C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” With that thought in mind, with mixed emotions we announce that three of our directors are retiring on June 30. We appreciate them for their considerable contributions to our firm’s success!
Chris Anderson, Director of Business Consulting Services, has worked in public accounting for more than 40 years. Chris’ practice included focus primarily on consulting, litigation support, and tax controversy matters and tax issues related to litigation support, business valuation, and forensic accounting. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Political Science degree from William Jewell College in 1975, followed by a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky in 1979.
Once he retires, the first thing Chris will do is take a long vacation and spend more time with family. He will miss the people here at Dean Dorton, and plans to stay in touch with the friends he has made over the years.
Paula Hanson, Director of Tax Services, has more than 35 years of service with Dean Dorton after starting her career with Ernst & Young and working in private industry at Gray Construction for three years. Paula’s services to clients focused on tax planning and compliance. She also spent much of her time focusing on providing estate planning and financial and tax planning services for individuals and their businesses. Additionally, Paula worked with many financial institutions, providing fiduciary tax compliance and consulting services.
Paula’s name is recognizable among many for her leadership in both professional and community organizations, including serving as a council member and past board member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as a past president of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. In 2016, Paula was honored with the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award from Women Leading Kentucky. Paula earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree from the University of Kentucky in 1980.
Paula most looks forward to more family time, travels, and golf. The first thing she’ll do when she retires is spend some quality time at her family cottage on Lake Huron in Ontario. After that, she has slated plenty of time for her two grandchildren.
What will Paula miss most about Dean Dorton? “I’ll miss all the wonderful people I have worked with over the years. They have been more than just colleagues; they have been dear friends. I also loved my involvement with recruiting to help have a hand in the folks that make up the firm. And last but not least, I have loved the clients I worked with over the years. For that I am truly grateful.”
Gwen Tilton, Director of Tax Services, has worked more than 35 years in public accounting, including time spent at a national accounting firm. Gwen played an integral leadership role in Cotton + Allen and chaired the tax department during her career. Gwen oversaw Cotton + Allen and Dean Dorton combining as one firm in 2011. Gwen has provided countless tax compliance and planning strategies to her clients in a variety of industries throughout the years. Aside from tax services, Gwen provided expert witness testimony for cases throughout Jefferson Circuit and Family Courts, Federal Bankruptcy Court, and regionally.
Gwen has been an active member of the Louisville community throughout her career as well. She is a past council member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as past president and board member of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. Locally Gwen is greatly involved with the Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Gwen graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky in 1979.
Gwen most looks forward to traveling more in retirement. The first thing she’ll do when she retires is toss her business suits and shop for shorts and sundresses!