Our Team

Louis M. Gatto, CPA – Founding Partner

After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, Lou got his start in finance working first for the former ‘Big 8’ firm Price Waterhouse & Co. in Manhattan, and then as a money manager at First Interstate Bank in Los Angeles. As a Founding Partner, Lou launched the financial consulting firm known since 1999 as Gatto McFerson. He calls his clients truly great people from whom he has learned a lot over the years, and he feels privileged to have served a few for over 30 years. Lou takes pride in knowing that Gatto McFerson has helped so many veterinarians accomplish their personal and professional goals. When not in the office, you can usually find Lou fishing, playing with his grandkids, on the golf course, watching the Dodgers, or caring for one of his 80+ pets.

Tom A. McFerson, CPA, ABV – Partner

 Originally from Fresno, Tom ventured south for college and is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University. After a stint as an auditor at Ernst & Young, Tom joined Gatto McFerson 15 years ago and became a Partner in 1999. Today, Tom enjoys helping his clients reach their goals and seeing them become successful veterinarians and practice owners. He particularly enjoys practice valuations, structuring purchases, partnerships and sales, as well as guiding veterinarians through the start-up and operation of a new or recently acquired practice. Tom is a frequent speaker at national conferences and often contributes to industry trade publications. Outside of work, Tom plays a lot of tennis, coaches his twins’ soccer and basketball teams, and loves to travel with his wife and family, which includes a lovable lab. 

Bob Kim, CPA – Accounting Manager

Bob is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles and has been a member of the Gatto McFerson team for over 10 years, providing a variety of financial and consulting services. He finds the veterinary field to hold limitless opportunities for learning and says veterinarians are wonderful to work with. In addition to his financial expertise, Bob is also very patient and especially diligent, which by default made him the in-house IT guy. Away from the office, he spends time with his family, which includes his wife and two young daughters.

Tina K. Oh, CPA, ABV – Senior Staff Accountant

 Tina graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.S. degree in Finance and International Business. Prior to joining Gatto McFerson she was an accountant with an optical lens manufacturer. She has been with the firm for four years and loves working with veterinarians because she enjoys helping them manage the multitude of responsibilities they have as veterinarians and practice owners. Tina recently obtained additional certification by passing the Accredited Business Valuation Exam (ABV). She enjoys traveling to Hawaii, spending time with her niece and nephews, and watching the popular TV show, “The Closer.”

Mahtab Taban – Staff Accountant

 A graduate of California State University, Northridge, Mahtab joined the Gatto McFerson team two years ago as a part-time intern. Within one week, she was hired as our full-time staff accountant. Now she is a CPA candidate and has steadily taken on additional responsibilities. Prior to joining the firm, Mahtab did administrative work for a tax attorney for five years, dating back to her time as a high school student. That professional experience along with following in the footsteps of her father, a CPA, was all the encouragement she needed to pursue her chosen profession. Mahtab enjoys the team at Gatto McFerson very much, finds the work interesting and is always looking to learn more. When not crunching numbers, you may find her relaxing, watching movies, shopping, playing basketball or hanging out with her dog.

Joan Wright – Office Manager

 Joan embarked on her cross country journey from New Jersey, landing in California on January 10, 1990. She lost no time looking for the right job opportunity. Six days later, after answering an ad in the newspaper, Lou hired her and she has never looked back. Joan has thoroughly enjoyed working with the many clients Gatto McFerson has served over the years and she quickly became the hub of the office, taking on the role of office manager. Next spring, Joan will retire to assume more frequent duties as a grandmother to her seven grand children who are scattered across the east coast. And while the team is in stark denial of her departure (it’s been postponed once), she continues to prepare for a life of adventure and leisure. She might even get a pet.

Julie Walters – Office Manager

 After working at a property management firm and a Century City law office, Julie brought her administrative and organizational talents to Gatto McFerson two years ago. She was originally hired to assist Tom McFerson, but quickly took on responsibilities for the whole office. Eager to continue learning, Julie became certified in several Microsoft Office products, obtained her notary license, and is now taking classes in tax and business management. She finds her co-workers fabulous to work with and feels good knowing she is a contributing member of the team. A fan of the outdoors, Julie enjoys hiking, boogie boarding and playing with her English Bulldog puppy, Rockie, and her mixed breed, Louey.