland, CPA PC, in Chandler, Arizona, has made significant contributions to the field of tax administration. She has volunteered tax services at local and state levels and has served as the President of the National Society of Accountants (NSA). Additionally, Freeland has been an active participant in the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum, serving as the NSA presenter in 2020 and 2021.
Freeland’s expertise extends to organizing continuing education events for IRS Tax Security Awareness Week and teaching Circular 230 Ethics annually. Her involvement in roundtable discussions further demonstrates her commitment to fostering collaboration between tax professionals and the IRS.
New Appointees to IRSAC
The IRS has appointed 18 highly qualified professionals to serve three-year terms on the council. These new members bring a wealth of experience from various fields, enhancing the council’s ability to address complex issues. The appointees are:
- Grace Allison – Staff Attorney and former Director at New Mexico Legal Aid LITC, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Allison’s legal expertise and work with low-income taxpayer clinics will bring valuable insights to the council.
- Pablo Blank – Director of Immigration Integration at CASA, Inc., Rockville, Maryland. Blank’s experience in immigration and integration initiatives will contribute to discussions on tax issues affecting immigrant communities.
- Selvan Boominathan – VP Global Head of Tax at Hackman Capital Partners, LLP, Washington, DC. Boominathan’s global tax expertise will help address international tax challenges.
- Caroline Bruckner – Senior Professional Lecturer & Managing Director of the Kogod Tax Policy Center, American University, Washington, DC. Bruckner’s academic background will provide a research-driven perspective on tax policy.
- Samuel Cohen – Chief Legal Officer at Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Santa Ynez, California. Cohen’s experience with tribal tax issues will add depth to the council’s deliberations.
- Kendra Cooks – CFO and Treasurer at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana. Cooks’ financial expertise will aid in discussions on nonprofit and higher education tax matters.
- Omeed Firouzi – Practice Professor and Director of the LITC at Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Firouzi’s work with low-income taxpayer clinics will enhance the council’s focus on equity in tax administration.
- David Gannaway – Principal at Bederson, LLP, Accountants & Advisors, Fairfield, New Jersey. Gannaway’s accounting and advisory background will provide practical insights.
- Jared Goldberger – Partner at Mayer Brown, LLP, New York, New York. Goldberger’s expertise in tax law will support discussions on complex regulatory issues.
- David Heywood – Attorney, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Heywood’s legal perspective will help address tax compliance and enforcement matters.
- Manuela Markarian – Senior Tax Advisor at Bank of America, Charlotte, North Carolina. Markarian’s corporate tax experience will be valuable in addressing large business tax concerns.
- Charles Markham – Principal of Markham & Company LLC, Gainesville, Virginia. Markham’s consulting experience will bring a unique viewpoint to the council.
- Mark Matkovich – Attorney, Charleston, West Virginia. Matkovich’s legal expertise will contribute to discussions on state and local tax issues.
- Sarah Narkiewicz – LITC Director at Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri. Narkiewicz’s experience with low-income taxpayer clinics will support equity-focused initiatives.
- Adam Robbins – US Tax Vice President at FanDuel Group, Inc., New York, New York. Robbins’ expertise in the digital economy will address tax issues in emerging industries.
- Tralynna Scott – Chief Economist at Cherokee Nation Businesses, LLC, Catoosa, Oklahoma. Scott’s knowledge of tribal taxation and economics will enhance the council’s scope.
- Kristofer Thiessen – Senior Small Business Partner at Block Advisors, New York, New York. Thiessen’s small business expertise will help address challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
- Rolanda Watson – Owner of Empower 2 Impact (DBA Rolanda’s Tax & Professional Service), Houston, Texas. Watson’s work with individuals and small businesses will provide a grassroots perspective.
The Significance of IRSAC Appointments
The selection of these 18 individuals underscores the IRS’s commitment to ensuring diverse representation in its advisory council. By including professionals from various backgrounds, the IRSAC is well-equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of tax administration. These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to incorporate voices from different sectors, including academia, legal practice, corporate tax, and nonprofit organizations.
Upcoming IRSAC Initiatives
Under the leadership of Christine Freeland, the IRSAC is expected to focus on several key areas in 2025. These include:
- Enhancing taxpayer compliance through education and outreach.
- Addressing tax challenges faced by underserved communities.
- Improving cybersecurity and protecting taxpayer data.
- Streamlining tax processes for small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
- Providing recommendations on emerging issues, such as digital asset taxation and global tax reform.
Public Engagement
The IRSAC’s work is not confined to internal discussions. The council actively engages with the public through its annual report, public meetings, and outreach initiatives. These efforts ensure transparency and foster trust between the IRS and the taxpaying public. The upcoming public meeting in November 2025 will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about the council’s recommendations and the IRS’s response to them.
