Our Experts

The Center for Economic Progress has assisted more than 175,000 Illinois families, helping to generate more than $240 million in income tax refunds.

We also lead a national organization of tax programs that serve nearly one million low-income taxpayers across the country.

We have several experts on staff who can speak on tax and financial issues affecting low-wage workers and their families.

• David Marzahl, President
• O.S. Owen, Financial Educator
• Rolando Palacios, Director of Tax Services
  

Topics of expertise include:

• Impact of tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on workers and their families.
• Financial scenarios low-income families face during tax time.
• Dangers of refund anticipation loans and using predatory lending as a quick-fix.
• Financial education and debt management for working families.
• Access to banking and financial products for working families.
  

To speak with one of our experts, please contact Raissa Allaire (phone: (312) 630-0247, email).

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David Marzahl
President

David Marzahl serves as the President at the Center for Economic Progress. In his current role, David is a leading voice and strategist on economy security issues, seeking to advance policies and practices to create a financial system that works for all Americans. In addition to his work with the Center, David also helped establish the National Community Tax Coalition—a group of over 500 organizations that works to promote the economic progress of low-wage workers and their families.

Prior to joining the Center in 1998, David was the founding director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights, a statewide coalition promoting the rights and responsibilities of immigrants and refugees. He has worked in Chicago's non-profit community since 1981, serving as a community organizer, outreach worker and leader overcoming barriers and boundaries in the pursuit of social and economic justice. David has a master's degree in Political Economy from Northwestern University.

Specialties:

• Impact of tax credits on working families
• Solutions for creating a financial system that works for all Americans
• Asset building for low-wage workers.

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O.S. Owen
Financial Educator

O.S. Owen is a financial coach and counselor with over 17 years of experience helping low-income working families manage their money and achieve their financial goals. Throughout his professional career, O.S. has been an advocate for financial education and a community educator. Throughout his career, he has created and promoted programs and formed partnerships with businesses, government agencies, schools, banking institutions and foundations.

Specialties:

• The practical applications of credit, debt and budget counseling
• Money management education
• Credit rehabilitation
• Financial coaching

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Rolando Palacios
Director of Tax Services

Rolando Palacios, the Director of Tax Services, has been with the Center since 2001. Prior to joining CEP, he worked as a consultant doing development work for non-profit organizations that provide low-income housing. In addition, he worked in the telecommunications industry for 14 years. Rolando first became involved with the Center as a volunteer tax preparer. He later became a volunteer for the Midwest Tax Clinic and went on to join the staff as the Center's Tax Clinic Manager. Rolando is an IRS Certified Enrolled Agent who holds an M.S. in Telecommunications from DePaul University as well as a B.S. from DePaul.

Specialties:

• ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Immigrant taxpayers
• Tax site operations 

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