Effective January 1, 2024, Wallace Plese + Dreher promoted several employees. Below is an overview of their diverse backgrounds and experience.
Mirza Z. Baig, CPA was promoted from Tax Manager to Senior Tax Manager. He joined the Firm in January 2015, has close to 15 years of combined financial services and certified public accounting experience, and holds a certified public accountant license in Arizona. He speaks Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic. Mirza provides a variety of tax and business consulting services to individuals and Arizona-based private companies, including individual and corporate tax planning, multi-state tax compliance, and Arizona tax credits. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce from Osmania University and Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, from Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business. Mirza enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two young boys.
Kevin L. Decker was promoted from Tax Senior to Tax Supervisor. Kevin joined the Firm in October 2022 and has almost 10 years of combined industry and public accounting experience. Prior to joining the Firm, Kevin held accounting positions in health care and CPA firms in Tucson, Arizona. He provides tax services to individuals and private Arizona companies. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science, Accounting, from Western Michigan University, and Master of Science, Accounting, from Syracuse University. He enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and spending time with wife and teenage son.
Ken Easter, CPA was promoted from Tax Senior to Tax Supervisor. Ken joined the Firm in January 2023 and has close to 10 years of professional accounting experience. He provides tax services to privately-owned companies and works with clients in a variety of industries, including health care and medical, real estate, and wholesale distribution. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Accounting, and Master of Science, Accountancy, from Arizona State University, and holds an Arizona certified public accountant license. Before pursuing an accounting career, he served in the U.S. Navy as a jet engine mechanic stationed in Sicily, Italy, and California. After leaving the U.S. Navy, he worked as a tax accountant and auditor with a national public accounting firm. Ken enjoys spicy food, heavy music, historical texts, and fiction.
Kaitlyn L. Hirakawa was promoted from Tax Senior to Tax Supervisor. Kaitlyn joined the Firm in January 2020 as a Staff Accountant. She provides tax services to individuals and Arizona private businesses. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, from Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business. Kaitlyn successfully passed her CPA exams. In 2024, she plans to take her final courses to meet the educational requirements for her Arizona certified public accountant license. She enjoys knitting and crocheting, watching Suns games with her grandmother, and baking desserts.
Hunter A. Moon was promoted from Staff Accountant to Tax Senior. He joined the Firm in June 2021. He provides tax services to individuals and Arizona companies. Hunter earned his Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, from Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business. Hunter is completing his educational requirements before taking the CPA exams. As an avid football lover, Hunter worked as a football student equipment manager for four years and currently coaches high school football.
Nathan S. Nicholes joined the Firm in June 2023 and was promoted from Staff Accountant to Tax Senior. Prior to joining the Firm, he worked with a professional 
services firm and held positions in private industry. Nathan provides tax services to individuals and companies throughout Arizona. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Accounting, from Brigham Young University, Idaho, and speaks Spanish and Portuguese. He is pursuing an Arizona certified public accountant license. Beyond accounting, he enjoys history, cooking, and spending time with his wife and children.