Alan is a proud native of Dodge City, Kansas, and a 1974 graduate of Dodge City High School. He began his college journey at St. Mary’s of the Plains College before transferring to Wichita State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1978 with an emphasis in accounting.

Alan launched his career in public accounting with the Wichita office of Elmer Fox, Westheimer & Company, joining their audit department. He earned his CPA license in Kansas in 1980 and later in Arizona. As the firm evolved through mergers into what is now Grant Thornton, Alan’s leadership flourished. He became the office’s lead campus recruiter, an instructor for the firm’s National Training Programs, and eventually a Partner and Audit Department Head of the Wichita office. After a successful career, he retired from Grant Thornton in 2004.

In 2006, Alan took on a new challenge, joining Vess Oil Corporation as Vice President of Financial Reporting. He oversees accounting functions for more than 60 related entities, including SEC reporting for two publicly sponsored royalty trusts—a role he continues to excel in today.

Beyond his professional career, Alan has made a lasting impact on the Wichita community. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards, often as treasurer, including the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Heartspring, St. Vincent de Paul Endowment Association, Wichita Public Library Foundation, Great Plains USBC Bowling Association, Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas, and the Kansas Society of CPAs.

One of Alan’s greatest passions is the Wichita River Festival, where he has been an enthusiastic participant for decades. He has competed in more than fifteen 10K River Runs and, with his “poorman’s team,” raced in four years of the festival’s bathtub races—even securing a third-place finish. His team also claims to have built the first propeller-driven bathtub boat.

For over 40 years, Alan has been a key member of the “Purple Shirt” Festival Food Court committee, overseeing food court ticket sales. He also served two terms on the Riverfest Board of Directors, dedicating 12 years of leadership—many as Board Treasurer. In 2017, his commitment was recognized when he received the prestigious Galaxy Award for Volunteer of the Year.