Meet The Alliant Team
Dave Bunge, Navigator
Dave’s extensive training, varied professional experience and passion for client care are key distinctives of Alliant Advisors, the company he founded in 1986 after a decade as a CPA, corporate accountant and controller. "I’ve faced many of the issues our clients face," he says, "and I experience a real thrill when I can help them identify their true needs and play a part in satisfying those."
After earning an accounting degree from Northern Illinois University, Dave served as staff accountant, income tax manager, internal audit manager, controller and member of the executive committee for a major international firm. His commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth are reflected in his four certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Financial Planner. He is also a member of the Finance Committee at Geneva National Master Association, Lake Geneva, WI. Dave has 3 adult children and lives in Barrington with his wife Sally.
Steven J. Douglas, Tax Partner
Over the last 25 years, Steve has worked with countless clients who rely on his tax expertise. Whether they be active business owners, business owners looking to transition out of their business, individuals, estate executors, or, trust beneficiaries, the goal is the same – offer proactive advice to minimize a client’s overall tax burden.
With degrees from Illinois State University (Bachelor of Science in Finance) and Northern Illinois University (Master of Science in Taxation), Steve provides clients with comprehensive knowledge of complex tax issues. He is licensed to practice by the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent and is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. He is also a member of the Business Enterprise Institute, a community of business advisors that exists to help business owners and their families benefit from their life’s work. Steve and his family live in Algonquin.
Wade Runge, Goal Tender
Wade’s extensive training, over 25 years experience in accounting and advising, and his ability to translate technical jargon into everyday English make him a valuable and trusted consultant for clients seeking his help on everything from taxes, to business valuations, to long-term business planning. "I want to see our clients succeed by understanding and applying what we do for them," says Wade, who knows that tending to goals is as important for business leaders as it is for hockey players (which he once dreamed he would become).
A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst, Wade earned an accounting degree from Northern Illinois University. A partner with Alliant Advisors since 1991, Wade keeps current through training offered by professional organizations like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. Wade lives with his family in Huntley, where he has served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce. He has also served other civic groups and is active in his church.
Barb Wekony, Alliant Administrator
Barb’s vast experience in management, human relations and administrative systems makes her a valuable asset to both Alliant Advisors and its clients. Barb is a certified Professional in Human Resources which has become very helpful not only for Alliant Advisors, but also for the Alliant Advisor’s clientele. “Helping owners with hiring, termination, employee manuals, job descriptions and a variety of other HR issues saves them from working so hard in their business and gives them the time to work on their business.”
Barb, who has been with Alliant Advisors since 1988, is a member of the Association for Accounting Administrators, and has served as Secretary and President for the Illinois chapter. She is also a member of the Association for Accounting Marketing, and has held various offices for community and church committees. She and her husband reside in Elk Grove Village, and have a daughter, a son and 2 granddaughters.
Dawn Boehmer
Dawn joined the Alliant Advisors Team in November 2004. Her responsibilities include business and individual tax preparation, monthly accounting and write-up services, and QuickBooks accounting.
She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Menomonie, took continuing education classes at College of Lake County, and the CPA review at Northern Illinois University, becoming a CPA in 1998. Dawn is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, has 15 years of experience in public accounting, and in 1999 was listed in the International Who’s Who of Professional Management. She also is a registered Quickbooks Pro Advisor and is a member of the Women in Business Council in Wauconda.
Dawn lives in Cary with her husband, Steve, and enjoys racquetball, running, and gourmet cooking .
Marian Gustafson
Marian joined the Alliant staff at the beginning of 2001 and sees to various administrative duties within the firm. “It’s very rewarding being a part of a company with high integrity whose main focus is helping their clients succeed in business as well as in their personal lives.”
Marian has been trained in tax preparation and enjoys being an additional help during the busy tax season. She and her husband, Grant are retired restaurant owners and caterers and in their spare time they enjoy travelling and spending time with family and friends at their summer home in Southern Wisconsin. They reside in Fox River Grove with their two sons.
