Remarks from Ciro M. Immordino in November 2023 Upon Receiving the V. Judson Klein Award

I am deeply touched and honored to have been selected for this award. It is especially meaningful to receive this award from people whom I hold in such high regard. The members of the Tax Section are such a wonderful group of people. I feel so lucky to be able to work with you.

This award was named after the first chair of the Tax Section. The more I do this job, the more I appreciate the role of the Tax Section in our profession. The Tax Section brings together practitioners, industry and government to strengthen our bonds and help us work in collaboration and comradery so that we can proactively get in front of issues before they develop and, when we are on different sides of an issue, to go forward is a spirit of respect. So, thank you to all Tax Section members, especially the current and former members of the Executive and Standing Committees, for what you have done for our profession and California taxation.

Preparing for these remarks, what came up over and over in my mind was just deep, deep gratitude for so many people who have given me opportunities, taken a risk on me or gone out of their way to help me in my career. There are so many instances where these people had nothing to gain and just acted out of a desire to help someone who was coming up in their career. It really shows the caliber of people we work with. As time goes by, the resolution of particular issues seems to matter less and less, and what is left over is a feeling that we made California a better place by our role in tax administration and jurisprudence. And, an appreciation for each other for having been on this journey together.

Lastly, I want to thank my family. I had a great family growing up and want to acknowledge my parents for unconditional love, teaching the importance of hard work and always doing the right thing. My brother was always a positive influence on me and provided wonderful guidance. My wife has always supported me and been my companion, even leaving her home country (which she loves) to provide a better opportunity for our family. My kids motivate me to try to be better and have always shown interest in my work – which says a lot when you work in tax!

Thank you for this award and for the opportunity to work together on this journey.