BlueBird, CPAs is proud to serve all our clients with professional and dedicated staff members.
Manager
Benjamin Schwartz, CPA
Enrolled Tribal Member of the Native Village of Tanana
Background
Ben joined the firm in 2019 with over a decade of experience in hospitality and marketing with renowned establishments as a director-level employee in the gaming industry. His recent accomplishments include completing an Executive Master of Business Administration program in August 2021 and obtaining his CPA license in July 2023. These achievements further enhance his expertise and ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of business and finance.
Growing up between California and the Alaskan native villages of Northway and Tanana, Ben possesses a distinctive blend of cultural and regional insights. Passionate about striking a harmonious balance between economic success and cultural identity, Ben takes great joy in assisting Tribal governments in attaining financial independence.
Ben serves as Treasurer on the board of one of Alaska’s most prominent foundations. In this critical role, he actively contributes to the foundation’s mission of providing annual support surpassing $1 million for initiatives centered around education, workforce development, and language revitalization within the interior Alaska Native community.
Interesting Fact
Ben finds great joy in both playing and watching basketball. During his undergraduate years, he competed in NCAA collegiate basketball. Moreover, he gained valuable experience by coaching basketball at several summer camps, a commitment he maintained throughout college. He still remains enthusiastic about the sport and continues to actively play.
Education
Linfield College – Bachelor of Science in Business Management
University of Nevada, Reno – Executive Master of Business Administration
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants
Manager
Randall Spierer, CPA
Background
Randall joined BlueBird in 2015 as a Staff Auditor. His areas of expertise include internal audits, Title 31 compliance audits, and 401(k) audits. His experience includes the supervision of multiple Tribal, gaming, and employee benefit plan audits. He has also supervised and performed internal audits and Title 31 compliance audits.
After moving from California to Reno, Randall’s work with the Robby Schlesinger Foundation gave him first-hand experience in perseverance, dedication to a cause, collaboration, and the power of a group to affect change.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Information Systems
Magna Cum Laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Interesting Fact
He previously served as the CFO of the Robby Schlesinger Foundation, a charity raising money for suicide prevention and grief support. Randall is an amateur baker (he makes a mean crème brûlée), an aspiring mixologist, enjoys metalcore rock music, and considers himself a foodie. He finds it hard to pass up any food challenges posted by restaurants.
Senior Auditor
Brad Ebert
Background
Brad began with the firm a few months after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno. During his time at UNR, Brad worked as a student-athlete tutor, served as a student mentor for incoming freshmen, and served as the Vice President of Finance for his fraternity.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Nevada, Reno – Bachelor of Science in Finance
Interesting Fact
In the summer of 2016, Brad lived in the Bahamas doing bookkeeping work for a company that plans high school graduation trips.
Senior Auditor
Peng Gao
Background
Peng started at the firm in early 2015 after he graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Master of Accountancy. He is currently studying for his CPA exams.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Master of Accountancy
Interesting Fact
Peng speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and is a fan of soccer. His favorite teams are Manchester United and Real Madrid; whenever they play in the United States Peng will fly or drive to the game and is there cheering them on.
Staff Auditor
Oliver Wang
Background
Oliver joined the firm for the first time in 2019. After working and spending time with family for a year in China, he rejoined the firm in 2021. Prior to joining BlueBird, Oliver worked for a publicly traded insurance company as an accountant in Virginia, where he obtained his graduate degree. He was a member of the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, during his undergraduate studies where he served as Finance Chair.
Education
College of William & Mary – Master of Accounting
Kent State University – Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Certifications
Certified Internal Auditor
Professional Affiliations
The Institute of Internal Auditors
Beta Alpha Psi
Interesting Fact
Oliver enjoys trying new things and traveling to different places. He was formerly a hospitality management student during college where he took professional culinary classes. He still cooks whenever possible while he is at home.
Staff Auditor
Tyler Yamamoto
Background
Tyler joined the team immediately after graduating the University of Nevada, Reno. During his time as an undergraduate, Tyler worked for the Associated Students of Nevada as an Accounting Technician, served as the Secretary of his fraternity, and worked with New Student Initiatives to help welcome incoming freshmen during orientation.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Minor in Information Systems
Interesting Fact
Tyler enjoys snowboarding, hiking, playing video games, trying out new food, and meeting new people. When he isn’t working, you can find him spending time with his friends and family. Tyler is also the first in his whole family to graduate from a four-year university.
Accounts and Administrative Director
Kami Alt
Background
Kami joined the firm in early 2015 as a receptionist. She had prior experience in retail and customer service but found she was seeking a more career focused profession, which she found with BlueBird. As Accounts and Administrative Director, Kami usually has her hands full with running the office. Hers is one of the voices you hear when you call the office seeking invoices or portal questions. She oversees anything related to human resources, manages accounts payable and receivable, and sees to other administrative items that may arise around the office.
Education
Truckee Meadows Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Law
Interesting Fact
Kami is intrigued by abnormal psychology and gets her fix by listening to serial killer podcasts and watching documentaries.
Marketing and Administrative Director
April Dockrey
Background
April started at the firm in late 2012 as the receptionist. She then moved to an associate position where she took over proofreading and formatting our endless reports. As Marketing and Administrative Director, April manages all the marketing for the firm and works with Kami to oversee the administrative and human resources aspects of the office. April is also our Employee Engagement Advocate, party planner, Newsletter writer, official package shipper, marketing expert-in-training, and tradeshow specialist.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Pierce College – Associate of Arts
Interesting Fact
April is passionate about organization, the Oxford comma, and correct formatting. She practices tai chi, usually has her nose in a book, loves binge watching tv shows, enjoys live music, and was reintroduced to fishing by her red-bearded boyfriend.
Receptionist and Travel Coordinator
Sabrina Nuttall
Background
Sabrina joined the firm in mid-2021 after her experience in retail management made her realize she desired to work in an office environment again. As the receptionist and travel coordinator, Sabrina will be the one answering your phone calls, coordinating travel plans, and helping with administrative tasks around the office.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno (In progress) – Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Political Science
Interesting Fact
Sabrina enjoys embarking on new adventures including skydiving, attending concerts, rock climbing, snowboarding, and traveling whenever possible. Most of all she loves spending quality time with her boyfriend, family, friends and fur baby named Luna. From time to time, she also happens to serve as a marriage officiant for friends and family.