Best of MEGA 2025 Replay

Tom Hood

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

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

His focus is elevating and accelerating the role of CPAs and CGMAs in corporate and management accounting. 

In 2012 LinkedIn recruited Tom as one of their Top 100 Influencers and he now has a following of over 730,000. He is a member of Forbes Finance Council and was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame. He is the former CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and former CFO of a highway construction company. He has a Master’s in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loyola University of Maryland.

He lives in Baltimore with his wife Sharon. 

Luke Lucas

Luke Lucas focuses on providing consulting services for businesses across various industries. His experience as a state and local tax specialist helps clients across the country navigate the entire spectrum of direct and indirect taxes imposed by state and local jurisdictions in an efficient manner.

Carl Richie

For over 25 years, Carl Richie has developed expertise in direct and indirect state and local taxation for businesses and individuals throughout the United States, with a focus on income, franchise, and sales and use taxes.  He assists clients with all aspects of the tax cycle, from tax planning and restructuring to mitigate tax, to the tax return compliance process, and through assisting clients with controversies and resolving issues with tax authorities.  His many years as a CPA, including experience with the Big 4, enables him to understand the full range of state and local tax issues most businesses and individuals face.




Areas of Focus

• Income and franchise tax
• Sales and use tax
• Nexus studies
• Planning and restructuring
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Compliance
• Audit defense
• Controversies resolution
• Voluntary disclosure agreements

• Real estate
• Financial services
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale distribution
• Retail
• Transportation

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Florida

• University of Florida - Bachelor of Science in Accounting (High Honors)
• University of Florida - Master of Accounting with a focus on Taxation

Michael Riskin

Michael is a seasoned financial professional and Florida native with a career marked by a deep commitment to financial planning and practice management. Initially driven by an interest in white-collar crime investigation and an aspiration to join the FBI, Michael’s path shifted during his tenure at a prominent public accounting firm, where he discovered his true passion: personal financial planning. Here, he found fulfillment in helping individuals and families navigate complex financial landscapes.
Michael holds a degree in Business and Economics from Lehigh University and a Master’s in Taxation from Florida International University. He is a Florida CPA, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) through the AICPA, reflecting his dedication to excellence in his field.
With comprehensive expertise in financial planning, Michael guides clients through all stages of wealth management, from accumulation to preservation and legacy planning. His approach combines technical proficiency with an understanding of the unique goals of each client. In practice management, Michael has successfully led teams and developed strategies that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Erin Daiber

Erin Daiber is a relatable and results-oriented CPA turned coach, speaker & change agent in the accounting profession.  She is the founder of Well Balanced Accountants LLC and is known for her fresh approach and tailored solutions designed to uniquely suit your team of accountants.

Well Balanced Accountants started after she went from a high-performing accountant to a burned-out, now-recovering CPA.  Erin specializes in working with CPA firms to create a culture where accountants love to work, addressing key challenges such as engaging top talent, building an internal leadership pipeline, scaling growth, and planning for succession. 

She believes that leading in today’s environment requires a new level of leadership, creativity, and a willingness to break free from the status quo.  As a speaker, she shows accountants & bookkeepers how to develop the skills they need to transform themselves and their organizations so that they can spend more time on what matters most.

Marie Torossian

Gail 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.

Ken Tisdel

Ken G. Tisdel is the President and CEO of LCG Discovery Experts, with over twenty-five years of experience in technical investigations, specializing in computer forensics, cybersecurity, and electronic discovery. A former Air Force Combat Crew Member, Certified Detective & Interrogator.  Ken has led high-profile cyber investigations alongside agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, and DHS.

Today, Ken is a recognized leader in the integration of Generative AI into corporate and legal environments. As a Corporate GPT developer, he has pioneered AI solutions that enhance forensic analysis, investigative workflows, and digital risk management. His innovative work bridges traditional forensic expertise with next-generation AI, enabling organizations to adapt confidently to an evolving digital landscape.

Jaideep Singh

Jaideep Singh is the CEO and co-founder of FlyFin AI Inc., the #1 AI + CPA tax filing service focused on partnering CPA and bookkeeping firms across the US. He was an early adopter of AI/ML as he built Spock, the industry’s first and largest people search engine indexing over 1 billion people in 2009. As both a VC and entrepreneur, Jaideep focuses on finding disruptive industry startups to spend his time in, creating more than $3B in value for companies that he helped fund or start. These disruptive companies have ranged from wireless LAN to AI Robotics, deep learning search engines, and SAAS. He has a B.S. and M.S (dropped). in computer engineering from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from the Wharton School

Shelly Weir

Jason 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.

Marta Zaniewski

Marta Zaniewski is the Vice President, State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (ACIPA).
Marta Zaniewski leads The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) state regulatory and legislative efforts. In her role, she builds strong and collaborative relationships with stakeholders on issues that impact the CPA profession. In this capacity, she manages various state policy initiatives, monitors state legislative and public policy impacts to the profession, and serves as the AICPA’s primary voice on state advocacy efforts. Ms. Zaniewski works closely with state CPA societies, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), state legislative and executive branch officials, and top global professional services firms. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL), where she drives national advocacy strategy regarding the importance of professional licensing.
Marta brings with her twenty years of federal and state public policy experience to her position. She began her political career working for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and in 2004 moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the George W. Bush Administration. During her political appointment at the White House, Marta was responsible for coordinating various federal political and policy agendas. After her time in the Bush Administration, Marta lobbied for Associations that represented Realtors and Architects on various political, regulatory and advocacy issues.

Shelly Weir

Jason 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. 

Jason 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.

Daniel 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.

Nicole Graham

Nicole is a risk consultant at Aon, the national administrator of the AICPA member insurance program. She provides guidance and risk advice to regional and national CPA firms regarding professional liability, cybersecurity, employment practices, management liability, and other related exposures. Prior to joining Aon, Nicole was a partner at a national law firm.  For more than a decade, she defended accountants and other professionals against professional liability claims. Taking the lessons learned from when things went wrong, Nicole delivers matter-specific advice to Aon’s CPA firm clients and provides webinars, articles, and other materials on risk issues affecting the profession.

David McGuire

David McGuire is a leading expert on cost segregation, fixed assets and depreciation law and a co-founder of McGuire Sponsel. He has reviewed real estate portfolios ranging in size from six-figure acquisition costs to billions of dollars in value and has provided cost segregation services for companies in a wide variety of industries.

While serving in consulting and management roles with Big Four accounting firms, he acquired a thorough understanding of the Internal Revenue Code’s depreciation provisions. He has also shared his expertise in depreciation techniques and practices through speaking engagements and workshops for industry groups and accounting firms, including the American Bar Association and multiple CPA Real Estate groups.

McGuire continues to grow McGuire Sponsel’s national presence in cost segregation and depreciation. He is the primary resource for alliance firms in regards to how tax law affects depreciation. His knowledge in determining asset costs and classifications has held up against IRS scrutiny and has built the firm into a trusted industry resource. McGuire’s expertise in depreciation extends beyond the engineering portion of a study. He is often called on to consult in other areas including bonus depreciation and the effects of depreciation on complex transactions, such as Step Up in Basis, Section 108, and Passive Loss Limitations.

McGuire is a recognized expert in areas such as 179D and Alternative Energy Tax Credit Consulting.

McGuire earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Notre Dame with a concentration in structural design.

Thomas Bazley

Tom Bazley is a managing director with Weaver and Tidwell, LLP where he serves as the Private Client Services Technical Practice Leader. Tom's focus is on income and transfer tax planning for high net worth and high-income individuals and families. His experience includes income and estate planning for retirement benefits, including required minimum distribution rules, income tax effects of certain distributions, using retirement benefits for charitable planning and issues related to trusts as beneficiaries of retirement accounts.

Tom is a frequent speaker to state CPA societies and estate planning councils. He has appeared on radio shows to discuss issues related to income and estate tax planning, as well as published articles in the AICPA's The Tax Adviser. He has developed and presented content for Surgent McCoy, the largest provider of continuing educational material for CPAs.

Tom is a graduate of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Paul 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.

Adriana Yepes

Adriana Yepes, CPA, is a supervising project manager at the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).  Since joining the FASB in 2014, Adriana has played a key role in several projects, including projects on the definition of business, the equity method of accounting, the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, and the scope of derivatives accounting.

Adriana brings deep and wide-ranging experience in financial reporting and complex transactions.  Prior to joining the FASB, Adriana was a director in PwC’s Transaction Services practice, which advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other corporate finance transactions.  She specialized in helping clients navigate complex financial reporting issues, with a focus on areas such as consolidations, business combinations, joint ventures and variable interest entities.

Earlier in her career, Adriana spent three years as a Vice-President in the Accounting Policy Group of an investment bank and prior to that in the audit practice of another Big 4 CPA firm, serving medium to large public clients across the technology, energy and health care industries. 

Adriana holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and master’s degree from the University of Miami.  She is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida.

Kristi Dosh

Katherine Davis

Katie Davis, CPA, is a Partner at James Moore and leads the firm’s Higher Education, Collegiate Athletics, and NIL Advisory practices. For over 20 years, she has worked closely with universities across the country, providing a range of accounting and consulting services. Most recently, she has helped institutions navigate the financial and operational shifts brought on by name, image and likeness (NIL), athlete revenue sharing, and evolving NCAA guidance.
Katie is nationally recognized as a thought leader and advocate for the financial voices within college athletics. She’s passionate about the growing opportunity for CPAs to serve as trusted advisors, including directly to student-athletes as they explore new financial territory.
A proud University of Florida alum, Katie holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.