Michael H. Lester, J.D., CPA
Business Management

1990 Westwood Blvd. #200

Los Angeles CA 90025

310-446-0088 (Phone)

310-446-0079 (Fax)

mhl@michael-lester.com (e-mail)

http://www.michael-lester.com (web page)

Accomplishments:

·        Founder of successful business management practice

·        Partner in successful business management CPA firm

·        Board Member and Chief Financial Officer of Singita Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill sanctuary in the Western United States, founded by Sherry Hackett and Buddy Hackett (Pro Bono)

·        Co-founder of successful private elementary school, served as Board Member for three years, and co-chaired the Finance Committee (Pro Bono)

·        Co-founded new-media internet start-up as CFO and General Counsel

·        Offered partnership in the law firm of Gibson & Williams

·        November 1996 Journal of Accountancy article spotlighting web-site created in August 1995

·        Creative tax planning for individuals, small businesses, and publicly held companies

·        Persuaded planning committee of General Electric to retain over-funded ESOP in acquisition of American Telecommunications Corp

·        Developed numerous business and personal relationships within entertainment industry

·        Achieved fluency in Mandarin Chinese and graduated at top of class at the Defense Language Institute

·        Organized and co-chaired 30 year reunion of Air Force Mandarin Chinese Linguists, Class of 1966 (04)

·        Author of four original screenplays

Education:

·        Wayne State University

·        Detroit, Michigan

·        Juris Doctor

·        1973 to 1975

·        Bachelor of Arts, Major in Accounting

·        1970 to 1973

Professional Experience:

·        Michael H. Lester, JD, CPA, Business Management

·        Los Angeles, California

·        November 1987 to Present

Sole proprietor of business management practice representing 20 -- 25 primarily entertainment industry clients and their loan-out corporations. Services include budgeting, bill-paying, credit management, income tax planning and preparation, representation before the Internal Revenue Service, compliance with reporting requirements, payroll tax, financial counseling and advice, budgeting, pension plans, insurance, purchase and sale of assets, financial aspects of legal matters, and purchase and management of investment properties. Clients include Cheryl Ladd, Daniel Baldwin, Jean Smart, Michael Kozoll, and Linda Kozlowski. Strong relationships with entertainment industry studios, networks, agents, managers, publicists, attorneys, and guilds.

·        Francis, Freedman & Lester Accountancy Corporation

·        Beverly Hills, California

·        January 1981 to November 1987

Engaged in business management practice representing over 100 primarily entertainment industry clients. Worked closely with high-income individual clients and their loan-out corporations. Clients included Paul Mazursky, Leonard Nimoy, Gavin McLeod, Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O'Neal, and Martin Ransohoff.

·        Robert V. Gibson, Law Offices

·        Newport Beach, California

·        September 1976 to December 1980

Associate attorney practicing tax, business, and corporate law representing small, medium, and publicly held companies. Practice included sophisticated tax and business planning, creation of tax shelters, preparation of private offering circulars, securities, mergers and acquisitions. Offered partnership in 1980.

·        Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.

·        Detroit, Michigan

·        September 1973 to September 1976

Staff accountant/CPA engaged in income tax and estate tax research, planning, and preparation for “big 8” CPA firm.

·        Fizzi.com
·        Los Angeles, California
·        September 1999 to February 2000

Co-founder, CFO, and General Counsel of new media Internet start-up. Instrumental in completing business plan, preparing forward-looking statements and projections, raising first-round financing of $1,000,000, and in establishing numerous contacts with angel investors, venture capitalists, and investment bankers for later round financing. Well-established relationships with top-tier law firms, CPA firms, and merchant banks. Well-rounded computer and Internet knowledge and experience.

Military:

·        United States Air Force

·        Honorable Discharge

·        Air Medal, Commendation

·        Achieved fluency in Mandarin Chinese

·        1965 to 1969

Organizations:

·        Active Member of State Bar of California

·        Admitted to Practice before the United States Tax Court

·        Licensed by State of California State Board of Accountancy

·        Member AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

·        Member CSCPA (California Society of Certified Public Accountants)

Pro Bono:

·        Founder, Former Member of Board of Directors, and Former Co-Chairman of the Finance Committee of “The Willows Community School,” a thriving and well-respected private, non-profit community elementary school in Culver City, California.

·        Board Member and Chief Financial Officer of Singita Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill sanctuary in the Western United States, founded by Sherry Hackett and Buddy Hackett.

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Michael H. Lester (mhl@michael-lester.com)
mhl@michael-lester.com
http://www.michael-lester.com

Copyright © 1995-2004 Michael H. Lester