Construction Industry Conference (CIC)

Michele Daugherty

Michele Daugherty is the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Florida Chapter. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction association representing more than 22,000 members nationwide. Michele helps members develop their people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work and live.

Michele has spent the past two decades focused on creating career & advancement pathways for others. Prior to leading ABC Central Florida, she spent 17 years as the President/CEO of the ABC Northern California and Nevada Chapters. Under her leadership ABC has continued to grow as a workforce development leader expanding state and federally approved Apprenticeship and Craft Training programs across the country.  Michele is committed to educating the current and future workforce and values the importance of educating today’s youth on the benefits of careers in construction.

Michele is a certified Master Trainer for the National Center for Construction Education and Research. She was formerly the Director of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Advising Center and was appointed for multiple terms to the State of Nevada Apprenticeship Council. Fun fact - Michele got her start working in a Gold Mine. Michele resides in Orlando with her husband of 18 years and is the proud mother of two boys Seventeen and Eleven. One of Michele’s favorite sayings is, “I put on my boots and broke concrete to break the glass ceiling!”

Richard Hedley Jr

James Sutton Jr

James Sutton has 35+ years of experience working in State and Local Tax ("SALT"). Since 2002, Mr. Sutton has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law teaching State and Local Tax and Accounting for Lawyers.  Mr. Sutton ventured into the realm of construction as part owner, CFO, and in-house counsel for two construction companies, one residential and one commercial, giving him the opportunity to experience the "big picture" with all aspects of business and an improved ability to see things from a business owner's perspective. Mr. Sutton was also the Chairman of the FICPA State Tax Committee 2022 to 2024 and now dedicates his time defending companies and individuals against the aggressive tactics of the Florida Department of Revenue.

Cindy Blumenfeld

After receiving her BA from Farmingdale University in New York, Cindy went on to build a strong foundation in finance and real estate which compliments her role as Sales Director for Engineered Tax Services, a company that specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions. Ms. Blumenfeld is devoted to the conservation of resources and Green Building Environment and works closely with the dedicated team of ETS professionals skilled in engineering, architecture and accounting to deliver cost segregation studies, energy tac credits, Green Building and LEED building engineering services nationally. 
Cindy is committed and focused on educating the CPA, Financial advisor and Real Estate Investor Community on engineered accounting services and the related tax consequences of these services. As an expert in her field, she seeks to local AIA and FICPA chapters on cost segregation studies, green construction and the emerging energy tax programs and has produced articles for many CPA and Real Estate Investment Publications nationally.
 

Michael Cornett

Mike is a managing director in the Forvis Mazars Washington National Tax Office. He has more than 40 years of experience in federal taxation, including 37 years in international taxation. In his role with WNTO, he handles international tax, tax legislative policy, and trade policy.

Mike has worked with several major law firms and the national offices of two international accounting firms. He was a special counsel to the associate chief counsel (international), where he advised on regulations, revenue rulings, and PLRs.

Mike is a graduate of University of Notre Dame, Indiana, with a B.S. degree in accounting; a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a J.D. degree; and a graduate of Georgetown Law, Washington, D.C., with an LL.M. degree.

Mari Huff

Mari Huff is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. She holds a Florida CPA license as well as a CVA license issue by NACVA.  She founded the Firm in 2007 and specializes in the construction audits, reviews, and tax services.  She also offers Business Valuation and Litigation Support Services across most industries, including construction. She is a former board member and current finance committee member of the Treasure Coast Builders Association (TCBA); the treasurer (and 18-year Board member) of the Sailfish Chapter of the FICPA; a member of the Indian River State College Business Advisory Board; and the treasurer of the Housing Solutions Council.

Billy Robinson

Billy is a Partner and the Firm Coordinator of Construction and Business Valuation Services in our Kingsport, Tennessee office. He has extensive experience with construction companies and ESOPs, including general contractors, heavy highway, and specialty trade. Billy has provided assurance and consulting services to construction and ESOP companies ranging in size from $1M to $650M in annual revenue.

Billy graduated from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Minor in Criminal Justice. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Construction Financial Management Association, the Associated General Contractors of Virginia and Tennessee, and the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance.

Billy has twice been named a “Super CPA” by Virginia Business magazine and is a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia and Tennessee. He was recognized by the Tri-Cities Business Journal and by CFMA nationally as a Top 40 under 40 business leader. He has been a CCIFP since 2014 and has been accredited in Business Valuation since 2024.

Joseph Jones

Joe Jones is an accomplished accounting professional with over a decade of success in public accounting. As an Audit Partner at Berman Hopkins, he brings extensive experience working with companies of all sizes across industries. His expertise in navigating complex accounting and compliance challenges has been instrumental in delivering high-quality audit services. Joe has concentrated his efforts on numerous engagements, with a strong focus on clients in the aerospace, construction, and defense sectors. Additionally, he leads the firm’s Construction Advisory Services team, providing strategic guidance tailored to the unique financial and operational needs of contractors.

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.

Nathan Reich

Nathan, studied Business at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He was a financial analyst out of college for Novitas Solutions and later joined the Florida Surety Bonds in 2015.  Nathan is an experienced financial analyst and has successfully completed the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) Surety School for underwriting training.  Nathan provides valuable financial analysis to our staff and clients. 

Robert Nevill

Robert Nevill is a Partner in the Orlando office of Berman Hopkins and is in charge of the firm’s construction practice. He brings a wide variety 
of accounting experience in both public and private sectors to the firm.

Robert has been recognized for enhancing client business processes. His experience in the private sector includes being responsible for all 
accounting activity at a multi-tiered real estate development company with an international parent and helping a company raise capital through new equity and primary debt facilities. Robert has spent several years in public accounting where he has worked on a wide variety of engagements including numerous audits for construction, 
real estate, not-for-profit, government, healthcare, and SEC clients. He is also the author of several construction-related articles which have been 
published in national magazines.