Scott Donald

Overview 

Scott Donald is a Principal in Ryan’s Real Property Tax practice and is based in the Firm’s Irvine office, where he advises clients on complex valuation, assessment, and property tax strategy matters across the western United States. He brings more than 35 years of experience in property valuation, supporting clients with real and personal property tax compliance, audit defense, and appeals throughout Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Scott is recognized as a subject matter expert in California for personal property compliance and audit issues and has served as a qualified expert witness before the California State Board of Equalization and local assessment appeal boards. His background spans public-sector assessment, national consulting leadership, and industry advocacy, enabling him to deliver defensible, evidence-based outcomes for complex commercial, industrial, and multiresidential property portfolios. Scott is also an active contributor to industry dialogue through published articles, white papers, and speaking engagements focused on valuation methodology and market impacts, including the effects of economic disruption on real estate values.

Education & Qualifications 

Master of Business Administration, Real Estate and Finance, California State University, Long Beach

Bachelor of Science, Real Estate, Arizona State University

Registered Agent, Los Angeles County, California

California Advanced Appraisal License

Certified Member of the Institute (CMI), Institute for Professionals in Taxation

Experience & Achievements 

Principal, Real Property Tax, Ryan, Irvine office

• Advises clients on valuation, assessment, compliance, and appeals for real and personal property

• Provides expert testimony and audit defense for complex California property tax matters

Vice President and Managing Consultant, national property tax consulting firm

• Led property tax consulting engagements across multiple western states

• Achieved precedent-setting reclassification and depreciation changes for manufacturing equipment

Research Analyst, asset management company

Commercial Staff Appraiser, Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office

Member, California Alliance of Taxpayer Advocates

Member, Institute for Professionals in Taxation

Former Member, Society of Auditor-Appraisers