Gene Marks, CPA
The Marks Group PC

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

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

Doug Van Der Aa
VAN DER AA TAX ED, LLC

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker—especially on the subjects of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly-rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years. He has more than 25 years of professional experience in both CPA firms and law firms. For more than 12 years, Doug taught several accounting and tax courses for Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Davenport University, and has served as a speaker for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Doug Van Der Aa
VAN DER AA TAX ED, LLC

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker—especially on the subjects of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly-rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years. He has more than 25 years of professional experience in both CPA firms and law firms. For more than 12 years, Doug taught several accounting and tax courses for Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Davenport University, and has served as a speaker for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Doug Van Der Aa
VAN DER AA TAX ED, LLC

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker—especially on the subjects of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly-rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years. He has more than 25 years of professional experience in both CPA firms and law firms. For more than 12 years, Doug taught several accounting and tax courses for Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Davenport University, and has served as a speaker for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Jon Kirchoff
East Carolina University

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

Carolyn Johnson Woodruff, CPA, JD, CVA
Woodruff Family Law Group

Carolyn Woodruff, J.D., CPA, CVA is a North Carolina Family Law Specialist and President of the preeminent Woodruff Family Law Group in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was graduated from Duke Law School with High Honors where she served as Research and Managing Editor of the Duke Law Review. As a North Carolina CPA, Carolyn has been a trailblazer in the area of business valuation and is a frequent writer and lecturer on business valuation and federal taxation. Carolyn is a Certified Valuation Analyst having met the requirements of this designation by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts®. She serves on the public board of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS). Ms. Woodruff is on the FinTech committee of Blue Ridge. She holds a FinTech certification from Harvard Business School. She holds AICPA badges in Blockchain and Cybersecurity. She was the first North Carolina female fellow in the distinguished American College of Tax Counsel. She is an instrument-rated multi-engine airplane pilot and avid ballroom show dancer.

Holly Sullenger, PhD

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

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

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

Doug Van Der Aa
VAN DER AA TAX ED, LLC

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker—especially on the subjects of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly-rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years. He has more than 25 years of professional experience in both CPA firms and law firms. For more than 12 years, Doug taught several accounting and tax courses for Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Davenport University, and has served as a speaker for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Jon Kirchoff
East Carolina Universty

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

Mitch Miles
BEYOND LINKEDIN

Mitch Miles has dedicated his life to helping others discover, develop, and deliver their personal and professional stories. Serving as a speaker and coach, he connects his audience and clients back to the turning points in their lives to help them build a life of significance.

Mitch began his career in sales with Automatic Data Processing (ADP). While at ADP, his work centered around building strong relationships with both public and private accounting professionals. In 2014, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) awarded Mitch the Terry R. Alexander New Speaker Award and the 5.0 Discussion Leader Award. He has been a regular presenter for our Annual Symposium and was a keynote speaker for the 2018 Business & Industry Fall Conference held at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

Mitch is married with two teenage girls.

Holly Sullenger, PhD

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

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

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

Jack Schmoll, CPA
Schmoll CPA PLLC

Jack Schmoll has spent his entire 28-year career in state and local taxation. He worked nine years with the Washington State Department of Revenue and has work 19 years in public accounting. He works extensively with other accounting firms, helping them provide the state and local tax expertise their clients need. He enjoys working with North Carolina issues, but works regularly on multistate tax issues as well. Jack is a regular presenter for the NCACPA and other organizations and also provides state and local tax education directly to CPA firms and businesses.

Bradley W. Barbour, CPA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

More information coming soon!

Jack Schmoll, CPA
Schmoll CPA PLLC

Jack Schmoll has spent his entire 28-year career in state and local taxation. He worked nine years with the Washington State Department of Revenue and has work 19 years in public accounting. He works extensively with other accounting firms, helping them provide the state and local tax expertise their clients need. He enjoys working with North Carolina issues, but works regularly on multistate tax issues as well. Jack is a regular presenter for the NCACPA and other organizations and also provides state and local tax education directly to CPA firms and businesses.

Holly Sullenger, PhD

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

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

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

Matthew Jordan Miller, CPA
Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

More information coming soon!

Alex Lehmann, CPA
MPCompany LLP

Alex is a partner at MPC Certified Public Accountants. He advises and assists individuals and privately held businesses in the areas of tax planning and compliance. His industry experience includes commercial and residential construction, restaurants, retail, technology, light manufacturing, and government contractors. Alex joined MPC in 2005 and has over 16 years of experience in public accounting and more than ten years in commercial banking. Alex is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, where he has served two terms as Chairman of the Symposium Committee and is active on the Current and Emerging Technologies Council and the Professional Development Advisory Council. He also serves as Treasurer for Theatre Raleigh and has previously served as Treasurer for The Green Chair Project and Treasurer and Chairman of Visual Art Exchange. He was a member of the Cultural Leaders focus group for the City of Raleigh Arts Plan that was adopted by the City Council in 2016. Alex has lectured on accounting and tax issues for organizations like Triangle Art Works and has been a returning guest speaker at Meredith College and at various local conferences. Although Alex was born in Italy and grew up in South Florida, his family has roots in Raleigh dating back to the 1960s. He earned both his undergraduate degree in Finance and his Master of Business Administration at Florida International University. Alex, along with his wife and his two daughters, live in North Raleigh where they attend St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Dr. Michael L. Walden, PhD
NC State University
Agricultural & Resource Economics 

Michael Walden is a Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University and a private consultant. During his 43 years on the faculty at NC State, Walden became recognized as an expert on the state economy and public policy. He is the author of twelve books and over 300 articles and reports, and he has made 3000 personal presentations. Walden is also a frequent contributor to the national and state media. He has won numerous national, state, and academic awards, including two Champion-Tuck Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting, the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Public Service, the Holladay Award for Excellence from North Carolina State University, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. His newest books are “Real Solutions” and “Disunionia: A Political Thriller.” He resides in Raleigh with his wife.

Ronald J. Baker, CPA

Ronald J. Baker started his CPA career in 1984 with KPMG’s Private Business Advisory Services in San Francisco. Today, he is the founder of VeraSage Institute—the leading think tank dedicated to educating professionalsinternationally—and a radio talk-show host on the www.VoiceAmerica.comshow: The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy, and the Chief Value Officer at ArmaninoLLP.

As a frequent speaker, writer, and educator, his work takes him around the world. He has been an instructor with the California CPA Education Foundation since 1995 and has authored over twenty courses for them, including: You Are What You Charge For: Success in Today’s Emerging Experience Economy (with Daniel Morris);Alternatives to the Federal Income Tax; Trashing the Timesheet: A Declaration of Independence; Everyday Economics; Everyday Ethics: Doing Well by Doing Good; and The Best Business Books You Should Read.

He is the author of seven best-selling books, including:Professional’s Guide to Value Pricing; The Firm of the Future: A Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Other Professional Services, co-authored with Paul Dunn; Pricing on Purpose: Creating and Capturing Value; Measure What Matters to Customers:Using Key Predictive Indicators; Mind Over Matter: Why Intellectual Capital is the Chief Source of Wealth; Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms; and his latest book The Soul of Enterprise: Dialogues on Business in the Knowledge Economy, co-authored with Ed Kless.

Ron has toured the world, spreading his value-pricing message to over 220,000 professionals. He has been appointed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Group of One Hundred, a think tank of leaders to address the future of the profession; named on Accounting Today’s 2001 to 2007, and 2011 to 2019, Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession; voted among the Top Ten Most Influential People in the profession in 2012—2019; selected as one of LinkedIn’s Influencer Bloggers; inducted into the CPA Practice Advisor Hall of Fame in 2018; and received the 2003 Award for Instructor Excellence from the California CPA Education Foundation.

He graduated in 1984 from San Francisco State University, with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a minor in economics. He is a graduate of Disney University and Cato University, and is a faculty member of the Professional Pricing Society. He presently resides in Petaluma, California.

Ronald J. Baker, CPA

Ronald J. Baker started his CPA career in 1984 with KPMG’s Private Business Advisory Services in San Francisco. Today, he is the founder of VeraSage Institute—the leading think tank dedicated to educating professionalsinternationally—and a radio talk-show host on the www.VoiceAmerica.comshow: The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy, and the Chief Value Officer at ArmaninoLLP.

As a frequent speaker, writer, and educator, his work takes him around the world. He has been an instructor with the California CPA Education Foundation since 1995 and has authored over twenty courses for them, including: You Are What You Charge For: Success in Today’s Emerging Experience Economy (with Daniel Morris);Alternatives to the Federal Income Tax; Trashing the Timesheet: A Declaration of Independence; Everyday Economics; Everyday Ethics: Doing Well by Doing Good; and The Best Business Books You Should Read.

He is the author of seven best-selling books, including:Professional’s Guide to Value Pricing; The Firm of the Future: A Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Other Professional Services, co-authored with Paul Dunn; Pricing on Purpose: Creating and Capturing Value; Measure What Matters to Customers:Using Key Predictive Indicators; Mind Over Matter: Why Intellectual Capital is the Chief Source of Wealth; Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms; and his latest book The Soul of Enterprise: Dialogues on Business in the Knowledge Economy, co-authored with Ed Kless.

Ron has toured the world, spreading his value-pricing message to over 220,000 professionals. He has been appointed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Group of One Hundred, a think tank of leaders to address the future of the profession; named on Accounting Today’s 2001 to 2007, and 2011 to 2019, Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession; voted among the Top Ten Most Influential People in the profession in 2012—2019; selected as one of LinkedIn’s Influencer Bloggers; inducted into the CPA Practice Advisor Hall of Fame in 2018; and received the 2003 Award for Instructor Excellence from the California CPA Education Foundation.

He graduated in 1984 from San Francisco State University, with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a minor in economics. He is a graduate of Disney University and Cato University, and is a faculty member of the Professional Pricing Society. He presently resides in Petaluma, California.

Leah Donti, CPA, CMA, MBA
Advantage Montreal Seminars Inc.

Leah Donti, an internationally recognized seminar leader and speaker in accounting and auditing, has been doing seminars full time for 29 years through her seminar business. She conducts in-house training at CPA firms and various multinationals and does CPE courses through the CPA societies. As well, she speaks at numerous conferences across North America each year.

She speaks on FASB update, Private company GAAP developments, IFRS, variable interest entities, accounting and auditing update, SEC and PCAOB update, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, business combinations, compilation and review, and fair value accounting.

She also provides proprietary prep seminars for the IQEX reciprocity exam where foreign accountants obtain the US CPA credential.

Prior to beginning her seminar business in 1991, Ms. Donti worked for a major information management consulting organization, where she provided training to offices across North America. She also worked with an accounting software firm, offering accounting education courses to clients on site. In addition, she held positions in internal audit and Accounting with Canadian Pacific, one of the largest companies in Canada, dual listed in Toronto and New York.

In 1984, she graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance. In 1990, she obtained her MBA from Concordia University in Montreal.

For the last 11 years (2010 to 2020), Leah has received the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award for her passion, energy and ability to speak at all levels of professionals and made her a most sought-out speaker.

Michael Peter Manspeaker, CPA
Coastal Peer Review, Inc.

Mike currently serves as an Engagement Partner for Audit and Assurance services for the firm and is a member of the Accounting & Auditing Committee. He formerly served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control.

His over 40 years of experience includes working with manufacturing, retirement plan, construction, financial institutions, and nonprofit clients. In addition, he provides clients with business and strategic planning and has experience in mergers and acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans, internal controls, and governance structures of business entities.

Mike currently serves on the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Accounting and Review Services Committee and the Technical Issues Committee, focusing on auditing, accounting, and review services, as well as professional ethics standards. He is also a member of the AICPA Attestation Standards Task Force and Audits for Less Complex Entities Task Force.

Marcey Rader
Work Well. Play More!

Marcey Rader believes that health powers productivity. She is a multi-certified health and productivity expert, a three-time author, and an award-winning, global Certified Speaking Professional® keynote speaker. As the founder of RaderCo, Marcey helps executives, teams, and individuals banish burnout, keep good people, and move forward through practical, tailored tools, healthy, sustainable habits, and coaching accountability.
Sought-after by Fortune 100 companies and others, she’s spoken for tens of thousands of people worldwide – from North Dakota to Dubai to Tokyo. As a high-impact speaker, she trains her audiences to maximize their energy, conquer the calendar, master tasks, and extinguish their email. To change your career, team, or organization one habit at a time, learn more or connect with Marcey at marceyrader.com.

Brian Tankersley, CPA, CITP, CGMA
K2 Enterprises

Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, writes for multiple accounting media outlets, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). Mr. Tankersley has over 25 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, has been with K2 Enterprises since 2005. Brian started teaching CPA review courses in 1997, and currently works with Yaeger CPA Review.

Tankersley has been recognized eight times as one of the “Top 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting Technology” by Cygnus Business Media. Brian has made presentations in 47 of the 50 US states and has served as a guest speaker for many professional accounting organizations across Canada. He has received numerous awards for his writing and speaking from state CPA societies. Brian has presented sessions at most major national accounting technology conferences, including AICPA TECH+/Practitioners Conference, The Sleeter Group’s Solutions Conference, Sage Summit, CCH Connections, and Thomson Reuters Synergy User Conference.

Brian is a certified public accountant (Tennessee), a certified information technology professional (CITP), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Finance, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Tankersley also maintains numerous vendor software certifications, and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Brian and his family make their home in Farragut, Tennessee.

Leah Donti, CPA, CMA, MBA
Advantage Montreal Seminars Inc.

Leah Donti, an internationally recognized seminar leader and speaker in accounting and auditing, has been doing seminars full time for 29 years through her seminar business. She conducts in-house training at CPA firms and various multinationals and does CPE courses through the CPA societies. As well, she speaks at numerous conferences across North America each year.

She speaks on FASB update, Private company GAAP developments, IFRS, variable interest entities, accounting and auditing update, SEC and PCAOB update, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, business combinations, compilation and review, and fair value accounting.

She also provides proprietary prep seminars for the IQEX reciprocity exam where foreign accountants obtain the US CPA credential.

Prior to beginning her seminar business in 1991, Ms. Donti worked for a major information management consulting organization, where she provided training to offices across North America. She also worked with an accounting software firm, offering accounting education courses to clients on site. In addition, she held positions in internal audit and Accounting with Canadian Pacific, one of the largest companies in Canada, dual listed in Toronto and New York.

In 1984, she graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance. In 1990, she obtained her MBA from Concordia University in Montreal.

For the last 11 years (2010 to 2020), Leah has received the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award for her passion, energy and ability to speak at all levels of professionals and made her a most sought-out speaker.

Michael Peter Manspeaker, CPA
Coastal Peer Review, Inc.

Mike currently serves as an Engagement Partner for Audit and Assurance services for the firm and is a member of the Accounting & Auditing Committee. He formerly served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control.

His over 40 years of experience includes working with manufacturing, retirement plan, construction, financial institutions, and nonprofit clients. In addition, he provides clients with business and strategic planning and has experience in mergers and acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans, internal controls, and governance structures of business entities.

Mike currently serves on the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Accounting and Review Services Committee and the Technical Issues Committee, focusing on auditing, accounting, and review services, as well as professional ethics standards. He is also a member of the AICPA Attestation Standards Task Force and Audits for Less Complex Entities Task Force.

Brian Tankersley, CPA, CITP, CGMA
K2 Enterprises

Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, writes for multiple accounting media outlets, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). Mr. Tankersley has over 25 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, has been with K2 Enterprises since 2005. Brian started teaching CPA review courses in 1997, and currently works with Yaeger CPA Review.

Tankersley has been recognized eight times as one of the “Top 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting Technology” by Cygnus Business Media. Brian has made presentations in 47 of the 50 US states and has served as a guest speaker for many professional accounting organizations across Canada. He has received numerous awards for his writing and speaking from state CPA societies. Brian has presented sessions at most major national accounting technology conferences, including AICPA TECH+/Practitioners Conference, The Sleeter Group’s Solutions Conference, Sage Summit, CCH Connections, and Thomson Reuters Synergy User Conference.

Brian is a certified public accountant (Tennessee), a certified information technology professional (CITP), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Finance, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Tankersley also maintains numerous vendor software certifications, and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Brian and his family make their home in Farragut, Tennessee.

Louise Warwick Reed
Louise W. Reed, CPA, PC

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

Keith Allen Wood, CPA, JD
Carruthers & Roth, PA

Keith Wood, CPA, JD, an attorney with Carruthers & Roth, PA, in Greensboro, NC, is a Board-Certified Specialist in estate planning and probate law. Keith’s practice areas include tax planning, representation of clients before the Internal Revenue Service, corporate law and business transactions, and estate planning. Keith is a Certified Public Accountant and is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and a former member of its Board of Directors. Keith received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and his law degree, with honors, from the University of North Carolina.

Brian Tankersley, CPA, CITP, CGMA
K2 Enterprises

Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, writes for multiple accounting media outlets, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). Mr. Tankersley has over 25 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, has been with K2 Enterprises since 2005. Brian started teaching CPA review courses in 1997, and currently works with Yaeger CPA Review.

Tankersley has been recognized eight times as one of the “Top 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting Technology” by Cygnus Business Media. Brian has made presentations in 47 of the 50 US states and has served as a guest speaker for many professional accounting organizations across Canada. He has received numerous awards for his writing and speaking from state CPA societies. Brian has presented sessions at most major national accounting technology conferences, including AICPA TECH+/Practitioners Conference, The Sleeter Group’s Solutions Conference, Sage Summit, CCH Connections, and Thomson Reuters Synergy User Conference.

Brian is a certified public accountant (Tennessee), a certified information technology professional (CITP), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Finance, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Tankersley also maintains numerous vendor software certifications, and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Brian and his family make their home in Farragut, Tennessee.

Louise Warwick Reed
Louise W. Reed, CPA, PC

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

Skip (Frank) Woody, III, CEBS
Hill Chesson & Woody

Skip Woody serves as the Area Executive Vice President and Health and Welfare Practice Leader with Hill, Chesson & Woody, a Gallagher Company. With over 25 years of experience, Skip is responsible for client retention and service model innovation positioning Hill, Chesson & Woody, a Gallagher Company as an industry leader. Skip received his degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mike Cheng, CPA
Frazier & Deeter, LLC

Mike Cheng joined Frazier & Deeter in 2019 as the Partner who oversees the firm’s professional practices related to accounting and audit. As part of this role, he specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues.

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

In addition, Mike led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shape the future of the FASB technical agenda and improve consolidations guidance (VIE guidance). Most recently, he worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842). Prior to joining the FASB, Mike held various management positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was an Audit Senior Manager, Private Company Services, in the firm’s Stamford, CT office.

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

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

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

Mike Cheng, CPA
Frazier & Deeter, LLC

Mike Cheng joined Frazier & Deeter in 2019 as the Partner who oversees the firm’s professional practices related to accounting and audit. As part of this role, he specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues.

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

In addition, Mike led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shape the future of the FASB technical agenda and improve consolidations guidance (VIE guidance). Most recently, he worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842). Prior to joining the FASB, Mike held various management positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was an Audit Senior Manager, Private Company Services, in the firm’s Stamford, CT office.

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

William Hunter Cook, CPA

Hunter is a retired Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP partner. For his last three years at DHG, he was part of the firm’s Professional Standards Group and a member of the AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board. Prior to joining DHG, Hunter taught accounting and auditing at Wake Forest University for one year. Following his graduation from Newberry College with a BS in Accounting, he worked as an auditor with Ernst & Young in various capacities, including partner. Hunter is a past Chair of NCACPA and past President of the NC State Board of CPA Examiners, and has served as a contributing author to PPC’s Guide to Preparing Financial Statements. He is currently a member of the NASBA Ethics Committee and Peer Review Compliance Committee, the Oversite Task Force of the AICPA Peer Review Board, and the AACSB Accounting Accreditation Policy Committee. Hunter leads CPE programs covering professional ethics in North Carolina and courses covering technical material across the country. He is a CPA in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Javier Young
CLA Charlotte

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

James Lindell, CPA, CSP, CGMA, MBA
Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc.

Jim Lindell is President of Thorsten Consulting, a Wisconsin-based strategic and financial consulting provider. The firm offers professional speaking, training, and executive coaching. He has extensive senior management experience, including Chief Financial Officer, VP-Finance, Corporate Controller, and Corporate Assistant Controller. Industries served include manufacturing, healthcare, not-for-profit, distribution, and food processing. Jim has participated in more than 50 M&A projects.

Jim is a CPA and has received the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association. Jim is a Vistage Chairman (Executive Coach and Facilitator) and responsible for two groups in the Milwaukee area.

Jim is the author of Controller as Business Manager, Controllers Annual Update (Best Seller,) Analytics and Big Data for Accountants, and many other courses on strategic and financial leadership. Jim has been published by the AICPA and Wiley.

Jim is an eleven-time recipient of the AICPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Also, Jim is a member of the Irish rock/folk music group “Deep Pool” and is unwilling to admit that he may have played his last rugby match.

Becky Drozdz, CCP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Catapult

Becky Drozdz is the HR Advisor, Compensation Lead for Catapult. From our locations in Raleigh, Charlotte and High Point, North Carolina, we serve over 2200 member organizations across the state. Becky is primarily responsible for advising companies in the areas of compensation and benchmark data, and tailoring compensation consulting services to meet the needs of the member. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment or creation of salary structures; job analysis; and FLSA guidance.

Becky earned her Master of Business Administration from Marymount University and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois. She has experience in the areas of compensation, job analysis, organizational communications, recruitment and retention, and employee relations. Becky is also a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Michelle Leigh Tracz, CPA, CFE, CGMA
Michelle Tracz, CPA, CFE, PLLC

More information coming soon!

Jeremy Paul Colombik, CPA
Management Services International

Jeremy Colombik is the president of Management Services International (MSI), which currently is one of the largest captive managers in North Carolina and manages over 100 businesses that are utilizing a captive insurance company structure.

Jeremy Colombik is an experienced, licensed financial professional. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, where he obtained a bachelor of business degree with a major in finance. Mr. Colombik is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. He has been in the captive industry for over 10 years, is a member of the Captive Insurance Companies Association, and is a member and former chairman of the North Carolina Captive Insurance Association.

Mr. Colombik is president of Management Services International (MSI). MSI currently manages over 100 businesses that are utilizing a captive insurance company structure. MSI currently is one of the largest captive managers in the state of North Carolina.

Mr. Colombik specializes in IRC Sec. 831(b) captives. He is a sought-after speaker for professional groups, such as CPAs, lawyers, and financial advisers, on how a captive structure works and its benefit to their clients.

James Lindell, CPA, CSP, CGMA, MBA
Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc.

Jim Lindell is President of Thorsten Consulting, a Wisconsin-based strategic and financial consulting provider. The firm offers professional speaking, training, and executive coaching. He has extensive senior management experience, including Chief Financial Officer, VP-Finance, Corporate Controller, and Corporate Assistant Controller. Industries served include manufacturing, healthcare, not-for-profit, distribution, and food processing. Jim has participated in more than 50 M&A projects.

Jim is a CPA and has received the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association. Jim is a Vistage Chairman (Executive Coach and Facilitator) and responsible for two groups in the Milwaukee area.

Jim is the author of Controller as Business Manager, Controllers Annual Update (Best Seller,) Analytics and Big Data for Accountants, and many other courses on strategic and financial leadership. Jim has been published by the AICPA and Wiley.

Jim is an eleven-time recipient of the AICPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Also, Jim is a member of the Irish rock/folk music group “Deep Pool” and is unwilling to admit that he may have played his last rugby match.

Kecia Williams Smith, Ph.D CPA
North Carolina A&T State University
College of Business & Economics

Kecia Williams Smith, Ph.D CPA, is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Accountancy (MACC) Program in the Department of Accounting and Finance at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T). She holds degrees from NC A&T and Texas A&M University, where she completed her PhD in June 2016.

Prior to entering academia, she was a senior manager at Deloitte where she led engagement teams in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications practice. Immediately prior to starting her doctoral studies, she was an Associate Director at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) where she created and led the Inspections Training Office that served over 400 inspection personnel.

David Cieslak, CPA.CITP, CGMA, GSEC
RKL ESOLUTIONS, LLC

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.