Tax Reform: The Insiders’ View

About the Speakers
Russ Sullivan chairs the firm’s national tax policy group and provides unparalleled insight into the legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities related to tax policy. Russ is a Capitol Hill veteran who spent 14 years with the United States Senate Committee on Finance, including nine as staff director. He leverages his vast network and industry expertise to devise and execute complex strategies for both nonprofit and for-profit clients on a broad range of issues, including health care, pension planning, trade, economic development, and tax policy.

As Senate Finance Committee staff director, Russ worked across the aisle to advise committee chairs from both political parties, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT). During his time there, Russ saw some of the most important issues within the business community come before the committee, and he played an integral role in drafting such sweeping legislation, such as the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2004, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and the Affordable Care Act of 2009. His firsthand contributions to these pieces of legislation allow him to provide contextual insight into current tax and health care policy debates. Prior to his time as staff director, Russ served as chief tax counsel on the Senate Finance Committee and as legislative director for Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL). During his career in Capitol Hill, Russ developed an extensive network, managing more than 600 staff members and policy professionals, many of whom currently serve in senior government positions.

This experience has driven successful outcomes for Russ’ clients. He recently shepherded a grandfather provision into tax legislation to save a multi-billion dollar transaction, and helped lead an effort to prevent tax increases proposed during tax reform from becoming law.

Russ is passionate about fostering at-risk youth, serving as the legal or designated guardian for 22 teenagers over the past two decades. He has continually fought for an increase in the adoption tax credit.

Harold Hancock combines bipartisan experience and a diverse set of skills in advising clients on federal tax policies. He is highly adept at identifying business deductions and credits for his clients, and assists partnerships, corporations, and tax accounting and tax-exempt organizations.

Harold brings more than six years of experience serving as tax counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee. He served under three Ways and Means Committee chairs, including incumbent Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-R). He had a hand in crafting key provisions in major tax-related legislation, such as the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. He also was involved in all drafting and strategizing for the Tax Reform Act of 2014.

Harold’s expertise has also been a vital resource for clients navigating the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He has advised clients on the law, both while it developed through Congress and on an ongoing basis as the Treasury Department drafts guidance on issues, such as taxation of pass-through businesses, new net interest limitation, and new international provisions.

Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, Harold was an analyst for the tax and business law consulting firm CCH.

Chicago Chapter Planned Giving Committee
Co-Chairs: Kenneth M. Bloom and Lindsey Paige Markus
Alan S. Alport, Brian Carter, Avi Davidoff, Charles E. Dobrusin, Galia Felemovicius, Steven A. Felsenthal, Mark Gaines, David A. Handler, Frank Hirsch, Gary E. Hirschberg, Andrew S. Jacobs, Martin J. Kanter, Kenneth F. Lorch, Judith H. Meguire, Michael Patterson, Marc Pershan, Michael S. Pinsky, Julie S. Pleshivoy, David M. Rappaport, Lawrence I. Richman, Robert A. Romanoff, Joel S. Rothman, Edwin B. Ruthman, Joel W. Schwartz, Michael R. Shelist, Stacy E. Singer, Richard A. Sugar, Fredrick B. Weber, Mark R. Winick

American Technion Society – Chicago
President: Michael Pierce
Chairman: David M. Rappaport
Senior Director of Development: Joy P. Leff