Highland Advisors Group, LLC

John Shepardson founded Highland Advisors Group to provide advisory services for technically complex matters where specialized expertise creates measurable value. 

John is a former Executive Director with Ernst & Young and also served as the Chief Operating Officer of a $3.8 billion commercially focused community bank.

John’s background uniquely positions him to create value for business owners, real estate investors, and the banks that lend to them. 

For business owners and real estate investors, John draws from a long career in “Big 4” accounting firms advising clients on strategies to reduce tax liabilities, increase cash flow, and improve financial performance. 

For banks, John’s experience includes development and implementation of strategies to manage commercial real estate portfolio risk, and optimize the capital efficiency of corporate real estate assets.  

John’s qualifications include:

Experience:

• Former Executive Director - Ernst & Young (Tax)
• Former Chief Operating Officer - First Bank (Nasdaq: FRBA)
• 20+ Years of combined experience in "Big 4" accounting firms & community banking

Education:

• B.S.E. Civil Engineering - University of Michigan 
• M.B.A. - Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
• Diploma in Banking - ABA Stonier Banking School 
• Certificate in Leadership - University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business)

Certification:

• IRS Enrolled Agent, #88510 
• Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner
• Licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers