Highland Advisors Group, LLC

John Shepardson founded Highland Advisors Group to provide advisory services for technically complex engagements 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. 

Throughout his career, John has advised Fortune 500 companies, closely held businesses, commercial real estate investors, and financial institutions on technically demanding tax and financial matters where analytical rigor and sound judgment drive better outcomes.   

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

For banks, John’s experience includes developing and implementing 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 Four" 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