Team
Alexander Barta, CPA, MPA, MST
CPA
866-373-8715
Alex works with small businesses, individuals, and estates and trusts in all areas of taxation including preparation, compliance, planning, and audit support. He has a master’s degree in accounting from UW-Whitewater and both a master’s degree in taxation and a graduate certificate in state and local taxation from UW-Milwaukee. He began his career with a local CPA firm in Brookfield Wisconsin where he worked with clients across a variety of industries providing services in all areas of accounting and taxation.
Alex joined Skye Financial Services in 2021 to support and grow the tax services part of the business. He strives to help clients minimize their tax liabilities while explaining complex tax concepts in simple terms. He believes in a collaborative approach and customized services to suit each client’s individual needs.
He lives in Waukesha with his wife Chelsey and their three children. While not in the office he enjoys being involved with his children’s athletic and club activities, camping, hiking, travelling, and is an avid sports fan.
Fun fact: Alex is somewhat of a history buff and according to his son a Star Wars geek.
Start a conversation! alex@skyefinancialservice.com
Shawn D. MacDonald
866.373.8715
Shawn MacDonald, as an investment advisor of United Planners Financial Services, views himself as an analytical financial coach. His passion is to direct clients to achieve success in pursuing their financial goals. Born in Italy, (dad was a Navy chief), he was raised in Waukesha,Wi on a small farmette. Shawn spent a semester of college studying and playing rugby in Scotland. He graduated from UW-LaCrosse with a major in finance. A short stint with Roadway Trucking as an operations manager honed his organizational and managerial skills. His finance career began with an internship with AXA/Equitable (his parents were his first clients). He then worked as a financial advisor for a local credit union. That experience pushed him to venture out and develop his own unique approach to advising clients. He and Tamara co-founded Skye Financial Services, Inc. with the goal of providing clients the opportunity to explore and define their financial destiny.
Shawn has his Series 6, 7 and 26 securities licenses and insurance licenses, He educates clients on efficient tax planning throughout the year.
Shawn is married to Tamara (having been wed wearing a kilt on the Isle of Skye) and enjoys traveling to any destination in the world. He surrounds himself with his close-knit family and is constantly tinkering with home projects. For the past 19 years he had coached youth football and for 7 of those years he also coached high school varsity lacrosse.
Fun Fact: Shawn has started stalking walleye on Oconomowoc Lake .
Contact Shawn to start the conversation!
Tamara R. MacDonald
CFP®
866.373.8715
Tamara (Tammy) MacDonald , as an investment advisor of United Planners Financial Services, views herself as a financial designer who integrates individualized solutions with creative investment choices for her clients. She encourages education and client involvement with the financial process. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana ,( her dad was an Army Private First Class), and grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI. She started her financial career as a bank teller in high school. After receiving her business degree from Marquette University, she worked in different customer service areas within the bank. She earned her Series 7 working at an “old school” brokerage office; Frederick and Company. Excited to apply her knowledge of the investment markets, she accepted a financial advisor position with Firstar Bank (now USBank). In 1995 she became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER PROFESSIONAL ™ and left the bank to develop an investment services program for a credit union. Reflecting on her experience and desire to work independently for clients; she collaborated with Shawn MacDonald to create Skye Financial Services, Inc. to focus on helping clients reach their financial goals. Their professional diversity provides clients an analytical approach to accomplish their unique goals.
Tammy has a Series 6, 7, and 24 license and insurance licenses.
Tammy and Shawn are married and live in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Tammy enjoys traveling anywhere with her husband and her favorite destinations are Sanibel Island and Scotland. She stays grounded (no puns intended) by pruning and planting in her perennial gardens or spending time doing just about anything with their amazing kids and grandchildren. .
Fun Fact: Her favorite book series is “The Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon. Favorite movie: Braveheart
Contact Tammy to start the conversation