Not-for-Profit Accounting Conference Agenda

David Heinen
Center for Nonprofits

David Heinen has been with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits since 2007, leading the Center’s public policy and advocacy work and providing non-answers (and occasional useful information) about legal compliance, trends in the nonprofit sector, and advocacy to hundreds of nonprofits. He has served on boards of a variety of local and national nonprofits. David is a graduate of Duke University and the William and Mary School of Law. Before returning to North Carolina to work for the Center, David spent seven years as an attorney with a Washington, D.C. law firm serving the nonprofit community. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three children, the oldest of whom describes her dad as “weathered.

Kelsey Vataas, CPA
CliftonLarsonAllen

Kelsey is the managing principal of the national nonprofit industry. Over her career at CLA, Kelsey has been a nonprofit auditor, strategic consultant, assessment provider, and consulting CFO. In her current role, Kelsey works to bring the firm’s national resources, teams, and experiences to over 12,000 nonprofits for whom CLA provides a variety of services.

Kelsey’s experience includes planning, project managing and executing projects including:

• Helping nonprofits think about and plan for their strategic and financial futures
• Conducting assessments of organizations and identifying opportunities to redesign future strategies and/or operations
• Improving clarity and accuracy of financial reporting to inform board and managerial decisions
• Reorganizing finance and operational departments for increased productivity and efficiency
• Providing market research and proven practices to challenge the status quo and revitalize nonprofit operations

Jordan Miller, CPA
CliftonLarsonAllen

Jordan Miller is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen and specializes in assurance services for nonprofit organizations, in addition to nonprofit health care organizations.

Jordan has served a diversity of nonprofit clients with CliftonLarsonAllen, from social service organizations, religious organizations, arts and cultural organizations, associations, independent schools, and foundations.

Her experience with assurance services includes all phases of audits, from engagement planning to report drafting and engagement wrap-up. She places special emphasis on creating efficiencies in the process in order to determine the best way to perform the audit.

David Heinen
Center for Nonprofits

David Heinen has been with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits since 2007, leading the Center’s public policy and advocacy work and providing non-answers (and occasional useful information) about legal compliance, trends in the nonprofit sector, and advocacy to hundreds of nonprofits. He has served on boards of a variety of local and national nonprofits. David is a graduate of Duke University and the William and Mary School of Law. Before returning to North Carolina to work for the Center, David spent seven years as an attorney with a Washington, D.C. law firm serving the nonprofit community. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three children, the oldest of whom describes her dad as “weathered.

Slater Solomon
Corliss & Solomon, PLLC CPA

Slater has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University and was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society. He is a member of both the AICPA and the NCACPA. Slater also co-teaches a course each year through the Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways program, which provides resources to area nonprofit organizations.

Upon graduation, Slater went to work for Yeager & Boyd, LLC, an accounting firm in Birmingham, AL. During his time there, he had the opportunity to work with public housing authorities throughout the southeastern United States, learning about what role they played in addressing the housing needs of their communities. This experience helped shape his desire to apply his skillset in a way that helped his community to become a better place. After leaving Yeager & Boyd and before moving to Asheville, Slater spent a year traveling in the Western United States with his wife Nikki who was working as a traveling nurse at the time. They explored the west coast, learning more about the country, and when it came time to settle down, they immediately looked to Asheville as a place to call home.

Slater soon joined Steve in his practice, and in May of 2008 they partnered to form Corliss & Solomon, PLLC. Slater is always looking for opportunities to improve and streamline processes, and he has integrated a number of technological tools to better support our clients’ needs.

When he’s not working, Slater spends time with his family and they stay active exploring the creeks and trails of Western North Carolina.

Jaclyn Veno, CPA
Galasso Learning Solutions

With an extensive background in accounting, auditing, and adult learning theory, Jaclyn is a licensed CPA who oversees the development of Level Training programs for Galasso Learning Solutions. Our students share that she creates highly-engaging, 5.0 rated curricula with case studies, hands-on activities, and even games.

Prior to joining our team, Jaclyn worked for two of the Top 10 CPA firms (PwC and Forvis, LLP) where she was entrusted with significant responsibilities including managing teams in India, leading revenue testing, and overseeing more than 20 acquisition audits from start to finish. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from Clemson University, as well as certificates in Adult Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Training & Facilitation, and E-Learning Instructional Design, Jaclyn is a trusted facilitator known for explaining complex concepts in compelling ways.

In her personal life, Jaclyn loves to dive into DIY projects with her husband, from renovating rooms to building furniture. She also enjoys exploring downtown Greenville, SC, the beautiful Swamp Rabbit Trail, and time at home with her two rescue kittens.

Rhonda Devan, CPA
Devan Consulting

Rhonda K. Devan, CPA, is a seasoned financial professional with a passion for empowering nonprofits to achieve their financial goals and optimize their operational efficiency. With over 30 years of experience in the field of audit, tax, accounting and finance, Rhonda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a trusted advisor and consultant.

Rhonda’s proficiency extends beyond traditional accounting practices. She possesses a deep understanding of nonprofit regulatory requirements, industry trends, and best practices, allowing her to provide strategic guidance and actionable insights to her clients. Whether she’s providing finance office assessments, building stronger finance teams, streamlining processes, restructuring chart of accounts, implementing effective budgeting processes, or optimizing internal controls, Rhonda’s holistic approach to financial management is grounded in a commitment to driving tangible results.

Rhonda holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Roberts Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in education from the State University of New York at Brockport and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of North Carolina and New York. She is also a member of AICPA, where she remains actively engaged in continuing education and professional development to stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in the field.

Chris Sacco, CPA
Devan Consulting

Christopher Sacco has over 25 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, and sustainable agriculture. For more than 18 years, he has provided monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and other technical consulting support to large international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Over the past year, Christopher helped negotiate the world’s largest debt conversion for conservation program and led development of its environmental and social management system. He is also a co-founder of Groundswell International, a global partnership of civil society organizations and NGOs dedicated to catalyzing the transition from unsustainable conventional agriculture to ecologically sound farming that regenerates the natural resource base, strengthens resilience to climate change, and restores local economies.

With extensive experience in nonprofit management, he has worked with organizations to evaluate their operations, optimize internal processes, and implement strategic improvements. His expertise lies in identifying inefficiencies, ensuring compliance, and aligning operations with broader organizational goals. In this session, he will provide insights on assessing overall organization capacity critical to building a stronger finance team.

His academic preparation includes a Master’s in Natural Resources from Oregon State University, a BA in Government and Spanish from Franklin & Marshall College, and a graduate certificate in the Design, Management and Evaluation of Sustainable Development Projects from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences.

Kurt Kennell, CPA
Devan Consulting

Kurt began his journey as a farmer and mason, where he learned project management, grit, and the value of a hard-earned dollar. These early lessons shaped his calm, down-to-earth leadership style and strong sense of urgency—qualities he brings to every engagement.

Now a seasoned accounting professional and CPA, Kurt specializes in accounting transformation, stabilization, system implementations, business acquisitions, and department restructuring. He has led teams in organizations ranging from $25M to $5B in revenue, consistently building lean, high-performing teams that deliver accurate, timely financial reporting and operational efficiency.

Kurt has worked across a broad range of industries, including consumer services, retail, non-profit, manufacturing, transportation, government, healthcare, and professional services. This diverse background allows him to quickly assess challenges, realign teams, and implement systems that improve transparency and performance.

He has held roles such as CFO, Corporate Controller, and Director of Corporate Accounting, often leveraging modern tools to optimize close cycles, reduce labor costs, and streamline processes. His large-company expertise translates seamlessly to mid-sized companies seeking scalable, results-driven leadership.

Jeff Mechanick
FASB

In his role at FASB, Jeff provides organization-wide technical and strategic advice on standard-setting activities affecting the not-for-profit sector, guides and facilitates stakeholder outreach with the sector, chairs the FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee, and participates in some of the FASB’s broader educational activities. Jeff previously spent 20 years working in and with the not-for-profit sector, as the CFO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and before that, as a Senior Manager with KPMG, LLP, in the firm’s New York office.  From 1992 to 1994, he served as the National Technical Senior Manager for the firm’s Higher Education, Research, and Other Not-for-Profit Organizations (HERON) practice. He is also a past member of the AICPA’s NFP Expert Panel. Jeff is also an adjunct instructor in Columbia University’s MS program in Nonprofit Management.

Alex Romero, CPA, CGMA
Galasso Learning Solutions

With nearly two decades of expertise in governmental and nonprofit accounting, Alex helps facilitate the development of governmental training programs for Galasso Learning Solutions. Her engaging presentation style, passion for connecting with attendees, and ability to make complex topics accessible have made her a sought-after educator in the field.

Prior to joining GLS, Alex worked for several governmental entities, served as an auditor for a public accounting firm, and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from Colorado State University. Her contributions to the accounting field have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting (2022, 2023) and receiving the AICPA’s Outstanding Young CPA Award in 2022.

Alex serves on AICPA Council and is a member of the Governmental Performance Accountability Committee. She previously served on the Emerging Professional Initiative Committee of the AICPA. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees for the Colorado Society of CPAs and is a member of their Young Professional Council. Alex loves Disney and running so in January 2024, she completed the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World!

Jaclyn Veno, CPA
Galasso Learning Solutions

With an extensive background in accounting, auditing, and adult learning theory, Jaclyn is a licensed CPA who oversees the development of Level Training programs for Galasso Learning Solutions. Our students share that she creates highly-engaging, 5.0 rated curricula with case studies, hands-on activities, and even games.

Prior to joining our team, Jaclyn worked for two of the Top 10 CPA firms (PwC and Forvis, LLP) where she was entrusted with significant responsibilities including managing teams in India, leading revenue testing, and overseeing more than 20 acquisition audits from start to finish. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from Clemson University, as well as certificates in Adult Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Training & Facilitation, and E-Learning Instructional Design, Jaclyn is a trusted facilitator known for explaining complex concepts in compelling ways.

In her personal life, Jaclyn loves to dive into DIY projects with her husband, from renovating rooms to building furniture. She also enjoys exploring downtown Greenville, SC, the beautiful Swamp Rabbit Trail, and time at home with her two rescue kittens.

Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA
Mig Murphy Sistrom CPA PC

Mig Murphy Sistrom owns a specialty accounting firm with provides consulting, accounting, and planning services exclusively to nonprofits on a variety of issues, including accounting systems design, cost allocation, budgeting, internal control and fraud prevention, policies and procedures manuals, and IRS and other compliance issues.

Her firm also provides bookkeeping and other accounting support services.

Mig has authored several articles on nonprofit financial topics and has taught courses on these subjects through Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Program and other organizations.

She is active in the N.C. Association of CPAs and has served on the boards of directors of several North Carolina nonprofits.

Mig holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a graduate of Leadership America North Carolina.

Prior to opening her own firm, she served as Director of Finance and Administration for a nonprofit organization with an annual budget of over $10 million.

Previously, she was an audit manager at a large local CPA firm, where she provided accounting, consulting, audit, and tax services to nonprofit organizations.

She began her professional career as a staff auditor at Price Waterhouse LLP.

She holds a Masters of Accounting and a B.S. degree with Highest Honors in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Laura Kenney, CPA
CliftonLarsonAllen

I love providing tax services for public charities, higher education institutions, private schools, cultural institutions, associations, foundations and healthcare organizations! Why? Here’s why …

The essence of a tax-exempt organization is the reason for its exemption. It’s entwined with its total existence.

I’m honored to work with such organizations. They are essential to the community, to people, to the world. It’s a privilege to be someone who serves exempt organizations, whether as a board member, an employee or even as a service provider.

And none of our work should be undervalued.

As part of my why I do what I do, it’s to encourage those who work with exempt organizations, sometimes by suggestions, by stories, by seriousness, to remember what a prestigious privilege it is to do so.

Tina Henton
CliftonLarsonAllen

Specializing in Taxation (nonprofit in public and private areas, nonprofit consulting, trusts, and individual taxation), Nonprofit Audit, State & Local Government Audit (k-12 school districts, community colleges, special districts, emphasis on pensions and OPEB) and Single Audit/Uniform Guidance

Alex Romero, CPA, CGMA
Galasso Learning Solutions

With nearly two decades of expertise in governmental and nonprofit accounting, Alex helps facilitate the development of governmental training programs for Galasso Learning Solutions. Her engaging presentation style, passion for connecting with attendees, and ability to make complex topics accessible have made her a sought-after educator in the field.

Prior to joining GLS, Alex worked for several governmental entities, served as an auditor for a public accounting firm, and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from Colorado State University. Her contributions to the accounting field have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting (2022, 2023) and receiving the AICPA’s Outstanding Young CPA Award in 2022.

Alex serves on AICPA Council and is a member of the Governmental Performance Accountability Committee. She previously served on the Emerging Professional Initiative Committee of the AICPA. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees for the Colorado Society of CPAs and is a member of their Young Professional Council. Alex loves Disney and running so in January 2024, she completed the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World!

Amelia Crawford, CPA
Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

As a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Assurance practice, Amelia focuses her practice on serving not-for-profits and educational organizations. With more than 10 years of experience, clients depend on Amelia for timely, practical guidance on many technical accounting and compliance issues, such as implementation of new standards, compliance with federal and state laws and grant programs, fair value matters, endowment accounting and not-for-profit industry insights. Amelia employs her expertise to assist not-for-profits with financial and compliance audits, including Uniform Grant Guidance. She is the Learning Leader for the Firm’s Not-for-Profit Industry Group and has been an instructor at conferences associated with the Southern Association of College & University Business Officers and the North Carolina Association of CPAs.

Paula Heller, MBA, CGMS
Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

As a Senior Associate in Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector industry group, Paula is part of the advisory team for grant administration and compliance engagements which provides clients with grant lifecycle management solutions. Her career in accounting and grants management spans over 25 years in the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors. She is a Certified Grants Management Specialist. Her specialties include full cycle grant management and accounting, risk assessment, subrecipient monitoring, 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance compliance, internal controls, grant reconciliations, workflow analysis, and policy and procedure development.

Paula has worked in various capacities in the grant sector. Her work includes executing NIH research grants; founding a not-for-profit private school, where she wrote proposals and managed a robust grant portfolio; and, serving as the manager of an institution of higher education’s post-award grant program in the Department of Financial Services. Her broad experience has provided her with a versatile skill set that readily adapts to meet the needs of the clients she now serves.

Linda Widdop
Tech Impact

Linda Widdop has been with Tech Impact for the past two decades where she demystifies technology for all levels of nonprofits to help them be more productive, raise more funds, and support more communities. She has worked with thousands of nonprofits across the country and the world to help them understand, implement, and support the ever-changing technologies that help them meet their mission. She is a regular conference and event speaker presenting on the relatable and timely topics include the importance of technology planning, cybersecurity, data visualization and more.

In her current role as Chief Innovation Officer, Linda shapes the innovation culture by identifying and leading technological and process transformations that link innovation efforts with the purpose and strategic planning of the organization. Linda can not only answer any technology question you have, but any bird question too. She’s an avid (and slightly obsessed) birdwatcher and is always excited to share her passion for all things with wings.

Ryan Harrington
Tech Impact

Ryan Harrington is the Director of Strategy and Operations for the Data Innovation Lab (DIL) at Tech Impact where he focuses on developing data science projects for social good. Previously, Ryan was the lead data scientist at CompassRed Data Labs, a data science and analytics consulting firm where his focus was on developing models using a combination of statistical methods and machine learning techniques. Outside of work, he co-founded and co-organized Open Data Delaware, an organization dedicated to improving data transparency within government institutions and applying data and technology to solve civic problems.

Harrington holds a B.S in environmental and business economics from Rutgers University and an M.S. in business analytics from Drexel University. Prior to his work as a data scientist, he was a high school math teacher through Teach for America and spent time building Delaware’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at 1313 Innovation. Outside of work he enjoys Euro-style boardgames, attempting to woodwork, and travel – from Zion to Zanzibar.

Alex Romero, CPA, CGMA
Galasso Learning Solutions

With nearly two decades of expertise in governmental and nonprofit accounting, Alex helps facilitate the development of governmental training programs for Galasso Learning Solutions. Her engaging presentation style, passion for connecting with attendees, and ability to make complex topics accessible have made her a sought-after educator in the field.

Prior to joining GLS, Alex worked for several governmental entities, served as an auditor for a public accounting firm, and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from Colorado State University. Her contributions to the accounting field have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting (2022, 2023) and receiving the AICPA’s Outstanding Young CPA Award in 2022.

Alex serves on AICPA Council and is a member of the Governmental Performance Accountability Committee. She previously served on the Emerging Professional Initiative Committee of the AICPA. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees for the Colorado Society of CPAs and is a member of their Young Professional Council. Alex loves Disney and running so in January 2024, she completed the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World!