Tja A. Chiapelli

Tja (T.J.) Chiapelli is the Head of Business Development at Wierenga.Tax. She leads strategic growth initiatives, forges key partnerships in the wealth advisory space, and drives client acquisition. With a deep understanding of the tax preparation and estate planning landscape, Tja combines analytical insight with relationship-building expertise to expand market presence and deliver tailored solutions. Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling operations, launching new service lines, and enhancing client engagement in an increasingly digital tax environment.

Prior to joining Wierenga.Tax, Tja was a state prosecutor, then a prominent defense attorney where she handled thousands of criminal cases including misdemeanors, DUIs, traffic, license issues and felonies. 

Tja Chiapelli received her Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. Before law school, she graduated with honors from Western Illinois University. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Texas.