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Northeast Finance & Accounting Convention: Where Finance, Technology & Leadership Converge

Monday, Nov. 3 11:15am - Tuesday, Nov. 4 3:30pm

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The Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino

240 Fox Tower Drive
Mashantucket, CT 06338

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9.00 Credits

Member Price $209.00

Price will increase by $30 after 10/30

Non-Member Price $334.00

Price will increase by $30 after 10/30

Overview

Join us for an immersive two-day experience exploring the future of innovation and growth. This one-of-a-kind event will bring together the Northeast’s top CPAs and finance professionals for a dynamic program packed with cutting-edge insights, meaningful connections, and premium amenities – all set at the iconic Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Bring your team to connect with peers and industry leaders through curated networking events, social gatherings, vendor demos and engaging general sessions on next-gen technology, the future of the profession, leadership, and more. 

Breakout session tracks will focus on technology and innovation, corporate finance, and technical mastery and regulatory updates.

*Schedule subject to change

Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, expand your network, connect with future-focused speakers and vendors, or recharge in a luxury setting – this event delivers it all.

Register 5 or more individuals from the same company and receive a $50 discount off each registration. Please contact Kendalynn Morales at kendalynnm@ctcpas.org or 860-258-0219 to receive this discount.

Your Standard Convention Pass includes:

  • Access to all general sessions and breakout sessions
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception at Vue24 Restaurant (hors d'oeuvres & drink ticket)
  • Access to expo floor including the demo theater
  • Afternoon snack on Day 1
  • Breakfast, coffee, snacks and lunch on Day 2

Upgrade your Standard Convention Pass to a VIP Pass for an additional $100 during the registration process:

Your VIP Pass includes:

  • All items included in a Standard Convention Pass
  • VIP Registration and Credentials
    • Receive a specially designated VIP badge, ensuring priority check-in and recognition throughout the event.
  • Private VIP Reception at Vue 24 on opening afternoon
    • Enjoy an elegant, invitation-only afternoon with panoramic views, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and premium cocktails alongside fellow VIPs, sponsors, and special guests.
  • Formal Introductions to Key Leaders
    • Be personally introduced to attending elected officials, agency heads, and state business leaders - curated for meaningful, high-value connections.
  • Complimentary Headshots

Hotel Information

We have secured the following rates for the night of November 3, 2025 in the Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort. Please use the PassKey link below to book your overnight room (link will also be included in your confirmation email for the convention).

https://book.passkey.com/go/CTCPAPublicRoomBlock

$109 (plus tax & resort fee) - Deluxe 1 King Bed OR Deluxe 2 Queen Beds

$199 (plus tax & resort fees) - Director's Suite

During the booking process you will have the option to add on additional nights to your stay, as well as to view more detailed descriptions of the various room options.

IMPORTANT: Please be aware that we have a limited number of rooms at these rates and once they are sold out, rates may increase.

The deadline to book your hotel room under our room block is Friday, October 17, 2025.

Designed For

CPAs and finance professionals

Notice

By registering for this program and, accordingly, receiving the eMaterials, you're acknowledging that you understand both the copyright restrictions on your eMaterials and the CTCPA cancellation policy.

Monday, November 3

General Session

- Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Featuring Special Guest:
Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA - 2025-2026 Chair of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (Association) & Partner at Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- The Future of the Profession in 2025: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Tom Hood, Exec VP, Business Growth & Engagement, AICPA

Tom Hood

Tom recently stepped onto the global stage of the largest association of certified professional accountants in the world, representing over 690,000 CPAs, CGMAs, and students. In 2021 he was named the?second most influential person in accounting?by Accounting Today Magazine for the tenth year.

Tom is known for his work on the CPA Vision Project, the CPA Horizons 2025 Project, and most recently the Future of Finance 2030. In 1999, he co-founded the Business Learning Institute (BLI) with a purpose of “Empowering human capital in a global VUCA world, so that our organizations and communities thrive”, based on the findings of the CPA Vision and CPA Horizons 2025 research. This led to the T-shaped Professional and a focus on ‘success skills’ for CPAs, CGMAs, and finance and accounting professionals.

LinkedIn recruited Tom as one of their Top 100 Influencers in 2012 and he now has a following of over 730,000. He is a member of Forbes Finance Council and was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame.

Tom is the former CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and former CFO of a highway construction company. He has a Master’s in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loyola University of Maryland.

Presented by: Tom Hood, CPA, CITP, CGMA – EVP, Business Growth & Engagement for AICPA-CIMA and the Business Learning Institute

Accounting and finance professionals are navigating one of the most transformative eras in history. With AI, automation, geopolitical shifts, new business models, and evolving expectations converging at once, the role of the accounting and finance professional is rapidly changing. This session explores how CPAs and CGMAs can proactively lead through this disruption—by embracing exponential technologies, adopting future-ready mindsets, and aligning with the demands of the digital economy. From AI and blockchain to workforce transformation and sustainability, participants will explore strategies for value creation and long-term relevance in a world that is, quite literally, everything, everywhere, all at once.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify key disruptive forces impacting the accounting and finance profession in 2025, including AI, generative technologies, and regulatory changes .
  • Determine how exponential technologies are redefining core competencies and reshaping professional roles
  • Analyze the implications of AI, automation, and ESG priorities on business models and the finance function .
  • Select strategies for reskilling and upskilling in response to digital transformation and workforce shifts.

Credits: 1.5 - Business Management and Organization

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- From Pain Points to Productivity: Modernizing Your Tech Stack Step by Step (Technology & Innovation Track)

Dawn Brolin, CEO, Powerful Accounting Inc

Dawn Brolin

Dawn W. Brolin, CPA, CFE is the founder of Team Brolin an organization dedicated to helping accounting professionals and small businesses optimize their operations and reduce their fraud risks. She is also the owner of Connecticut-based CPA firm, Powerful Accounting Inc., and author of The Designated Motivator. Dawn’s extensive accounting expertise and personal entrepreneurial experiences fuel her passion for helping other business owners succeed through the application of smart technology solutions, effective financial management, and comprehensive business continuity and fraud mitigation strategies. Dawn’s in-depth knowledge and down-to-earth, entertaining approach make her an in-demand trainer, speaker, and thought leader. She has worked with prestigious partners including Fundera, Intuit, TSheets by QuickBooks, AbacusNext, ADP, MineralTree and many more. In addition, Dawn’s contributions to the accounting profession are continually recognized with many top awards. She was named “2020 Top Niche Practice ProAdvisor: Forensics” as well as one of the “2018, 2019 & 2020Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” ~ by Accounting Today, “2012-2017 Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting” ~ by CPA Practice Advisor, “2017 MP Elite Accounting Firm Leaders” ~ by Accounting Today, and “Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2009” ~ by CPA Technology Magazine. Dawn has also been published on many blogs and in books such as “The World’s Most Inspiring Accountants.” Dawn has also appeared on the MSNBC show Your Business and has spoken at national conferences including CPA Academy, Cleveland Ohio Society of CPA’s, Intuit QuickBooks Connect Conference, Live Your Legacy, Scaling New Heights, AbacusMaximus, Spark & Hustle, TD Bank, and many others.

Presented by: Dawn Brolin, CPA, CFE - CEO of Powerful Accounting, LLC & Author

From client onboarding headaches to redundant data entry and disjointed apps, most firms are carrying more tech than traction. In this practical, no-jargon session, we’ll map your firm’s biggest pain points to the right modern tools—and show you how to implement them in small, low-risk steps. We’ll cover core systems (practice management, workflow, document management/e-signature, client portals), automation opportunities across CAS/tax/audit, smart integrations to kill duplicate work, and the security/compliance guardrails you need. You’ll see what to fix first, how to get staff buy-in, and how to measure ROI so your tech doesn’t turn into “shelfware.” Walk away with a prioritized roadmap and a quick-win checklist to boost productivity, profitability, and client experience—one step at a time.

Key takeaways

  • Spot the hidden time-wasters in your firm and turn them into productivity boosters.
  • Cut through the noise: learn how to choose tech that actually works for your team and your clients.
  • Unlock the secret to smooth rollouts—without the burnout or pushback.
  • Elevate the client experience with smarter, faster, and more connected tools.

Credits: 1 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

- Tax Reform Watchlist: State and Federal Trends (Technical Mastery & Regulatory Updates Track)

Presented by: Deborah Bierbaum, Senior Tax Policy Advisor at Multistate

Stay ahead of the curve with this timely update on the latest state and federal tax reform developments shaping 2025 and beyond. This session will highlight major 2025 legislative tax developments at the federal and state levels, an overview of state revenue challenges, and what to expect in tax trends in 2026.

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

- The Changing Role of the CFO in the Era of AI: A Panel Discussion (Corporate Finance Track)

Paul Young, SEVP & Chief Financial Officer, Liberty Bank

Paul Young

Paul Young is the Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Liberty Bank of Middletown, Connecticut, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. In this role, Paul is responsible for Accounting, Treasury, Financial Planning & Analysis, Enterprise Project Management, Procurement, Digital Banking, Business Transformation and Strategic Planning.

Paul has over 25 years of diversified financial services experience and before joining Liberty Bank, was the CFO for Citizens Bank’s Consumer Deposits, Business Banking and Citizens Access lines of business. Prior to Citizens Bank, Paul was the Head of U.S. Strategy and Corporate Development for TD Bank and also served as the CFO for TD Bank’s U.S. Lines of Business including Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Specialty Banking, Product Management, Wealth and TD Auto Finance.

Prior to joining TD Bank in 2009, Paul held various financial leadership positions including CFO for CIT Corporate Finance and Senior Vice President & Controller for Siemens Financial Services, North America. Paul also held financial positions of increasing responsibility at Prudential Financial, First Fidelity Bank, HSBC and Spicer & Oppenheim.

Paul received a B.S. in Accounting from Bloomfield College, completed the Duke University – Fuqua School of Business Advanced Management Program, and earned his MBA from Temple University – Fox School of Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant and has served as a member of the Business & Industry Executive Committee (BIEC) and the Americas Regional Advisory Panel (AMRAP) of the AICPA. Paul is a member of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group (FFLAG) and is a Member of the AICPA Council.

Paul served as a member of the Bloomfield College President’s Council and was an Accounting Advisory Board Member for Rowan University. He is passionate about education and was previously an Adjunct Accounting & Finance Professor at Caldwell University.

Tom Hood, Exec VP, Business Growth & Engagement, AICPA

Tom Hood

Tom recently stepped onto the global stage of the largest association of certified professional accountants in the world, representing over 690,000 CPAs, CGMAs, and students. In 2021 he was named the?second most influential person in accounting?by Accounting Today Magazine for the tenth year.

Tom is known for his work on the CPA Vision Project, the CPA Horizons 2025 Project, and most recently the Future of Finance 2030. In 1999, he co-founded the Business Learning Institute (BLI) with a purpose of “Empowering human capital in a global VUCA world, so that our organizations and communities thrive”, based on the findings of the CPA Vision and CPA Horizons 2025 research. This led to the T-shaped Professional and a focus on ‘success skills’ for CPAs, CGMAs, and finance and accounting professionals.

LinkedIn recruited Tom as one of their Top 100 Influencers in 2012 and he now has a following of over 730,000. He is a member of Forbes Finance Council and was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame.

Tom is the former CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and former CFO of a highway construction company. He has a Master’s in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loyola University of Maryland.

Hank Teskey, Former Controller, Electric Boat

Hank Teskey

Hank Teskey is a CPA and attorney with over 35 years of experience in accounting, tax, and corporate finance. Most recently, he served as controller of General Dynamics Electric Boat, following 27 years with the company in various roles, including Director of Taxes. Prior to joining General Dynamics, Hank spent 10 years at Deloitte, where he held the position of senior manager.

Kate Hearns, Senior Director, PPL Corporation

Kate Hearns

Kate Hearns is the Senior Director, Portfolio Management at PPL Corporation. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in aligning technology strategies with business objectives to enhance operational efficiency and achieve measurable outcomes. Adept at creating robust financial management and governance capability for market leading, profit, non-profit, and regulated international organizations, I empower teams to create solutions that balance financial stability with sustainable growth. Known for fostering collaboration and innovation, my commitment to thoughtful leadership and data-driven strategies ensures impactful and inclusive outcomes across organizations.

Kate is passionate about delivering results through building inclusive and highly engaged cross-functional teams aligned with shared goals. She also prioritizes the professional development of her team by encouraging mentorship and coaching and actively supporting their involvement in the broader community.

Before assuming her current position, Kate served as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at RI Energy, a PPL Company. She has also held increasingly responsible roles in finance, strategy, and performance management at National Grid. Kate earned a BSc in Accounting from Cardiff University, UK, and is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA).

Kate currently serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board for the Gas Guild of Managers, where she oversees financial activities and supports fundraising initiatives. She has also completed two terms as a Regional Board Member and as Northeast Chapter Chair for the MA American Red Cross and was Treasurer on the Executive Board of RI Public Expenditure Council for 3 years.

Ash Noah, VP & Managing Director, AICPA

Ash Noah

Ash Noah - CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Management Accounting, at AICPA & CIMA. In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit.

Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends such as sustainability and AI that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Curriculum, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing the competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance with a view to long-term value creation.

Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries. He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator.

Moderator:

Tom Hood, CPA, CITP, CGMA – EVP, Business Growth & Engagement for AICPA-CIMA and the Business Learning Institute

Panelists:

Kate Hearns - Senior Director, Portfolio Management at PPL Corporation

Ash Noah CPA, FCMA, CGMA - VP & Managing Director, Learning, Education and Development at AICPA & CIMA

Hank Teskey - Former Controller of General Dynamics Electric Boat

Paul S. Young - SEVP & CFO of Liberty Bank

Discover how CFOs can lead finance through the AI transformation journey by embracing a future-ready mindset, developing critical skillsets in data and leadership, and leveraging the right toolsets to drive real-time insights, performance, and value creation.

Credits: 0.5 - Finance

Credits: 0.5 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- The AI-Powered Economy — What Wins and What’s Next for Strategy, Risk, and Finance

Ryan McManus, Founder, Techtonic.io

Ryan McManus

Ryan McManus is an entrepreneur, investor, board director, and founder of techtonic.io, where he advises Fortune 500 companies, governments, startups, and private equity investors on AI, emerging technologies, and business model strategy. He serves on the boards of Nortech Systems and the NACD New York Chapter, and on the advisory boards of Limbik AI and ArcticBlue AI. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Corporate Directors in the United States by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Ryan served as a commissioner of the NACD’s 2024 Blue Ribbon Report on Technology and Governance, previously chaired the NACD’s National Technology and Governance Advisory Committee, and has built industry-first Generative AI tools that help boards and executives navigate disruption, risk, and strategy. He has advised more than 15,000 executives and directors across 70 countries, representing over $4 trillion in market value. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Economist, NACD, and other leading outlets, and he is a frequent speaker on AI, strategy, and technology governance.

Presented by: Ryan McManus - Entrepreneur, Investor, Board Director, and Founder of techtonic.io

AI is rewriting the rules of competition, risk, and value creation — and finance leaders are at the center of this transformation. This keynote cuts through the hype to highlight cutting-edge examples of AI’s transformative impact, emerging risks, and where the technology is heading next. Leaders will gain practical frameworks to assess opportunities, navigate risks, and position their organizations to lead with clarity and confidence in the AI-powered economy — now and in the future.

Credits: 1.5 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Executive Evening: Insights & Connections: This is an invite-only event for managing partners

This event is open to managing partners or their designees only.

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- I plan to attend the Welcome Reception at Vue24

The Welcome Reception is included with your Standard Convention Pass.  The reception will take place on November 3rd from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Vue24 Restaurant (located on the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower).

This includes passed hors d'oeuvres as well as a drink ticket.

This session is available to registrants only.

Tuesday, November 4

General Session

- The Fulfillment ROI: The Missing Metric for Creating High Performance Cultures

Amy Vetter, CEO, The B³ Method® Institute

Amy Vetter

Amy Vetter, CPA, CSP, Yogi, Musician, a dynamic keynote speaker and CEO of The B³ Method Institute. She uniquely blends her expertise as a business leader, CPA, yogi, and wellness practitioner. Through her innovative B³ Method®—Business + Balance = Bliss—and Fulfillment ROITM measurement system, she demonstrates how well-being directly drives business success. Drawing from over 25 years of finance and technology leadership experience and her training as a certified health and life coach, Amy empowers organizations to achieve sustainable growth through connected leadership. Host of the Breaking Beliefs podcast and author of “Disconnect to Connect,” she continues to transform how leaders create thriving, purpose-driven cultures.

Presented by: Amy Vetter - Keynote Speaker, CPA, Yogi, and CEO of The B³ Method Institute

Fulfillment is evergreen—it isn't a trend. AI and technology will continually evolve, but the human need to feel happy and fulfilled never goes away. Leaders are unintentionally sending the message that performance and wellness can't coexist. This false choice is costing organizations dearly in engagement, retention, productivity, and innovation. There is a better approach. Peak performance and wellness are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they depend on each other. When leaders actively model wellness behaviors and maintain strong one-on-one employee connections rather than one-to-many communications, an organization's wellbeing programs can succeed in creating what we call the Fulfillment ROI: happier employees who drive higher company profitability and customer loyalty.

Credits: 1 - Personal Development

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Artificial Intelligence in Finance: Opportunities, Risks & Real-World Impact (Technology & Innovation Track)

Konrad Martin, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tech Advisors, Inc.

Konrad Martin

Konrad Martin is a man on a mission. His aim is to help organizations understand, recognize and manage the extraordinary risks posed by cybersecurity threats, and to create the structural resiliency necessary to minimize the danger, mitigate the damage, and recover quickly when a cyber intrusion occurs.

Konrad is a nationally recognized authority on cybersecurity and IT issues. He is the co-author of Cyber Storm, an Amazon #1 best seller, and the author of Hacked: How to Protect Your Business from the Fines, Lawsuits, Customer Loss & PR Nightmare Resulting from Data Breach and Cybercrime. He was a guest expert on the recently-released Amazon Prime documentary “Cyber Crime 2: The Dark Web and Cyber Crime.”

His firm, Tech Advisors, Inc., provides technology consulting and management services to a wide range of professional services organizations across the country, and is ranked among the Top 250 Managed Security Services Providers by MSSP Alert.

Since founding Tech Advisors with his twin brother Kevin more than 20 year ago, Konrad has overseen steady growth and expansion of the firm, which expanding services such as cloud computing and cybersecurity, as well as reaching a broader range of industries served. His previous experience as a CPA gives Konrad an understanding and appreciation of the financial side of technology, and he enjoys helping Tech Advisors’ clients connect the value of a well-managed IT infrastructure with business efficiency and profitability.

A nationally ranked swimmer while in college, Konrad continues to focus on fitness through hiking, competing in triathlons, golfing and tackling challenging Peloton rides. He and his wife Jeannie, a noted interior designer, divide their time between Massachusetts and Florida. They have a daughter, Rebecca, and two sons, Adam and Fritz.

Presented by: Konrad Martin - Co-Founder, President & CEO of Tech Advisors

In today’s AI-driven world, protecting sensitive financial and client data is more critical than ever. This session explores how artificial intelligence intersects with regulatory compliance—focusing on the risks, responsibilities, and opportunities it creates for CPA firms and professional organizations. Attendees will learn how to recognize and mitigate AI-related compliance challenges, including data privacy, PII exposure, bias, and lack of audit trails. We’ll also review essential AI policies every firm should adopt and showcase real-world strategies for maintaining compliance under federal, state, and international frameworks.

Credits: 1 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

- FASB Update: What’s Changing (Technical Mastery & Regulatory Updates Track)

Richard Gabriel, Assistant Project Manager, FASB

Richard Gabriel

Richard Gabriele is an assistant project manager with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In that capacity, he analyzes technical accounting issues and is responsible for developing potential solutions that contemplate both the needs of financial statement users and related implementation outcomes. Richard primarily focuses on Revenue Recognition (Topic 606) and Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Richard began his career as an internal auditor at the Mohegan Tribe where he built strong foundation in financial reporting, risk management, and internal controls. Early in his career, he also taught a variety of accounting courses at Nichols College. Prior to joining the FASB, he served as global technical accounting manager at Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment where he led major implementations of accounting standards, including revenue recognition (Topic 606) and lease accounting (Topic 842). Richard holds several professional designations, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Connecticut, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and many others. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Eastern Connecticut State University and his Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Presented by: Richard Gabriel - Assistant Project Manager at FASB

This session will provide an overview of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) current technical and research agenda, highlighting recent developments in the Board’s standard-setting activities. Participants will hear the latest updates from the Agenda Consultation, Post-Implementation Review, Private Company Council (PCC), and Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC). The session will also cover recently issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs), offering insights into how these developments may affect financial reporting practices.

Credits: 1 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

- Future-Proof Finance: Scenario Planning Meets Data-Driven Decision Making (Corporate Finance Track)

More info coming soon

Credits: 1 - Business Management and Organization

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- ASC 842’s (Leases) Misunderstood Areas (Technical Mastery & Regulatory Updates Track)

Michael Cheng, Audit Partner, Frazier & Deeter

Michael Cheng

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.

Presented by: Michael Cheng, CPA - Audit Partner at Frazier & Deeter, LLC

ASC 842 continues to challenge practitioners with operational complexities. This session dives into the persistent pain points we face:

• What is a lease? – identifying embedded leases and service arrangements.
• Lease term determination - how long is the lease?
• Accounting for leasehold improvements – Who owns them, and how should they be amortized and how it affects lease start date, lease term and lease payments!

Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, and practical guidance, we’ll explore how firms are tackling these issues. Whether you're refining your policies or troubleshooting client scenarios, this session will help you sharpen your understanding of ASC 842.

Credits: 1 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

- Modern Threats & Smart Defenses: Building Cyber Resilience for Financial Leaders (Technology & Innovation Track)

Kristopher Peterson, Security & Risk Assessor, Cyber74

Kristopher Peterson

Kristopher Peterson has over 20 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity and is a frequent speaker at industry events.

Kris is passionate about helping businesses understand gaps in their security posture and mitigate cybersecurity risks. His broad experience includes incident response – including ransomware and business email compromise (BEC), conducting cybersecurity assessments and testing, and helping organizations understand their compliance requirements, especially those around NIST and CMMC.

Kris Peterson holds GSEC, CMMC-AB, and CISSP certifications.

Matthew Keane, Manager, Cybersecurity Services, ADNET Technologies, LLC

Matthew Keane

Matthew Keane | Manager, Cybersecurity Services | ADNET Technologies

Matthew Keane, ADNET’s Manager of Cybersecurity Services, joined ADNET in 2021. Matt works closely with clients to lead cybersecurity incident response, implement security services, and create comprehensive cybersecurity strategies for organizations of all sizes. He has over twenty years of experience in IT, having held various roles including that of a HIPAA Security Officer. His prior experience as an IT Manager and Operations Manager gives him a unique perspective to offer clients, having been both a client and solutions provider.

Matt graduated from Salve Regina University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Science. He holds cybersecurity certifications including Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and numerous Microsoft and CompTIA certifications.

Presented by:  Matthew Keane - Manager, Cybersecurity Services at ADNET Technologies

Kristopher Peterson - Security and Risk Assessor III at Cyber74

By the end of today’s session, you’ll understand cybersecurity as a business safeguard and not just a technical problem. We’ll scan the current threat landscape, unpack recent incidents and common attacker profiles, highlight the controls that matter most, and finish with practical actions you can take immediately.

Credits: 1 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

- Reshaping Finance with AI and Automation (Corporate Finance Track)

Swami Venkat, Partner and CFO/CxO Advisory Leader, CohnReznick

Swami Venkat

Swami Venkat leads CohnReznick’s CxO and CFO Advisory practices. He has more than 20 years of diverse professional experience across technical accounting, public company reporting, risk and compliance, and internal audit. This experience includes providing SEC and GAAP advisory services, helping companies prepare for registration/financial statements filings with the SEC, and writing accounting opinions/reviewing 10-Q/10-K data for consistency and completeness with SEC Regulation S-X and S-K requirements.

Presented by: Swami Venkat, CISA, CFE, ACA - Partner and CFO/CxO Advisory Leader at CohnReznick Advisory LLC

Finance leaders must navigate unprecedented challenges and opportunities driven by advances in data, automation, and artificial intelligence. This session will discuss the technology trends, business pressures, and leadership strategies driving finance leaders to not only survive but thrive in this dynamic environment, with a focus on leveraging data-driven insights, automation technologies, and AI to transform finance.

Attendees will gain insights into strategic thinking, adaptability, innovation, and the practical application of data and technology—all crucial for leading their organizations to success.

After this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Recognize how to navigate today’s business complexities with technology-driven strategies.
2. Discuss practical strategies for enhancing innovation through data, automation, and AI.
3. Identify how to embrace change and foster a culture of adaptability by leveraging emerging technologies in finance.

Credits: 0.5 - Information Technology

Credits: 0.5 - Personal Development

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- How We’re Using AI Now: Real Stories from Accounting Firms and Finance Teams (Technology & Innovation Track)

Rachel Tressy, EVP, Chief Auditor, Voya Financial

Rachel Tressy

Rachel Tressy is executive vice president and chief auditor for Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading health, wealth and investment company.

In this role, Tressy oversees the Internal Audit and Financial Control Risk (SOX) teams, providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value, improve operations and support the Audit Committee in fulfilling its oversight role as defined by the Audit Committee Charter. She also serves on Voya’s Executive Committee.

Tressy’s career includes significant contributions across business, risk management and audit functions. Tressy joined Voya in 2016. Before joining Voya, she spent over 15 years at the Cigna Group in audit and business roles. Tressy started her career at Ernst & Young.

Tressy serves on the board of directors for Wheeler Health as the vice chair, also serving on the Executive and Quality Committees and as chair of the Audit Committee. She also serves on the boards of Grace Academy and the Connecticut Society of CPAs and is an executive sponsor of Voya’s Women’s Council.

Tressy earned her Master of Business Administration in accounting at the University of Connecticut, and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Holy Cross College. She holds CPA, CIA, CRMA and NACD.DC designations.

A leading health, wealth and investment company that provides products, solutions and technologies for approximately 15.7 million individual customers, workplace participants and institutions in the U.S., Voya had approximately $977 billion in total assets under management and administration as of March 31, 2025.

Brian Berry, Signing Director, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Brian Berry

Brian has more than 20 years of experience with technology, software design, and advisory services. He is responsible for a broad range of data management solutions including business intelligence, data warehousing, reporting, master data management, big data, and advanced analytics. Brian has been responsible for the delivery of Enterprise Data Governance and Master Data Management programs for middle-market manufacturing, global life sciences, and public-sector clients.

After transitioning from a career in the performing arts, Brian worked at Innovative Solutions, Inc., a boutique technology firm focused on database solutions for small businesses. From there, he led the custom web development team at Trinity College, designing and delivering services for students, faculty, and alumni.

Tom Wahl, Founder, Avalon Tax

Tom Wahl

Bio coming soon!

Moderator:

Kristopher Peterson, Security and Risk Assessor III, Cyber74

Panelists:

Brian Berry - Signing Director at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Rachel Tressy - Executive Vice President, Chief Auditor at Voya Financial, Inc.

Tom Wahl - Founder of Avalon Tax & Owner of Wahl CPA LLC

AI is no longer a future concept—it’s reshaping how finance and accounting professionals work today. In this interactive panel, leaders from firms and organizations of all sizes share real-world examples of how they’re leveraging AI to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and deliver greater value to clients. From automation of routine tasks to intelligent data analysis and client advisory innovations, this discussion will provide practical insights into what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next in the AI journey for accounting and finance teams.

Credits: 1 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

- Leading Finance Teams Through Disruption and Change (Corporate Finance Track)

Stephen LaRosa, Executive Director, U.S. State & Loca, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Stephen LaRosa

Stephen J. LaRosa is the senior director who oversees U.S. domestic state and local taxes and global indirect taxes at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in New Haven, Connecticut. He has over twenty-five years of tax experience, including tax management positions in both public accounting and private industry. Prior to joining Alexion, Steve was a managing director at a Big Four accounting firm where he was the leader of the Hartford office SALT practice and national Connecticut tax specialist.

Steve is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (“CTCPA”). He served as the chairperson of the CTCPA State Tax Committee, chaired various sub-committees and previously received the CTCPA Jack Brooks Leadership Award and the Committee Member of the Year Award. Steve is also a member of the National Multistate Tax Symposium Advisory Board.

Steve serves on the tax committees of various business organizations. He has served on task forces established by the Connecticut General Assembly and the Department of Revenue Services addressing tax and policy matters. Steve is currently a member of the External Advisory Group established by the Department of Revenue Services. His past appointments include the Business Tax Credit and Tax Policy Review Committee, the Financial Services Industry Task Force and the Department of Revenue Services Business Users Group.

Presented by: Stephen J. LaRosa - Executive Director, U.S. State & Local Tax at AstraZenica

KPMG - Speaker info coming soon

This session will focus on how to lead teams to successfully navigate internal transformation and/or adapt to accommodate dynamic external forces. One thing that is certain in the business world is change.  This session will address how to plan, prepare and deliver change in a finance organization allowing for the successful delivery of the optimistic future vision.   The discussion will include developing strategies, use of technology, communicating the vision and managing people to ensure successful delivery.

Credits: 1 - Personal Development

This session is available to registrants only.

- The Future of the Audit: Building Relevance and Sustaining Quality (Technical Mastery & Regulatory Updates Track)

Allison Henry, VP-Professional & Technical Standards, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

Allison Henry

Allison, who has been with the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) since 2003, works to elevate CPA practice quality through advocacy, outreach, and education. She currently administers PICPA’s Joint Ethics Enforcement Program with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), oversees the administration of the AICPA’s Peer Review Program for Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and U.S. Virgin Island firms, monitors emerging global trends in the accounting profession, and serves as the PICPA technical liaison for several statewide committees and working groups that reach out to regulatory agencies in Pennsylvania on behalf of the profession. She frequently shares her expertise by speaking at PICPA events, hosting webinars on key topics, teaching ethics training, writing for the CPA Now blog, writing articles for the Pennsylvania CPA Journal, and fielding technical inquiries.

Before joining the PICPA, Allison spent several years as a senior manager with a regional accounting firm and nine years at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where she worked in the assurance and advisory services group. Allison’s diverse client service experience has included many not-for-profit, health care, and world relief organizations, as well as small and large manufacturing, distribution, and service-oriented entities. She has also served as the designated employee benefits specialist.

Allison is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and holds an accounting equivalency from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. She spent four years in internal accounting positions, including the Department of Defense, while her husband served on active duty with the U.S. Army.

Allison recently obtained AICPA’s Blockchain Fundamentals for Accounting and Finance Professionals Certificate.

Allison is a member of the PICPA and AICPA. She volunteers for various local ministries and is a member of River of Live Church. She is a native of St. Louis, Mo. and is an avid runner.

Presented by: Allison M. Henry, CPA - Vice President, Professional & Technical Standards at Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

In this presentation, Allison M. Henry, CPA, CGMA, PICPA Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, takes a bold and forward-looking approach to what the audit profession must do to stay relevant and trusted. She will share insights and data-driven analysis that she and other industry experts provided in a new audit relevance and quality report produced by TSCPA and CPA Crossings. Allison will highlight the strategic adoption of technologies as well as the workforce challenges reshaping the profession. In an era defined by unprecedented change, the path forward is clear: embrace the forces reshaping auditing, meet challenges head-on, and seize the opportunities that innovation and foresight provide.

Credits: 1 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Regional & National Economic Outlook

Ezra Greenberg, Partner, McKinsey & Company

Ezra Greenberg

Ezra is a leader in McKinsey’s Strategy & Corporate Finance and Global Energy & Materials practices. He is also the global leader of our work on macroeconomic scenarios, advising clients on critical strategy and investment decisions under uncertainty. Ezra has been at the center of McKinsey’s global response to macroeconomics and geopolitics through the COVID-19 crisis and the ongoing economic and geopolitical volatility and uncertainty globally. He has coauthored some of McKinsey’s core publications during this period and regularly leads discussions with top management teams, boards, and multi-client gatherings on these topics. Examples of his recent client work include: • helping a top US building products distributor develop and implement a comprehensive organic, inorganic growth, and digital innovation strategy • working with a top-three gold mining company seeking to successfully navigate the wide range of potential macroeconomic and climate change scenarios over the next decade • supporting a leading Canadian polyethylene manufacturer seeking to develop new technologies to capture the unprecedented shifts and opportunities created by circularity Ezra rejoined McKinsey in 2013, after working three years at Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, where he helped manage the Client Service Research Team responsible for explaining Bridgewater’s investment philosophy, its performance, and its evolving views about markets and the global economy to clients. During his first ten years with McKinsey, Ezra was a senior fellow at the McKinsey Global Institute, our business and economics research arm, and cofounded the North American Knowledge Center, a center of excellence for business research and advanced analytics. He led research on a range of topics, including the emergence of China and India, demographics, and consumer behavior, and played a principal role in the development and client dissemination of McKinsey’s global macro scenarios during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. Ezra previously was based in McKinsey’s Boston and Washington, DC, offices.

Presented by: Ezra Greenberg - Partner, McKinsey & Company

Session details coming soon!

Credits: 1 - Economics

This session is available to registrants only.

Non-Member Price $334.00

Member Price $209.00