I am both humbled and excited to assume the role of TEI international president for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Founded in 1944, TEI is the preeminent organization for in-house tax professionals. With its mission of education, advocacy, and networking, TEI has played a vital role in my professional career.
To introduce myself to the broader Institute community, I currently serve as the chief tax officer at First Horizon Bank. I joined TEI in 1999 and later served as president of the Baltimore/Washington Chapter in 2011–2012. I subsequently served as chapter representative for the Baltimore/Washington Chapter and vice president for Region 8 and Region 4. I presently lead the monthly Chief Tax Officer Discussion Series, and I am an active member of the TEI State & Local Tax Committee, having served as the vice chair for the past four years.
I would like to thank Josie Scalia for her leadership during the past year and the many colleagues who have supported me on this journey. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the recent past international presidents who have played an instrumental role in my TEI experience, including Sandhya Edupuganty, Wayne Monfries, Mitch Trager, James Kennedy, Katrina Welch, and Robert Howren.
I look forward to working closely with Executive Director Pilar Mata and the talented TEI staff. I plan to engage all committee chairs to fully support the 6,500-plus TEI members, and I am pleased to announce my Executive Committee for the upcoming year, reflecting representation of all eleven TEI regions.
| 2025–2026 TEI Executive Committee | |
| Marcus S. Shore | Senior Vice President |
| Wayne H. Hamilton | Treasurer |
| Stephen Dunphy | Secretary |
| Sean Welsh | Region 8 Vice President |
| Juan Carlos Rubio | Region 11 Vice President |
| Marji Gordon-Brown | New York Chapter Representative |
| Kristina Capretta | Toronto Chapter Representative |
| Julia Lagun | Dallas Chapter Representative |
| Erica Murray | New England Chapter Representative |
| Rich Pullen | Iowa Chapter Representative |
At the recent Annual Meeting of Members, I was excited to announce the new Institute goals for the upcoming fiscal year. We have engaged McKinley Advisors to conduct a member value survey and needs assessment and to develop a strategic plan. Your participation and feedback in the member survey will be critical to the development of a new strategic plan for TEI.
2025–2026 Institute Goals
The following are my goals for the next year:
- Conduct a member value survey to evaluate member needs, interests, and engagement;
- Develop short- and long-term strategic plans for TEI;
- Review the member dues structure and evaluate the visibility of a corporate pricing option based on survey results; and
- Review TEI’s region and chapter structure to ensure adequate representation for each region and assess opportunities for partnership, consolidation, and support of chapters.
In conclusion, I am very honored to lead TEI during the upcoming year. I would encourage you to increase your participation in TEI this year through our many chapters, regions, and committees. l look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Annual Conference in San Francisco, October 26–29. Thanks in advance for your support, and please reach out to me at any time with your comments and suggestions to help make TEI an even greater organization.
Regards,
Walter B. Doggett III
TEI International President
