Commissioner's Tax Advisory Council

Advisory Council

The first-ever Indiana Department of Revenue Commissioner’s Tax Advisory Council was established in December 2017.

What is the purpose of the Commissioner’s Tax Advisory Council?

The council serves a critical role in connecting the Department of Revenue to business leaders, tax experts and interested Hoosiers who care deeply about good government.

Appointed members help shape the future of tax administration by providing input regarding agency operations, policies and legislative proposals. Overall, the council will improve transparency, accountability and further Governor Holcomb’s charge of delivering great government service at a great value to Hoosiers.

Who are the members of the council?

	Lauren Hagwood brings more than 20 years of experience in the tax preparation and software development industries. As a Senior Manager of Tax Regulatory Affairs with Intuit, she focuses on ensuring the relationships between state taxing authorities and Intuit are collaborative, productive and beneficial for taxpayers throughout the country. Previously, as a Senior Business Analyst, she managed software updates and the acceptance testing process for consumer and professional products as Modernized E-file was developed and successfully implemented. Lauren also serves as Treasurer of the National Association of Computerized Tax Processors and is a member of the Government Liaison Committee. Lauren is an IRS Enrolled Agent and is Co-Chairs the Intuit’s Women Network. She resides in San Diego, California.
	Monty Korte is an Indianapolis based partner with Ernst & Young, LLP (EY). He has over 23 years of experience serving the public, private and family-owned businesses in a variety of industries throughout Indiana. In addition to leading tax services for EY in Indiana, Monty is the Ohio Valley Middle Market Leader and leads the Indiana EY Entrepreneur of the Year program. Monty is a graduate of Purdue University and served in the US Army.
	Donna Niesen is a partner in Katz, Sapper & Miller’s State and Local Tax Group. She has been with the firm since 2005. Donna provides a wide variety of multistate income and sales tax consulting services including audit defense and settlement negotiation, coordinating multistate tax research, and assisting with complex multistate tax compliance. Before joining the firm, Donna spent eight years specializing in state and local tax consulting with two Big Four firms, focusing on multistate income and sales tax issues. Donna’s experience with state and local taxes in all 50 states enables her to effectively serve the firm’s multistate clients in all domestic jurisdictions. Donna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Marian University.
	David Ober joined the Indiana Chamber's advocacy team as the Vice President of Taxation and Public Finance in June 2022. Prior, he spent more than four years as a commissioner with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and six years serving House District 82 in the Indiana House of Representatives. David held a variety of leadership positions throughout his career in state government, including serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, assistant majority whip for the House Republican Caucus and chairman of the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications. David holds a master’s degree in business administration from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond.
	Jon Pryweller, a practitioner for over 30 years, is an Enrolled Agent and Managing Partner at Whitewater Group. The Indianapolis-based boutique firm works with small and medium size businesses in all phases of accounting, tax, payroll, compliance matters and high net worth individuals in 19 states. Previously, he was with a Big 8 firm in assurance and tax compliance. Jon specializes in taxpayer representation on both the Federal and State level, representing dozens of clients annually in audit and collection matters. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Society of Enrolled Agents and chairs the Finance & Budget Committee for the National Association of Enrolled Agents. He earned his Bachelor and Masters in Business degrees from Indiana University.
	Kyle Simmerman is the State Tax Partner at BGBC Partners, LLP, an Indianapolis-based CPA and Advisory Firm with global capabilities and reach. Being a native of Indianapolis, Kyle earned a degree from both Butler University and Vincennes University. In addition to professional achievements, Kyle is actively engaged in the community and is a proud member of SKL Class XXXV, as well as Past President of Indy Reads and the National Junior Tennis League.
	Ben Smith specializes in providing information technology consulting, corporate tax and higher income individual tax planning and compliance. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, he is also recognized as a Chartered Global Management Accountant by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Ben, a native of Kendallville, joined Estep-Doctor & Company in 1989 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Manchester College. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Estep-Doctor & Company.
	Karen Ward joined the Indiana Legal Services, Inc. as an attorney in 2014. She earned a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2009. Since graduation, she has dedicated her career to nonprofit work. In 2017, she joined the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic of Indiana Legal Services in Bloomington, Indiana, representing low-income taxpayers in various tax controversies. Indiana Legal Services, Inc. promoted her to Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic in 2019.