Michael R. Hackett, CPA

Tax Partner & Practice Leader

As the leader of our tax group, Mike provides tax compliance and consulting services to a wide range of client groups including family-owned businesses, closely held investment partnerships, widely held corporations and private equity structures. He is also one of the firm’s leaders in providing tax services to complex tax structures that require elements of strong technical application as well as practical solutions to help the business and its owners focus on what’s important to them. Overall, Mike strives to ensure that our client’s tax strategy aligns with their ultimate economic and operational goals.

Mike came to the firm in 2014 from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Boston, MA where he was a member of the core tax and international tax groups for five years. Prior to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance and Accounting and a Master’s in Taxation from Bentley University.

Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA).

Mike resides in Williston, Vermont, with his wife Erin, son George and dog Tiger. When he’s not plugged in at work, he’s either chasing his little rascals, on his bicycle, or in the kitchen.

Chelsea  has broad experience working with companies in the real estate industry, including inbound international real estate investment funds, multinational construction companies, and real estate developers. Her experience includes work with pass-through entities, foreign corporations, and owner-operated S corporations. She has provided tax consulting relating to pass-through entity withholding, foreign withholding, percentage of completion method accounting, and IRS examinations.

Prior to joining the firm in 2016, Chelsea spent 13 years in the Federal Tax Real Estate group with KPMG in Atlanta and Boston.

Chelsea is a member of the AICPA and Vermont Society of CPAs, serves as a Board Member of the Burlington Business Association, and is also involved with the Vermont Welcome Wagon Project, helping new Vermonters settle in and feel more at home in the Green Mountain State. She is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Taxation.

Chelsea lives in South Burlington with her husband Chris and two children.

With nearly 20 years of public accounting experience, Kandarp brings a veteran presence to the leadership team at Gallagher, Flynn & Company’s India office.  He is an expert in U.S. taxation, having worked with American clients in industries as varied as real estate, technology, investment partnerships, and shipping.

Kandarp spent more than eight years at Citrin Cooperman India, advancing to the title of Tax Manager before joining GFC at the beginning of 2024.

He received his Master of Business Administration degree from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) with a major in finance. He holds a CPA license from Maine.

Kandarp lives in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India with his wife and daughter. He enjoys reading, traveling, and listening to music in his spare time.

Chris is a senior manager in our tax practice.  He works closely with partnerships, S corporations, corporations and individuals. His clients include entities in various industries including manufacturing, distribution and retail, both in the US and Canada. He has a focus in cooperatives and solar entities.

Chris joined GFC in October 2012 after graduating from the University of Vermont with a Master of Accountancy degree. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He currently resides in Jericho and spends his free time on two wheels.

Alena works with a variety of clients, from  private to investor-owned business, with a concentration in closely held businesses and their owners. Alena’s work with these clients focuses on tax compliance, planning, structuring and consulting, but also encompasses general business advisory, consulting and accounting services.  Alena has extensive experience with financial reporting and financial statement engagements, and therefore has the ability to apply that lens to her work with clients. At the heart of all that she does is her passion for working with businesses to support their current needs and future goals. She forms relationships with, and provides services to, clients in a broad range of industries, including professional services, software development, retail, manufacturing, distribution, and construction.

Alena joined GFC in 2009, after graduating from Northeastern University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with concentrations in Accounting and Finance. While attending Northeastern, Alena worked in the greater Boston Area for firms including RSM US LLP, RINET, and Ernst & Young.

Alena is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA).

She currently resides in Westford, Vermont, with her husband, Josh, and their two children, Nora and Wyatt.

Lisa provides general tax and consulting services to a diverse client base including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Lisa works with clients in various industries, including but not limited to nonprofits, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and retail service. In addition, she has a strong background in accounting and assurance services, with previous experience with audits, employee benefit plans, reviews and compilation engagements which helps inform her current tax services work.

Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Lisa was a Manager at Rotz & Stonesifer, P.C. (now RKL, LLP) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to Rotz & Stonesifer, she was a supervisor at Albright Curmacker Moul & Itell, LLC.

Lisa is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). She holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Frostburg State University.

She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Justin, and son, Greyson.

Angela provides general tax services to a diversified client base, including individuals, corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies, with a focus on multi-state corporations. In addition, Angela works with clients in various industries including manufacturing, technology, distribution and service.

Prior to joining the firm in 2012, Angela was a tax senior at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Boston, Massachusetts. She spent four years at PricewaterhouseCoopers after graduating from Suffolk University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Taxation at Suffolk University in 2010.

Angela is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA). She currently serves on the board of directors of the VTCPA.

Angela currently resides in South Burlington, VT with daughter, Keira.

Sirisha provides general tax services and consulting to a diverse client base with a primary concentration of serving client groups including family-owned businesses, closely held partnerships, S corporations and medium to large C corporations.  In addition, Sirisha has a strong background with high-net-worth individuals providing them with tax planning and consulting services. Sirisha also has strong background in areas of complex corporate tax provisions.

Prior to joining the firm in 2008, Sirisha spent three years in the General Tax Group at KPMG, LLP in Burlington, Vermont. Sirisha has Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Computer Science from India and completed her U.S. accounting studies at the University of Vermont.  She is also  a 2012 graduate of the Champlain College Management Excellence program.

Sirisha is an Enrolled Agent (EA) and member of National Association of Tax Professionals. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA).

 

Steve provides tax services to a diversified client base, including high-net-worth individuals, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies.  Steve works with clients in a  number of industries, including real estate, professional services, manufacturing, and construction.  Additionally, Steve provides tax consulting in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, business formations, estate tax planning, and other complex tax issues.

Prior to joining the firm in 2002, Steve was employed at Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.  Steve graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Steve is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants, and is a member of the Vermont Tax Advisory Board which meets periodically with the Vermont Tax Commissioner.

Phil’s career has been focused on business and personal tax planning and compliance, as well as structuring of transactions and entities.  He works with owner-operated as well as investor-owned businesses and their broader tax planning needs.  His industry focus has been primarily in manufacturing, distribution, solar development, and professional services.  His client service approach is big picture tax structuring for longer term client success and goals.  As a managing partner, Phil is responsible for the operations of the firm and leading on people development initiatives.

Phil earned his Bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. He completed his accounting studies at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Phil has continued learning through continuing education programs at the Harvard Business School, The Center for Creative Leadership, and the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.  Phil’s current learning focus is on organizational health and coaching.

Phil is treasurer and on the board of The Sharon Academy, a private secondary school.  In the past he has served as chair of the board of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, as the treasurer of Delta Dental of Vermont, treasurer for Willing Hands in Norwich, Vermont, and as the chair of the board of the Bethany Birches Children’s Camp in Plymouth, Vermont.

Phil resides in Sharon, Vermont, with his wife and two children.