Kathy Varner

Specialty: Kathy Varner’s specialties include U.S. tax, cross-border tax, business formation counseling, and practical forward-thinking business and financial consulting. Kathy has extensive experience working with startup companies, multi-national businesses and their owners. She is well-versed in matters related to entity formation, acquisition and disposition transactions. Kathy assists domestic and international companies in determining the most advantageous structures to comply with tax laws, while minimizing liability and increasing profitability.

Smarts:

B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) from Western Washington University in 1987

International Tax Course at Golden Gate University

Voted Oustanding Alumnus for 2012 by Western Washington University's Accounting Department and Beta Alpha Psi

Ties:

BIG Idea Lab The BIG Idea Lab is an early stage business accelerator privately funded by the Bellingham Innovation Group. We are committed to building a community of innovation supportive of new ventures and are focused on fostering lean startups in the technology space.

Technology Alliance Group Technology Alliance Group (TAG) was formed to address the needs of a growing technology industry in Whatcom County. As the industry evolved, membership grew and TAG’s mission to promote, educate, and advocate for Northwest Washington technology businesses positively impacted an increasing number of companies.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants AICPA has 370,000 members in 128 countries who represent many areas of practice including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting; membership is also available to accounting students and CPA candidates. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

Washington State Society of Certified Public Accountants The Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants is the only organization in the State of Washington dedicated to serving the professional needs of CPAs, educating consumers about CPAs and the services they provide, and encouraging students to study accounting and enter the profession.

Whatcom County YMCA Board Member The Whatcom County YMCA helps strengthen the community with programs for the spirit, mind and body. They work with the community to make sure that everyone regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Northwest Economic Council The Northwest Economic Council is focused on promoting collaboration and partnership throughout Whatcom County. The NWEC continually strives to provide high-quality services and expertise which promote economic success and create new jobs in the region.

Random fact: Kathy also owns Reset Games, and has yet to defeat her son on Guitar Hero.