I’ve got over three decades of hard-won experience. Along the way I’ve helped large organizations act nimbly and small companies scale, been a participant in two global technology revolutions, joined a podcast with Dose of Leadership —and have been part of some remarkable teams and success stories (and some misfires), and am the author of the book Evolve or Die: Lessons for World-Class Innovation & Creativity.

* Oversaw the creation of dozens of innovative products within different industries, including: medical device, defense, software and professional services.
* Experienced in bringing the unique personalities and skills sets of team members together to generate innovative ideas and solve real business (and real-world) problems.
* Worked and consulted for B2B & B2C Fortune 100 companies and entrepreneurial startups, and bring a broad perspective.

I help event attendees better innovate and contribute by delivering inspiring, informative and engaging keynotes tailored to your specific needs. I also consult with companies to help them improve their product development process and create next generation products that leapfrog the competition, reinvigorate their marketing or reinvent some aspect of their business – all with the goal of driving revenue.

Ted is the Managing Partner of Economic Leadership LLC, a consultancy that is currently working in more than a dozen states to develop economic and workforce strategies. Ted has 35 years of experience in directing economic development and workforce development programs. From 2008-2013, Ted was the Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, a 42-year old public policy think tank that provided economic development research, strategy and marketing advice, to states and communities across the South. He also served as economic development policy advisor to the Southern Governors Association.

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

• Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm.

• Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company.

• Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization

• Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.

In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals.

In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner.

Over the past twenty-seven years, Tommy has presented over 2,800 educational sessions to over 71,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Peter Metzner is a Professional and Board-Certified Coach and PeopleMap Trainer.

He is the President and founder of Dynamic Change, Inc.

He 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 until May of 2016.

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 adjunct Instructor for the Institute for Life Coach Training.

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

• Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm.

• Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company.

• Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization

• Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.

In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals.

In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner.

Over the past twenty-seven years, Tommy has presented over 2,800 educational sessions to over 71,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Peter Metzner is a Professional and Board-Certified Coach and PeopleMap Trainer.

He is the President and founder of Dynamic Change, Inc.

He 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 until May of 2016.

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 adjunct Instructor for the Institute for Life Coach Training.

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

• Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm.

• Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company.

• Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization

• Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.

In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals.

In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner.

Over the past twenty-seven years, Tommy has presented over 2,800 educational sessions to over 71,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Javier is a Principal within the Cybersecurity Services Group at CLA and has been in the cybersecurity field for over 12 years. Javier leads a team of technology and industry specialists providing IT audits and security assessments for clients in a wide range of industries and diverse operating environments. Prior to joining CLA, Javier spent ten years supporting the Department of Defense as well as a financial services company in the fields of insider threat, incident response, fraud, waste and abuse, analytics, and systems engineering. Since Javier has been with CLA, he has spent the majority of his time providing IT Security, Risk, and Consulting services to clients in healthcare, higher education, and financial related institutions.

Marcey Rader believes that health powers productivity. She is a multi-certified health and productivity expert, a three-time author, and an award-winning, global Certified Speaking Professional® keynote speaker.

As the founder of RaderCo, Marcey helps executives, teams, and individuals banish burnout, keep good people, and move forward through practical, tailored tools, healthy, sustainable habits, and coaching accountability.

Sought-after by Fortune 100 companies and others, she’s spoken for tens of thousands of people worldwide – from North Dakota to Dubai to Tokyo.

As a high-impact speaker, she trains her audiences to maximize their energy, conquer the calendar, master tasks, and extinguish their email. To change your career, team, or organization one habit at a time, learn more or connect with Marcey at marceyrader.com.

Jack Cathey is an Associate Professor in the Turner School of Accountancy at the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the Director of the Master of Accountancy program and has previously served as both a Department Chair and an Associate Dean in the Belk College. He earned a Ph.D. and Masters in Accounting from Virginia Tech. His undergraduate degree is also in Accounting from Wake Forest University. Dr. Cathey is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina.

Dr. Cathey’s professional experience includes working as senior auditor with KPMG in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Cathey has published articles in a number of journals including Strategic Finance, Internal Auditing, Management Accounting, The Tax Advisor, The Journal of Accountancy, The American Subcontractor, and various academic journals. He is a co-author of Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis, 13th Edition, by John Wiley & Sons.

Dr. Cathey frequently speaks to professional groups on topics related to technology and financial reporting. The NCACPA recognized Dr. Cathey’s contributions to continuing professional education by awarding him their Chapter Speaker Award. Dr. Cathey previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Board and a Director at NewDominion Bank, a community bank based in Charlotte, NC and as a Director of Camber Ridge LLC, a Charlotte-area startup focused on meeting the needs of the automotive industry for an advanced tire testing services.

Cal Christian is a professor of accounting at East Carolina University teaching International Accounting and Accounting for Decision Making. He is a registered CPA in North Carolina and Mississippi, and has more than 10 years of experience in the public accounting profession with the former international accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney in Houston, TX, and Jackson, MS; and in industry with LDDS (the predecessor to WorldCom) and the Mississippi law firm of Holcomb, Dunbar. Cal holds a PhD from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi. He teaches continuing education classes for the NCACPA, AICPA, CPA firms, and publicly traded companies, and has been recognized as an NCACPA Outstanding Conference Speaker. While at ECU, Cal has been honored as a College of Business Teaching Fellow and has been awarded the UNC Board of Governors’ Outstanding Teaching Award and the ECU College of Business Scholar/Teacher Award. Cal also has several service responsibilities with ECU including serving as The NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Cal has been involved within the CPA profession as a NCACPA Board Member and within the Greenville Community as President of the Eastern NC Ronald McDonald House.

• Published and quoted in CNBC, US News & World Report, The Tax Adviser, Journal of Accountancy, Kiplinger’s, The Business Journal, How Stuff Works and more. • Created two national AICPA podcast series on retirement planning and women and wealth • TEDx presenter on the topic of Retirement: Longevity and Security • AICPA Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference Committee Investment Committee Lead ‘ • AICPA Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) Credential Committee Member • Greensboro Estate Planning Council Board Member • Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP) Board Member • Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP) Foundation Board Chairperson • NCACPA Triad Women’s Initiatives Group Lead • Plenteous Financial Forum Chairperson and Founder • Regularly deliver presentations to national, regional and local audiences on financial life planning and investment related topics.

Dr. Holly Sullenger is an award-winning, internationally renowned veteran in the fields of corporate speaking, training, and consulting. She offers expert speaking and training opportunities in the areas of leadership, professional development, and technology.

Dr. Holly has worked with individuals representing a vast array of different occupations and industries. She is known for being able to present high-level topics in ways that make the content easy to understand, to assimilate, and to act on. Dr. Holly’s passions include prompting “light bulb moments” in her participants, and helping professionals stay relevant in their fields.

Dr. Holly has a PhD in Adult, Workforce and Continuing Professional Education from NC State University, as well as degrees in Adult Education, Business Management, Computer Science and Liberal Arts. This enables her to combine an in-depth knowledge of business and industry with adult-education techniques and infused humor in order to bring unparalleled knowledge and assistance to those she partners with.

Mike Cheng joined Frazier & Deeter in 2019 as the Partner who oversees the firm’s professional practices related to accounting and audit.

As part of this role, he specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was a Senior Project Manager at the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). At the FASB, he served as the Private Company Council (PCC) coordinator, where he was responsible for all PCC related matters.

In addition, Mike led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shaped the future of the FASB technical agenda, and improved consolidations guidance (VIE guidance).

Most recently, he worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842).

Prior to joining the FASB, Mike held various management positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was an Audit Senior Manager, Private Company Services, in the firm’s Stamford, CT office.

From 2003-2011, he also held roles of increasing responsibility in PwC’s Core Assurance divisions in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

Louise W. Reed received her master’s degree in physics from Duke University and Master of Accounting from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She became a licensed CPA in 2004 and started her own public accounting practice in 2006, where she currently bills in bitcoin per hour. Reed’s interest in blockchain technology led to her most recent innovation, Afloat, Inc. The company utilizes blockchain technology and smart contracts to automate the exchange of state transferable tax credits.

David Peters is the Founder and Owner of David Peters Financial Group and Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC.

David has over fourteen years of experience in financial services, including 3 years in the hedge fund industry and six years in the insurance industry. David was the first-ever Chief Financial Officer at Compare.com – a position he held for more than three years.

Currently, David is a National Instructor for the AICPA, Surgent, and Kaplan. He regularly teaches courses in accounting, finance, insurance, financial planning, and ethics throughout the United States. David holds four masters degrees, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Financial Planning. He contributes regularly to various CPA publications, including NCACPA’s Interim Report, SCACPA’s CPA Report, and VSCPA’s Disclosures.

David was also a co-author of the 2018 Virginia CPA Ethics course – a required course for all CPA’s licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry as both a consumer and consultant of technology, Jeff brings a breadth of technical and tactical knowledge to help companies drive strategic business evolution with innovative IT solutions. Outside of work Jeff enjoys watching, playing and coaching soccer as well as the hustle and bustle of life with his wife and three children.

Dr. Holly Sullenger is an award-winning, internationally renowned veteran in the fields of corporate speaking, training, and consulting. She offers expert speaking and training opportunities in the areas of leadership, professional development, and technology.

Dr. Holly has worked with individuals representing a vast array of different occupations and industries. She is known for being able to present high-level topics in ways that make the content easy to understand, to assimilate, and to act on. Dr. Holly’s passions include prompting “light bulb moments” in her participants, and helping professionals stay relevant in their fields.

Dr. Holly has a PhD in Adult, Workforce and Continuing Professional Education from NC State University, as well as degrees in Adult Education, Business Management, Computer Science and Liberal Arts. This enables her to combine an in-depth knowledge of business and industry with adult-education techniques and infused humor in order to bring unparalleled knowledge and assistance to those she partners with.

Will cofounded BRC in 2016 with his wife, Amy Barfield. Will has been in sales his entire professional career, and really all the way back to his first job in high school. From his early-90’s days as a part-time telemarketer, to six years in sports sales with the Carolina Mudcats and 12+ years in sales leadership and sales recruiting with Frankel Staffing Partners, Will has never not generated revenue.

In addition to heading all sales-related efforts at BRC, Will is also very active in the local community. He donates his time to several organizations and has a history of leading successful fundraising efforts. At present, Will holds prominent volunteer positions with the WakeMed Foundation, Haven House Services, and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

In her role as CEO, Sharon works directly with the NCACPA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee to set the strategic direction of the Association.

Additionally, she works with the Tax Resource Group, and represents the membership with 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 President of the CPA Society Executives Association, as a member of the NC State Master of Accounting Advisory Board, and on the ECU College of Business Advisory Board.

Sharon is a Past President of the Association Executives of North Carolina, a former member of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion, and the Louisburg College Board of Trustees. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteer work focusing on adoption.

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

Jose Rodriguez was appointed NCACPA Chair-Elect beginning May 2022. He is a retired senior audit partner with KPMG. During his career at KPMG he held various leadership positions, which included serving on its board of directors and as lead director; chief operating officer of KPMG International’s global audit practice; office managing partner; leader of its Audit Committee Institute (ACI); east region professional practice partner and most recently ombudsman. As an audit partner, Mr. Rodriguez had extensive experience with large multinational companies and mid-size private and publicly held companies, with primary emphasis on industrial manufacturing; consumer markets (retail, automotive, and distribution concerns); pharmaceuticals; agribusiness; oil and gas and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez is a NACD Fellow and has been included in NACD’s D-100 list, which recognizes the most influential people in and around the boardroom. Mr. Rodriguez serves on the board of trustees of Marymount University; board of directors of Latin Corporate Directors Association (first Vice Chair), SECU Family House (Chair), the North Carolina Association of CPAs (Chair-elect), the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of Miami Herbert School of Business (Chair) and the Business School Advisory Board at Wake Forest University. He is a certified public accountant (licensed in FL, NC and NY). Mr. Rodriguez received a B.B.A. with a major in accounting from the University of Miami.

Kecia Williams Smith, Ph.D. CPA, is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Accountancy (MACC) Program in the Department of Accounting and Finance at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T).

She holds degrees from NC A&T and Texas A&M University, where she completed her PhD in June 2016.

Prior to entering academia, she was a senior manager at Deloitte where she led engagement teams in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications practice.

Immediately prior to starting her doctoral studies, she was an Associate Director at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) where she created and led the Inspections Training Office that served over 400 inspection personnel.

Austin is EVP, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller of TIAA. He is responsible for the controllership and fund accounting functions of TIAA and its subsidiaries, including Nuveen and TIAA Bank. Austin has been with TIAA since 2008 serving in multiple finance and accounting roles including the Funds Treasurer for the TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds, and the Controller for Nuveen, TIAA’s asset management business. Prior to joining TIAA, he was a senior manager in the audit practice at Deloitte. Austin previously served on the AICPA’s Governing Council and as the chair of the board of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, and currently sits on the board of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. Austin received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting at Duquesne University, and is a CPA licensed in North Carolina and Maryland.

Jon F. Kirchoff, Ph.D. (University of Tennessee, 2011) is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. His primary areas of research include sustainable supply chain management, healthcare supply chains, and functional integration. He has published articles in Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Supply Chain Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, and other academic outlets. Prior to academia, he worked 15 years in global purchasing and logistics management at several Fortune 500 companies, including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Dish Network

Gene Marks is a columnist, author, and small business owner. Gene writes every day on business, politics and public policy for the Washington Post and weekly for Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur and the Huffington Post. Gene has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses. Prior to starting the Marks Group PC Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager.

Nationally, Gene appears on Fox News, MSNBC and CNBC discussing matters affecting the business community. Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies so they can make profitable decisions.