schedule
Join your community of professionals for an engaging, three-day online or in-person experience. Walk away empowered by your choice of sessions, updates, and the guidance you need to be even more successful in your profession.
With 24 hours of CPE available and 50+ sessions to choose from, attendees will receive the most current and in-depth coverage of tax, accounting, business, and legal compliance trends critical to the profession. You’ll walk away from this conference with comprehensive knowledge of best practices in day-to-day operations and technology trends, as well as practical strategies to implement to enhance client service.
= Available to in-person attendees
= Available to virtual attendees
General Sessions

Jeff Butler
jeffbutler.com

General Session 1: AI: Overcoming the Hype and Discovering the Opportunity
In 1954, a Georgetown-IBM team predicted that language translation programs would be perfected within five years. Sixty years later, we’re still working on it. In 1965, Nobel Prize winner Herbert Simon claimed that machines would soon handle any work a person could do within twenty years. These ambitious predictions highlight the enormous promise of artificial intelligence—often oversold, rarely fully realized, fueling the inevitable AI hype. Delve into the dynamic landscape of Artificial Intelligence as we navigate through the buzz and uncover the legitimate opportunities.
Clarity Amidst the Hype:
Gain a clear understanding of the current state of AI by learning about the ‘Hype Curve’ and distinguish between exaggerated claims and genuine opportunities, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business.
Future-Proofing Strategies:
Identify key technological milestones essential for unlocking AI’s potential, positioning your organization for long-term success amid constant technological disruption.
Strategic Insights:
Acquire strategic insights into up-to-date AI case studies and how they can be practically applied to enhance business processes, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge in your industry.
Field of Study: Economics
Learn more about Jeff
Jeff Butler
jeffbutler.com
Jeff Butler is an author and workplace strategist who explores what organizations need to do to navigate uncertainty. His experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other. He studies common threads of behavior in industries such as IT professionals, underground utility workers, police officers to clothing retail chains. In addition, Jeff has also worked with various Fortune 500 companies to my and pop shops. His ideas have made it to TEDx twice, appeared in dozens of media outlets including two books on human behavior:- The Authentic Workplace and The Key To The New You. Currently, he lives in Dallas, Texas as an out of place Californian.

James (Bill) Harden, Ph.D., CPA, ChFC
Surgent

General Session 2: Federal Tax Update
Get the insights you need—before your clients even know they need them. This fast-paced, high-impact session will break down the most important developments in federal tax legislation, including the latest on the much-anticipated “Big Beautiful Bill.” With potential changes on the horizon and new laws already in play, you’ll walk away with the clarity and confidence to advise clients and plan proactively. Don’t miss this essential update that will keep you informed, compliant, and ahead of the curve.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Bill
James (Bill) Harden, Ph.D., CPA, ChFC
Surgent
Bill is an Associate Professor in the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he teaches tax courses on flow-through entities, individual and corporate tax, tax research, IRS practices, and ethics. Bill has thirty years of experience in taxation. He began his public accounting career in 1990 in the Dallas office of one of the Big Six accounting firms. In addition to his university teaching, Bill consults on tax and financial planning issues and maintains a sole practice in North Carolina, focusing on taxation and financial consulting for small businesses and individuals. Bill has testified before the House Ways and Means Oversight Sub-Committee on Internet taxation issues. He was the recipient of a Lybrand Certificate of Merit in 2002. Bill has been involved in CPE instruction for over a decade. He received NCACPA outstanding instructor awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2015, he received the Surgent Outstanding Discussion Leader Award because of his consistently high evaluations for knowledge and presentation skills. In 2016, Bill was awarded the R. Donald Farmer discussion leader award by the NCACPA. Bill has authored over 30 publications in tax accounting and financial planning journals, including the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, Strategic Finance, National Tax Journal, Journal of Business Finance and Accounting, Tax Notes, Tax Advisor, and Journal of the American Society of CLU and ChFC. Mr. Harden is currently a member of the American Accounting Association, the American Taxation Association, the National Tax Association, and the North Carolina Association of CPAs.

Robert Broome, CAE
NCACPA

General Session 3: Advocacy, Tax and Legislative Hot Topics
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Learn more about Robert
Robert Broome, CAE
NCACPA
As NCACPA Director of Advocacy, Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate the association’s public policy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to several NCACPA Resource Groups, including Advocacy, Tax, Government, and Accounting & Attestation.
Robert has more than two decades of experience in government relations and executive management 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.

LUNCH
Concurrent Sessions

James (Bill) Harden, Ph.D., CPA, ChFC
Surgent

1A: Tax Hot Topic
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Bill
James (Bill) Harden, Ph.D., CPA, ChFC
Surgent
Bill is an Associate Professor in the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he teaches tax courses on flow-through entities, individual and corporate tax, tax research, IRS practices, and ethics. Bill has thirty years of experience in taxation. He began his public accounting career in 1990 in the Dallas office of one of the Big Six accounting firms. In addition to his university teaching, Bill consults on tax and financial planning issues and maintains a sole practice in North Carolina, focusing on taxation and financial consulting for small businesses and individuals. Bill has testified before the House Ways and Means Oversight Sub-Committee on Internet taxation issues. He was the recipient of a Lybrand Certificate of Merit in 2002. Bill has been involved in CPE instruction for over a decade. He received NCACPA outstanding instructor awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2015, he received the Surgent Outstanding Discussion Leader Award because of his consistently high evaluations for knowledge and presentation skills. In 2016, Bill was awarded the R. Donald Farmer discussion leader award by the NCACPA. Bill has authored over 30 publications in tax accounting and financial planning journals, including the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, Strategic Finance, National Tax Journal, Journal of Business Finance and Accounting, Tax Notes, Tax Advisor, and Journal of the American Society of CLU and ChFC. Mr. Harden is currently a member of the American Accounting Association, the American Taxation Association, the National Tax Association, and the North Carolina Association of CPAs.

Elizabeth McDowell, CPA
Audit Forward

1B: Gen AI Prompts for Auditors
Master the art of crafting effective prompts for Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot to enhance audit efficiency, clarity, and decision-making.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of effective prompt engineering to elicit accurate and relevant responses from AI tools
- Develop prompts tailored to internal audit scenarios, including risk assessments, report writing, and process analysis
- Evaluate and refine AI-generated outputs to ensure alignment with audit goals and professional standards
Field of Study: TBA
Learn more about Elizabeth
Elizabeth McDowell, CPA
Audit Forward
More information coming soon!

Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA

1C: Peer Review Topic
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Mike
Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA
Mike provides Assurance & Advisory services to the firm’s clients and consults on technical matters related to professional standards. With a tenure dating back to 1986, he became a Member of the Firm in 1990 and transitioned into his consulting role in 2022.
Boasting 40+ years of experience, Mike has worked with manufacturing, retirement plan, construction, financial institution, and nonprofit clients. His expertise expands to business and strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans, internal controls, and governance structures of business entities. He served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control for 18 years. He chaired the firm’s A&A Committee during his tenure and has been an integral member of Management and Technology Committees and various additional Task Forces. Mike has performed a significant number of peer reviews and consulted on quality management issues for firms nationwide. He also serves as an instructor for continuing professional education courses pertaining to accounting and auditing on the local, regional, and national levels.
Mike has served as Member and Chair of various distinguished committees within the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA), North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), and Allinial Global over the past 25 years. His engagement has led to meaningful contributions to the wider accounting community. Current and past positions include:
- Member, Auditing Standards Board (ASB)
- Chair, AICPA Audits of Less Complex Entities Task Force (under ASB)
- Member, AICPA Attestation Standards Task Force
- Member, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board LCE Reference Group – appointed as the U.S. representative
- CPA on Staff, Coastal Peer Review
- Member, MACPA Audit Committee
- Past Member, AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee
- Past Member and Zone Chair, AICPA Technical Issues Committee – a national committee working to represent the views of small and medium-sized firms and their clients in the standards-setting process. As Zone Chair, Mike focused on auditing, accounting, and review services as well as professional ethics standards
- Past Member, AICPA Council
- Past Chair, Maryland Peer Review Committee
- Past Member, AICPA Auditing Standards Board
- Past Chair, Allinial Global Accounting & Audit Committee
- Past Chair, MACPA (2015-2016)
Mike has significant authorship involvement in numerous resources published under AICPA committees, including practice aids. In June 2020, he was invited to collaborate with Bob Dohrer, AICPA Chief Auditor, in delivering a webcast on the Audit Implications of COVID-19. Addressing queries from hundreds of practitioners, the webcast emerged as a widely utilized resource during the ongoing global pandemic.
Mike is passionate about doing quality work to assist firms in achieving compliance and representing smaller firms on large-scale national/international committees.
Concurrent Sessions

2A: The Voice of the Sole Practitioner
Coming Soon!
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Susan Stutzel, CPA
Partners Coach
Learn more about Susan
Susan Stutzel, CPA
Partners Coach
Susan Stutzel, CPA, joined the PartnersCoach team in 2019 and has contributed greatly to the firm’s coaching and training programs. She launched her career in a national firm as a young accountant. After a few years, she took advantage of working in a small, family-owned business, and then for a Fortune 500 company.
Being in the private sector made her aware of her love of public accounting and joined a small regional firm, serving clients and growing the firm. Her real love was training and mentoring staff, which led her to obtain an Executive Coaching certificate.
Today, she leads a small firm working with non-profit entities, playing a role in strategic thinking and planning with nonprofit leadership teams. “I have a great situation in that I help clients achieve their strategic goals while training and coaching fellow accountants in firms around the nation. I truly love what I do.””

Sterling Porter, CPA
Learn more about Sterling
Sterling Porter, CPA
Sterling has nearly 22 years of accounting experience and is a CPA in the state of North Carolina. Beginning his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, he also has experience in industry accounting throughout his career. He began his journey as a Sole Practitioner in 2012, starting with 2 clients. Eventually, the business grew to over 100 clients. The practice was nominated for and won several small business awards in the local community it served. He eventually sold the business to pursue an opportunity in academia. Sterling is currently working as a Sr. Controller with SAS Institute, Inc.

Sabrina Parris, CPA
Learn more about Sabrina
Sabrina Parris, CPA
Sabrina Parris is the owner of Honeycomb State Tax Strategies, a firm dedicated to assisting tax professionals and their clients navigate complex multistate tax issues. With a profound commitment to the accounting field, Sabrina is particularly passionate about enhancing the accounting pipeline and supporting women in maintaining their careers in public accounting. Her expertise and innovative approaches have made her a sought-after voice in the industry, leading to features on innovative podcasts such as Accounting High and Entrepreneur Exchange, and in notable publications such as Bloomberg Tax. Sabrina’s contributions to the field are driven by her dedication to providing solutions and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic accounting profession. Sabrina is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Elizabeth McDowell, CPA
Audit Forward

2B: The Data Detective: Actionable Analytics for All
Efficient and effective data analytics are not just for large audit shops! This workshop will teach actionable data analytics techniques for all phases of the internal audit.
Learning Objectives:
- The basics of data analytics and how to get started
- How to perform data analytics in all steps of the audit process – planning, fieldwork, and reporting
- How to create simple automations and improve executive reporting
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Elizabeth
Elizabeth McDowell, CPA
Audit Forward
More information coming soon!

Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA

2C: Auditing Standards Board (ASB) Updates
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Mike
Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA
Mike provides Assurance & Advisory services to the firm’s clients and consults on technical matters related to professional standards. With a tenure dating back to 1986, he became a Member of the Firm in 1990 and transitioned into his consulting role in 2022.
Boasting 40+ years of experience, Mike has worked with manufacturing, retirement plan, construction, financial institution, and nonprofit clients. His expertise expands to business and strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans, internal controls, and governance structures of business entities. He served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control for 18 years. He chaired the firm’s A&A Committee during his tenure and has been an integral member of Management and Technology Committees and various additional Task Forces. Mike has performed a significant number of peer reviews and consulted on quality management issues for firms nationwide. He also serves as an instructor for continuing professional education courses pertaining to accounting and auditing on the local, regional, and national levels.
Mike has served as Member and Chair of various distinguished committees within the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA), North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), and Allinial Global over the past 25 years. His engagement has led to meaningful contributions to the wider accounting community. Current and past positions include:
- Member, Auditing Standards Board (ASB)
- Chair, AICPA Audits of Less Complex Entities Task Force (under ASB)
- Member, AICPA Attestation Standards Task Force
- Member, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board LCE Reference Group – appointed as the U.S. representative
- CPA on Staff, Coastal Peer Review
- Member, MACPA Audit Committee
- Past Member, AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee
- Past Member and Zone Chair, AICPA Technical Issues Committee – a national committee working to represent the views of small and medium-sized firms and their clients in the standards-setting process. As Zone Chair, Mike focused on auditing, accounting, and review services as well as professional ethics standards
- Past Member, AICPA Council
- Past Chair, Maryland Peer Review Committee
- Past Member, AICPA Auditing Standards Board
- Past Chair, Allinial Global Accounting & Audit Committee
- Past Chair, MACPA (2015-2016)
Mike has significant authorship involvement in numerous resources published under AICPA committees, including practice aids. In June 2020, he was invited to collaborate with Bob Dohrer, AICPA Chief Auditor, in delivering a webcast on the Audit Implications of COVID-19. Addressing queries from hundreds of practitioners, the webcast emerged as a widely utilized resource during the ongoing global pandemic.
Mike is passionate about doing quality work to assist firms in achieving compliance and representing smaller firms on large-scale national/international committees.
Concurrent Sessions

Susan Stutzel, CPA
Partners Coach

3A: Strategy to Manage the Lifecycle of Your Firm
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Susan
Susan Stutzel, CPA
Partners Coach
Susan Stutzel, CPA, joined the PartnersCoach team in 2019 and has contributed greatly to the firm’s coaching and training programs. She launched her career in a national firm as a young accountant. After a few years, she took advantage of working in a small, family-owned business, and then for a Fortune 500 company.
Being in the private sector made her aware of her love of public accounting and joined a small regional firm, serving clients and growing the firm. Her real love was training and mentoring staff, which led her to obtain an Executive Coaching certificate.
Today, she leads a small firm working with non-profit entities, playing a role in strategic thinking and planning with nonprofit leadership teams. “I have a great situation in that I help clients achieve their strategic goals while training and coaching fellow accountants in firms around the nation. I truly love what I do.””

Travis Hockaday, J.D.
Smith Law

3B: Employment Law Updates
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Business Law
Learn more about Travis
Travis Hockaday, J.D.
Smith Law
Travis Hockaday leads the firm’s Employment, Labor and Human Resources practice. He is recognized by Best Lawyers® 2021 in Litigation – Labor and Employment, and by Benchmark Litigation as a North Carolina Labor & Employment Star for 2021. His practice focuses on providing counseling and risk management advice on significant employment-related matters to both public and private companies across a variety of industries, identifying and managing employment-related issues in mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations, and drafting complex employment and severance agreements for companies and C-suite executives. From 2010 to 2013, Travis provided counseling and risk management services on employment-related matters to a Fortune 500 company’s legal department under a secondment arrangement.
Travis has extensive experience assisting employers with worker classification and co-employment issues, work health (ADA, FMLA, GINA) matters, and wage and hour compliance. He also conducts investigations into discrimination and harassment complaints, develops workplace policies, and advises employers on terminations, disciplinary actions and handling employee grievances. Travis regularly defends employers in federal and state courts and agencies (including the EEOC, U.S. DOL and U.S. DOJ) against discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour and whistleblower claims (including systemic discrimination claims).
Travis frequently develops and delivers training programs for executives, managers and human resources professionals, and is a co-author of the North Carolina Human Resources Manual, the 700-page authoritative guide for North Carolina employers.

Avril Pinder
Buncombe County

3C: Recovering After Fraud
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Avril
Avril Pinder
Buncombe County
Avril Pinder was unanimously appointed County Manager by the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 5, 2019, and sworn in on March 5, 2019.
Prior to Buncombe County, Pinder served New Hanover County, NC, for 13 years as Finance Director, Assistant Manager, and most recently, Deputy County Manager. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in service to the City of Jacksonville, NC, as Community Development Director and Assistant Finance Director.
Pinder is a Certified Public Accountant. She holds an MBA from Delaware State University and is an International City/County Management Association credentialed manager.
Networking Reception
More information coming soon!
= Available to in-person attendees
= Available to virtual attendees
General Sessions

Cal Christian, CPA
East Carolina University

General Session 4: Ethical Choices
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics
Learn more about Cal
Cal Christian, CPA
East Carolina University
Cal Christian, PhD, CPA, is a Professor of Accounting at ECU teaching both International Accounting and Accounting for Decision Makers. Cal earned his BAccy from The University of Mississippi and his PhD from Florida State University. Cal is a registered CPA in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi and has over 10 years of experience in both 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 Oxford, MS Law Firm of Holcomb, Dunbar.
Cal also serves the University as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. This is a Chancellor appointed position as the ECU representative to the NCAA for all academic issues related to the student-athlete. Cal also serves as a faculty senator and a member of the University Athletic Committee.
Cal also teaches continuing education classes for the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), the AICPA, CPA firms and publicly traded companies such as AIG, Credit Suisse, The Hearst Corp., and Lowe’s Corporation. Cal has been recognized as a NCACPA Outstanding Chapter Speaker and in 2007, East Carolina University awarded Cal the UNC Board of Governor’s Outstanding Teaching Award. Cal has recently been appointed to a three year term on The NCACPA’s Board of Directors, and has served as President of the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, NC.
Cal’s research interests are in the area of financial accounting (specifically, the relationship between accounting standards and the capital markets) and ethical behavior within the accounting profession.

Alex Theis
AICPA

General Session 5: Future Ready Finance: Motivating the Next Workforce
As the workforce continues to evolve, finance professionals must adapt to new expectations, diverse work styles, and shifting motivators to attract and retain top talent. Future-Ready Finance: Motivating the Next Workforce explores how organizations can create an environment that fosters engagement, innovation, and long-term success.
Learning Objectives:
- This course will provide thought-provoking insights and strategies to keep employee motivation high, increase engagement, and strengthen leadership and management.
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Alex
Alex Theis
AICPA
Alex loves to help people and organizations break through what’s holding them back. His speaking focuses on personal growth, business growth, sales, time management, productivity, and mental conditioning. Alex is also one of the world’s foremost experts on customer and client retention. In his consulting and advising career, he has created campaigns and programs resulting in over $100 million in sales for his clients.
Alex is also a best-selling author of four books, including Limitless Leadership: 25 Ways to be a Leader in Any Situation. When he’s not traveling or backpacking, he can be found at his home in San Diego, California.

General Session 6: Professional Update (Panel)
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Mark Soticheck, CPA
NCACPA
Learn more about Mark
Mark Soticheck, CPA
NCACPA
Since July 2024, Mark has been the Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. In this role, he works with the Board of Directors in the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic direction. Prior to this role, Mark joined NCACPA in May 2016 as their Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw communications, engagement, professional development, learning and innovation, finance and administration. Prior to joining NCACPA, Mark worked in public accounting with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP for 10 years and as Chief Operating Officer for Fidelity Bank for three years. Mark has served on various boards including NCACPA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina, the Triangle Land Conservancy as a board member and treasurer, as well as on both the Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management’s Accounting Advisory Boards.

Robert Broome
NCACPA
Learn more about Robert
Robert Broome
NCACPA
As NCACPA Director of Advocacy, Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate the association’s public policy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to several NCACPA Resource Groups, including Advocacy, Tax, Government, and Accounting & Attestation.
Robert has more than two decades of experience in government relations and executive management 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.

LUNCH
Concurrent Sessions

Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)

4A: How Will the Tax Changes Impact Trusts?
Discover a Practical Guide to Trusts, offering invaluable insights for financial professionals navigating complex estate planning terrain. Gain the expertise to assess whether a trust suits your client’s financial objectives and learn implementation strategies to optimize tax efficiency. Explore the diverse array of trusts available, uncovering their potential to mitigate income, estate, and generation-skipping taxes on both federal and state levels. From understanding the responsibilities of trustees to evaluating the benefits of irrevocable life insurance trusts and dynasty trusts, this course equips you with actionable knowledge to enhance your clients’ financial well-being across generations.
Participants gain access to a wealth of knowledge essential for effective estate planning. Explore techniques to avoid probate, streamline asset distribution, and navigate the complexities of income, gift, and estate taxes. With a focus on practical application and real-world scenarios, this course is designed for CPAs, EAs, attorneys, bankers, and financial planners seeking to enhance their expertise in trusts. Gain fundamental insights into tax optimization strategies, making this course a must for professionals at all levels.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Art
Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)
Arthur Joseph Werner, J.D., M.S. (Taxation) is currently a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars. His areas of expertise include business, tax, financial, and estate planning for high net worth individuals. Art is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at Philadelphia University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Science in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School of Widener University.
Art lectures extensively to certified public accountants, enrolled agents, insurance agents, and financial planners in the areas of estate planning, financial planning, and estate and gift taxation. He has presented well in excess of 1,500 seminars over the past fifteen years. Art has been rated as having the highest speaker knowledge in his home state of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, awarded the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award in Nevada, the Florida Institute of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award, and the South Carolina Association of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Alex Theis
AICPA

4B: Critical Thinking in a Changing World
This session will help teams and individuals improve their problem solving and decision making, especially while under pressure. Utilizing proven critical thinking tools and techniques, attendees will learn how to grow their creativity, increase ideas and innovation, and strategically solve challenges using a 360-degree perspective. The workshop will also help people deal with change and create change within the organization.
Learning Objectives:
- This course will help strengthen and expand critical thinking skills and approaches to solve problems and come up with solutions more effectively.
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Alex
Alex Theis
AICPA
Alex loves to help people and organizations break through what’s holding them back. His speaking focuses on personal growth, business growth, sales, time management, productivity, and mental conditioning. Alex is also one of the world’s foremost experts on customer and client retention. In his consulting and advising career, he has created campaigns and programs resulting in over $100 million in sales for his clients.
Alex is also a best-selling author of four books, including Limitless Leadership: 25 Ways to be a Leader in Any Situation. When he’s not traveling or backpacking, he can be found at his home in San Diego, California.

Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro

4C: Become a Data Analysis Expert
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:
- Data Analysis Process Flow: An introduction to the Data Analysis Process Flow and how it is your pathway to becoming a Data Analysis Expert.
- Data Modeling: A comprehensive discussion of building a data model and calculating metrics.
- Data Visualizations: An understanding how visualizations can present data in a more insightful and impactful manner.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Bryan
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro
Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA is the owner of DataSmith Pro, LLC, a company that helps accounting, tax and financial professionals leverage technology to increase the quality and efficiency of their services.
Bryan has extensive knowledge and experience in proper Excel design techniques as well as helping CPAs build spreadsheets that are accurate. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), he has spent a considerable amount of time auditing and validating thousands of Excel spreadsheets. He has developed various data analysis and Microsoft Power BI courses and has worked with multiple organizations to train and coach staff on proper data analysis techniques.
Bryan holds a Master of Science in Information Assurance, is a member of the Information System Audit and Control Association and is a past chair of task forces for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Jeremy Migliara, CPA
Apricus Business Consulting

4D: Performing a State Nexus Study in an Ever-Changing State Tax Environment
The session objectives:
- Gain an understanding of nexus for state tax purposes for state income, sales & use, and gross receipts taxes
- Learn about the history of Nexus and the key developments and initiatives which established today’s Nexus environment
- Understand the reasons for pursuing a state Nexus study
- Learn an approach to performing a comprehensive state nexus study
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Jeremy
Jeremy Migliara, CPA
Apricus Business Consulting
The firm’s founder and managing member, Jeremy Migliara, had a vision to build a comprehensive state and local tax consulting firm focused on providing value-adding services to businesses.
Jeremy’s 25+ years of state and local tax consulting experience in both public accounting firms and corporate organizations has allowed him to develop a deep skillset in providing state and local tax services. After building and managing regional State and Local Tax consulting practices at three national CPA firms:
- RSM US, LLP
- BDO USA, LLP
- Elliott Davis, LLC
Jeremy pursued his dream of building his 4th practice with the launch of Apricus Business Consulting.
Concurrent Sessions

Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)

5A: Financial Planning Concepts and Techniques
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Art
Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)
Arthur Joseph Werner, J.D., M.S. (Taxation) is currently a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars. His areas of expertise include business, tax, financial, and estate planning for high net worth individuals. Art is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at Philadelphia University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Science in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School of Widener University.
Art lectures extensively to certified public accountants, enrolled agents, insurance agents, and financial planners in the areas of estate planning, financial planning, and estate and gift taxation. He has presented well in excess of 1,500 seminars over the past fifteen years. Art has been rated as having the highest speaker knowledge in his home state of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, awarded the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award in Nevada, the Florida Institute of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award, and the South Carolina Association of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Jennifer Louis, CPA

5B: FAQ for Accounting and Disclosure When Faced With Uncertainty – Such as Natural Disasters and the Economy
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Jennifer
Jennifer Louis, CPA
Jennifer has over 25 years experience in designing and instructing high-quality training programs in a wide variety of technical and “soft skills” topics needed for professional and organization success. In 2003 she founded Emergent Solutions Group, which is dedicated to meeting organization’s professional training needs on a project or part-time basis. Jennifer serves a wide variety of clients, including public accounting firms, state CPA societies, private industry corporations, and public sector agencies.Previously Jennifer served as the Director of Audit Product Development at Surgent Professional Education for three years. Prior to that, Jennifer was Executive Vice President/Director of Training Services at AuditWatch, Inc., a highly respected training and audit process consulting firm later acquired by Thomson Reuters. Over her six years at AuditWatch, Jennifer served many roles. She began her career at AuditWatch as Vice President of Product Development. Jennifer also served as an instructor and consultant for the firm’s Audit Productivity Improvement Program (a comprehensive program enabling accounting firms to enhance audit quality and improve audit efficiency), as well as various other training courses. Later, Jennifer was primarily responsible for working with clients to design high-caliber, customized training programs. She led the Training Services Division, which includes AuditWatch University (“core-level” staff training for new hires to managers) and related offerings. She also co-authored the Guide to Value-Added Auditing (Thomson/Practitioners Publishing Company, Fort Worth, TX, July 2001).
Before joining AuditWatch, Jennifer was the Financial/Operational Audit Manager at AARP. While at AARP she served as one of their specially trained facilitators available as a resource throughout the organization for designing and leading strategic meetings and trainings.
Jennifer was also an Audit Manager at Deloitte, in Washington, DC. During her five years with Deloitte, she was a frequent local and national instructor. Jennifer also served as an instructor for the firm’s national “Train the Trainers” program.
Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Marymount University with a BBA-Accounting. She is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is licensed to practice accounting in the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina. Contact Jennifer via email at [email protected], or via LinkedIn.

Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro

5C: Get Started with Power BI
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:
- Overview of the Power BI Tools: Introduction to the Power BI ecosystem, including Excel’s Power BI features (Power Pivot and Power Query) and standalone tools (Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service, Power BI Report Builder and Power BI Report Server).
- Tour of the Tools: Introduction to the interfaces of Power Pivot, Power Query, Power BI Desktop and Power BI Services.
- Comparative Analysis:
- Understand the strengths and limitations of Excel’s Power BI features versus standalone Power BI tools.
- Strategic decision-making on when to use each tool for optimal efficiency and accuracy in data analysis tasks.
Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications
Learn more about Bryan
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro
Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA is the owner of DataSmith Pro, LLC, a company that helps accounting, tax and financial professionals leverage technology to increase the quality and efficiency of their services.
Bryan has extensive knowledge and experience in proper Excel design techniques as well as helping CPAs build spreadsheets that are accurate. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), he has spent a considerable amount of time auditing and validating thousands of Excel spreadsheets. He has developed various data analysis and Microsoft Power BI courses and has worked with multiple organizations to train and coach staff on proper data analysis techniques.
Bryan holds a Master of Science in Information Assurance, is a member of the Information System Audit and Control Association and is a past chair of task forces for the Michigan Association of CPAs.
Concurrent Sessions

Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)

6A: LLCs and S Corp for Financial Planning
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Business Law
Learn more about Art
Art Werner, CPA
AICPA (Werner-Rocco)
Arthur Joseph Werner, J.D., M.S. (Taxation) is currently a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars. His areas of expertise include business, tax, financial, and estate planning for high net worth individuals. Art is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at Philadelphia University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Science in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School of Widener University.
Art lectures extensively to certified public accountants, enrolled agents, insurance agents, and financial planners in the areas of estate planning, financial planning, and estate and gift taxation. He has presented well in excess of 1,500 seminars over the past fifteen years. Art has been rated as having the highest speaker knowledge in his home state of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, awarded the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award in Nevada, the Florida Institute of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award, and the South Carolina Association of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Jennifer Louis, CPA

6B: Embedding Enterprise-Risk Management Principles into Accounting and Finance
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Jennifer
Jennifer Louis, CPA
Jennifer has over 25 years experience in designing and instructing high-quality training programs in a wide variety of technical and “soft skills” topics needed for professional and organization success. In 2003 she founded Emergent Solutions Group, which is dedicated to meeting organization’s professional training needs on a project or part-time basis. Jennifer serves a wide variety of clients, including public accounting firms, state CPA societies, private industry corporations, and public sector agencies.Previously Jennifer served as the Director of Audit Product Development at Surgent Professional Education for three years. Prior to that, Jennifer was Executive Vice President/Director of Training Services at AuditWatch, Inc., a highly respected training and audit process consulting firm later acquired by Thomson Reuters. Over her six years at AuditWatch, Jennifer served many roles. She began her career at AuditWatch as Vice President of Product Development. Jennifer also served as an instructor and consultant for the firm’s Audit Productivity Improvement Program (a comprehensive program enabling accounting firms to enhance audit quality and improve audit efficiency), as well as various other training courses. Later, Jennifer was primarily responsible for working with clients to design high-caliber, customized training programs. She led the Training Services Division, which includes AuditWatch University (“core-level” staff training for new hires to managers) and related offerings. She also co-authored the Guide to Value-Added Auditing (Thomson/Practitioners Publishing Company, Fort Worth, TX, July 2001).
Before joining AuditWatch, Jennifer was the Financial/Operational Audit Manager at AARP. While at AARP she served as one of their specially trained facilitators available as a resource throughout the organization for designing and leading strategic meetings and trainings.
Jennifer was also an Audit Manager at Deloitte, in Washington, DC. During her five years with Deloitte, she was a frequent local and national instructor. Jennifer also served as an instructor for the firm’s national “Train the Trainers” program.
Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Marymount University with a BBA-Accounting. She is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is licensed to practice accounting in the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina.Contact Jennifer via email at [email protected], or via LinkedIn.

Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro

6C: The Must Know Features of Excel
Transform your Excel skills with our comprehensive training program, designed for users at all levels seeking to master the full suite of Excel capabilities. From powerful data analysis tools like PivotTables and advanced functions such as XLOOKUP, to the nuances of Data Validations and Conditional Formatting, this course offers a deep dive into Excel’s most impactful features. Whether you’re streamlining complex data sets, enhancing your reporting skills, or just looking to boost your productivity, this session provides the insights and techniques you need to leverage Excel to its fullest potential, making it an indispensable tool in your professional or personal toolkit.
Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications
Learn more about Bryan
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA
Data Smith Pro
Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA is the owner of DataSmith Pro, LLC, a company that helps accounting, tax and financial professionals leverage technology to increase the quality and efficiency of their services.
Bryan has extensive knowledge and experience in proper Excel design techniques as well as helping CPAs build spreadsheets that are accurate. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), he has spent a considerable amount of time auditing and validating thousands of Excel spreadsheets. He has developed various data analysis and Microsoft Power BI courses and has worked with multiple organizations to train and coach staff on proper data analysis techniques.
Bryan holds a Master of Science in Information Assurance, is a member of the Information System Audit and Control Association and is a past chair of task forces for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

6D: NC Property Tax Updates
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: TBD

Jim Turner, CPA, CVA, CMEA
Turner Business Appraisers
Learn more about Jim
Jim Turner, CPA, CVA, CMEA
Turner Business Appraisers
Jim enjoys helping folks so his role as a valuator/transaction advisor gives him the platform to help. Over the past decade he has completed over 650 business valuations, 250 equipment appraisals and 1500 business personal property audits. In addition to developing reports he has served as an expert witness in business valuation and property tax matters. So, no matter how complicated your situation is he can help you. He is the president and founder of Turner Business Appraisers. Since college he has been on mission to constantly be in learning mode. This insatiable desire to learn empowers him to stay ahead of the pack. He is a certified public accountant license, a certified valuation analyst, certified machinery & equipment appraiser, and a licensed real estate/business broker. He has valued businesses in multiple industries (ranging from legal and professional practices, personal services, wholesale trade, retail trade, IT firms, and manufacturing) and regularly makes presentations at the International, State and Local Appraisal conferences and seminars. As a business owner, Jim connects with his clients and truly understands their needs. His devotion to exceed the expectations of his customers is evident in the level of care and attentiveness with which he approaches every business transaction. Jim believes that faith and family come first so he enjoys hiking and biking with his family and devoting substantial time to serve others through his local church.
Reception
More information coming soon!
Stick Around! Sponsor Prizes Will Be Drawn (Must Be Present to Win).
= Available to in-person attendees
= Available to virtual attendees
General Sessions

Keith Wood, CPA, J.D.

General Session 7: NC State and Local Tax Update
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Keith
Keith Wood, CPA, J.D.
Keith Wood is both an attorney and CPA with a special background in taxes. He also is a board-certified specialist in estate planning and probate law.
Keith’s practice is focused on business, tax and estate planning for a wide range of clients, including new startups, entrepreneurs and multigenerational family-owned businesses. He counsels these closely held enterprises in the unique challenges they face – from succession planning, tax planning and management structures to effective compensation strategies.
Keith frequently speaks to groups on tax and business succession topics and has been honored by the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants with multiple “Outstanding Speaker” awards.

Michael Walden, Ph.D
North Carolina State University

General Session 8: Economic Outlook
Join us for an economic update session featuring Dr. Michael Walden, a renowned economist. We’ll explore whether the economy is advancing or retreating, the outlook for inflation, wages, and the standard of living, and the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates. Gain insights to better understand the current economic climate and make informed decisions.
Field of Study: Economics
Learn more about Michael
Michael Walden, Ph.D
North Carolina State University
Michael L. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the Graduate Economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. Dr. Walden retired at the end of March 2021 and is now a Professor Emeritus.
His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and he has been at NC State since 1978. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Duke University. He has served on several local and state level commissions. He currently teaches ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Dr. Walden has teaching, research, and extension responsibilities at NC State University in the areas of consumer economics, economic outlook, and public policy. He has published eleven books and over 300 articles and reports, including the books North Carolina in the Connected Age in 2010 and North Carolina Beyond the Connected Age: The Tar Heel State in 2050 in 2017, both published by the UNC Press.
With his wife, he is the co-author of three “economic thrillers”, Macro Mayhem, Micro Mischief, and Fiscal Fiasco, designed to teach economics in an entertaining way.
Dr. Walden can be frequently seen, heard, and read in the media. He has daily radio programs aired on stations around North Carolina for which he has won two national awards. He is often interviewed on local TV and radio news broadcasts, has appeared on NBC, CBS, The Fox Report, and the Newshour With Jim Lehrer, and is frequently quoted in such newspapers as USA Today, The News and Observer, The Charlotte Observer, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. His biweekly column, You Decide, is carried by over forty newspapers in the state. He has made over 2500 personal presentations.
Concurrent Sessions

Amy Horner, CPA, Ph.D
True Nine

7A: The Truth About Strategic Change: External Forces vs. Internal Motivation
What truly drives strategic change in organizations? Is it the diversity of perspectives in your meeting rooms or the external forces shaping your industry?
Based on her doctoral research performed via a meta-analytic review of 30 years of studies on leadership team diversity and strategic change, Amy challenges common assumptions about what fuels organizational transformation. She explores the difference between strategic and operational plans, clarifies what strategic change entails, and examines the external forces – market conditions, industry shifts, and economic trends – that often have a greater impact than leadership composition alone.
Additionally, this session will introduce which financial statement ratios are key tools for identifying organizational strategic change, providing a data-driven approach to assessing when and how companies pivot their strategies. Learn how to build leadership teams with the skills and collaborative mindset necessary to interpret these signals and respond effectively to change. Whether you’re a leader, strategist, or innovator, this session will provide you with actionable insights to elevate your strategic planning and decision-making.
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Amy
Amy Horner, CPA, Ph.D
True Nine
An accomplished executive with a track record of successfully leading collaborative strategic planning initiatives throughout her career, Amy founded True Nine in 2023 to help professionals embrace the opportunities and challenges made possible by change. She is well known for her unwavering dedication to leading authentically, celebrating change, and mentoring others.
Amy’s dynamic style, combined with her eclectic career and vast experience as a mentor, gives her clients confidence that she understands the challenges and opportunities they face. Utilizing pedagogical techniques gleaned from her doctoral studies, Amy connects outcome-oriented tactics with individual situations for positive outcomes. Her clients benefit from her experiences in executive leadership and organizational transformation, network cultivation, and goal-setting strategies.
Before founding True Nine, she was the COO and CFO for multiple organizations, guiding them through periods of intense change. In these roles, she led strategic planning and innovation initiatives that resulted in diversified revenue streams, new and expanded service offerings, better brand awareness, increased market share, a more engaged workforce, and improved financial results.
Amy is a “true nine,” having worn the number throughout her soccer career. Her passion for a team’s ultimate success, on-field experiences, and ability to remain calm under pressure are prevalent in her client relationships, collaborative approach to strategy development and execution, and quick instincts when presented with challenges or opportunities.
Recognized by Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting and by LinkedIn as a Top Leadership Voice, she delights in sharing her experiences for the professional development and career advancement of others.
Amy holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she was a student-athlete on the university’s first PSAC Championship Women’s Varsity Soccer Team. A proud Keystone State native, Amy furthered her education with an MBA from Penn State University. She earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where her research focused on the relationship between leadership team diversity and strategic change.

Chuck Gallagher

7B: Ethical AI or Organized Chaos
AI is revolutionizing industries, but without ethical oversight, it can create more problems than solutions—eroding trust, amplifying bias, and exposing organizations to legal and reputational risks. The choice is clear: harness AI ethically or risk organizational chaos.
In this thought-provoking session, Chuck Gallagher explores the real dangers of unethical AI practices and provides a roadmap for integrating AI responsibly. Through engaging discussion and live AI demonstrations, participants will discover how to build a framework that fosters trust, ensures transparency, and drives meaningful transformation.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Learn more about Chuck
Chuck Gallagher
Ethics in the workplace is a serious matter, but talking about it doesn’t have to be “business as usual.” Chuck Gallagher learned a lesson about ethics, choices and consequences the hard way—but now he shares his experience so that others don’t have to.
You may have seen Chuck on television, or heard him on CNN, CBS or NPR radio programs. His business insights are sought after for his strong position on ethics and ethical leadership. Chuck’s focus is business—but his passion is empowering others. His unique business ethics presentations clearly demonstrate he brings something to the platform that isn’t often found in typical business ethics speakers. Chuck’s personal experience in building businesses and sales teams while leading companies provides a practical and powerful framework for ethical success.
Currently Vice President of a national public company and former Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing for a public company, Chuck may have found a sales niche early on in life selling potholders door to door, or convincing folks to fund a record album of his musical performance at age 16 (and yes those were the days when an album was made of vinyl), but it was the school of hard knocks that provided a fertile training ground for Chuck’s lessons in success. Described as creative, insightful, captivating, and a person that “connects the dots” between behavior, choices and success,Chuck gives his clients what they need to turn concepts into actions and actions into results.
In the middle of a rising career, Chuck lost everything because he made some bad choices. He has since rebuilt his career and his life back to immense success. With more vulnerability than the average keynoter, Chuck shares with his audiences his life journey, the consequences of his unethical choices, and how life gives you second chances when you make the right choices. In fact, Chuck’s new book, SECOND CHANCES: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity, has received numerous endorsements and has been described as one of those rare books that effectively bridges the gap between personal accountability and business success.

Terrell Turner, CPA
TL Turner LLC

7C: From Technician to Trailblazer: Reimagining the Role of a Firm Leader in a Time of Disruption
We are living in one of the best times ever for firm leaders to step into a TRUE leadership position. As businesses confront accelerating change—driven by AI, automation, new regulations, geopolitical dynamics and evolving client expectations—firm leaders are uniquely positioned to lead the way forward with their clients. In this session, we will challenge the historical perspective of leading a firm, and redefine ourselves as architects who can shape the future of business.
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Learn more about Terrell
Terrell A Turner, CPA is a 40 under 40 Black CPA, 40 under 40 Global Finance leader, and two-time Top 20 Global Finance Influencer. In 2020 he founded the TLTurner Group which gained recognition from the New York Times and NYC Times Square big screen features for the amazing bookkeeping and fractional CFO work that they provide for law firms. As the CEO and managing partner of the firm Terrell is responsible for business strategy, staffing model development, marketing & sales Outside of running an accounting firm Terrell is dedicated to helping more leaders make finance less complicated by serving as the chair of the Law Firm Finance Committee with the LP division of the American Bar Association. Terrell also hosts multiple podcasts, Law Firms+Finance, Stuff Your Accountant Isn’t Telling You, and is the new producer of the Law Practice Today Podcast that is provided to a 120,000-member roster. Terrell believes accounting and finance should not be the most complicated part of a business so he aims to make it simple so running a business can be something owners enjoy.

TBA

7D: DOR Update
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes

LUNCH
Concurrent Sessions

Rafe Martin, CRO, CCRP
Comtech

8A: Cyber Security Solutions for Small Firms
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Learn more about Rafe
Rafe Martin, CRO, CCRP
Comtech
Rafe Martin is the Chief Risk Officer at ComTech. He helps clients manage cyber risks and enhance operational preparedness through effective cyber resilience planning.
With over 30 years of IT experience, Rafe holds a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT, is Certified in Cybersecurity, and holds the Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP) certification from DRI International.
As an in-demand speaker and host of ComTech’s RippleFX podcast, Rafe shares insights on emerging technology, including cybersecurity, cyber resilience, and artificial intelligence at conferences, on podcasts, and in webinars.
Whether it’s creating harmony with his bluegrass band or experimenting with the culinary philosophy that anything wrapped in bacon and put on the smoker is bound to be a masterpiece, Rafe enjoys life’s varied flavors. He also cherishes spending time with his wife of 34 years and their family.

Chuck Gallagher

8B: The Many Faces of Fraud
Did you know that fraud is like a parasite, feeding on the lifeblood of the industry and causing billions in losses each year? Join Chuck Gallagher, a renowned expert in fraud prevention, for a session hat will empower you to thwart these financial predators.
Chuck will guide you through the most common forms of fraud, revealing the psychology and motivations of swindlers. Through real-life case studies and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn practical strategies for identifying red flags and responding effectively to safeguard your organization.
Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics
Learn more about Chuck
Chuck Gallagher
Ethics in the workplace is a serious matter, but talking about it doesn’t have to be “business as usual.” Chuck Gallagher learned a lesson about ethics, choices and consequences the hard way—but now he shares his experience so that others don’t have to.
You may have seen Chuck on television, or heard him on CNN, CBS or NPR radio programs. His business insights are sought after for his strong position on ethics and ethical leadership. Chuck’s focus is business—but his passion is empowering others. His unique business ethics presentations clearly demonstrate he brings something to the platform that isn’t often found in typical business ethics speakers. Chuck’s personal experience in building businesses and sales teams while leading companies provides a practical and powerful framework for ethical success.
Currently Vice President of a national public company and former Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing for a public company, Chuck may have found a sales niche early on in life selling potholders door to door, or convincing folks to fund a record album of his musical performance at age 16 (and yes those were the days when an album was made of vinyl), but it was the school of hard knocks that provided a fertile training ground for Chuck’s lessons in success. Described as creative, insightful, captivating, and a person that “connects the dots” between behavior, choices and success, Chuck gives his clients what they need to turn concepts into actions and actions into results.
In the middle of a rising career, Chuck lost everything because he made some bad choices. He has since rebuilt his career and his life back to immense success. With more vulnerability than the average keynoter, Chuck shares with his audiences his life journey, the consequences of his unethical choices, and how life gives you second chances when you make the right choices. In fact, Chuck’s new book, SECOND CHANCES: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity, has received numerous endorsements and has been described as one of those rare books that effectively bridges the gap between personal accountability and business success.

Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA

8C: Ethics Under Fire: When Family Drama Meets Financial Duty
In the high-stakes world of accounting and law, ethical decision-making is often viewed through a professional lens. But what happens when personal turmoil—grief, addiction, domestic violence, or family conflict—enters the workplace? This powerful session explores the emerging field of behavioral ethics, focusing on how even well-intentioned professionals can make compromised decisions under emotional strain.
Led by Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA—an accomplished attorney, CPA, and family law specialist—this session will examine the intersection of personal upheaval and professional responsibility. Drawing from real-world insights and psychological research, attendees will explore how grief, anger, addiction, and domestic violence can cloud ethical judgment and impact business operations. The session concludes with seven actionable steps to build ethical resilience and maintain integrity, even in the face of personal adversity.
Field of Study: TBA
Learn more about Carolyn
Carolyn Woodruff
Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA is a visionary and leader in accounting, law, and banking. She is a preeminent lawyer, a Family Law Specialist, a North Carolina Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Valuation Analyst with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts®. She is an instrument-rated multi-engine airplane pilot and regularly flies private aircraft.
She was the first North Carolina female fellow in the distinguished American College of Tax Counsel. She serves on the public board of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS)(NYSE). Carolyn was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2022 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in recognition of her significant contributions to the state and to her community through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Since 2007, she has been selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers. For information on the selection process: https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection-process/. She has been recognized since 2009 in Best Lawyers in America. For information on Best Lawyers Methodology, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/methodology. She holds a FinTech certification from Harvard Business School, where she did her Capstone paper on Central Bank Digital Currency in 2021. She holds AICPA badges in Blockchain and Cybersecurity. She is a frequent speaker on FinTech, including presentations to the NCACPA on “Demystifying FinTech” and “FinTech and Innovation.” She has lectured at Wake Forest Law School on FinTech and presented on “Fintech Innovation and Regulatory Sandboxes” to the North Carolina Banking Commission.
Through the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), Carolyn has been a speaker and trailblazer in continuing education for CPAs who need knowledge of taxation related to divorce and business valuation in divorce in North Carolina. Carolyn has written many continuing education manuscripts, including “Financial Guide to Divorce in North Carolina” and “Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina.” She is skilled with both in person presentation and remote teaching for adult audiences.
She began her legal career with Tuggle Duggins and Meschan, P.A., where she became a principal and shareholder in only four short years. Following her tenure at Tuggle Duggins, she branched off and formed a law firm specializing in family law, where she remains today, serving as CEO and lead counsel in high profile, high net worth divorces. She was graduated from Duke Law School with High Honors, and she served as Research and Managing Editor of the Duke Law Review.

Donna Powell

8D: NC Individual Income Tax Update
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Donna
Donna Powell
Donna Powell, CPA, is the Director of the Personal Taxes Division of the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Her primary duty as Director of the Division is the administration of the individual income tax laws of this State. She also advises taxpayers, accountants, lawyers, and other tax professionals on questions regarding the application and interpretation of North Carolina income tax laws. In addition, Donna represents the Department before the North Carolina General Assembly’s Revenue Laws Study Committee, the House Finance Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee. Donna began working with the Department of Revenue in July 1988 as an auditor in the Corporate Income Tax Division. She received her B.S. (cum laude) and her MBA from Meredith College. In October 2011, Donna completed the North Carolina Certified Public Manager’s Program.
Concurrent Sessions

TBA

9A: TBA
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes

David Cieslak, CPA
RKL Solutions

9B: AI Real Use Tools
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about David
David Cieslak, CPA
RKL Solutions
David Cieslak is Chief Cloud Officer and EVP with RKL eSolutions, a leading business process automation consulting firm with offices across the US. In his role, he is responsible for helping companies grow strategically with cloud-based solutions and industry-specific service expertise for ERP, CPM, CRM, AP Automation, and other critical business processes. He is a frequent speaker for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) and other state accounting societies as his alter ego “Inspector Gadget.” He is a Sage Intacct Certified Consultant and holds the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC). He is the past Chair of the AICPA IT Executive Committee and past president of the California CPA Education Foundation.

Joe Kovacs, APR
Kovacs Communication

9C: Your CPA Firm’s Referral Accelerator: Build a Powerful Network to Grow Your Business
Discover how referrals can revolutionize your CPA firm. This session will show you how to make referral partnerships a key part of your business strategy, leveraging them as a low-cost marketing tool to attract clients who already trust you.
By the end of this session, you’ll have practical tools to strengthen and expand your network, ensuring a steady flow of great clients to your firm. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your business through referrals.
Key Objectives:
- Strategic Value: Integrate referrals into your growth strategy.
- Ideal Partners: Network with professionals serving similar clients.
- Effective Strategies: Research, meet, and build mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Sustain Your Network: Build trust through consistent communication and proactive referrals.
- Outreach Strategy: Tailor your approach to different network partners.
- Avoid Mistakes: Overcome common pitfalls in managing referral networks.
Field of Study: Communication & Marketing
Learn more about Joe
Joe Kovacs
Kovacs Communication
Joe Kovacs, APR is an accounting services marketing consultant with more than 15 years of in-house experience as the director of marketing and business development at two mid-sized firms in the Washington, DC region. From this background, he has learned more than just the strategic and technical intricacies of professional services marketing. He also understands the culture and inner dynamics of professional services firms. He knows how to get things done on the way to finding more clients and growing a successful business.
Joe thrives at collaborating with executives, practice-level leaders, marketers, business developers, growth professionals and consultants. His wide-ranging areas of interest include strategic communications, writing and project management.
He was recruited to the accounting industry in the early 2000s from the nonprofit sector, where he delivered impact-driven communications for several years after serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sri Lanka.
Shortly after joining his first CPA firm (a mid-sized firm with 60 professionals and support personnel), Joe realized it was an excellent professional fit. He enjoyed direct participation in everything from website management to proposal development, from email marketing to social media, from campaign tracking to media relations, and from networking to events management.

TBA

9D: TBA
More information coming soon!
Field of Study: Taxes
Speakers
experience
THE IN-PERSON EXPERIENCE
Grandover Resort & Spa
By attending in person, you’ll gain access to top-notch education and enjoy unmatched networking opportunities—including two receptions, interactive sponsor and exhibitor connections, and countless chances to grow your network and spark new business opportunities.
THE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
Location: Your Computer
With NCACPA’s no nonsense virtual platform, you’ll elevate your success smoothly from the comfort of your home, office, or working space! Pick the sessions you want. Leave the ones you don’t. It’s that easy!
accommodations
Grandover Resort & Spa Information
Nestled in Greensboro, NC, Grandover Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat with world-class amenities, including a championship golf course, full-service spa, and exquisite dining options.
Whether you’re unwinding after a day of learning or exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds, Grandover provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and relaxation for your conference experience.
Book early and save! Group rate of $234/night available until October 17, 2025.

NCACPA is a NASBA-approved sponsor of continuing education.
For complete program information (course registration, learning objectives, instructional delivery methods, CPE, field of study, prerequisites, program knowledge, level, advance preparation, program description, and speaker information), please visit the event links above.
The North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org/.
For information regarding refund, complaint, program cancellation or other policies, visit our Registration Policies page or call 800-469-1352.