Summit26 - Day 2 - In-Person

Thursday, August 27, 2026, 8:30am - 5:00pm

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Availability

Registration Required

7 Courses

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

Aug 27, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CT

Cost

Member: $425.00

Non-Member: $525.00

Retired: $318.75

Educator & Government & Non-Profit Member: $318.75

Credit Offered

8 CPE available

6.5 Cert. Fin. Pl. (CFP) available

5 Enrolled Agent available

5 Con. Leg. Ed. (CLE) available

View the full agenda on our landing page: Summit26 Details

After registering for Summit, navigate to the Content tab and select your preferred concurrent sessions.

Selecting sessions in advance will make completing your post-event evaluation faster and helps us plan and manage attendance for each session.

Thursday | 8.27.26

8:30 am - 9:45 am | General Session

U.S. Economic Outlook: A New Landscape

The U.S. economy has demonstrated resiliency in the face of volatile tariff and foreign policy. But what does the future hold? As inflation continues above the Fed’s target, and structural challenges persist, discuss the likely path of the economy, the opportunities and risks of AI, labor market challenges, and the direction of interest rates.

Jeffrey Korzenik – Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank

David Snyder – President and CEO, The Economic Club of Chicago

10:00 am – 10:50 am | Concurrent Sessions

The Hidden Compliance Crisis: How 2026 Changes to CPA Licensing and Mobility Laws Will Impact Firms

Sponsored by: CPA QualityPro
Translate complex licensing changes into practical business guidance while uncovering key compliance risks, operational blind spots, and trends from recent state board enforcement actions. Discover actionable steps to strengthen governance, protect growth plans, and futureproof your firm.

Julia Woislaw, - VP - Strategic Partnerships & Regulatory Affairs, CPA QualityPro
David Duckwitz – Partner in Charge of Quality, Citrin Cooperman

Age in Action: How Generations Work (and Sometimes Collide) Toward Innovation

Every generation brings a different workplace style and perspective. Take a humorous look at the defining traits of generations from the Silent Generation to Gen Alpha while exploring common friction points—and the innovation diverse teams can unlock together.

Becky Gabany, M.A., CDE, CDP, CPCHE – Owner and Principal Consultant, ChangeBridge Consulting

The Retirement Readiness Roadmap

Gain a practical roadmap for retirement planning—from maximizing workplace retirement plans and lifetime income options to navigating withdrawals, taxes, healthcare costs, and long-term financial sustainability.

Rita Fiumara, CIMA, CRPS – Senior Vice President, Investments, UBS

Bruce Lanser, CIMA, CRPC, CPRS, AIF – Senior Retirement Plan Consultant, UBS

Transactions to Transformations: Redefining Business in the Age of Aspiration

Explore how organizations are moving beyond fee-for-service models to help customers achieve outcomes like greater well-being, purpose, understanding, and prosperity. Learn how transformation-driven strategies can elevate both business performance and personal impact.

Ed Kless – Founder, THRESHOLD

11:00 am – 11:50 am | Concurrent Sessions

Operational vs. Technical Financial Reporting

Explore the critical differences between operational and technical accounting—and why both are essential to modern finance. Learn how to balance decision-making insights with the precision required for compliance, revenue recognition, M&A activity, and financial reporting.

Matt Murray, CPA – Co-Owner, Prairie Forge LLC

Overwhelmed to Organized: Tools for Thriving in a Fast-Paced World

Turn workplace chaos into clarity with practical strategies for managing emails, calendars, notes, and projects more efficiently. Learn actionable techniques—from filing systems and color coding to AI-powered tools—to streamline workflows and reduce workload stress.

Becky Gabany, M.A., CDE, CDP, CPCHE – Owner and Principal Consultant, ChangeBridge Consulting

International Tax Update

Explore the sweeping international tax changes introduced under H.R. 1 and what they mean for planning, structuring, and compliance. Gain practical insights into new rules, reporting obligations, and the risks and opportunities facing closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and their advisors.

Mark S. Gallegos, CPA, MST – Partner, Porte Brown LLC

Measure What Matters to Customers: Key Predictive Indicators

Explore why traditional efficiency metrics no longer fully capture value in today’s knowledge economy. Learn the difference between key performance indicators and key predictive indicators, and how to better measure human and intellectual capital.

Ed Kless – Founder, THRESHOLD

12:35pm – 1:25 pm | Concurrent Sessions

From Exit to Execution: Strategic Planning and M&A for Long-Term Value

Explore the CPA’s role in guiding clients through business exits, including strategic preparation and transition planning. Learn what to expect during the sell-side M&A process and how proactive planning can maximize value and support a smoother transaction.

Edwin J. Brooks, CPA – Principal, DHJJ Ltd. CPAs and Advisors

Richard Burke, CPA, CGMA, CM&AA, MBA, LBB – Outsourced CFO and M&A Advisor, DHJJ Ltd.

Full Throttle Leadership: The Ultimate KPI to Ignite Elite Performance

Move beyond outdated leadership models and learn how to become a visionary servant leader who inspires stronger team performance. Explore strategies for unlocking full potential through a powerful focus on meaningful KPIs.

Dennis Mellen, M.S. – CEO/Founder, Full Throttle Leadership

Business Tax Update

Get a timely update on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and other key tax, regulatory, and administrative changes impacting businesses. Examine developments affecting deductions, credits, entity planning, and compliance, along with key considerations for advising clients in a shifting tax landscape.

Jessica Egenasi, CPA – Tax Director, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Mark Mirsky, CPA, MST – Midwest Region Tax Lead and Partner, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Better Productivity Through AI and Automation Tools

Explore how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Power Automate, and Zapier can streamline workflows and boost productivity. Learn key implementation risks and gain practical ideas for using automation to strengthen accuracy, controls, and team effectiveness.

Randy Johnston, MCS – Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

1:35 pm – 2:25 pm | Concurrent Sessions

Corporate Fraud and Embezzlement: Detection and Mitigation Strategies

Explore the latest fraud risks from procurement fraud to embezzlement schemes involving trusted personnel. Learn practical strategies for mitigating risk, identifying red flags, and using data analytics to detect irregularities earlier and strengthen organizational safeguards.

Stuart G. Berman, CFE, CAMS, PSP – Co-Founder and Member, RSA Risk Management & Investigations

The Realities of Adopting New Systems and Processes

Take a candid look at why accounting and finance transformations succeed or stall. From cultural resistance to system sprawl, learn how to navigate change with greater clarity, alignment, and strategy.

Dan Rinaldi, CPA – Enterprise Account Executive, Workday

Transaction-Driven Tax Planning Strategies

Hear an update on transaction-driven tax planning strategies, including Type F reorganizations and Section 1202 qualified small business stock. Explore how recent changes impact entity structure, ownership, and long-term tax planning opportunities and risks.

Jason Luksis, EA – Tax Director, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Mark Mirsky, CPA, MST – Midwest Region Tax Lead and Partner, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Strategic Outsourcing for Business Growth

Explore how outsourcing can help transform your practice and better serve middle-market clients. Learn how to streamline operations, improve client service, and maintain quality while determining what to outsource and how to manage it effectively.

Lisa Hanlon, CPA – Senior Managing Director, CBIZ

Amanda Pictor, CPA, M.A. – Director, CBIZ

2:40 pm –3:30 pm | Concurrent Sessions

ESOP Transactions: Structuring Ownership Transitions for Long-Term Value

Explore how employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) support ownership transition, liquidity, and long-term value creation. Gain a practical understanding of ESOP transaction structures, financing, and stakeholder roles to help evaluate their fit within broader succession planning.

Ashley Kirchner – Director – Corporate Advisory, BMO

Building the Workforce That Builds the Business

Talent strategy has become central to finance leadership. Explore how leading organizations align workforce planning with digital transformation to build agile teams that grow with the business and advance finance priorities.

Dan Rinaldi, CPA – Enterprise Account Executive, Workday

Individual Tax Update

Get a timely update on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and other key individual tax changes impacting deductions, credits, planning, and compliance. Walk away with practical insights and action steps for helping clients navigate an evolving tax landscape.

Mark Mirsky, CPA, MST – Midwest Region Tax Lead and Partner, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Alfredo Vitaller Liria, CPA – Senior Tax Manager, Aprio Advisory Group LLC

Agentic AI vs. Generative AI

Understand the differences between generative AI and emerging agentic AI systems, ranging from content creation to autonomous planning and execution. Explore how these technologies may reshape accounting workflows, controls, risk management, and advisory services.

Randy Johnston, MCS – Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

3:45 pm –5:50 pm | General Session

Tech Update: Navigating What’s Next

Receive a clear, practical look at the technologies shaping the future of accounting, from AI and SaaS innovation to APIs, automation, and cybersecurity. Cut through the noise and focus on actionable trends that can improve efficiency, client service, and competitiveness.
Randy Johnston, MCS – Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

Randy Johnston, MCS – Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

Jeffrey Korzenik

Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Economist for Fifth Third Commercial Bank. As Chief Economist, Jeff provides research and analysis that impacts the Bank’s key markets as well as business leaders and policymakers throughout the country. He is an award-winning author whose writings have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Harvard Business Review, Newsweek, Forbes and many other national and regional publications, and Jeff has appeared regularly on CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business News. Jeff’s insights are also featured in the Empowering American Cities initiative, a collaboration with Fifth Third and the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Empowering American Cities delivers local economic information for business leaders looking to grow their companies and their communities. It explores data on why some cities thrive while others fall behind, helping to identify policies and business practices that are working or not working. Policymakers have sought Jeff’s expertise on a variety of topics leading to his testifying before state legislatures and on Capitol Hill. Most recently, Jeff has been recognized as a leading expert on private sector models for hiring people with criminal records and advancing public safety through employment. His book, “Untapped Talent,” published by HarperCollins in 2021, is widely recognized as the authoritative text on the subject. He is a graduate of Princeton University with both a degree in Economics and a Certificate of Proficiency in Near Eastern Studies.

David Snyder

David Snyder is president and chief executive officer of The Economic Club of Chicago. Founded in 1927, The Economic Club is one of nation’s most influential forums for the dissemination of economic, business and social views, dedicated to fostering the development of leaders within Chicago’s civic and business community. The Economic Club has welcomed many prominent thought leaders as speakers including CEOs of leading Fortune 500 companies, U.S. presidents, prime ministers, and other foreign dignitaries. Before his role at the Economic Club, David Snyder was Chief Operating Officer of Chicago CRED, a pioneeringan anti-gun violence organization focused on interventions with those at the highest risk for being perpetrators or victims of violent crime. Chicago CRED focuses on street-level violence prevention/interruption, intensive trauma-informed counseling, education and workforce development. In his role as COO, Mr. Snyder oversaw CRED’s business operations, strategic planning and grant-making. Prior to joining CRED in early 2017, Snyder spent more than three decades at Crain’s Chicago Business, a leading Chicago business newspaper and website, and served as both Editor and Publisher through the course of his tenure at Crain's. Mr. Snyder is on the board of directors of the Polk Bros. Foundation and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. David also serves on the Business Advisory Council of Chicago Pulbic Media and as a Steering Committee member for Press Forward Chicago. A native of Easton, Pa., Mr. Snyder is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., where he received his degree in business administration.

Julia Woislaw

Julia Woislaw is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Regulatory Affairs at CPA Quality Pro. Woislaw brings over a decade of experience in licensing, advocacy, and communications in the CPA profession. Most recently, she served as Director of State Society Relations at the American Institute of CPAs, where she led engagement strategies with state CPA societies nationwide.

Woislaw holds a Master of Jurisprudence degree from the Texas A&M School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society from American University.

David Duckwitz

David Duckwitz is the Partner in Charge of Quality in Citrin Cooperman’s National Assurance Office and has over 30 years of experience in auditing and accounting.

David has extensive experience leading the quality function, directing large implementation projects and developing team members. He works collaboratively with all individuals in an organization to solve complex auditing and accounting issues. He has designed operating procedures to ensure compliance with relevant authoritative standards and interpretations, managed firm licensing and peer review processes, and directed assurance department training efforts.

Prior to Citrin Cooperman, David led the quality function at a national accounting firm. Preceding his work in quality, David served clients in various industries including real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution and not-for-profit organizations. He has also worked as an Internal Audit Manager and a Director of Accounting – Revenue at publicly-held companies.

Becky Gabany

Becky Gabany, MA, CDE, CDP, CPCHE, is the owner and principle consultant of ChangeBridge Consulting whose mission is to fill critical gaps... empowering organizations to lead with greater equity, efficiencty, and effectiveness. Becky has dedicated her career to advancing inclusive leadership and positive systems change. With a Master’s degree in Human Services and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, she brings more than a decade of experience in organizational development and expanding equitable access to resources. Her work is grounded in restorative justice and trauma-informed practice. Becky is a Healing Ambassador, Level 1 Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Certified Diversity Professional and Executive, and a Certified Professional in Clinical Health Equity. Through ChangeBridge, she partners with organizations nationwide to strengthen leadership, culture, and impact. Becky is a 2025–2026 Obama Leaders USA cohort member, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a former member of the Forefront Illinois Racial Equity Cohort and the U.S. Rise to Health Coalition. She serves as co-chair of the DEIJ Committee for the National Association for Community and Restorative Justice and as a board member of NAMI Illinois. She also serves on the Illinois Women in Leadership DEI Committee and is a member of Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois. Her work has received multiple awards and recognitions at the local, state, and national level. Her consulting portfolio includes work with RUSH University on the national rollout of the racial health equity progress report and ongoing collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, among other nonprofit and private-sector clients. A highly sought-after facilitator and keynote speaker, Becky delivers more than 50 engagements annually across local, state, and national platforms. Her research-informed, interactive sessions consistently earn above-average evaluation scores and equip participants with practical tools for measurable, people-centered impact. You can learn more at www.ChangeBridgeConsulting.com.

Lucia Rita Fiumara

Since 1996, Rita has been helping to empower retirement plan sponsors with insight and best practices to meet their fiduciary responsibilities while supporting employees’ retirement planning goals. As a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant, Rita considers herself an educator as well as an advocate. By integrating plan feature consulting with employee education, she has helped sponsors build effective communication programs that have driven overall plan participation. Rita also advises her clients on competitive cost structures, investment committee priorities and decision-making, and organizing key fiduciary documents.

Outside of UBS, Rita is an active spokesperson in her professional community. She is often a featured guest speaker on ERISA topics at industry conferences and events, including those of the Chicago Bar Association, Financial Executives International, the SPARK National Conference, the PLANSPONSOR National Conference and the CPA® Society.

Bruce Lanser

Empowering Retirement Confidence for Over 30 Years Bruce Lanser brings more than three decades of experience helping plan sponsors elevate their employee retirement plans. His business model centers on three pillars of corporate retirement planning: participant success, investment strategy, and fiduciary oversight. Bruce collaborates with retirement committees to deliver a structured, well-documented process that supports fiduciary compliance and help enhance participant outcomes. His approach goes beyond investments and fees—it's about empowering people and families to feel confident about their financial future. Strategic Capabilities - Clarifies client needs, defines goals, and implements plan changes to drive measurable outcomes. - Evaluates plan design, investment menus, fiduciary liability, fees, service providers, and participant readiness. - Provides actionable insights to help clients understand where they stand today and identify opportunities for improvement. Recognized Excellence - PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers (2019 - 2025) The PLANADVISOR rating is awarded in Q1 based on information from Q1 of the award year. Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures Life Beyond Finance Bruce is a former Chairman of the Investments Committee for Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. He’s also an avid speed skating enthusiast and one of only 24 individuals globally qualified to serve as an International Starter at the 2016 Olympic Games. Advice. Beyond Investing. In today’s complex financial landscape, Bruce collaborates with retirement plan sponsors to help them understand how every element of their organization can impact fiduciary responsibilities and long-term outcomes. His mission is to empower sponsors with personalized, practical strategies that enhance fiduciary duties while aligning retirement plan management with the broader priorities of their workforce and business.

Ed Kless

Ed Kless believes entrepreneurs continue the work of creation and that business exists to promote human flourishing. To advance this vision, he cofounded THRESHOLD, where he guides professional leaders and teams through encapsulating transformations. Previously, Ed served as Sage’s senior director of partner development and strategy, hosted the Sage Thought Leadership Podcast, and designed curricula for Sage Partners and Customers. He also co-hosts The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker, his friend and fellow THRESHOLD co-founder.

Matt Murray

Matt built his foundation in public accounting at Ernst & Young, spending years in the trenches of audit deadlines and financial reporting before moving into industry — leading corporate accounting for a multinational manufacturer based in Chicago. He later pivoted back to consulting, building the Accounting Advisory practice at a firm supporting PE-backed, middle-market companies through M&A transitions — formalizing processes, launching new service lines, and running the practice's strategy and day-to-day operations for nearly three years. Through that work, Matt kept arriving at the same conclusion: the biggest value he could deliver wasn't technical accounting or interim staffing — it was helping teams fix how they actually operate. Understanding the real challenges finance teams face during periods of change, and giving them practical, actionable solutions to navigate it.

Mark Gallegos

Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, is a tax partner on Porte Brown’s tax services team, based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience, Mark has become a trusted advisor in the areas of taxation, specializing in mergers & acquisitions, international tax, and tax credits and incentives. His expertise is anchored in a deep understanding of complex tax legislation and the evolving regulatory landscape. Mark is a prolific speaker and writer, frequently hosting webinars and delivering presentations on tax legislation and related topics. Mark is a frequently sought-after public speaker, known for his insightful commentary and his deep understanding of our complex tax legislation. He has served as an expert contributor to global media outlets such as Wall Street Journal, CNN, USA Today, Washington Post, Bloomberg, FOX News, ABC News, Tax Advisor, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as many local news publications, industry podcasts, and news radio broadcasts. Also, Mark was recently named to Forbes 2025 America's Top CPAs List.

Edwin Brooks

Ed Brooks is a Principal and Chief Growth Officer for DHJJ, Ltd, a CPA firm headquartered in Naperville, IL. Ed's passion and focus is working with privatly owned businesses and entreprenuers. He has been with DHJJ for 40 years and enjoys bringing his experience to business owners and families as they navigate an increasingly complicated business world. His Exit planning and M&A expertise was developed over many years of working on transactions with his clients.

Richard Burke

Richard Burke, CPA, CGMA, CM&AA, MBA, is a distinguished senior financial executive and strategic advisor with over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, public accounting, and middle-market mergers and acquisitions. Currently a key member of the team at DHJJ Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors, Richard leverages a rare blend of technical accounting expertise and operational leadership to drive growth and maximize enterprise value. His professional expertise includes high impact roles such as CFO for various companies including both debt funds and equity funds. Twenty five years in M&A adviory as a certified M&A Advisor (CM&AA), where he has closed hundreds of sell-side and buy-side transactions and provides Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) such as Quality of Earnings Analysis, business valuations, due diligence management and post-merger integration. Richard holds a comprehensive suite of professional designations that underscore his mastery of global finance and management: • MBA in Finance from Webster University. • Bachelor of Science in Business (Minor in Law) from Western Michigan University. • Certifications: Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Managerial Accountant (CGMA), and Certified M&A Advisor (CM&AA) and a licensed business broker..

Dennis Mellen

A professional speaker, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, executive coach, best-selling author. Author of “Takes More Than Heart; Changing the Journey’s Challenges into Opportunities”, brings years of business experience in airline industry, military, consulting, teaching and coaching including 28 years at Alaska Airlines flying, building training programs, leading teams and developing people. This experience provides insightful stories to connect his audience to the foundations for building relationships, connecting with people and engaging teams in their vision and purpose. The focus in his sessions is on helping each organization, team and individual build more positive minds, teams and cultures. With worldwide presentations in such places as Kenya, Philippines and Cape Verde, Dennis emphasizes how diverse views can lead to innovation and new ideas. “Positive leaders drive positive cultures.”Dennis is a business leader, motivator, mental performance mentor and passionate athletic coach. Enthusiastic leadership and followership are his trademarks. He brings a high level of energy and passion to every group he engages. Weaving personal anecdotes and experiences with specific calls to action are key elements in his presentations.

Jessica Egenasi

Tax Director in Manufacturing, International and Technology (MIT) Group at Aprio LLP.

Tax compliance, Consulting and Tax Planning for both domestic and international clients. My clients include Corporations, Flow-thru Entities and High Networth Individuals in the Technology, Manufacturing, and Private Equity industries.

Mark Mirsky

Mark “Coach” Mirsky joined Aprio when his firm, KRD, merged with Aprio in 2025. Mark focuses on partnership, S-corporation, and multi-state taxation as well as counseling start-ups, mergers and acquisition of businesses, and international taxation. While Mark works with manufacturing/distribution, technology, and related industries, he also represents a variety of clients including, healthcare, virtual currency web-based businesses, real estate, construction, retail, and individuals. His background includes working in the international tax group at one of the largest accounting firms in the world and two middle market firms located in the Chicago suburbs, focusing on closely held businesses serving as a firm wide resource for partnership taxation, international taxation, and multi-state taxation. Mark is an Illinois licensed CPA. He also has a master’s in taxation from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He's a member of the AICPA and ILCPAS. Mark is an instructor for both the AICPA and ICPAS and was recently an instructor for many years with TaxSpeaker teaching CPAs and EAs around the country. He was formerly an instructor for the AICPA National Tax Education Program, Western CPE and Vern Hoven Tax Seminars. He teaches partnership, S corporation, C corporation, individual taxation, and tax law updates. He also was a panelist for the first local Public Forum for the National Taxpayer Advocate office. Mark is a community leader and served as Chairman of the Board for Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce and sat on the committee to create a Transit Oriented Development Plan for Village of Bartlett. He's also a soccer enthusiast having been to one UEFA Euro Cup and five (including 2026) FIFA World Cups. Currently, Mark is assistant varsity boys’ soccer coach at Bartlett High School. Previously, he was assistant varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer coach for Bartlett High School and assistant women’s soccer coach at Aurora University.

Randy Johnston

Randolph P. (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has been a leading, authentic, and genuine authority, in other words, a true mensch, in technology for over 40 years. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, he has remained a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011 through 2025. His continued influence in the profession is highlighted by his recognition in the 2025 Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting—his twenty-first consecutive year on that list. In addition, Randy authors a monthly column and hosts a weekly podcast for The CPA Practice Advisor, contributes to the Journal of Accountancy, writes for various accounting and technology publications, and has published numerous books.

He has founded and still owns multiple ventures, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, Louisiana, and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kansas. For four decades, NMGI has provided services to CPA firms and has been the largest managed service provider for the CPA profession in North America. Randy’s wife, four children, and seven grandchildren share his passions for theatre, music, travel, golf, skiing, snorkeling, and model trains. His background as a college instructor, management and technology consultant, and advisor to the accounting community informs today’s presentation.

Contact Randy at randy@k2e.com, randyj@nmgi.com, 620-664-6000 x 112, via www.randyjohnston.com, www.technologybestpractices.com, www.nmgi.com, or www.k2e.com.

Stuart Berman

Stuart G. Berman CFE, PSP, CAMS, is the Principal and Co-Founder of RSA Risk Management & Investigations, PLLC. Prior to co-founding RSA, Stuart was an award-winning Special Agent In Charge where he supervised the regional criminal, civil and administrative investigative program, encompassing six Midwestern states and 12 judicial districts. With over 20 years of federal law enforcement and extensive government investigative experience in conducting complex internal and external investigations. Stuart is a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist with more than 25 years of experience conducting and leading audits, quality assurance reviews, examinations, risk assessments, internal controls reviews and testing, and inspections. Stuart possesses strong forensic accounting skills and is highly experienced at implementing proactive data analytics, analyzing records and information, interpreting data, summarizing, and presenting complex financial and commercial-related issues. Prior to Stuart’s federal law enforcement career, he worked with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Securities. He investigated several multi-million dollar unregistered investment promissory note Ponzi Schemes, in Illinois. In addition to Ponzi Schemes, Stuart investigated numerous “churn and burn” and conversion of customer assets cases. Among Stuart’s many investigative accomplishments, was a five-year GSA OIG, FBI undercover investigation in which numerous consensual recordings were made of GSA officials and contractors by cooperators. By the conclusion of the investigation, approximately 19 individuals composed of contractor employees, GSA employees, a court security officer, and an FBI typist; were charged with various bribery charges and with disclosure of wire and oral communications and pleaded guilty. In addition to the array of investigative experience, GSA OIG’s oversight of the Federal Protective Service prior to Department of Homeland Security realignment, provided Stuart with expertise in physical, technical and personnel security. This important work resulted in Stuart’s experience in site surveys, physical security assessments, threat assessments, and business continuity plans.

Dan Rinaldi

Dan Rinaldi is a CPA with a background in accounting and corporate finance who now works at the intersection of finance, technology, and business transformation. He began his career in traditional finance roles before moving into enterprise software, where he partners with organizations to modernize their finance and people operations. Dan has spoken at user conferences and industry events, primarily to finance and HR professionals navigating technology-driven change. His perspective is shaped by hands-on experience on both sides of the table, doing the work and advising teams through transformation. He focuses on practical, people-first insights that help accounting professionals adapt and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving, data-driven world.

Jason Luksis

Jason Luksis is a seasoned tax professional with over 15 years of public accounting experience and currently serves as a Tax Director at Aprio in Schaumburg, Illinois. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also served as a teaching assistant for the College of Business, Jason has widespread tax experience across professional services, private equity, manufacturing, construction, and real estate. Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time outdoors with his children and watching college football.

Lisa Hanlon

Lisa Hanlon, CPA is a Senior Managing Director and leader of the Business Enterprise Services / Outsourced Accounting Solutions and the Modern Family Practice Groups for the Central Region. She also serves as the Office Managing Director for the Deerfield and Chicago offices at CBIZ.

With more than 30 years of experience, Lisa leverages her problem-solving skills, technical expertise and general business acumen to consult with a wide range of across industries, including healthcare, professional services, private equity, technology, physician groups, and nursing homes.

She has extensive expertise in consulting with closely-held businesses and start-up companies and assists them through the entire business lifecycle including, determining their needs and advising on business strategies. She also prepares financial statements for clients and financial institutions, and helps them with their tax needs, both corporate and individual.

Lisa is passionate and actively involved in the areas of diversity and inclusion, gender equality, women initiatives and corporate social responsibility. She is the co-chair for the Firm’s Women’s Initiative in Illinois, serves as a member on the CBIZ Foundation’s Illinois Board, and is a member of the Firm’s National Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She is also an active member in the accounting industry and committed to helping pave the way for current and future women CPAs. Lisa is a former member of the Illinois CPA Society (ILCPAS) Women’s Executive Board, which is geared toward attracting women to the CPA profession and advising on professional development and mentoring programs.

Lisa is a frequent speaker on various industry topics including technical accounting, leadership, and diversity and inclusion.

Professional Affiliations
* American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
* Illinois CPA Society

Amanda Pictor

Amanda Pictor, CPA is a Director in CBIZ Inc's Financial Services Division and a shareholder in CBIZ CPAs P.C. Leveraging over fifteen years of experience, Amanda provides a variety of assurance, accounting, and tax services to large and midsize closely held businesses. Amanda specializes in the performance of compilation and review engagements, providing outsourced accounting and interim CFO/Controller services, and advising clients on accounting and financial issues to help them operate more efficiently. Amanda earned a Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bradley University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Illinois CPA Society.

Ashley Kirchner

Ashley Kirchner is a Director with BMO’s Corporate Advisory practice. She advises privately held businesses on a broad range of corporate finance topics including ESOPs, recapitalizations, mergers & acquisitions, and ownership transitions.

Ashley’s commercial banking experience spans over a decade, primarily focused on providing financing solutions to support ownership transitions, particularly through the use of ESOPs. Most recently, Ashley worked at a regional financial institution, where she was a founding member of the bank’s ESOP Finance Group. She previously held roles focused on ESOP advisory, relationship management, credit risk assessment, and underwriting.

Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is an active member of ESCA, National Center for Employee Ownership, and The ESOP Association.

Alfredo Vitaller Liria

Alfredo Vitaller Liria is a Senior Tax Manager at Aprio based in New York City, with over 14 years of U.S. and international accounting and tax experience. He is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant, an Enrolled Agent before the IRS, and a licensed attorney in Spain. Alfredo holds a dual master’s degree in Law and International Relations from Universidad Pontificia Comillas and an LL.M. in Tax from IE Law School, and is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. Alfredo began his career at PwC Spain, where he spent four years before transferring to PwC U.S., where he progressed to Manager. He advises clients across all areas of U.S. taxation, with a particular focus on international tax and foreign entity matters. His extensive experience and strong international background enable him to deliver innovative, practical, and effective tax solutions to a diverse global client base.