David Jacobs, CPA - After a brief career in high tech, David joined the firm in 1986. He has been the managing shareholder since 2003. In addition to his extensive tax practice, he regularly consults on complex real estate transactions, estate and trust planning, stock options, and financial management issues for small business.  He is a graduate of USC School of Accounting. David has served on numerous non profit boards over the years and is currently is treasurer of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance and Coastal Community Preschool. He is an avid mountain biker, hiker and backpacker, and enjoys a variety of other sports and leisure activities.

david@chj.com

Charlie Balquist, CPA joined Chiorini, Hunt & Jacobs in 2009.  After spending time in the tax department at Price Waterhouse, Charlie joined a couple of regional CPA firms in the bay area, where he enjoyed a combination of both tax and audit experience.  Over the years, Charlie has worked with both small and mid-size companies with revenues between $5M and $75M.  Charlie obtained his bachelors degree from San Jose State and his Masters degree from Cal State University – Easy Bay.  In his free time, Charlie enjoys golfing, snow skiing, reading fiction, cheering on his beloved 49ers and Giants, and going to the movies.

charlie@chj.com

Anne Lewis, Anne Lewis,* (a Massachusetts CPA), first realized her dream to live near the ocean during a weekend trip to Brittany while living in Paris. After many years of living in big cities Santa Cruz finally presented itself as the ideal place to be.

Most recently Anne lived in London while working in the US tax group at Deloitte where she advised private-equity firms seeking US tax guidance.  She began her accounting career in Boston with Deloitte Tax servicing high-tech and manufacturing corporations after finishing her MBA/Masters in accounting at Northeastern Univesity. Anne currently holds her CPA license with the Massachusetts Board of Accountancy.

In her free time, Anne especially enjoys hikes, books, plants, theater & music, and last but not least travel to all places new & exciting.

anne@chj.com

Steve Ponciroli, CPA, MBA - Steve has been working for the firm for over a year.  He has an incredibly diverse background in both public accounting and industry.  Over the last 25 years he has worked in public accounting, private industry and publicly traded companies in a variety of capacities, including controller, corporate officer, management consultant, partner and, most importantly, CPA.  Steve’s wisdom and experience are invaluable to both clients and co-workers.  He has a BA from San Jose State and an MBA with an emphasis in tax from Golden Gate University.  In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorcycle and is a drummer in a band.

steve@chj.com

Elaina Shanks has served as our office manager for over 10 years and also manages our bookkeeping and payroll services. In addition to her administrative duties, she is the hub of our firm and is an invaluable resource for our clients. Elaina makes sure that our clients receive quick attention and are well cared for. Outside of the office, Elaina is involved in many sports and recreational activities and has deep roots in the Santa Cruz community.

elaina@chj.com

Don Hunt, CPA was managing partner of the firm from 1979 to 2003. He has scaled back his activity with the firm and now consults with clients on a limited basis. He is a graduate of San Jose State and is a former director of the Society of California Accountants. Don has extensive background in tax, estate planning and litigation support. He has various recreational pursuits including spending time with his grandchildren and wine making.

Emeritus - Jack Chiorini, PA began the firm in 1938. He passed away in 1998 at age of 90. Jack was a man of principle and was a beloved figure in the community. He served two terms as mayor of Santa Cruz, was on the founding board of Dominican Hospital and was active in many other community affairs. He retired in 1984 after 46 years of practicing public accounting.