Appointments made to Tax Tribunal

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

Paul V. McCord is appointed and Kimbal R. Smith is reappointed.

The tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for several categories of Michigan taxes. Most of the tribunal's appeals include property taxes, though also hears business and individual tax disputes.

"Kimbal Smith and Paul McCord bring impressive backgrounds to the tribunal.  Their skills will complement the tribunal's goal of providing speedy and fair resolutions to disputes," Snyder said.

McCord, of Grosse Pointe, is a shareholder-attorney with the law firm Strobl & Sharp, PC, of Bloomfield Hills. He is a tax attorney with more than 15 years of experience in managing tax risks and uncertainties involving federal, state and local tax issues. McCord is a member of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of Michigan and is an adjunct professor in the Graduate Tax Program at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He previously served as a lieutenant in the Navy, and served in the Gulf War. McCord earned a bachelor's degree from Marquette University, a law degree from the University of Illinois, and a master of laws degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He represents attorneys and replaces Stuart Trager.

Smith, of Lansing, has served on the Michigan Tax Tribunal since 2008 and was named chairperson in March 2011. He previously served as a deputy state treasurer and as a member of the Michigan Municipal Bond Authority. He was a private practice attorney and also has experience as an adjunct professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Smith studied at Albion College and earned his law degree from the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law). He represents the general public and will continue as chair.

Both McCord and Smith will serve four-year terms expiring June 30, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

#####