President Obama Nominates UM Law Alumnus to Top Tax Post

President Obama has nominated Michael Mundaca, LL.M. ’97, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in the Department of the Treasury.  Mundaca has been serving as acting assistant secretary since the change of administration.  Prior to that role, he served as the Treasury’s deputy assistant secretary for international tax affairs, where he was involved in the formulation of U.S. international tax policy, as well as tax treaty negotiations, and the production of regulatory guidance and legislative proposals.

“This is the most important position in tax policy in the United States,” said Dean Patricia D. White, a tax expert. “We are delighted to see a graduate of our LL.M. program succeed in this way.”

Reacting to the appointment, UM Law Professor George Mundstock, who taught Mundaca, said, “One of the great things about being at the University of Miami is that the city and university help us attract such interesting and talented students.  Michael was a remarkable student who took advantage of all we have to offer. We are proud of his achievements."

Before his appointment in the Treasury Department in 2007, Mundaca was a partner for five years in the International Tax Services group of Ernst and Young in Washington, D.C. Before joining Ernst and Young, Mundaca served for over five years in the Treasury's Office of the International Tax Counsel during the Clinton Administration.
He received a B.A. in philosophy and in physics from Columbia University in 1986, and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Chicago in 1988. Mundaca also received a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 1992, and an LL.M. in taxation (international tax specialization) from the University of Miami.

Professor Frances Hill, the Director of the UM Graduate Program in Taxation, said, “Mr. Mundaca will play a critical role in the international tax reforms at the heart of the Obama Administration’s tax agenda. We are very proud of Mr. Mundaca’s professional accomplishments.  He is an inspiration to our current students, many of whom are interested in public service.”

posted 18-September-2009