Andrea Gronenthal and John Easterday add strength to Chicago leadership

CHICAGO – November 8, 2007 – True Partners Consulting LLC today announced that Andrea Gronenthal and John Easterday have been named managing directors in the Chicago office.

“As the largest office of our rapidly growing network, it is imperative that we actively recruit and retain the best tax and business consultants in Chicago,” said Cary McMillan, chief executive officer of True Partners. “We are pleased to continue that tradition with Andrea joining the firm and John’s promotion, and look forward to the expertise they bring and growth opportunities they will help generate in their new roles.”

Gronenthal has been advising corporate clients on federal and state taxation for 17 years with a focus on effective tax risk management and process improvement. She has experience in several industries including manufacturing, financial services, technology, distribution, construction, energy, transportation and real estate.

“It’s an honor to be joining the Chicago office as a managing director,” said Gronenthal. “I look forward to offering complementary expertise and becoming an integral part of the unique culture and strong leadership team.”

Gronenthal has extensive experience in performing tax risk assessments; process improvements related to all areas of state and local taxation; Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance reviews of corporate tax functions; FAS 109; FIN 48; FAS 5 reviews; tax due diligence and strategic and tactical planning for mergers and acquisitions; federal and state corporate and partnership tax compliance; audit planning and defense; and state nexus reviews for income and franchise, and sales and use taxes.
Prior to joining True Partners Consulting, Gronenthal was the National Practice Director of Tax Risk at Hudson Financial Solutions, and the Assistant Tax Manager of North American Operations for Norsk Hydro. She also held a senior position in the State and Local Tax Practice of Arthur Andersen.

Gronenthal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration for Accounting, a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida. For the American Bar Association, she serves on the following Section of Taxation Committees: State and Local Taxes, Tax Practice Management, and Tax Accounting.  She is a member of the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants, Chicago Tax Club, and the Financial Executives Networking Group. She is also an active member and speaker for a variety of industry related and professional organizations.

Easterday has advised clients for over a decade regarding multi-state tax issues, specifically in connection with complex transactions, mergers and acquisitions and controversies. He has extensive experience in the area of state income and franchise tax and has served numerous mid-sized and Fortune 500 businesses. He also has experience in sales and use, property and unemployment taxes.

“My varied areas of specialization, especially in corporate state income and franchise taxes, have led to numerous beneficial partnerships with a range of clients on behalf of True Partners,” said Easterday. “I’m pleased with the opportunity to further build upon my accomplishments to help support this ever-growing, talented team here in Chicago.”

Prior to joining True Partners Consulting, Easterday was a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ State and Local Tax practice in Chicago and Indianapolis, and he worked in the State and Local Taxes practice of Arthur Andersen in Chicago.

Easterday received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from DePaul University. A Certified Public Accountant, he is licensed in Illinois and Indiana.

About True Partners Consulting LLC
True Partners Consulting is a world-class tax and business advisory firm that helps large public and private enterprises navigate complex financial regulations without the Sarbanes-Oxley-created conflicts inherent in offering both consulting and audit services. The firm provides a broad range of services, including analysis and counsel concerning the tax impact of business issues such as organic or acquisition-driven growth, filing practices, business restructuring or bankruptcy. The firm also conducts refund reviews, analyzes clients’ tax exposure and prepares responses to audit inquiries, in addition to helping clients address compliance issues.

The firm has offices in Chicago; New York; Los Angeles; San Jose, Calif.; Tampa Bay, Fla.; Washington D.C.; and Boston. Find additional information at www.TPCtax.com.