Robert Broome
NCACPA

Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate NCACPA’s advocacy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to the Advocacy Resource Group and Tax Resource Group.

Robert has extensive experience as a lobbyist, PAC fundraiser, and grassroots manager for professional associations. A native of Tennessee, he worked in Nashville and Atlanta before moving to Raleigh in 2013. He earned his Certified Association Executive credential in 2020, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Association Executives of North Carolina.

Outside of work, Robert volunteers with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a degree in political science. He and his wife, Brandi, are the proud parents of two daughters.

Robert Broome
NCACPA

Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate NCACPA’s advocacy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to the Advocacy Resource Group and Tax Resource Group.

Robert has extensive experience as a lobbyist, PAC fundraiser, and grassroots manager for professional associations. A native of Tennessee, he worked in Nashville and Atlanta before moving to Raleigh in 2013. He earned his Certified Association Executive credential in 2020, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Association Executives of North Carolina.

Outside of work, Robert volunteers with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a degree in political science. He and his wife, Brandi, are the proud parents of two daughters.

Anna Beavon Gravely
North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation

Anna Beavon Gravely is the Executive Director of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation, a non-partisan research organization that works to understand trends and inform decision making. NCFREE is a leader in connecting the dots for North Carolina’s political landscape and business growth.

Jake Cashion
North Carolina Chamber of Commerce

Jake Cashion serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs at the NC Chamber, leading the lobbying, advocacy, and political efforts of the state’s top business advocacy organization. Jake returns to the NC Chamber after leaving to lead a team expansion at Brooke Cashion and Associates – Allen Tate. Prior to that he worked as a director of government affairs at the NC Chamber from 2011 to 2017, leading unemployment insurance reform efforts, the “NC Can’t Afford to Wait” campaign to achieve transportation funding reform, tort reform, and other significant business issues for the state’s business community. Jake enjoys the quality of life that North Carolina offers from its people to its location with easy access to the mountains and the coast. He is passionate about maintaining NC’s #1 ranking for business and economic climate and having the ability to influence positive change for our members and the people of North Carolina. In his spare time, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke. They like to travel to their mountain home and Florida getaway on the Gulf Coast. Jake loves to scuba dive and work in the landscape. They have one daughter, Maddie who commissions and graduates from the US Naval Academy in May 2023 and will become a Navy Pilot. A lot of the time, you will see Finn the dog with them.

Elizabeth Robinson
North Carolina Retail Merchants Association

As Vice President of the NC Retail Merchants Association, Elizabeth advances the government relations efforts for NCRMA, having lobbied the North Carolina General Assembly and regulatory bodies to advocate for a positive business climate for retailers in North Carolina since 2006. In addition, she oversees the Carolinas Organized Retail Crime Alliance and other Association activities including Emergency Management response efforts for retail. Prior to joining NCRMA, Elizabeth served as Director of Government Relations for the NC Chamber of Commerce after working as an associate lobbyist with Roger Bone & Associates for various business clients. Elizabeth received the Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award in 2019 and served as the 2017-2018 President of the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association as well as a past president of the Young Lobbyists Association. She also serves as a President of NCRMA affiliated entities 209 Retail Partners LLC and Total Quality Management, Inc. Graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double-major in Public Policy Analysis and Political Science, Elizabeth is married to John and lives in Raleigh with their two children, William & Emily.

Jennifer Louis, CPA
Emergent Solutions Group, LLC

Jennifer F. Louis, CPA founded Emergent Solutions Group, LLC in 2003, where she focuses her energy on designing and delivering high-quality, practical, and engaging accounting and auditing training. She was most recently Director of Audit Product Development at Surgent Professional Education. Prior to that Jennifer served as Director of Training Services at AuditWatch, Inc, was the Financial/Operational Audit Manager at AARP, and was an Audit Manager for Deloitte & Touche LLP. Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Marymount University with a BBA-Accounting. Besides loving life on the lake with her husband in Charlotte, NC, she enjoys hiking with her Coton de Tulear dogs, and savoring any precious moments spent with her two young adult boys.

Paula McMillan, CPA/PFS, CFP, CGMA
Stearns Financial Group

Paula McMillan, CFP®, CPA/PFS, CGMA helps people pay less taxes and make more money as a financial advisor with a specific focus on income taxes and estate planning.

• Published and quoted in CNBC, US News & World Report, The Tax Adviser, Journal of Accountancy, Kiplinger’s, The Business Journal, How Stuff Works, NCACPA Interim Report and more.
• Created two national AICPA podcast series on retirement readiness and women and wealth
• TEDx presenter on the topic of Retirement: Longevity and Security.
• National speaker on Retirement Planning (Investment and Tax Strategies, Medicare, Social Security).
• AICPA Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference Committee, Investment Subcommittee Chair
• AICPA Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) Credential, Committee Member
• Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP), Board Member
• Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP) Foundation, Board Chair
• Greensboro Estate Planning Council, Board Member
• Plenteous Financial Forum, Founder and Chair
• Women’s Professional Forum, Financial Divas, Chair
• NCACPA Women’s Initiatives Group, Founder and Chair

Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Auburn University
• Master of Science, Major in Finance (emphasis in Corporate Finance), Georgia State University
• Thirty-seven years of public accounting & private industry experience
• Twenty-seven years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants; past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors
• To date, has presented over 2,800 continuing education sessions to over 71,000 participants

Kevin von der Lippe
Catapult Employers Association, Inc.

Kevin von der Lippe is the Director of Pre-Employment Services at Catapult, an employers’ association with offices in Raleigh, the Triad and Charlotte dedicated to helping NC employers with issues related to HR, compliance, and people development. Kevin has been part of the Catapult team since 1996. His responsibilities include overseeing the company’s detective agency, background checking department, and recruiting department.

As an expert on background checking and detective work, Kevin frequently speaks on those topics to different audiences, which include employers and HR professionals. He is security minded and proficient with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (administered by the EEOC), as it relates to background checks.

Kevin is a member of the PBSA, a background screener association, where he serves on their Advocacy Committee and as the NC Chairman of their Grassroots Legislative effort. He is also a member of ASIS, an industrial security association. Kevin was raised in Greensboro, NC and currently lives nearby with his wife. He completed his bachelor’s degree in history at North Carolina State University. Kevin is an active volunteer who gives his time to numerous boards and organizations, including the Bryan Park Golf Commission and Greensboro-Guilford Country Crime Stoppers.

Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Auburn University
• Master of Science, Major in Finance (emphasis in Corporate Finance), Georgia State University
• Thirty-seven years of public accounting & private industry experience
• Twenty-seven years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants; past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors
• To date, has presented over 2,800 continuing education sessions to over 71,000 participants

Peter Metzner, MA, MPA, PCC, BCC
Dynamic Change, Inc.

Peter Metzner is a Professional and Board-Certified Coach and Trainer. He is the President and founder of Dynamic Change, Inc. Peter has facilitated hundreds of team development and training programs and coached scores of executives from city government, federal agencies, universities, hospitals, colleges, schools, non-profits, associations, as well as professional offices and businesses. Before founding Dynamic Change Inc., he was employed by the Center for Creative Leadership, helping customize executive development and training programs for major businesses and corporations. Peter also taught Psychology at Vance-Granville Community College and leadership Studies at William Peace University. Currently he facilitates seminars on Leadership and High Performing Teams at UNC Chapel Hill as well as Duke University Medical Center. He is also an Instructor for the Institute for Life Coach Training.

Nicole Andrews, MBA, MHRD
Nicole Andrews International, LLC

I founded Nicole Andrews International in 2019 to serve as a career coach for ambitious women through my coaching programs, courses and events and as a speaker for organizations looking to support the inclusion and advancement of women in the workplace.

My goal is to help women do the deeper work of uncovering their unique vision and purpose, embracing their difference and disrupting limiting beliefs about what’s possible for them in the workplace and beyond.

I’m The Career Disruptor® and my coaching programs, courses and events are all built around my custom, one-of-a-kind proven D.I.S.R.U.P.T. Framework to help you with more than job searches, resumes and interviews.

Whether you love or hate your job, I want to help you create visibility and have a plan in place to manage any career disruption that comes your way proactively no matter what happens in your company, economy or the world.

We work together to create a plan to transform your career one big or small step at a time so you can spend better quality time at home with those you love while knowing you’re not sacrificing your future career impact because you’re a woman with a plan.

Mark Vitner, CBE
Piedmont Crescent Capital

Mark Vitner, CBE, has more than three decades experience analyzing the U.S. economy, as well as issues impacting residential and commercial development. As a Chief Economist and owner of Piedmont Crescent Capital, Mark leads a team who provides independent economic consulting services to a wide range of businesses, trade groups and municipalities across the country. Their common-sense approach to complex economic issues helps business leaders more confidently make key decisions.

Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Auburn University
• Master of Science, Major in Finance (emphasis in Corporate Finance), Georgia State University
• Thirty-seven years of public accounting & private industry experience
• Twenty-seven years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants; past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors
• To date, has presented over 2,800 continuing education sessions to over 71,000 participants

Arleen Thomas, CPA, CGMA
NCACPA Chair

An experienced Boards of Director member that brings extensive knowledge to organizations that are seeking to find opportunities in chaos. Quickly understands management’s vision and layers relevant knowledge to evolve business models and solve complex problems. Current Board work is focused in the not-for-profit sector with a concentration in education including K-12 and professional life long learning. Continues to focus on board governance engaging in discussions with other directors and investing in professional development. Current interest is in diversity, equity and inclusion and the role it plays in education and improving organizations’ profitability. Extensive experience comes from 25+ years as a senior executive at a large association where for 13 years she was responsible for the self-regulation of the accounting and profession and the other years she was responsible for over $70 million of revenues from products and services. Her career started with KPMG auditing public and private companies in the energy and financial industries.

Sharon Bryson
NCACPA

In her role as CEO, Sharon works directly with the NCACPA Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the Strategy Advisory Committee to set the strategic direction of the Association. Additionally, she represents the membership before various state governmental entities, including the NC State Board of CPA Examiners, the NC Department of Revenue, and the North Carolina General Assembly.

Sharon currently serves as a member of the NC State University Master of Accounting Advisory Board, the ECU College of Business Advisory Board, the UNC MAC Program Advisory Council, and the Louisburg College Board of Trustees.

Sharon is Immediate Past President of the CPA Society Executives Association, Past President of the Association Executives of North Carolina, and former member of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion.

Sharon received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Robert Broome
NCACPA

Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate NCACPA’s advocacy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to the Advocacy Resource Group and Tax Resource Group.

Robert has extensive experience as a lobbyist, PAC fundraiser, and grassroots manager for professional associations. A native of Tennessee, he worked in Nashville and Atlanta before moving to Raleigh in 2013. He earned his Certified Association Executive credential in 2020, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Association Executives of North Carolina.

Outside of work, Robert volunteers with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a degree in political science. He and his wife, Brandi, are the proud parents of two daughters.

Gary Kohut, Ph.D
Belk College of Business

Dr. Gary Kohut joined the Belk College faculty in 1983. His research focuses on corporate communication strategy, leadership and management development and applied technology in business communication. He is co-author of three books: Business Communication: A Functional Perspective, Contemporary Business Report Writing, and Write to Win. He has published articles in both academic and practitioner journals, and has written chapters and cases in communications, management and marketing texts. Dr. Kohut has conducted management development seminars and workshops for several major regional and national corporations. Dr. Kohut is an active member of professional associations and is a member of the board of Comtech Enterprises.

Gene Marks
The Marks Group PC

Gene speaks at over 70 live events per year — from Fortune 500 sales and executive groups, to large association conferences — his presentations are funny, energetic, and packed with valuable content. Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and senior managers understand the political, economic, operational and technological ISSUES AND TRENDS that will affect their companies and—most importantly — the ACTIONS they need to take to continue to grow and build a valuable company.

As an author, CPA, business owner, and national business columnist for The Hill, The Guardian, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Chicago Daily Herald and other well-known outlets, Gene has spent the past 25 years not only running a very successful business but interviewing and speaking with politicians, government leaders, business owners and senior managers in many industries. His role as a speaker is to be a vessel for your audience, reporting back to them what he’s learning and seeing all across the country so they can walk away with some good, tangible, actionable ways to navigate their companies around the challenges they face as they build value in their organizations.

Whether its navigating a slow economy, managing through inflation or finding and retaining the best talent, Gene shares what his best clients, readers and business leaders in his community are doing to build value and grow their companies each year.