CPA SUMMIT Rebroadcast Event

Account Executive for Aon, offering a full suite of services to Financial Professionals.

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States

Summary

Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Strong consulting professional skilled

in Business Relationship Management, Business Development, Insurance, Professional Liability, and Customer Service.

Experience

Aon - 24 years 7 months

Senior Business Development - April 1998 - Present (24 years 7 months)

Working with Professional Liability Coverage for clients, managed through the AICPA Insurance Programs.

Account Executive - April 1998 - Present (24 years 7 months)

Education

Rutgers University - Camden - Business Management · (1990 - 1992)

St Joseph's Prep High School Alumni - (1983 - 1987)

Todd joined CPA.com in 2022 with an extensive background working for some of the most recognized technology providers in the accounting and finance industry. As Director, Channels he oversees the execution of the CPA.com channel strategy that focuses on developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships and contributions across the entire channel network. Todd collaborates with strategic partners to create and implement a mutually beneficial channel partner program that supports awareness, engagement, marketing, and revenue goals. This includes firm associations, industry alliances and networks, state societies, and industry thought leaders. Todd has been a featured speaker throughout his career in the areas of practice management, tax technology, and FinTech.

A passionate advocate for the accounting profession, Todd has dedicated his 20+ year career to driving transformation by bringing innovate technology solutions to market in the professional services sector, as well as business and industry across the globe.

He lives outside Houston, TX where he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, is active on multiple youth sports boards, and serves as an alumnus advisor for the college of business for his alma mater.

Born and raised in Haiti, Edwine has lived in Canada, France, Grand Cayman, and currently resides in Boston with her family. She is a CPA and has had many leadership roles at EY, PwC, and Circle. She joined Ramp in March 2021 as the company's first controller.

With 14 years of experience in the Human Capital Management Tech space, Max works to help ADP clients navigate the future of work through Data Analysis and Metrics. He works with developers to utilize ADP’s data set of 40 million employee records(and growing) to create an environment for clients to easily access their own organizational data and benchmark that data across their industry both regionally and nationally. While working to enhance the Data experience for ADP clients, Max also promotes ADP’s latest and greatest Generative AI Tool, ADP Assist.

In her current role at AON, Candace is empowered go the extra mile to help clients navigate their coverage options and make the most informed decisions to protect their firms.  

Candace began her carrier in the health insurance industry working on a national account as a Health Care Concierge, before transitioning seven years ago to Professional Liability insurance.

Danny Mohler has been in the fintech space for the past 5+ years, exclusively working in the accounting industry. Danny specializes in strategic partnership conversations and workflow consultations. His focus is aligning with firms to better understand where technology can compliment services offered for a better client experience and internal firm growth.

Lisa has over 30 years of consulting experience in the non-profit sector as a process reengineer and has served over 300 non-profits. Lisa joined Kiwi Partners in 2008 and led the development and implementation of Kiwi Partners Internal Quality Management System - QMS.

As Lisa has done internally, she performs “Best Practice Reviews” for our clients, conducting visioning sessions, developing areas for operational improvement, designing, documenting, and testing standard business practices and technologies to get the work done efficiently and effectively. Her work identifies bottlenecks and finds efficiencies with a focus on utilizing technology. This includes evaluating, selecting, enhancing, and implementing accounting technology solutions such as Sage Intacct, Great Plains/Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle NetSuite, FundEZ, MIP, MAS 90 & 500, BlackBaud Financial Edge, LegalServer, Campminder, Workday, QuickBooks, Xero, RAMP, BILL, Concur, Tallie, Expensify, and Certify.

Byron K Patrick, CPA.CITP, began as a CPA and then merged his passion for technology with accounting. He founded Simplified Innovations Inc, an IT Department servicing CPA firms, and later joined Botkeeper as a General Manager. He then supported leaders in achieving Business, Balance & Bliss at The B3 Method Institute and is currently the CEO of VERIFYiQ, bringing automated Quality Control to accountants. A recognized technology leader, Byron frequently speaks at conferences and contributes to industry publications, including the Journal of Accountancy. He has been an active member of the Maryland Association of CPAs and the AICPA, holding several key positions.

Twyla is a CPA with a diverse, strategy-focused skill set that spans accounting, partnerships, entrepreneurship, and software innovation. Recognized as a Top Women in Accounting, Twyla is committed to inspiring others to try something new, share their experiences and challenge the way things have always been done. A former owner of an advisory-led firm, a female founder of a tech start-up, and now head of accounting partnerships at Mercury, Twyla dedicates her time to the intersection of modern accounting and progressive technology, exploring innovative new ways to push forward the accounting profession.

Ashley is a Director at MS Consultants, where she oversees all operational activities and works closely with practice leaders to drive business development across the country. With a career spanning over two decades in the cost segregation industry, Ashley has cultivated strong relationships with CPA firms, real estate professionals, and accounting societies, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in the field. You can see her speaking regularly at national and regional conferences including the AICPA National Tax Conference, the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference, and State CPA Societies.  

Since 2004, Ashley has participated in over 10,000 cost segregation studies, and her expertise extends to areas such as Cost Segregation Studies, Repair vs. Capitalization Analyses, Sec. 1031 Exchanges, Fixed Asset Reviews, and Energy Deductions and Credits. Her extensive knowledge and experience have earned her recognition as a Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) through the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). Ashley has served on the ASCSP Board of Directors for eight consecutive years, holding various positions including Secretary, Vice President, and Director. She continues to lead as the chair of the Conference Committee, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing the cost segregation profession.  

Before joining MS Consultants, Ashley gained over 8 years of experience in the cost segregation industry, contributing to the publication of The Practical Guide to Cost Segregation by CCH (a Wolters Kluwer business). She also played a key role in developing software solutions that streamlined the cost segregation process, making it more efficient and paperless.  

Ashley holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Averett University and is a sought-after speaker on cost segregation and tangible property regulations, providing CPE training to numerous accounting firms.  

She has been involved in several professional organizations, including the Virginia State Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA), the Hampton Roads Commercial Real Estate Association (HRACRE), the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and CREW Coastal Virginia.

Les Bryson is a Director at MS Consultants where he oversees the education and awareness and operational capabilities of Probity Tax Recovery. He founded Probity in 2018 to provide tax credit and incentive services to small and mid-sized businesses. Probity became a division of MS Consultants in 2024, expanding MSC’s offerings in research and development tax credits, Employee Retention Credit audit defense, sales tax relief, merger and acquisition due diligence and cost segregation services.

In his nearly 20-year career in the tax industry, Les has overseen, managed, worked and reviewed thousands of tax credit studies for businesses in myriad industries. His understanding of the Internal Revenue Code and passion for problem solving allows him to find practical ways to guide clients through complex tax situations. Les began his career as a chemist before his tenure in the tax industry. As a result, his approach to consulting is through the lens of both a scientist and a trusted advisor. He received his Bachelor of Science from Rice University, is a member of the American Chemical Society, and on the advisory board for the Houston Council of Recovery.

With over eight years at IMPACT Technology Group, Tara Diskin has extensive experience managing cybersecurity and service operations for CPA firms and other professional services. Starting as a service coordinator, Tara gained firsthand insight into the tech challenges that businesses face daily. Now, as Operations Manager, she helps clients strengthen their defenses, ensure compliance with FTC Safeguards, and protect their operations.  

In her MACPA session, “Cybersecurity for CPAs: Master FTC Safeguards & Protect Your Business, Your Employees, Your Clients, and Your Reputation in 2025,” Tara will share practical guidance on staying secure in today’s digital landscape.

Gordon Walsh is the 1099 Solution Consultant at Avalara, known affectionately as “The 1099 Guy”. He spent almost a decade as a teacher before making a pivot into the world of taxes. He spent several years specializing in Human Capital Management before finding a focus on contingent labor management and all things 1099.

Fueled by an insatiable passion for learning combined with a genuine fascination for human connection, coaching, and an enthusiasm for 1099 and W-9 tax compliance, Jocelle Sarenpa has found her true calling in the dynamic realm of product sales leadership at Avalara. She is focused on designing and implementing programs to support the strategic initiatives for the revenue teams. Drawing from more than two decades of experience spanning diverse sales environments from B2C to B2B, including 7 years in global tax compliance software, Jocelle brings a fresh and insightful perspective to the world of tax.

Amanda has been in the financial services industry since 2010 and joined Wealthspire in 2020 through the acquisition of StratWealth. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Amanda has made it her life’s mission to ensure that every woman, in any walk of life, understands her wealth in a real and meaningful way.

As a CDFA® professional, since 2014, Amanda has used her expertise in high-asset divorces to help clients determine the short-term and long-term financial impacts of any proposed divorce settlement. Her background in financial planning equips her with the necessary skills to analyze and provide expertise to both clients and attorneys related to the financial issues of divorce. Amanda believes that women have a valuable seat at the wealth management table and is passionate about guiding couples, divorcees, and widows to their own financial empowerment.

In 2021, Amanda was included in InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40 list, and she was named an Advisor to Watch by AdvisorHub in 2022. She is a frequent speaker on financial topics at industry conferences and has been quoted in Barron’s, CNBC, and many other industry publications.

She serves as Co-Chair of the Women In Finance Committee for the Financial Planning Association's Maryland Chapter and is actively involved in the Howard County Collaborative Professionals group as Vice President. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the McDaniel College Women's Leadership Network and is a member of the Amicable Divorce Network.

Alongside her sister, Amanda co-authored, “The Health & Wealth Sisters 360° Action Plan: Total Self-Care for the Modern Woman’s Fiscal, Physical, and Emotional Well-Being.” She hopes this book will show women that putting themselves and their health and wealth first is the most selfishly selfless thing they can do for themselves, their friends, and their families!

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and being active. Amanda currently resides in Sykesville, Maryland with her husband, three daughters, and their two labs.

Heather Flanagan leads Wealthspire Advisors’ family office services, offering family office accounting, wealth strategy and single-family office support services. Heather is also a member of Wealthspire Advisors’ executive leadership team.  

In addition to her role at Wealthspire Advisors, Heather serves as the chair of the board of directors for Wealthspire Trust, a Tennessee-based trust company that offers trust administration solutions to multi-generational families.   

With deep expertise in wealth management and trust services, Heather has had held several executive-level positions at Rockefeller Capital Management and HSBC Private Bank. These positions provided Heather with the opportunity to build and manage teams focused on trust and family office services, serve on several trust companies’ boards and as a member of these firms’ executive committees. Heather also has deep experience working with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families as a practicing attorney and philanthropy advisor. Since joining Wealthspire Advisors, Heather continues to work with UHNW families and facilitates multi-generational family meetings.  

Heather is an active member of several industry organizations, including the UHNW Institute as a Leaders Council Member, Family Wealth Alliance, and Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Heather received a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida – Frederic G. Levin College of Law. She holds the certified specialist in planned giving (CSPG) designation and is a Certified 21/64 Advisor.

Charles Wismer, a thought leader in the FinCEN compliance space. Charles is one of the creators and CEO of FincenFetch - a leading BOI filing solution used by hundreds of firms across the U.S., including many top 100 organizations. FincenFetch began building CTA filing solutions two years before the launch of the Corporate Transparency Act. During this time, they gathered valuable insights from thousands of discussions with accounting and law firms. Charles will share these insights and more during the webinar.

Charles Wismer, through interviews, consultations, presentations, and industry collaborations, plays a pivotal role in shaping standards and best practices in the field. At FincenFetch, the focus is on a personalized approach, tailoring plans, features, and strategies to meet the specific needs of each firm. "At FincenFetch, we use cutting-edge technology to streamline compliance, enabling even junior staff members to manage numerous reports efficiently and quickly—often in just minutes per report. Our commitment is to functional, easy, and secure innovation," explains Charles.

Justin Marcus, CEO of Big 4 Talent, brings a wealth of industry knowledge from his time at a top-tier Fortune 500 recruiting firm rising to a Vice President, to founding and running Gratus Staffing, a direct-hire staffing company based in Maryland which focused on finance and accounting talent. His academic background includes majoring in Finance at Towson University and earning a certificate in Entrepreneurial Essentials from Harvard Business School Online. Justin has been involved in helping over 500 finance and accounting candidates land new positions. Now, he is dedicated to making Big 4 Talent, Inc. a key player in the recruitment field.

Geoff has consulted with ETS clients and CPA partners to identify, qualify, quantify and capture tax benefits since 2010. He specializes in all ETS service areas to maximize the benefits of proactive tax planning.    

Prior positions included directing Treasury Management consulting teams serving clients ranging from Small Business to Fortune 500 companies. His teams designed and delivered custom-developed operational systems and process improvement solutions to maximize client return on assets. As CFO and Board Member for a regional bank, he managed all bank operations and financial activities. His financial services career began with major life and property casualty insurance firms.   

 He is a frequent speaker at industry events and CEU and CPE sessions on a variety of topics.  

Geoff holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from Drexel University. linkedin.com/in/geoffkimmel

Rebekah (Brown) Olson, CPA, is the CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and an influential figure in the accounting profession, recognized as one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for 2022.

Joining the MACPA in 2012, Rebekah assumed the position of Manager of Membership Development and Engagement in 2014. In 2018, she was appointed Director of Development, where she served on the leadership team steering the association through the complex challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the departure of longstanding CEO Tom Hood.

Passionate about the future of the accounting profession, Rebekah is a sought-after speaker who frequently shares her insights on professional trends and opportunities. As a certified facilitator, she has guided numerous organizations, both in the United States and Canada, in the strategic planning process.

Rebekah's contributions have garnered recognition from various prestigious entities. CPA Practice Advisor recognized her as a top thought leader under 40 in the CPA profession in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In 2019, she was honored with the President's Award by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Baltimore Chapter for her community service. Additionally, Rebekah was named a Maryland Daily Record Leading Women Honoree in 2020.

Rebekah holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, dual specializing in Accounting and Sports Management, from The Max M. Fisher School of Business at The Ohio State University, which she earned in 2009. She obtained her CPA designation in 2011. After gaining invaluable experience at a Top 100 firm, Rebekah decided to leave public accounting and leverage her talents and experiences to work on behalf of the profession at the Maryland Association of CPAs.