Alan graduated cum laude from Kansas State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He was in private industry for two years before returning to Washburn University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate with honors in 1976. Alan was with a national CPA firm for three years, serving as a tax senior for a variety of clients. He obtained his CPA certificate in 1978. He has been with Mize, Houser since 1979, spending his first two years in the tax department, then four years as a principal serving in the hospitality industries department before rejoining the tax department in 1986. He was named a vice-president of the firm in 1985 and became a shareholder in 1986.

Alan has extensive experience in matters of income taxation, tax planning and financial planning, and focuses on individuals and family-owned businesses. His responsibilities for tax department management include technical review, staff scheduling and training, and quality control.

Alan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has served his community with the Topeka Active 20-30 Club and as a two-term president of the board of directors of the Family Service and Guidance Center.