ETA's Mission Statement
"ETA’s mission is to provide an outstanding client service experience from start to finish with exceptional service from a transparent and respectful delivery process performed by friendly and professional consultants."
Our Team
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David Pichon, CPA, MBA - President and CEO
David is the Managing Partner and Tax Practice Leader of sales and use tax, motor fuels tax audit, and consulting practices for Energy Tax Advisors (ETA).
David brings to ETA's clients over 25 years of experience in indirect tax consulting and audit. David has personally worked hundreds of audits in numerous states including managing audits from inception to completion, through settlements, hearings, and by providing litigation support saving clients millions of dollars in the process. His tax consulting projects range from client training to multistate tax research and planning.
Prior to joining ETA, David began his indirect tax career with the Texas Comptroller’s office and served in increasing levels of seniority within national consulting firms and the energy industry.
David completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Houston Main and Downtown campuses. In addition, he earned his MBA at the University of Houston - Clear Lake. As a Certified Public Accountant, he continues to be actively involved in tax industry initiatives including the America Petroleum Institute and the Institute for Professionals in Taxation as well as serving on various committees and board positions with the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the University of Houston System.
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Matthew Grote, CPA - Vice President - Indirect Tax
Matthew has over 15 years of multistate sales and uses tax experience. His experience includes managed audits, audit defense, tax recovery, tax law research, and various other services.
Matthew started his indirect tax career working for two Louisiana tax auditing firms. Prior to joining ETA, he worked in senior positions with a national and regional tax consulting firm. His strengths in taxability includes the oil and gas, manufacturing, and contracting industries.
Matthew received his BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University and is licensed as a CPA in Texas.
Yessica Centeno - Vice President – Operations
Yessica has been meeting the needs of a diverse range of companies for over 10 years. She has worked on managed audits, consulting, research, audit defense, 1099 compliance, and various other state and local tax projects.
Prior to joining the firm, Yessica worked for a regional tax consulting firm and for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley accounting department.
Yessica received her BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Billy Ashby, CMI - Sales/Use Tax Director
Billy has been practicing for 15 years, the past 12 years in increasing levels of responsibility within the sales and use tax practices of large national consulting firms – most recently as a Tax Director in a Houston office.
Billy holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and is a CMI (Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation).