Chapter Leader Focus - Richard Morisky
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to NAIOP
Richard Morisky is a real estate tax attorney who is passionate about providing great service to clients. He believes that understanding the technical detail of new tax law and being able to explain it to a client is essential and requires focus, patience, and persistence. A 30-year veteran of the profession, he recently joined the firm RHW CPAs after a long tenure as partner with renowned firm Grant Thornton and Andersen. Subsequently, he practiced as a tax attorney with Dorband & Schneider, LLP.
With substantial expertise in corporate, partnership and real estate tax matters; Morisky advises clients on various real estate tax incentives. What he finds most interesting are buy-sell transactions where he has worked with clients in structuring the tax aspects of an agreement. “It’s rewarding and exciting to find creative solutions while staying within the bounds of the tax code,” he said. “It also develops a strong relationship with the client, which is always my continuing goal.”
He finds tax practice a rewarding and fulfilling career and enjoys developing deep relationships with his clients. “It has been a continuing opportunity to combine technical excellence with personal development in working closely with clients on a mutual goal” he said. “I want each client to feel they are an important and significant part of my practice.”
Morisky joined the chapter in 2002 and shortly thereafter was asked to chair the Membership Committee and join the Board. After two years, he was appointed Treasurer; a position he remained in until early this month when he finally decided to step down from the role after 18 years. “It's been an absolute pleasure and honor to serve on the Board”, he said. “I believe strongly that the success of NAIOP SFBA has been the focus and priority that has been applied to the needs and desires of the membership.”
In terms of advice for emerging professionals, Morisky recommends developing a continuing habit of doing what it takes to grow professionally. This means both using formal continuing education opportunities and developing meaningful mentor relationships. Additionally, he advises them to commit to networking on a continuing basis. “This involves joining organizations like NAIOP and using mentors and friends for introductions to new real estate contacts,” he said. “Then, of course, it’s so important to follow-up to make the relationships relevant to your career.”
On the personal front, Morisky was born in Michigan and raised in Phoenix, AZ. He came to the Bay Area when he was offered a scholarship to attend UC Berkeley; where he also earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business. After serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he obtained a law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He is California Certified Public Accountant and a member of the California State Bar Association.
Morisky lives in Lafayette with his wife Cathy and has two daughters, Anne Marie, and Rachel. In his spare time, he pursues his passions; snow skiing and biking and recently pickleball. He also enjoys community engagement and has served as President and Member of the Lafayette School Board and spent several years volunteering for the San Francisco Bar Association on pro bono matters.
