State and Local Government Accounting Conference
Member Price $650.00
Price will increase by $150 on 7/15
Non-Member Price $900.00
Price will increase by $150 on 7/15
Overview
The FICPA's highly rated State and Local Government Accounting Conference (SLGAC) is back with the CPE you need to navigate the demands of public service. In addition to legislative, standards, and economic updates it features sessions with your success in mind.
Your colleagues who attended our 2024 SLGAC have spoken, and we heard them loud and clear: 100% of survey respondents would recommend this event to a friend! CPAs, accountants and financial professionals working in government face a unique and rapidly changing set of challenges with a playing field that is constantly in motion.
Designed for you, by those in government accounting, this affordable event features two days of great content presented by boots-on-the-ground subject matter experts on topics including GASB and legislative, State Board of Accountancy and Auditing Standards Board updates and more.
$tack the $avings!
In addition to FICPA member and early registration discounts, you can save up to 15% when registering groups of five or more from the same organization. Contact FICPA Member Services at MSC@ficpa.org or 850-224-2727, ext. 1 for details.
FICPA Members
FICPA Members save even more. Not a member? Join today at ficpa.org/JoinToday
GFOA, FAC and FACC members can also attend at FICPA member rates.
CPE Credit
This conference qualifies for up to 16 hours of CPE credit and is subject to change. CPE credit is subject to approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The type of credit earned depends on concurrent breakouts chosen. Please indicate choice of breakouts on the registration form.Social Media
Follow the FICPA on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and X and share news about this conference using the hashtag #FICPASLGAC.
Highlights
- GASB Update
- Legislative Update
- Auditing Standards Board Update
Prerequisites
None.
Designed For
CPAs and accountants working in the government accounting industry.
Objectives
- Receive updates in State and Local Legislation, from GASB, and the Auditing Standards Board.
- Explore ACFR Deficiencies, Implimentation of AI in Accounting, and Compensated Absences.
- Learn more about Peer Review, Compliance, and hear from a panel of GASB guests.
Notice
Conference Location and Accommodations:
The Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando9840 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
NOTE: New Conference Location!
FICPA Room Rate:
$169 single/double plus $20 per additional guest
Complimentary self-parking for overnight guests.
Hotel cutoff deadline: Monday July 14, 2025
(Reservations made after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and current room rate. Please note that the conference accommodation rate is subject to sell out prior to the advertised reservation cut off date.)
***Upon completion of registration for the conference, you will receive an email confirmation with the hotel link to book your accommodation***
Thursday, August 14th
General Session
- Registration & Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- GASB Part 1
Lisa Parker, Senior Project Manager and GASAC Coordinator, Governmental Accounting Standards BoardLisa Parker
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). She also serves as coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.
Lisa is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant. She also is a member of the Association of Governmental Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she served as president. Previously, Lisa was president of the Maine Governmental Finance Officers Association, an executive board member of the New England Governmental Finance Officers Association, and a member of a national GFOA standing committee.
Lisa attended Boston College and the University of Southern Maine graduating with magna cum laude honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- GASB Part 2
Lisa Parker, Senior Project Manager and GASAC Coordinator, Governmental Accounting Standards BoardLisa Parker
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). She also serves as coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.
Lisa is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant. She also is a member of the Association of Governmental Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she served as president. Previously, Lisa was president of the Maine Governmental Finance Officers Association, an executive board member of the New England Governmental Finance Officers Association, and a member of a national GFOA standing committee.
Lisa attended Boston College and the University of Southern Maine graduating with magna cum laude honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Morning Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- GASB Panel
Lisa Parker, Senior Project Manager and GASAC Coordinator, Governmental Accounting Standards BoardLisa Parker
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). She also serves as coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.
Lisa is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant. She also is a member of the Association of Governmental Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she served as president. Previously, Lisa was president of the Maine Governmental Finance Officers Association, an executive board member of the New England Governmental Finance Officers Association, and a member of a national GFOA standing committee.
Lisa attended Boston College and the University of Southern Maine graduating with magna cum laude honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Legislative Update
Jason Harrell, Chief External Affairs Officer, Florida Institute of CPAsJason Harrell
Jason Harrell is the FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for leading all aspects of the Institute’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory affairs. He serves as the liaison to the DBPR and Board of Accountancy and is responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns to increase the value of the CPA license. Jason brings numerous years of experience to this role, previously serving as director of government relations for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and budget and communications director for the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, serving in key roles under two Speakers in the Florida House, and serving in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget and Chief Inspector General’s Office.
Lauren Jones
Lauren Henderson is the FICPA’s Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs supporting the execution of its strategic advocacy goals. She works to promote and advance FICPA’s legislative priorities and strengthen its relationship with legislators and their staff. In addition to her work at the Capitol, she generates timely legislation and political communications aspects, supports the development of the CPA/PAC, and enhances the FICPA’s connections with key stakeholders and state agencies. Previously she was a Senior Legislative Director for the political consulting firm Cynergy Consulting, LLC, for more than 10 years, worked on political campaigns for high-profile candidates, and was named one of Florida Politics 30-under-30 list of rising stars.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI Part 1
Gail Gray, VP of AI and RPA automation, LCG DiscoveryGail Gray
Gail Gray, CPA, serves as Vice President of AI and RPA Solutions at LCG Discovery Experts, LLC, where she leads the development and implementation of innovative automation and AI strategies for clients across industries. With over two decades of experience in finance, audit, and digital transformation, Gail combines deep financial expertise with a passion for emerging technologies. Her work focuses on helping organizations streamline operations, enhance compliance, and drive strategic growth through intelligent automation solutions. A licensed CPA, Gail is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to align cutting-edge technologies with business goals. At LCG, she plays a key role in helping clients navigate digital disruption and build future-ready organizations. Gail’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to leverage AI and RPA to create a sustainable, competitive advantage.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI Part 2
Gail Gray, VP of AI and RPA automation, LCG DiscoveryGail Gray
Gail Gray, CPA, serves as Vice President of AI and RPA Solutions at LCG Discovery Experts, LLC, where she leads the development and implementation of innovative automation and AI strategies for clients across industries. With over two decades of experience in finance, audit, and digital transformation, Gail combines deep financial expertise with a passion for emerging technologies. Her work focuses on helping organizations streamline operations, enhance compliance, and drive strategic growth through intelligent automation solutions. A licensed CPA, Gail is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to align cutting-edge technologies with business goals. At LCG, she plays a key role in helping clients navigate digital disruption and build future-ready organizations. Gail’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to leverage AI and RPA to create a sustainable, competitive advantage.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Peer Review
Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAsPaul Brown
Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the VP of Professional and Technical Standards for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul's main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program. The program administers approximately 350 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 90 peer reviewers. Paul also assists members in the areas of professional ethics and professional standards. As part of his role in the peer review program Paul has previously been an instructor and author of continuing education programs for the AICPA and FICPA, for which he had received several outstanding discussion leader and author awards. Paul serves on the AICPA's Peer Review Standards Task Force, Technical Reviewers Advisory Task Force to the Peer Review Board and serves as staff liaison to two committees of the FICPA.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Afternoon Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Compliance/Gov Audit/AG Part 1
Derek Noonan, Audit Manager, State of Florida Auditor GeneralDerek Noonan
Derek Noonan is an Audit Supervisor with the Florida Auditor General. Derek has been working in the Local Government Audits section since May 2014 and is responsible for supervising local government activities of the Auditor General, including audits of local governments; review of local government, district school board, and charter school audit reports; and rules for the conduct of local government and charter school audits. Prior to May 2014, Derek worked as an audit coordinator for district school board Federal single audits for 9 years and has been employed by the Auditor General for a total of 21 years.
Derek graduated from Florida Atlantic University with an MBA and is a member of the FGFOA and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Compliance/Gov Audit/AG Part 2
Derek Noonan, Audit Manager, State of Florida Auditor GeneralDerek Noonan
Derek Noonan is an Audit Supervisor with the Florida Auditor General. Derek has been working in the Local Government Audits section since May 2014 and is responsible for supervising local government activities of the Auditor General, including audits of local governments; review of local government, district school board, and charter school audit reports; and rules for the conduct of local government and charter school audits. Prior to May 2014, Derek worked as an audit coordinator for district school board Federal single audits for 9 years and has been employed by the Auditor General for a total of 21 years.
Derek graduated from Florida Atlantic University with an MBA and is a member of the FGFOA and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
This session is available to registrants only.
Friday, August 15th
General Session
- Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Economic Update
Benjamin Streed, Deep Blue Investment AdvisorsBenjamin Streed
Benjamin Streed is the Chief Investment Officer. As CIO, he is an integral component of our firmwide commitment to attract and retain industry leaders who will better service our clients and local communities. His focused efforts are to build out our front, middle, and back offices will position us for continued growth.
Before becoming CIO, he served as Director of Fixed Income for several years. In this role he worked with investment professionals to deliver comprehensive, custom, diversified portfolio management strategies for separately managed accounts, consulting clients, and the U.S. Fixed Income Trust local government investment pools. Benjamin will continue directing the Portfolio Management team and serving on the firm’s investment and credit committees. He will further develop as a thought leader in the investment space — attending industry seminars and speaking engagements to educate our clients and prospects.
Prior to joining Deep Blue, Benjamin served as a general strategist with Wells Fargo Private Bank and previously was a fixed income portfolio strategist with Raymond James. There, he was a member of the investment strategy committee and the strategic and tactical asset allocation sub-committees. He has also served as an investment analyst and portfolio manager where he focused on providing unique investment solutions for high-net-worth families.
Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus on finance from Emory University and a Master of Science in finance (MSF) from Georgetown University where he graduated as class valedictorian. He is a CFA® charter holder and frequently volunteers his time grading CFA exams and serves on the CFA curriculum advisory committee and the Georgetown MSF alumni council.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Decode the Chaos: The Only 2025 Federal Tax Update That Matters
Daniel Henn, President, Daniel Henn, CPA, PADaniel Henn
Dan is co-founder of the Tax Resolution Academy® and the founder of Daniel Henn, CPA, PA. Throughout the span of three decades, Dan has gained extensive hands-on expertise in taxation, IRS Representation (Collections and Exam) and business tax planning. Today, he serves as a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Advisor at Daniel Henn, CPA, PA. He is also a frequent trainer of other licensed tax professionals in the area of IRS Representation through the Tax Resolution Academy®. Prior to his current ventures, Dan was a Supervisory Senior of Tax with KPMG, LLP in St. Petersburg and Orlando and a Tax Manager with Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, CPAs, LLP in Melbourne.
Furthermore, Dan holds a Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of South Florida.
Stay ahead of the IRS with this fast-paced session decoding the most critical 2025 federal tax changes impacting compliance, deductions, credits, and audit risk.
Objectives.
- Identify key 2025 federal tax law changes
- Discuss the state of the IRS
- Review of pending/enacted legislation
Credits: 1 - Technical Business
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Morning Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- ACFR Deficiencies
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- You Can’t Take It with You: Implementing the Compensated Absences Standards
Dean Mead, Partner, Government & Public Sector S, CRI Advisors LLCDean Mead
Dean Michael Mead has been a Partner and Government & Public Sector Sub-Line Leader at CRI Advisors LLC, a top-25 national accounting and consulting firm, since 2022. Previously, Dean was on the staff of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board for 24 years, most recently as Assistant Director of Research and Technical Activities. During that time, he also was Coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Between 2008 and 2020 he was a member of the Accounting and Information Systems faculty at Rutgers Business School, teaching governmental and not-for-profit accounting, auditing, and financial analysis.
Dean is a nationally renowned speaker, teacher, and writer. He was the author of the GASB’s plain-language communications, including its award-winning User Guides, and is a recipient of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts’ Award for Excellence for his efforts to educate the municipal bond community through teaching and writing.
Dean was appointed to the GASAC by the Financial Accounting Foundation starting January 1, 2025. He also serves on the board of the Southern Municipal Finance Society and the Association of Government Accountants’ Financial Management Standards Board. Dean is a Certified Government Financial Manager and a reviewer in the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement program.
Karen Russell, Deputy Director - Finance, City of Port St Lucie
Most governments in Florida are required to begin applying GASB Statement 101 on compensated absences beginning with fiscal years ending June 30 or September 30, 2025. This session covers the basics of the new requirements, focusing on the key changes from the prior standards and the major implementation challenges.
Objectives.
1. Understand the requirements of GASB Statement 101
2. Identify the key steps necessary to implement the standards
3. Learn about potential challenges in the implementation process
Credits: 1 - Accounting and Auditing
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AICPA Professional Standards for Governments
Bruce Nunnally, Partner Emeritus, Retired, Inactive or OtherBruce Nunnally
Bruce Nunnally was a founding partner of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC in 1997. He entered semi-retirement in 2019. He has 40 years of public accounting experience, including 9 years with the international public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, LLP. Bruce is a national instructor of accounting and auditing issues. He has presented accounting and auditing continuing education classes for a quarter of the top 30 CPA firms in the U.S. Some of the courses he has led include:
• Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors
• Audits of 401K Plans
• Fair Value Accounting
• FASB Update for Industry
In 2016 and 2022, Bruce was recognized as an “Outstanding Discussion Leader” by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Other
Certified Public Accountant since 1981.
Past member of the AICPA Accounting & Review Services Committee (ARSC)
Past member of the AICPA PCPS Technical Issues Committee
Past member of the AICPA Auditing & Attestation Subcommittee
This session will cover Auditing Standards Board and other standard setting bodies that impact SLG accounting and auditing
Objectives
• Update participants with recent ASB standards that affect SLG audits
• Discuss recent pronouncements from AICPA Ethics, SSARS, Consulting and other standard setting bodies that affect SLGs
• Introduce standard setting activity that is pending or in progress
Credits: 1 - Accounting and Auditing
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Fraud Part 1
Michael Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning & ConsultingMichael Hood
After serving 25 years as a Special Agent in the FBI, Michael "Bret" Hood became the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting, LLC upon his retirement in 2016. During his tenure with the FBI, Bret worked many complex financial crime, money laundering, corruption and major cases such as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the HealthSouth fraud and the Maricopa Investments case.
Since 2000, Bret has traveled the world teaching public and private sector employees how to develop anti-fraud, anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering programs. Bret is a master facilitator who has the unique ability to get participants involved in deep conversations while applying the lessons learned to their own personal and work situations. Bret has been a presenter at the ACFE's Global Fraud conference for the last three years and has worked with local and regional ACFE chapters in Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City, MO, New Haven, CT, and Albany, NY. In addition, Bret has done multiple presentations for CPA groups including the Florida Institute of CPAs where he has instructed at their major trade show for years. Bret has published articles in both Fraud Magazine and ACAMS Today. Bret has a great interest in the psychology, patterns, methods and motives of offenders in an attempt to understand why good people end up doing bad things.
Bret is a federal-court certified expert in money laundering and financial crimes. Bret is also the author of the critically acclaimed books, Eat More Ice Cream: A Succinct Leadership Lesson for Each Week of the Year & Get Off Your Horse! 52 Succinct Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents. Currently, Bret serves as an instructor, investigative consultant, and as an expert witness for 21st Century Learning & Consulting LLC (www.21puzzles.com).
This session is available to registrants only.
- Afternoon Break
This session is available to registrants only.
- Fraud Part 2
Michael Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning & ConsultingMichael Hood
After serving 25 years as a Special Agent in the FBI, Michael "Bret" Hood became the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting, LLC upon his retirement in 2016. During his tenure with the FBI, Bret worked many complex financial crime, money laundering, corruption and major cases such as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the HealthSouth fraud and the Maricopa Investments case.
Since 2000, Bret has traveled the world teaching public and private sector employees how to develop anti-fraud, anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering programs. Bret is a master facilitator who has the unique ability to get participants involved in deep conversations while applying the lessons learned to their own personal and work situations. Bret has been a presenter at the ACFE's Global Fraud conference for the last three years and has worked with local and regional ACFE chapters in Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City, MO, New Haven, CT, and Albany, NY. In addition, Bret has done multiple presentations for CPA groups including the Florida Institute of CPAs where he has instructed at their major trade show for years. Bret has published articles in both Fraud Magazine and ACAMS Today. Bret has a great interest in the psychology, patterns, methods and motives of offenders in an attempt to understand why good people end up doing bad things.
Bret is a federal-court certified expert in money laundering and financial crimes. Bret is also the author of the critically acclaimed books, Eat More Ice Cream: A Succinct Leadership Lesson for Each Week of the Year & Get Off Your Horse! 52 Succinct Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents. Currently, Bret serves as an instructor, investigative consultant, and as an expert witness for 21st Century Learning & Consulting LLC (www.21puzzles.com).
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- I have dietary restrictions or special needs
This session is available to registrants only.
Leader(s):
- Benjamin Streed, Deep Blue Investment Advisors
- Bruce Nunnally, Partner Emeritus, Retired, Inactive or Other
- Daniel Henn, President, Daniel Henn, CPA, PA
- Dean Mead, Partner, Government & Public Sector S, CRI Advisors LLC
- Derek Noonan, Audit Manager, State of Florida Auditor General
- Gail Gray, VP of AI and RPA automation, LCG Discovery
- Jason Harrell, Chief External Affairs Officer, Florida Institute of CPAs
- Karen Russell, Deputy Director - Finance, City of Port St Lucie
- Lauren Jones, Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs, Florida Institute of CPAs
- Lisa Parker, Senior Project Manager and GASAC Coordinator, Governmental Accounting Standards Board
- Michael Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning & Consulting
- Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAs
Leader Bios
Benjamin Streed, Deep Blue Investment Advisors
Benjamin Streed is the Chief Investment Officer. As CIO, he is an integral component of our firmwide commitment to attract and retain industry leaders who will better service our clients and local communities. His focused efforts are to build out our front, middle, and back offices will position us for continued growth.
Before becoming CIO, he served as Director of Fixed Income for several years. In this role he worked with investment professionals to deliver comprehensive, custom, diversified portfolio management strategies for separately managed accounts, consulting clients, and the U.S. Fixed Income Trust local government investment pools. Benjamin will continue directing the Portfolio Management team and serving on the firm’s investment and credit committees. He will further develop as a thought leader in the investment space — attending industry seminars and speaking engagements to educate our clients and prospects.
Prior to joining Deep Blue, Benjamin served as a general strategist with Wells Fargo Private Bank and previously was a fixed income portfolio strategist with Raymond James. There, he was a member of the investment strategy committee and the strategic and tactical asset allocation sub-committees. He has also served as an investment analyst and portfolio manager where he focused on providing unique investment solutions for high-net-worth families.
Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus on finance from Emory University and a Master of Science in finance (MSF) from Georgetown University where he graduated as class valedictorian. He is a CFA® charter holder and frequently volunteers his time grading CFA exams and serves on the CFA curriculum advisory committee and the Georgetown MSF alumni council.
Bruce Nunnally, Partner Emeritus, Retired, Inactive or Other
Bruce Nunnally was a founding partner of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC in 1997. He entered semi-retirement in 2019. He has 40 years of public accounting experience, including 9 years with the international public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, LLP. Bruce is a national instructor of accounting and auditing issues. He has presented accounting and auditing continuing education classes for a quarter of the top 30 CPA firms in the U.S. Some of the courses he has led include:
• Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors
• Audits of 401K Plans
• Fair Value Accounting
• FASB Update for Industry
In 2016 and 2022, Bruce was recognized as an “Outstanding Discussion Leader” by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Other
Certified Public Accountant since 1981.
Past member of the AICPA Accounting & Review Services Committee (ARSC)
Past member of the AICPA PCPS Technical Issues Committee
Past member of the AICPA Auditing & Attestation Subcommittee
Daniel Henn, President, Daniel Henn, CPA, PA
Dan is co-founder of the Tax Resolution Academy® and the founder of Daniel Henn, CPA, PA. Throughout the span of three decades, Dan has gained extensive hands-on expertise in taxation, IRS Representation (Collections and Exam) and business tax planning. Today, he serves as a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Advisor at Daniel Henn, CPA, PA. He is also a frequent trainer of other licensed tax professionals in the area of IRS Representation through the Tax Resolution Academy®. Prior to his current ventures, Dan was a Supervisory Senior of Tax with KPMG, LLP in St. Petersburg and Orlando and a Tax Manager with Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, CPAs, LLP in Melbourne.
Furthermore, Dan holds a Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of South Florida.
Dean Mead, Partner, Government & Public Sector S, CRI Advisors LLC
Dean Michael Mead has been a Partner and Government & Public Sector Sub-Line Leader at CRI Advisors LLC, a top-25 national accounting and consulting firm, since 2022. Previously, Dean was on the staff of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board for 24 years, most recently as Assistant Director of Research and Technical Activities. During that time, he also was Coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Between 2008 and 2020 he was a member of the Accounting and Information Systems faculty at Rutgers Business School, teaching governmental and not-for-profit accounting, auditing, and financial analysis.
Dean is a nationally renowned speaker, teacher, and writer. He was the author of the GASB’s plain-language communications, including its award-winning User Guides, and is a recipient of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts’ Award for Excellence for his efforts to educate the municipal bond community through teaching and writing.
Dean was appointed to the GASAC by the Financial Accounting Foundation starting January 1, 2025. He also serves on the board of the Southern Municipal Finance Society and the Association of Government Accountants’ Financial Management Standards Board. Dean is a Certified Government Financial Manager and a reviewer in the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement program.
Derek Noonan, Audit Manager, State of Florida Auditor General
Derek Noonan is an Audit Supervisor with the Florida Auditor General. Derek has been working in the Local Government Audits section since May 2014 and is responsible for supervising local government activities of the Auditor General, including audits of local governments; review of local government, district school board, and charter school audit reports; and rules for the conduct of local government and charter school audits. Prior to May 2014, Derek worked as an audit coordinator for district school board Federal single audits for 9 years and has been employed by the Auditor General for a total of 21 years.
Derek graduated from Florida Atlantic University with an MBA and is a member of the FGFOA and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Gail Gray, VP of AI and RPA automation, LCG Discovery
Gail Gray, CPA, serves as Vice President of AI and RPA Solutions at LCG Discovery Experts, LLC, where she leads the development and implementation of innovative automation and AI strategies for clients across industries. With over two decades of experience in finance, audit, and digital transformation, Gail combines deep financial expertise with a passion for emerging technologies. Her work focuses on helping organizations streamline operations, enhance compliance, and drive strategic growth through intelligent automation solutions. A licensed CPA, Gail is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to align cutting-edge technologies with business goals. At LCG, she plays a key role in helping clients navigate digital disruption and build future-ready organizations. Gail’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to leverage AI and RPA to create a sustainable, competitive advantage.
Jason Harrell, Chief External Affairs Officer, Florida Institute of CPAs
Jason Harrell is the FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for leading all aspects of the Institute’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory affairs. He serves as the liaison to the DBPR and Board of Accountancy and is responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns to increase the value of the CPA license. Jason brings numerous years of experience to this role, previously serving as director of government relations for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and budget and communications director for the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, serving in key roles under two Speakers in the Florida House, and serving in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget and Chief Inspector General’s Office.
Lauren Jones, Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs, Florida Institute of CPAs
Lauren Henderson is the FICPA’s Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs supporting the execution of its strategic advocacy goals. She works to promote and advance FICPA’s legislative priorities and strengthen its relationship with legislators and their staff. In addition to her work at the Capitol, she generates timely legislation and political communications aspects, supports the development of the CPA/PAC, and enhances the FICPA’s connections with key stakeholders and state agencies. Previously she was a Senior Legislative Director for the political consulting firm Cynergy Consulting, LLC, for more than 10 years, worked on political campaigns for high-profile candidates, and was named one of Florida Politics 30-under-30 list of rising stars.
Lisa Parker, Senior Project Manager and GASAC Coordinator, Governmental Accounting Standards Board
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). She also serves as coordinator for the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.
Lisa is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant. She also is a member of the Association of Governmental Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she served as president. Previously, Lisa was president of the Maine Governmental Finance Officers Association, an executive board member of the New England Governmental Finance Officers Association, and a member of a national GFOA standing committee.
Lisa attended Boston College and the University of Southern Maine graduating with magna cum laude honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Michael Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning & Consulting
After serving 25 years as a Special Agent in the FBI, Michael "Bret" Hood became the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting, LLC upon his retirement in 2016. During his tenure with the FBI, Bret worked many complex financial crime, money laundering, corruption and major cases such as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the HealthSouth fraud and the Maricopa Investments case.
Since 2000, Bret has traveled the world teaching public and private sector employees how to develop anti-fraud, anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering programs. Bret is a master facilitator who has the unique ability to get participants involved in deep conversations while applying the lessons learned to their own personal and work situations. Bret has been a presenter at the ACFE's Global Fraud conference for the last three years and has worked with local and regional ACFE chapters in Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City, MO, New Haven, CT, and Albany, NY. In addition, Bret has done multiple presentations for CPA groups including the Florida Institute of CPAs where he has instructed at their major trade show for years. Bret has published articles in both Fraud Magazine and ACAMS Today. Bret has a great interest in the psychology, patterns, methods and motives of offenders in an attempt to understand why good people end up doing bad things.
Bret is a federal-court certified expert in money laundering and financial crimes. Bret is also the author of the critically acclaimed books, Eat More Ice Cream: A Succinct Leadership Lesson for Each Week of the Year & Get Off Your Horse! 52 Succinct Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents. Currently, Bret serves as an instructor, investigative consultant, and as an expert witness for 21st Century Learning & Consulting LLC (www.21puzzles.com).
Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAs
Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the VP of Professional and Technical Standards for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul's main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program. The program administers approximately 350 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 90 peer reviewers. Paul also assists members in the areas of professional ethics and professional standards. As part of his role in the peer review program Paul has previously been an instructor and author of continuing education programs for the AICPA and FICPA, for which he had received several outstanding discussion leader and author awards. Paul serves on the AICPA's Peer Review Standards Task Force, Technical Reviewers Advisory Task Force to the Peer Review Board and serves as staff liaison to two committees of the FICPA.
Non-Member Price $900.00
Member Price $650.00