KELLY NELSON, CPA
Meet the Incoming Chair Becomes Immediate Past Chair 2027-2028 Board service since 2023 Kelly Nelson, CPA, has over 20 years of experience as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals. Kelly's mission is to help families turn complex financial and estate plans into clear, purpose-driven strategies. Think of her as part strategist, part translator, and part family whisperer—especially when it comes to facilitating multigenerational conversations and educating rising generations. Kelly’s superpower? Leading with intention. She brings a family office mindset to every relationship, blending sharp tax and estate planning skills with empathy, clarity, and a good dose of positivity. She believes in unlocking the strengths of every team member, creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to the table. Because when people thrive, plans succeed—and that’s when the real magic happens. If you could instantly master any hobby tomorrow, what would it be and why? If I could instantly master a hobby it would be playing a musical instrument. My oldest son, Biga, plays piano and my youngest son, Landon, plays saxophone. They are amazingly talented and music is the place that brings them so much peace and joy. I wish I had a hobby that would be transformative in that way. What’s one myth about the CPA profession you wish people understood better? People often think the CPA profession is all numbers, but the real heart of our work is about building meaningful relationships. We are the stewards of financial health, but it’s the trust and connection we are building with our teams, clients and communities that make this work so rewarding. A fun photo of my mom's 80th birthday celebration (an "out with the '70s, in with the '80s" theme).
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The Washington CPA Spring 2026
RICHARD BURGER MACKEY, CPA, CIA, CFE, Vice Chair Term: 3 years; becomes Chair 2027-2028 Board service since 2023
Richard Burger, CPA, CIA, CFE, has 22 years of financial, compliance and assurance experience and has demonstrated proficiencies in executing governance, risk, and control design reengineering across a diverse product/service portfolio involving a multitude of business functions. An experienced and trusted advisor, Richard can engage various stakeholders for managing risk governance. Prior to serving as a Senior Investigator at Microsoft, Richard served as a Compliance Program Manager and Audit Manager and previously served the Boeing Company as an Auditor and Senior Analyst. Richard graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting and completed internal audit graduate coursework at Seattle University. A WSCPA member since 2010, Richard is a CPA, an Institute of Internal Auditors Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and an Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). What’s a small thing that always makes your day better? Those first few moments of peace and quiet in the house every morning before the rest of the world wakes up. I like to wake up early and head to the gym every morning, but I always try to take a few minutes of peace and quiet while I sip coffee and think about the day ahead. How do you stay curious and continue learning in your field? I like to stay open to new perspectives. It’s a mindset shift that recognizes no one can be an expert in everything, and even if someone achieves expertise in their field that doesn’t mean they know everything. I’d rather be a learn-it-all than a know-it-all. On a trip to Chicago.
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