Overview

David leads the delivery of investment, planning, fiduciary, administrative, and family office services to a select group of clients with a special interest in family foundations and family philanthropy.

Previously, David practiced as a tax accountant for six years at regional firms that managed the tax, audit, and general accounting needs of wealthy families and their closely held businesses. He then formed his own tax advisory firm to offer strategic advice and family office services before joining Sentinel Trust.

He is an instructor in Rice University’s financial planning program and teaches income tax strategy to students sitting for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam.

Professional Background:

  • Managing Member, Smith & Zahn CPAs, PLLC, Houston, TX (2013–2014) – Managed a local public accounting firm to serve the tax and accounting needs of high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses.
  • Tax Accountant, Carolyn Allen CPA, PC, Houston, TX (2010–2013)
  • Staff, Maddox, Thomson, & Associates, PC, Houston, TX (2009–2010)
  • Staff, Weinstein Spira & Company, PC, Houston, TX (2007–2010)

Professional Organizations:

  • Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Member
  • Houston Estate & Financial Forum, Member
  • Houston Business & Estate Planning Council, Member

Education

University of Houston, BBA, cum laude (2007)

Certifications

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification (2015)

Certified Public Accountant (2009)

IN THE COMMUNITY

Community Involvement:

  • Rice University CFP® Certification Education Program, Instructor
  • Casa de Esperanza Young Professionals, Member
  • Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Houston, Board Chairman
  • Knights of Columbus, Member
INSIGHTS

On Watch – April 2016

By M. Taylor Scott, CFA, David L. Zahn, CPA, CFP® and Andrew B. Smith, JD on April 30, 2016

In this issue:
“Total Return vs. Income-Oriented Return” by M. Taylor Scott, CFA
“Identity Theft Prevention & Mitigation” by Andrew B. Smith, JD
“Timing Can Be Everything” by David Zahn, CPA, CFP®

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POSTED IN: Administration, Investments, On Watch, Planning

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On Watch – September 2015

By Katherine J. Slater, JD, CFP®, Dennis A. Montz, MBA, CAIA, CFA, David L. Zahn, CPA, CFP® and Anne-Lise A. Wiegand, CPA on September 30, 2015

In this issue:
“Ten Due Diligence Questions for Private Equity Investors” by Dennis Montz, CFA, CAIA
“Choosing Your Retirement State” by Anne-Lise Wiegand, CPA, and David Zahn, CPA, CFP®
“Nurturing Family Togetherness” by Katherine J. Slater, JD

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POSTED IN: Governance, Investments, On Watch, Planning

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