DePasquale, Kelley & Company was founded in 1995 by James R. DePasquale and Sean Kelley, who built the firm with a strong commitment to property tax advocacy and exceptional client service. In 2022, following the passing of Sean Kelley, James R. DePasquale became the sole principal of the firm, continuing the legacy of service and dedication that has defined DKC for nearly three decades. See Sean’s In Memoriam here.
Today, DKC is powered by a team of passionate and experienced professionals who bring diverse skills, perspectives, and expertise to the table. United by a shared commitment to collaboration, integrity, and excellence, our team works tirelessly to support our clients, from large corporations to individual property owners, navigating the complexities of property tax management.
We take great pride in our culture—a place where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the firm’s success. Whether working together to solve complex problems or delivering high-quality results on each project, our team is dedicated to providing the best outcomes for our clients.
James R. DePasquale
President
With over 30 years in real estate and property tax consulting, James DePasquale manages more than $40 billion in assets nationwide. He specializes in complex ownership changes, valuations, audits, and low-income housing exemptions. Deeply passionate about tax advocacy, he is dedicated to minimizing liabilities and safeguarding client interests, consistently delivering strategic solutions across diverse and challenging property tax matters.
Julie Clemson
Corporate Secretary/Treasurer
Julie Clemson is DKC’s Corporate Secretary and Treasurer, overseeing corporate transactions and bookkeeping. She’s been a cornerstone of the company for nearly 30 years, joining just one year after it was founded. Julie values the camaraderie and connection among the team. Outside of work, she keeps busy with her grandchildren, two energetic Bernedoodles, and quality time with her family and friends.
Tanner Bral
Director of CA Appeals
Tanner Bral is the Director of California Appeals, where he oversees property valuation analyses, manages the California Appeals team, and represents cases at Assessment Appeal Hearings. Since joining DKC in 2007 after graduating from UCSB with a degree in Law and Society, Tanner has built deep expertise in California consulting. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and spending time with his wife and son—especially at Disneyland.
Kaylin Wilson
Director of Operations
Kaylin Wilson is the Director of Operations, collaborating with the team and President to implement efficient systems and support both employee and client satisfaction. A CSULB Communications graduate, she’s been with the company since 2018, growing through multiple roles. Kaylin values working for a company where she loves who she works for and who she works with. Outside of work, she enjoys live concerts and sharing a good meal with friends and family.
Lauren Uchiyama
Associate Consultant
Lauren Uchiyama is an Associate Consultant at DKC, specializing in property valuation, appraisals, pre-acquisition forecasts, appeal preparation, and preliminary negotiations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Marine Protection & Management. Lauren joined DKC in 2019, bringing strong interpersonal skills to her role. She enjoys learning new valuation methodologies and helping clients, especially smaller businesses. Outside of work, Lauren loves trail running, yoga, working out, and is a big fan of turtles!
Malia Cruchley
Jr. Valuation Analyst/Controller
Malia Cruchley is a Junior Valuation Analyst and Controller at DKC, where she manages bookkeeping, property tax tracking and reporting, forecasting, and valuation preparation. She graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University with a degree in Accounting and Finance and previously worked in Real Estate Tax at PwC. Malia enjoys DKC’s supportive, goal-driven team—and recently picked up ceramics as a creative way to unwind.
Michelle Steele
Coordinator – Client & Personal Property
Michelle Steele provides Client Management and Compliance Support at DKC, handling personal property compliance and client information requests for annual assessment appeals. With 15 years of experience in childcare, followed by 5 years as an Escrow Assistant, Michelle brings valuable experience to her role. Since starting at DKC in 2009, she appreciates the relaxed, friendly, and professional atmosphere. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Alexa Nixon
Coordinator – Account Receivables
Alexa Nixon is the Accounts Coordinator at DKC, managing accounts receivable and overseeing CalSTRS tracking. Before joining the company, she worked as a preschool teacher and restaurant manager, bringing a strong sense of organization and care to her role. Alexa enjoys the family-oriented culture at DKC. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of two little girls and a frequent visitor to Disneyland.
Taylor Grimm
Coordinator – National Platform
Taylor Grimm is the Coordinator for DKC’s National Platform, managing client communication, coordinating appeal and information requests, and overseeing reporting and tax tracking. With prior experience as a leasing consultant and regional sales manager, she brings strong organizational and people skills to her role. Taylor enjoys DKC’s collaborative team culture—and when she’s not working, she’s likely reading, working out, or obsessing over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Savannah Holtkamp
CA Appeal Coordinator & Jr. Valuation Analyst
Savannah Holtkamp is the California Appeals Coordinator at DKC, managing appeals through each county’s Annual Assessment Appeals Process. She holds a Business Administration degree with a
Marketing focus from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Savannah thrives in a collaborative environment where every team member contributes to the company’s success. Outside work, she enjoys time with loved ones, being playfully harassed by her Boxer-mix, and reading avidly.
Sophie Emmons
Executive Secretary
Sophie Emmons is an Admin/Executive Assistant at DKC, responsible for property setups, tax bill transmittals, supplemental/escape assessment appeal tracking, and agreements. She previously worked as a server and hostess while attending college. Sophie values the work-life balance and supportive culture at DKC, finding meaning in her work and appreciating opportunities to grow. Outside of work, she enjoys sports, reading, and is learning golf as a new hobby.
Allie Emmons
Administrative Assistant
Allie Emmons is an Administrative Assistant at DKC, focusing on refund tracking, hearing correspondences, and providing support for all California appeals and wherever she is needed. Prior to joining DKC, she worked as a Scientific Recruiter in the biotech, medical device, and pharmaceutical sectors. Allie enjoys the company’s supportive culture, feeling she makes a tangible difference for clients and colleagues. Outside of work, she loves traveling, attending concerts, and baking.
Olivia Cruchley
Office Concierge
Olivia Cruchley is the Office Concierge at DKC, answering phones, organizing mail, and supporting internal systems and DKC team members as needed. Before joining DKC, she worked at a bakery for six years, gaining valuable customer service experience. Olivia enjoys the company’s structured and efficient internal processes. Outside of work, she loves roller-skating, painting, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.