Chris Kovalcik

About Chris Kovalcik

Dynamic executive leader in tax planning and management with a proven track record in optimizing financial outcomes through strategic tax and property management initiatives. As a practice leader at Ryan LLC, I bring expertise in state and local tax (SALT) compliance and incentives, helping clients unlock value through innovative tax strategies. With a history of successful collaborations with top firms, I’m focused on enhancing competitive market offerings and maximizing the impact of federal, state, and local tax incentives for diverse industries.Adept at engaging with stakeholders and managing high-performing teams, I advise companies on site selection, property tax planning, and business incentives to drive growth and operational efficiency. Known for securing significant client benefits and shaping best practices within the tax industry, I strive to deliver transformative results in every engagement.Key Accomplishments:• Secured $9M+ in client benefits, including $6M for warehousing and $3M for manufacturing, through strategic relationships with economic development officials.• Managed property tax engagements with annual fees exceeding $3.6M, enhancing gross margin by over 30% through optimized service delivery and quality assurance.• Led successful contract negotiations, securing a $1.5M annual deal with a top 5 global car manufacturer.Core Competencies Include:• Compliance Analysis & Pricing Model Creation• Tax Policy, Management & Oversight• Process Development & Integration• Client Relationship Management• Project Planning & Management• Employee Leadership & Training• Cost & Budget Management• Risk Mitigation Strategies• Business Transformation• Complex Negotiations

Experience

1. Director Site Selection and Business Incentives (2021-present)

   Ryan

   Jan 2021 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   Serve in executive role in site selection and business incentives practice advising companies on optimizing physical location decisions with an emphasis on labor decisions, transportation infrastructure, tax planning, and other key location criteria. Work with companies to identify and secure incentives and grants offered at federal, state, and local levels.Drove $9M+ in client benefits from federal and multi-state grants for broadband and fuel; enterprise zones; abatements; and tax credits for clients in distribution, transportation, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and others. Spearheaded monthly meetings and developed collateral to promote local office efforts to identify and pursue small businesses to secure engagements for employee retention tax credits (ERTC).Added value to practice team to develop curriculum to prepare senior consultants to progress into higher-level roles.

Education

• University of Louisville

  BS and Business Administration in Accounting

• Indiana University Southeast

  MBA