Why We Love MASSIE

Our Company Story
After 20 years working with Big 4 CPA firms and national law firms, Jason Massie formed an independent R&D Tax Credit firm in 2004 - MASSIE Law Firm LLC, specializing in the finer points of R&D Tax Credits and assisting companies with R&D controversy issues. In 2014, Jason joined forces with Peter Green, a tax credit expert in the area of activity-based credits, to bring a new approach to R&D Tax Credits and form MASSIE R&D Tax Credits.
Today, MASSIE are industry leaders in Best Practices for the R&D Tax Credit, providing Innovative solutions for companies throughout the United States. Our Quarterly R&D Best Practice Roundtable brings together over 200 tax directors from top companies to form an R&D Tax Credit community that share knowledge and best practices of this tax credit.
In 2019 MASSIE was named as one of Americas Fastest growing private companies by Inc Magazine.
In 2020 MASSIE was named as one of Financial Times top 500 fastest growing companies in the Americas.
Meet Our Team
JasonMassie
Founder and President



JasonMassie
Founder and President
As Founder and President of MASSIE R&D Tax Credits, Jason is responsible for the quality, consistency and integrity of our tax credit service offerings. He heads the Delivery Team at MASSIE and leads all Architecture and Controversy Phases for clients across the United States. He received a B.S. in Accounting from Christian Brothers University and a law degree from the University of Memphis. He was first introduced to R&D Tax Credits during his time at a Big 6 accounting firm in Washington, D.C. Over the next few years, he led Big 4 and law firm practices in managing many types of federal and state tax planning, credits, incentives and other cash flow strategies. He is widely recognized as an expert by his peers in the R&D Tax Credit and R&D Expenditure areas, with frequent speaking and writing engagements.
In Jason’s free time, he transforms from a Founder and President to an endurance enthusiast. He has competed in over 40 marathons and eight Ironman Triathlons. His favorite races include the Honolulu, Boston, Chicago and NYC Marathons and Ironman Wisconsin and Chattanooga.
"I've embraced the endurance lifestyle for over 25 years now, and I really enjoy being fit. The exercise time is a great stress reliever and is when I think, pray and solve problems."
PeterGreen
CEO



PeterGreen
CEO
Responsible for the company’s vision, growth objectives, and client experience initiatives, Peter brings impressive experience to MASSIE. His career in the tax credit industry began in 2001. In 2007, he became President of WALLACE. Implementation of his own improvement initiatives and ideas grew the company at a rapid rate over several years until it was noticed and acquired by ADP in 2011. Peter’s expertise and detailed understanding of the tax credit industry is acknowledged by his service as a former member of specialty taxation committees for both the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Development Association. He is also a frequent speaker on tax credit policy and best practices nationwide.
Born, raised, and educated in Dublin, Ireland, Peter has been a Georgia resident since 1993. Despite his Irish upbringing, he can cook an incredible southern BBQ. Peter also enjoys playing his guitar and singing. When he’s not BBQ’ing or performing, you can find him on the golf course!
KimberlyChappell
Director of People Operations



KimberlyChappell
Director of People Operations
Kimberly’s primary responsibility is building and maintaining relationships with personnel and key clients. She updates the CEO daily on internal operations and ensures awareness of HR and financial changes within the organization. She received a B.A. at the University of Mobile and grew her career in the music and media industry. For 10 years, Kimberly was on the executive team at Integrity Media as an Executive Assistant to the President. Her experience plays a vital role in managing and maintaining client and internal teams.
In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, which just happens to include chickens, dogs, a rabbit, and a cat. When she’s not busy using her creative talents for repurposing and distressing furniture, she sings in a worship band.
Sara BethWatson
Director of Operations



Sara BethWatson
Director of Operations
In the role of Director of Tax Credits, Sara Beth is responsible for engagements from start to finish. She takes a hands-on approach to manage each engagement through every step, ensuring the efficiency and quality that MASSIE clients have come to expect. After receiving a B.B.A. at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, she continued her education with a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Florida. Her career began at Grant Thornton, where she spent ten years in public accounting. The majority of her work has been in R&D Tax Credits while gaining valuable experience with Section 199 - Domestic Production Activities Deductions and other credits and incentives.
Sara Beth loves practicing yoga, playing tennis, vegetable gardening, and chasing after her kids.
IlonaLyubashevsky
Director of Marketing & Sales



IlonaLyubashevsky
Director of Marketing & Sales
Ilona is a dedicated marketer who constantly brings new ideas to the table. As the Director of Marketing & Sales, she is responsible for the planning, strategy, and execution of marketing and sales initiatives for MASSIE. Graduated from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business with a BBA in Marketing Management.
Ilona has been introducing new technology and systems into the marketing space throughout her 15-year career. She has been the driving force in social media, event management, content and website development in Accounting and Not-for-profit industries. She brings her data analysis, lead generation, and UX everywhere she goes.
During her off time, she loves to travel, read the latest Grisham novel, try the newest restaurants, go to the park with her family, and ever since moving to Florida – attempt to make it to the beach.
ColetteGagnet
Director of Tax Credits



ColetteGagnet
Director of Tax Credits
As a Director of Tax Credits, Colette manages projects from the initial planning stages through the final report delivery. To ensure efficiency and quality, she takes a personalized approach to manage each aspect of the engagement. After receiving a B.S. in Accounting at Louisiana State University, she continued her education with a Masters of Tax Accounting from the University of Alabama. Her career began at Grant Thornton, where she split her time between R&D Tax Credits, Accounting Methods, and Mergers and Acquisitions. After nine years in public accounting, Colette moved in-house with Cognizant Technology Solutions where she managed internal efforts related to the company’s US and UK R&D Tax Credits, in addition to their global acquisition efforts.
Being based in Denver caters to Colette’s love of the great outdoors. When not exploring the mountains, Colette can be found running after her two kids and fur child, volunteering in the community and cheering on her Tigers.
ElaineGuan
Director of Tax Credits



ElaineGuan
Director of Tax Credits
As a Director of Tax Credits, Elaine oversees engagements from the architectural phase of a project to the final report delivery. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. She has spent more than 25 years focused on Finance and Accounting in the high-tech industry. Her early career years were in progressive Finance Controllership roles while living in Canada. In early 2000, she relocated to the United States and joined a high-tech start-up company where she had her first introduction to the world of R&D finance. Since then, Elaine has held senior finance roles for large corporations including Siemens, Nokia Siemens Networks, and ARRIS Group.
Elaine has a case of wanderlust and enjoys traveling around the world, immersing herself in different cultures and food. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family when she’s not off on an adventure!
PaigeRiordon
Director of Tax Credits



PaigeRiordon
Director of Tax Credits
As Director of Tax Credits, Paige uses her 15 plus years of research tax credit experience to collaboratively develop a research credit process that is customized for each company. Paige’s hands-on approach to managing each engagement allows clients visibility from the architecture phase through the delivery of the final report. After graduating from East Carolina University with her Masters of Accountancy, Paige joined EY. During her years of client service at EY, Paige helped clients with US federal income tax planning engagements, particularly around the research credit, tax accounting methods, capitalization, inventory, and transaction costs
Paige loves the outdoors, whether at the beach, snow skiing, or watching her three boys play soccer and lacrosse.
TanjaKurtz
Director of Tax Incentives



TanjaKurtz
Director of Tax Incentives
In her role as Director of Tax Incentives, Tanja is responsible for all aspects of MASSIE's state incentive engagements and applies her expertise in the area of R&D tax credits. She received a B.B.A. from Georgia State University where she graduated Cum Laude. Tanja spent more than 8 years at ADP, most recently as Tax Manager, where she worked with clients from a wide range of industries. She oversaw the credit calculation process and focused on credit maximization for large, strategic clients specifically in the Southeast. Tanja has a wide knowledge of complex tax situations that can impact credits (M&A) and is considered a Subject Matter Expert for credits in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With experience on more than 500 SE credit projects, Tanja has successfully secured over $130 million in credits for her clients.
Tanja moved to the US from Bosnia when she was 12 years old and loves living in Georgia. She remains very close to her extended family, which includes 25 first cousins, even though most live overseas. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog and supporting her daughter in cheerleading and piano.
MikeGuisinger
Director of Tax Credits



MikeGuisinger
Director of Tax Credits
With over 15 years of research credit experience, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to each engagement. As Director of Tax Credits, he is responsible for managing all facets of each project from the preliminary architecture phase through delivery of the final report. Having spent 13 years in public accounting and another 2 years managing the incentives projects at a Fortune 50 organization, Mike leverages his unique perspective of being on both sides of the table to ensure an efficient and positive experience for each client. Mike also has significant experience in the areas of Accounting Methods, Cost Segregation, Energy & Utility Credits, and negotiated incentives during the site selection process.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. You can often find them boating and kayaking, traveling to the beach, and playing sports.
JackieJansen
DIRECTOR OF QUALITATIVE CONTENT



JackieJansen
DIRECTOR OF QUALITATIVE CONTENT
Jackie is passionate about providing great customer service and exacting attention to detail. As our Director of Qualitative Content, she artfully blends the two to capture meaningful project details from our Innovation Questionnaires and develop comprehensive narratives of client's qualifying technical activities. Jackie graduated with a B.A. in English from DePaul University and earned an M.B.A. from Lake Forest Graduate School of Business. Her career began in the healthcare industry at Baxter Healthcare where she worked in technical product support and corporate marketing roles. She then joined Discover Card where she spent eight years in marketing and new business development. After taking some time to be a full-time mom to her two daughters, Jackie joined MASSIE as a Project Analyst.
A yogi in her spare time, she is active in her daughters’ schools and PTA activities during the weekday and enjoys weekends with friends exploring Hill Country wineries.
JohnHoang
Tax Technology Manager



JohnHoang
Tax Technology Manager
As a Tax Technology Manager, John specializes in R&D tax credits across several industries, including manufacturing, software, food and beverage, and life sciences. His experience includes assisting both public and private companies in maximizing the federal and state R&D credit calculations, qualified research activities, and cost analysis. After receiving a B.B.A. in Accounting at Georgia State University, he continued his education with a Masters of Taxation degree. He began his career at PwC and subsequently at EY specializing in R&D tax credits, fixed assets, and accounting methods studies for public and private companies in various industries.
Originally from Vietnam, John moved to the U.S. with his family when he was eight years old and has been living in the suburbs of Atlanta for over twenty years. In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing board games, volleyball, and tennis.
LaurenPearlman
Project Analyst



LaurenPearlman
Project Analyst
As a Project Analyst, Lauren specializes in R&D tax credits across several industries, including mining and metals, manufacturing, food and beverage, and software. After receiving a B.S. in Accounting at Florida State University, she continued her education at Florida State to receive a Master of Accounting. Lauren began her career at EY, where she spent over four years in public accounting. While at EY, she worked in their Central region Tax practice specializing in various federal tax planning strategies, including accounting methods and R&D tax credits.
Originally from New Jersey, Lauren now resides in Miami, FL. In her free time, Lauren loves to spend time with family and friends, play board games, venture out to new restaurants, and bake desserts. If she is testing out a new dessert recipe, there is a strong possibility that chocolate is involved.
MattCochran
Director of Tax Credits



MattCochran
Director of Tax Credits
As a Director of R&D Tax Credits, Matt oversees engagements from the preliminary architectural phase of a project to the final report delivery. He has over 12 years of research credit experience with companies ranging in size from $2 million to $20 billion, and his meticulous planning, communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills enable him to build trusting relationships. From manufacturing and software to apparel design and aerospace, Matt has never met a project too complex.
In his free time, Matt enjoys anything outdoors, but especially hiking, skiing, kayaking, and golfing.
JoannaBarnes
Manager of Tax Incentives

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JoannaBarnes
Manager of Tax Incentives
In her role as Manager of Tax Incentives, Joanna brings a keen attention to detail and skilled financial analysis to each client engagement. Joanna spent 10 years at ADP, most recently as a Tax Manager where her strength in building strong client relationships was key to the successful management of federal and state credits for 30+ clients in varied industries. Joanna is known for her strong client review skills and ability to proactively communicate throughout each engagement.
Joanna moved to the US after graduating from the University of Gdansk in Poland. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, capturing photographs of beautiful Florida sunsets, reading, and doing arts and crafts.
KellyMcKinsey
R&D Technical Writer



KellyMcKinsey
R&D Technical Writer
As an R&D Technical Writer with MASSIE, Kelly creates compelling narratives about our clients’ innovative work while providing exceptional customer service. After receiving a B.A. in English from Colorado State University – Pueblo, she continued her education with an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Colorado – Denver. Later, to support her career in tax accounting, she earned a B.S. in Accounting from Colorado State University – Global Campus. Kelly has over eight years of corporate tax accounting experience in the food manufacturing and technology industries.
In her spare time, Kelly enjoys exploring the Colorado outdoors, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
KatieAndrulis
R&D Technical Writer

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KatieAndrulis
R&D Technical Writer
As an R&D Technical Writer with MASSIE, Katie creates compelling narratives about our clients’ innovative work while providing exceptional customer service. After receiving a B.S. in Accounting from Wittenberg University, she continued her education at The Ohio State University to receive a Master of Accounting. Katie began her career at EY, where she spent over 3 years in public accounting. While at EY, she worked in their Quantitative Services Tax practice, specializing in various federal tax planning strategies, including accounting methods and R&D tax credits.
Originally from Chicago, Katie now lives in Nashville, TN. Katie enjoys a plethora of hobbies including crafting of any sort, practicing piano and organ, CrossFit, and anything that brings her outdoors. You can typically find Katie exploring local coffee shops and playing board games.
EliseGorrell
Financial Analyst



EliseGorrell
Financial Analyst
As a Financial Analyst, Elise specializes in data gathering, analysis, and analytics to calculate federal and state R&D tax credits. She obtained her accounting degree from Boise State University. Elise began her career working at a Fortune 50 company, where she was a part of a multidisciplinary team of consultants that assisted clients calculate and substantiate an R&D tax credit benefit.
In her free time, you can find Elise white water rafting, catching a weekend flight to explore a new city, and enjoying casual beach living with her Doberman in coastal Georgia.
JoanSinger
Tax Credit Advisor



JoanSinger
Tax Credit Advisor
Joan has worked in the field of tax credits for over 25 years. She specializes in sales and is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace. She works with honesty and dedication to be successful in her position. Developing relationships is the foundation of everything Joan does professionally and personally.
Joan engages tax executives to establish if MASSIE’s methodology to an R&D Tax Credit Study will streamline their internal process so they can refocus their time and money to other core competencies.
- "Statue of Liberty" award for project in assisting New York Telephone Company
- “Teamwork Award” at ADP for exceeding expectations with exceptional service
- President's Club at ADP
Joan’s passion is spending time with her 5-year-old grandson. Her interests and hobbies are cooking and saltwater fishing.
TaylorEiselin
Business Development Manager



TaylorEiselin
Business Development Manager
As a Business Development Manager, Taylor specializes in client relations and expanding our operations across all industries that have an R&D Credit demand. She has experience in public accounting services from taxation, auditing, and specializing in R&D credit analysis. Within this role, she thrives at exercising her passion for people mixed with identifying qualified innovative designs with our subject matter experts.Taylor graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Go Salukis) with a BS in Accounting and now lives in Scottsdale, AZ.
Work-life balance allows Taylor to spend time with her close group of friends, while watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, play in volleyball leagues, golf, and much more. She enjoys music and regularly practices playing the keyboard, and her Fender Sonoran Acoustic guitar. There isn’t a hobby or person that doesn’t interest her.
LinhTong
Project Associate



LinhTong
Project Associate
As a Project Associate, Linh provides support to both the MASSIE project teams as well as internal operations. She began her career in the Finance field as a tax analyst at ADP after graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelors degree in Accounting. She subsequently transitioned into the wholesale payroll operations, supporting both large and small CPA firms.
In her free time, Linh likes to collect board games, play tennis, and explore new restaurants.
AarushiToebben
Project Associate



AarushiToebben
Project Associate
As a Project Associate with MASSIE, Aarushi assists and supports in the coordination, development, and maintenance of the projects to which she is assigned. Although initially Aarushi had planned to pursue a career in medicine, after receiving her B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia, she decided to switch career paths and embrace the world of R&D Tax Credits, because she finds the work to be fascinating and meaningful.
In her personal time, Aarushi has a myriad of interests and hobbies – reading, badminton, skateboarding, guitar, poker, and travelling – but her biggest passion is dancing Argentine tango and competing professionally to make a name for herself in the world of ballroom dancing.
VanessaLim
Project Associate



VanessaLim
Project Associate
As a Project Associate, Vanessa assists the project teams from launch to the final report. She expanded her experience as an accountant in the Real Estate and Medical industries. Vanessa graduated from Seattle University with a major in Business Administration.
When Vanessa is off the clock, she spends time with friends and family, cuddling with her hedgehog, and voice acting. She has also been seen online reviewing beer and restaurants.
KerryGarner
Executive Assistant



KerryGarner
Executive Assistant
As Executive Assistant, Kerry provides administrative support to the entire MASSIE team. Coming from an office specialist background, she continues to help balance the needs of all her co-workers – organizing schedules, unique events, trips, and agendas. She strives daily to contribute to the strategic vision of MASSIE. Graduating from East Carolina University with a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Communication, her career path started in Journalism – reporting and writing for several community newspapers of The News & Observer.
Kerry fell in love with the mantra that “movement is medicine” a few years ago. She is a loyal member of Peloton, taking a cycling or strength (usually both) class every day.
Currently living in Dallas with her husband and children, she is a born and bred North Carolina girl who enjoys watching college basketball - especially March Madness.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Latest Blog Articles & PDFs
View AllFAQ of the Week: What type of costs are included in Section 174 versus Section 41?
Paige Riordon answers: A: The chart below shows some examples of expenditures that may be in...
Read MoreFAQ of the Week: Section 174 Guidance
Q: With limited guidance on Section 174, what's a practical approach to implement the new rules...
Read MoreFAQ of the Week: What Manufacturing Activities Qualify for the R&D Credit?
Elaine Guan answers: A: Generally speaking, qualifying activities for R&D are those that...
Read MoreEvents
View AllThe R&D Tax Credit Best Practice Roundtable
Join an elite group of tax professionals to discuss Best Practices of R&D Tax Credit planning st...
Learn More59th Annual NY Chapter Tax Symposium
We're excited to head out to New York for a great program....
Learn MoreChicago Tax Club - Fall Conference
It's always a great time at the Chicago Tax Club, sponsoring the Fall Conference. Hope to see you th...
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