Not-for-Profit Virtual Conference

Amy Mierzejewski, Senior Manager, Warren Averett, LLC

Amy Mierzejewski, CPA, has over 20 years of experience in auditing not-for-profit, governmental entities, community associations, healthcare organizations, employee benefit plans, and more. Most of Amy’s not-for-profit clients are in the housing, social services, and education sectors. Amy has extensive experience with not-for-profit organizations, both with and without federal and/or state single audits. Amy is a CPA licensed in Florida. She is a member of the FICPA and the AICPA and its Not-For-Profit Section. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. Amy is a devoted fan of USF Bulls Football and serves as reluctant treasurer of her homeowners’ association.

Bryan Arango, IT & Cybersecurity Consultant, EisnerAmper LLP

Bryan Arango is an IT and Cybersecurity specialist with a background in Computer Science and over 10 years of experience in security operations and technology consulting. He has worked across nonprofits, small businesses, and enterprise environments to help organizations strengthen their security posture and safely adopt AI technologies. Bryan focuses on making complex security and AI concepts accessible, empowering mission-driven organizations to protect their communities and operate with confidence.

Daniel Sefick, Principal | National Director and Practice Leader, Nonprofit Solutions, HBK CPAs & Consultants

Dan is a Principal in HBK’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office and serves as the National Director and Practice Leader of HBK Nonprofit Solutions. A Certified Public Accountant since 2013 and Certified Governmental Financial Manager (CGFM) since 2019, Dan joined HBK in 2025 following his tenure as a Principal at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA).

With more than 16 years of specialization in government and nonprofit audits and consulting, Dan helps clients identify ways to strengthen their internal controls, manage risk, and achieve operational efficiencies. He has developed deep expertise in yellow book audits, federal grant compliance, Uniform Guidance, and single audits—having managed and performed single audits for an extensive variety of government agencies, charter schools, and nonprofits. Dan has also provided technical assistance to governmental entities on the implementation of GASB pronouncements, and has assisted in internal control development and administration of CRF, ERAP, SLFRF (ARPA), and other federal grant programs.

Education
• BS in Accounting and Finance, Geneva College

Associations
• Member, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member, Government Finance Officers Association (PA GFOA)
• Member, AGA (Association of Government Accountants)
• Member, PMAA (PA Municipal Authorities Association)

Dee Anna Hays, Shareholder, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Dee Anna Hays is a Shareholder attorney in Ogletree Deakins' Tampa office.  She co-chairs the firm's Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group, providing legal advice to management in challenging workplace situations. Dee Anna is Board Certified by the Florida Bar and is a nationally recognized speaker and author on labor and employment law. Dee Anna serves as the Director of State Legislative Affairs for the HR Florida State Council and co-chairs the Academy of Florida Management Attorneys' OSHA committee.

She assists employers with employment law litigation and government investigations, including defending against discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace safety and health (OSHA) and wage and hour claims. Dee Anna develops strategies to prevent and defend claims across multiple jurisdictions, advises on best practices for expanding to new states, and drafts related documents. She helps employers with compliance issues, including hiring, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, wage payment, and required training. Dee Anna also updates employment handbooks, policies, procedures, and agreements to ensure multistate compliance and protects trade secrets by enforcing nondisclosure, nonsolicitation, and noncompetition agreements. 

Dee Anna has a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. In her free time, she enjoys running, visiting local beaches, and traveling.

Emily Starkey, Wealth Advisor, Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Emily is a Wealth Advisor in the West Palm Beach office of Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Emily is committed to helping her clients understand their goals and identify the possibilities that wealth can create. Clients appreciate her responsiveness, attention to detail, and straight forward advice on investment management and asset allocation. Emily is resourceful in leveraging Bernstein’s global Strategists, Portfolio Managers, the Family Engagement Institute, and the Foundation and Institution Advisory along with proprietary research and analysis to develop tailored plans and support for her clients. 

Emily is committed to developing female leadership programs and serves on Bernstein’s Women’s Council. She is a member of Entreprenista and an alumnus in W.O.M.E.N. America. Emily values education and serves on 1909’s Board, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium Marketing Committee, and the Lawrenceville School’s Board Selection Committee. Emily is also a Corporate Partner of the Kravis Center. In 2023-2024, Emily completed the Leadership Palm Beach County Engage program. 

Prior to joining Bernstein, for nearly 15 years, Emily held management positions at Bloomberg LP based in New York City. Emily holds a BSM in Marketing and Psychology from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. 

Heidi Leach, Sr. Director, Business Technology, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Heidi Leach is the Senior Director of Business Technology at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, where she leads enterprise applications, data intelligence technologies, and business systems initiatives. Drawing from her experience across the nonprofit, financial, construction, retail, and manufacturing industries, she is dedicated to using technology to foster innovation and support organizational growth.

Heidi holds a B.S. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Information & Communication Technologies from the University of Wisconsin. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Information Technology at Capella University, focusing her research on driving technology for social impact.

Ian Barkin, Co-Founder & CEO, MagentIQ

"Ian Barkin is an entrepreneur, educator, and thought leader in AI and automation.

As the co-founder of magentIQ - a multi-agent workforce company - Ian focuses on helping mid-tier businesses prepare for, and capitalize on, the 'Agentic Era' by providing world-class talent and cutting-edge AI.

Ian has launched and exited multiple startups, most notably as a founding member of Symphony Ventures (a pioneer in Robotic Process Automation acquired in 2018). He has also spearheaded innovation within global consulting and technology powerhouses, including Capgemini, Infosys, PwC, Sutherland, and SYKES.

In addition to his operational leadership, Ian advises cutting-edge organizations and academic institutions, such as Ema, Procesio, Skan.ai, MIT, Brown University, and George Mason University's Intelligent Automation Initiative.

A sought-after speaker and educator, he has reached millions through his LinkedIn Learning courses on RPA, AI, and Intelligent Automation, and he frequently appears in media outlets and leading industry publications.

Ian's written work includes two acclaimed books:

• Intelligent Automation - Welcome to the World of Hyperautomation
• All Hands on Tech - The AI-Powered Citizen Revolution
  

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.

Jeffrey Mechanick, Senior Project Advisor/ Not-for-Profit Organizations, Financial Accounting Standards Board

Jeff Mechanick is Senior Project Advisor for Not-for-Profit Organizations at the FASB. In that role, he provides organization-wide technical and strategic advice on standard-setting activities affecting the not-for-profit sector, guides and facilitates stakeholder outreach with the sector, chairs the FASB's Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee, and participates in some of the FASB's broader educational activities. He is also a member of the Technical Advisory Group of the International Financial Reporting for Nonprofit Organizations initiative (#IFR4NPO).

Prior to joining the FASB staff in 2006, Jeff spent 20 years working in and with the not-for-profit sector, as the CFO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and before that, as a Senior Manager with KPMG, LLP, in the firm's New York office. From 1992 to 1994, he served as the National Technical Senior Manager for the firm's Higher Education, Research, and Other Not-for-Profit Organizations (HERON) practice. He is also a past member of the AICPA's NFP Expert Panel. Jeff received his MBA from Rutgers University and his AB from the University of Chicago, and he is a member of the AICPA and the New York State Society of CPAs. He is also an adjunct instructor in Columbia University's MS degree program in Nonprofit Management.

Jenny Kiesewetter, Partner, Fisher Phillips

Jenny Kiesewetter has more than 25 years of experience advising businesses in ERISA, employee benefits, compensation, fiduciary responsibility, and compliance matters.

As a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits and Tax Practice in Nashville, she advises clients on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation, including qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefit plans, cafeteria plans, severance plans, and equity-based compensation plans.

Jenny has also worked with businesses and investors during mergers and acquisitions, focusing on due diligence and compliance related to employee benefit plans, including retirement, health and welfare, and executive compensation plans. 

Additionally, Jenny served as an adjunct professor at the Cecil C Humphreys School of Law, University of Memphis, where she has taught Employee Benefits for over 14 years.  

Jenny earned her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, as well as a master’s in communications. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. 

Jenny is a frequent speaker and author on topics including ERISA, employee benefits, retirement plans, health plans, and statutory and regulatory compliance.

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. 

Leonard Melnik, AI Senior Consultant, EisnerAmper LLP

Leonard Melnik is a Senior AI Services Consultant at EisnerAmper, where he helps organizations navigate AI and cybersecurity. He enjoys solving complex problems and helping companies use AI in practical ways that support their goals.

His work focuses on turning emerging technologies into secure, useful solutions while balancing innovation with real business value, sound judgment, and responsible implementation. Leonard brings a hands-on perspective shaped by experience across applied AI, cybersecurity, systems, and automation. He has also worked with nonprofits on how to think about and approach AI in a practical and accessible way.

He frequently speaks at AI and cybersecurity events, where he shares practical insights on emerging technologies, implementation challenges, and the evolving role of AI in business.

Marc Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer, Three Notch Group

Marc Hamilton is a strategy-oriented finance executive with proven successes in change management. Mr. Hamilton has over 30 years of extensive practical experiences with data analytics, process design and technology implementation. His roles have provided broad exposure to functional, operational and management challenges facing organizations in the era of systems intelligence.

As a technologist CPA, Mr. Hamilton frequently speaks from his experiences on big data, data science, artificial intelligence and the developing Blockchain infrastructure.? He also frequently presents AICPA cybersecurity content.

Mr. Hamilton holds a Masters in Tax Accounting from the University of Alabama and practiced with both Deloitte & KPMG before moving into a business and industry roles including VP of Taxation, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.

Mario Castillo, Manager, EisnerAmper LLP

With more than 18 years of experience in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Mario Castillo is a Manager within the Outsourced IT practice at EisnerAmper. He specializes in helping organizations strengthen security, modernize infrastructure, and leverage technology to improve business productivity, efficiency, and continuity.

Throughout his career, he has led initiatives in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Microsoft 365 and Azure migrations, cloud adoption, networking, and enterprise IT modernization across diverse industries. His experience also includes conducting IT security audits and assessments, helping organizations strengthen their security posture and meet evolving compliance needs. He brings a practical, business-focused approach to navigating the rapidly changing landscape of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

He also served as an Adjunct Professor and hands on instructor at a U.S. military service academy (Cyber Defense Exercise (CDX)), leading programs in cybersecurity, cyber operations, and computer network architecture. In this role, he guided cross-functional Red and Blue Team initiatives with public- and private-sector partners, strengthening organizational resilience and advancing secure, mission-focused technology practices.

Mario is committed to helping organizations build strong partnerships, manage risk, and prepare for the future of technology.

Marisa Swystun, National Director, Foundation & Institutional Advisory, Bernstein Global Wealth Management

As VP/National Director, Market Specialist, Marisa Swystun brings two decades of nonprofit and foundation experience to clients’ investment strategies. On Bernstein’s Foundation and Institutional Advisory (FIA) Team, Marisa works with advisors to support and add structure to their servicing of nonprofit, foundation, and association clients. The FIA team brings a wide range of philanthropic subject matter expertise and experience to the table, including customized development/donor engagement strategies and enhanced governance and operational tools focused on driving sustainable growth and increasing mission impact. Her career began with a family foundation in Detroit and later, The Art Institute of Chicago. She then co-founded a 501©3 maternity clinic in Cote d’Ivoire and later served as the Chief Development Officer for Nashville’s Center for Nonprofit Management.

Maura Pape, SVP/Senior Investment Strategist, Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Maura Pape is a Senior Investment Strategist in the Los Angeles office of Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Maura joined Bernstein from Eurasia Group where she worked with corporate and institutional clients on issues at the intersection of macro markets and geopolitics. Prior to Eurasia Group, she was a Strategist at a New York-based fintech startup focused on big data and macro markets. Maura also spent nearly a decade as a buyside macro strategist at Soros Fund Management and Laurion Capital Management. After graduating with a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Maura began her career in institutional research at Morgan Stanley. 

Michael Batts, Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, PA

Mike Batts is the managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, a national CPA firm dedicated exclusively to serving nonprofit organizations and their affiliates across the United States.  Mike has more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways.  He has served on and chaired the boards of nonprofit organizations - both nationally and locally.  He advises nonprofit organizations on matters related to board governance, financial oversight, tax compliance and strategy, risk management, corporate structure, international activities, and other related topics.  Mike has authored several books and has actively engaged in nonprofit legislative matters at the federal and state levels.  Mike leads BMWL’s national headquarters office in Orlando as well as its Dallas office. 

Michael Haas, Health Care Senior Analyst, RSM US LLP

Michael Haas is a Technology Management Consulting Director in RSM’s health care industry practice. In 2022, he was selected for the firm’s cutting-edge Industry Eminence Program as a senior analyst covering the health care industry, working alongside the firm’s Chief Economist and other program participants to analyze the trends and themes affecting the nonprofit and education industry and shaping middle market businesses. Michael’s focus is on improving operational and financial performance for clients in the RSM health care consulting practice. Delivering innovative solutions in areas of technology, process improvement, revenue cycle, client software application trainings and project management, he works primarily with large, integrated delivery health systems, behavioral health and community organizations, community hospitals, FQHCs, clinics and physician practices. He brings a deep understanding of the industry’s complexities and constraints that are faced while delivering solutions to his clients.

Orynthia Wildes, Principal, WithumSmith+Brown, PC

Orynthia Wildes, CPA, is a Quality Control Principal at Withum, a top 25 accounting and advisory firm. Her current role focuses on audit quality and technical reviews to drive continuous improvement initiatives. She has been in the private and public accounting sectors for 20 years performing audits, reviews and accounting for entities in various industries including hospitality, technology, aviation, financial institutions, healthcare, non-profit, and others. She specializes in audits of employee benefit plans and non-profit organizations including higher education institutions, foundations, HUD projects, federal and state single audits and program specific audits.

Education:
Barry University - Master of Business Administration
Florida Atlantic University - Master of Accounting
University of the West Indies (Jamaica) - Bachelor of Science, Management

Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAs

Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the Vice President 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 300 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 85 peer reviewers. Paul also assists members in the areas of professional ethics and professional standards. As part of his role with the FICPA Paul has instructed and authored continuing education programs for the AICPA and FICPA, for which he has received several outstanding discussion leader and author awards. Paul is serving on the AICPA’s Peer Review Standards Task Force, Technical Reviewers Advisory Task Force to the Peer Review Board, and former chair of the Audit Committee for the City of Tallahassee.
Prior to joining the FICPA, Paul was an audit manager with the regional firm of Williams, Cox, Weidner & Cox (now Carr, Riggs & Ingram) in Tallahassee, Florida. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University and has been licensed as a CPA since 1988.

Victor Tang, Senior Vice President, Marsh McLennan Agency

Senior Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency with a proven track record in leadership, benefits, and recruitment in the health & benefits industry. With over 10 years of experience working to understand his client’s needs and develop a long-term strategy to meet their goals of increasing productivity and returning an investment on their insurance & benefits programs. Victor graduated from the Florida State University with a B.S. in Risk Management & Insurance. Victor was named one of Employee Benefit News - 9 benefit leaders dominating HR & Advising and Insurance Business America’s Best Insurance Professionals Under 35 in the USA. Victor was also recognized by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research for being the youngest at the time to earn the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

Victor brings a unique blend of strategic and analytical skills to the review and implementation of risk management programs. Victor’s specialties include policy and coverage review, risk analysis, contract review, service management, design of specialized insurance programs for new and existing clients, training and coordinating agency value added services.