Our Team
Crowe MacKay & Company’s Licensed Insolvency Trustee are ready to listen and committed to providing you with compassion and respect. Together, we will navigate towards the financial freedom you deserve.
Meet Our Team
Russell (Russ) Law CPA, CA, CIRP, LIT, CFE
Partner, President of Crowe MacKay & Company
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Russ has over three decades of experience concentrating on corporate recovery and insolvency. He has expertise in turnaround management, corporate restructuring, business viability reviews, asset realization and estate management. Russ continually strives to present his clients with creative and objective solutions that reflect their unique situations. The legal community appreciates his commitment to the highest standards possible in forensic accounting and litigation support engagements.
Russ has assisted financial institutions, creditors, businesses and lawyers in many aspects of the insolvency and restructuring process and he is able to serve his clients in a number of capacities. He has acted as a trustee in proposals under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, as a receiver and receiver-manager, a trustee in bankruptcy, and as a monitor under the companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Academic Information
- Russ earned his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta in 1977 and his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1979.
- He became a Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Practitioner (CIRP) in 1985 and was appointed a Licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy in 1987.
- He became a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) in 1995.
Community Affiliations
- Russ is a former chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Practitioners (CAIRP).
- He is currently vice-chair of the Professional Conduct Committee of the CAIRP.
- Previously, Russ served on the Board of Directors of both the Alberta and BC Associations of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals.
Derek Lai CPA, CMA, CIRP, LIT, CFE
Partner, Senior Vice President of Crowe MacKay & Company
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Derek is best described as experienced, effective, and knowledgeable. While these attributes have established Derek as a frontrunner in the industry, it is his demeanor and ability to make clients feel comfortable that earn him the title of trusted advisor. Well-informed not just of the insolvency framework, Derek ensures a smooth process that gains the confidence of those he serves.
Derek practices in the area of both consumer and corporate insolvency and restructuring, offering service that is responsive, honest, and creative. His commercial insolvency experience includes private and court appointed receiverships, bankruptcies, Division I Proposals, and CCAAs. Derek’s involvement in insolvency engagements spans a wide variety of industries including, but not limited to, real estate, retail, technology, heavy equipment, manufacturing, transportation, aviation, agriculture, renewable energy, restaurants, hospitality, and life sciences.
He has assisted financial institutions and debtors in conducting corporate financial, operational, and viability assessments and has also been called upon to assist in a range of forensic accounting and litigation support matters relating to fraud, misappropriation of funds, and matrimonial disputes.
Derek’s Interests
Derek is a fitness enthusiast. He enjoys running, cycling and swimming. You will always find him at the top of the leaderboard in Crowe MacKay & Company’s fitness challenges. He is a true family man who enjoys spending time with his children.
Professional Affiliations
- Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
- Certified Management Accountants of British Columbia
- Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP)
- British Columbia Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals
- Young Insolvency Professionals Society of British Columbia and Alberta
- Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Education
- Chartered Professional Accountant
- Certified Management Accountant
- Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional
- Licensed Insolvency Trustee
- Certified Fraud Examiner
- Financial Management Diploma specializing in Corporate Finance, British Columbia Institute of Technology
Community Involvement
- Member of the Investigations Committee with the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
- Director of the British Columbia Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Professionals
- Director and Treasurer of the Young Insolvency Professionals Society, British Columbia & Alberta
Jonathan McNair, CPA, CA, CIRP, LIT
Partner, Senior Vice President of Crowe MacKay & Company
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Jonathan is a Partner in Crowe MacKay & Company’s Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Group. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional, as well as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Jonathan specializes in advising professionals facing business and finance related issues.
He advises clients in various industries including: technology and intellectual property, manufacturing, distribution, retail, real estate, forestry, and heavy construction. He has particular experience in the wine industry having overseen the restructuring of several wineries.
Jonathan has the expertise required to assist clients as they navigate a range of issues from start-up financing to restructuring an unprofitable business; in short, he’s a problem solver.
Jonathan’s Interests
Jonathan is an avid boater and fisherman and loves spending time out on the water. When not in the office, you will find Jonathan with his family cruising the beautiful BC coast.
Professional Affiliations
- Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
- Canadian Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP)
- Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada
- British Columbia Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals
Education
- Chartered Professional Accountant
- Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional
- Licensed Insolvency Trustee
- Financial Management Diploma, British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Geography from the University of Victoria
Community Involvement
- Member of the Core Knowledge Exam Board with the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP)
- Member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
- Former Director and Chair, Audit and Finance Committee, Canada Place Corp, as
- Former President, North Vancouver Conservative Electoral District Associatio
Nelson Allan, CPA, CIRP, LIT
Partner
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Nelson is a Partner in Crowe MacKay & Company’s Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Group. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional (CIRP), as well as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).
Nelson is experienced in numerous corporate insolvency engagements, and serves clients across a variety of industries including construction, retail, manufacturing, technology, and life sciences.
His corporate insolvency experience includes formal restructurings under the BIA and the CCAA, bankruptcies, private and court appointed receiverships, and court appointed liquidations.
Nelson is also experienced on consumer insolvency engagements, including both ordinary and summary administration bankruptcies, as well as Division I and Division II proposals.
Nelson’s Interests
Having grown up in the Canadian Rockies, Nelson is an avid skier. He raced varsity cross-country skiing while at university, but now prefers the luxury of chairlifts at the local ski hills. During the summer months, he can be found cycling or trying his luck at fishing.
Professional Affiliations
- Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
- Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP)
- Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada
Education
- Bachelor of Commerce, with Distinction, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University
Tetsu Takagaki, CPA
Senior Manager
More on Tetsu
Tetsu is a Senior Manager in Crowe MacKay & Company’s Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Group and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He is currently enrolled in the Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional Qualification Program and recently passed the Competency-Based National Insolvency Exam.
Tetsu has extensive experience in corporate insolvency engagements, working with clients across a diverse range of industries, including construction, cannabis, manufacturing, technology, and service sectors.
His expertise encompasses formal restructurings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, as well as bankruptcies, private and court-appointed receiverships, court-ordered liquidations, and strata windups.
Additionally, Tetsu has a solid foundation in auditing, having previously served as a auditor for small to medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations.
Tetsu’s Interests
Tetsu is an avid martial artist, holding black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. He can often be found training or coaching at local gyms around the city. In addition, Tetsu serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Judo BC. He also volunteers with the CPA Vancouver Chapter’s social committee, helping to plan and organize local CPA events throughout the year.
Professional Affiliations
- Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Education
- Diploma in Accounting, University of British Columbia
- Bachelor of Arts, Simon Fraser University
Crystal Taylor
Senior Manager
More on Crystal
Crystal joined Crowe MacKay & Company in June 2009. Prior to joining Crowe MacKay & Company, she worked for a national accounting firm and has worked in the field of insolvency since 2003.
Academic Information
- Crystal earned a Diploma in Associate in Commerce
- Accounting Option from Malaspina University-College in 2000
- Crystal completed the Insolvency Administration Course in 2004
- Completed the Insolvency Counsellor’s Qualification Course in 2006
Sharon Xia
Staff Accountant
More on Sharon
Sharon joined Crowe MacKay & Company, in March 2011, and she has worked in the bankruptcy and insolvency team for over 4 years.
Prior to joining Crowe MacKay & Company, she spent over 6 years performing administrative, marketing, and accounting duties at several international automotive companies. Sharon is fluent in Chinese Mandarin.
Academic Information
- Sharon graduated from the Beijing Institute of Technology in 2005 with a diploma in accounting.
Susan De Jong
Estate Manager
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Professional Summary
- When it comes to the integrity of your financial future, you want someone working on your behalf who knows how to deal with creditors and who has experience protecting your legal rights. Susan believes that everyone deserves a fresh start and a second chance.
- She genuinely cares for those who have found themselves in difficult financial circumstances and her top priority is making her clients feel comfortable; Susan knows she is doing her job when she has earned her clients’ trust and confidence.
- Susan’s primary focus is the administration of personal bankruptcies, Division I and Division II proposals, and financial counseling. She listens closely to her clients’ unique situations to advise them on the best course of action. With various options available, Susan has the expertise and genuine interest in making sure you’re moving forward with the best decision.
Experience
- Susan has over 18 years of experience in insolvency. Clients appreciate the fact that Susan speaks in a language they understand and provides them with updates at each step during the process.
Education
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act Counselor’s Qualification Course, Ryerson University
- Insolvency Administration Course, Canadian Insolvency Practitioner’s Association
- Thomason Rivers University, Accounting program
Community Involvement
- Enjoys coaching people, whether they are employees, colleagues, or friends
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter
- Involved in her children’s softball and football teams
Carley Stephens
Estate Administrator
More on Carley
Professional Summary + Experience
Carley has spent over 10 years working in the accounting industry.
Carley’s Interests
- Carley enjoys skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Education
- Graduated UBC Okanagan BA major in Political Science minor in Economics.
- Completed Insolvency Administration Course
- Completed the Insolvency Counsellor’s Qualification Course
Sarah Sabbagh
Senior Associate
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