55th Annual Virginia Accounting & Auditing Conference

Joseph Thornton

Joseph Thornton, CPA/ABV, CFF, PFS, CFP®, CVA, has over 30 years of experience in business valuation, public accounting, banking and financial consulting services. He is a former founder, director and commercial loan officer for Regency Bank in Richmond, and has many years of experience in all aspects of public accounting. Joe provides business valuation and related consulting services in the Richmond office of Brown Edwards & Company LLP. As a valuation expert, he has prepared valuation reports for a wide range of purposes including: business planning, business purchases and sales, gift and estate tax returns, planning for gifts, estates and trusts, and other valuation consulting services. He has been accepted as a qualified expert witness in various courts within Virginia in the area of business valuations and accounting. Joe has also been recognized as one of Virginia’s “Super CPAs” in the Business Valuation/Litigation category by the Virginia Business magazine and the Virginia Society of CPAs.

Jeffrey Lewis

Jeffrey Lewis, MBA, RR, CTP, CCM

Jeff’s practice areas include strategy development and implementation; corporate and global finance and treasury; financial institutions and markets; risk management and re-engineering; technology deployment and sustainability. He has worked worldwide for a variety of multinational companies. 

Jeff is a frequent lecturer on economics, finance, international development, digital and financial technologies, sustainability, and artificial intelligence from a transformational and business context.

Duncan Will

Duncan Will, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE, leverages his more than 40 years of experience in accounting, including public accounting, forensic accounting, consulting and audit and tax compliance, to deliver to policyholders the high-touch, high-quality CAMICO experience. He works closely with the Loss Prevention Specialists to manage the department’s efforts to deliver policyholder service. Duncan’s specialties are accounting and auditing and business valuation-related risk management. He advises policyholders through the CAMICO Loss Prevention Hotline, speaks to CPA groups, and writes articles on a wide range of accounting risk management and ethics topics. Topics of particular interest include complying with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, cyber-security, and serving clients in the cannabis industry. 

Duncan began his accounting career in 1979 as a staff accountant in the Washington, D.C. area and spent most of his public accounting career in California and Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland and is Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics. A Certified Fraud Examiner, Duncan is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; has supplemented his education with college courses at the University of Baltimore, Golden Gate University, and Florida Atlantic University; and welcomes opportunities to expand his knowledge over a broad spectrum of accounting-related curricula.

Ethan Paitsel

Ethan Paitsel, CPA is an In-charge associate based in the Roanoke office of Brown Edwards with over 3 years of public accounting experience.  
Ethan’s concentration is related to municipalities and healthcare entities.  

Ethan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Roanoke College. Ethan is a member of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association. 

He is committed to enriching his local community through sport. He is an assistant football coach for the Northside Middle School Norsemen and records varsity football games for the Northside High School Vikings in Roanoke, Virginia.

Lisa Germano

Lisa Germano, CPA, J.D., has spent her career at the intersection of business strategy, financial planning and employee empowerment — helping companies design retirement plans that do more than just check a compliance box. With a unique blend of legal and financial expertise, Lisa has guided organizations in using smart plan design as a tool to drive real behavioral change and long-term financial wellness for their employees. 

Now, with the wisdom that comes from decades of experience, Lisa reflects on the critical conversations that were often missing — the deeper discussions that truly engage plan participants and inspire them to envision and prepare for their future. Her mission today is clear — to help individuals and companies build a culture of planning that supports what she calls "simply the best time of your life" — a retirement that’s not just financially secure, but personally fulfilling.

Maureen Dingus

Maureen Dingus, CAE, is COO of the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She works alongside the Board of Directors and senior management to bring the VSCPA mission, vision and values to life. She also works with VSCPA members to imagine a new future through the VSCPA’s Strategic Insights program.

Jill Edmonds

Jill Edmonds is communications director at the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She leads the Society’s communications and public relations team, develops communications strategies, serves as managing editor of Disclosures magazine and oversees the VSCPA website and multimedia strategy. With nine years of experience in association communications and a journalism background, she is actively involved in the VSCPA’s social media and Web 2.0 initiatives.

Michael Gardner

Mike Gardner focuses his practice almost exclusively on labor and employment issues and has represented clients large and small, public and private, in state and federal courts in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. He has counseled employers on handling all aspects of employment claims, from internal management, proceedings with state and federal agencies such as the EEOC or DOL, and through litigation, trial and appeal. While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, Mike emphasizes a proactive and preventative approach to employment issues in an effort to minimize the costs and disruptions litigation can impose on a business.

King Tower

King Tower assists employers with employment law litigation, labor-management relations, and
also offers counsel to businesses on employment-related matters. King’s experience includes
defending claims under the FLSA, the FMLA, the ADEA, the ADA, and Title VII. He has extensive experience providing strategic guidance to clients on conducting internal audits of corporate compliance, employment policies, and other critical decisions. King also assists federal contractors in preparing affirmative action programs and represents them during government audits. King has served as lead negotiator in collective bargaining and has represented employers in grievance and arbitration proceedings.

Cecilia Dahl

Cecilia Dahl is an award-winning business executive, author, and the founder of The Remote Leadership Lab. With decades of experience leading teams and scaling businesses, she understands the challenges that come with managing remote teams firsthand. As the co-founder of Smart Destinations, which she grew to a hundred-million-dollar enterprise, Cecilia navigated the transition to a fully remote team, discovering that strong communication, intentional leadership, and building trust were key to success. 

Her passion is helping leaders build high-performing remote teams that thrive. Cecilia believes that great communication is the foundation of effective teamwork, and she has made it her mission to teach leaders how to foster engagement, connection, and collaboration—regardless of geographic distance. Through The Remote Leadership Lab, she equips leaders with actionable tools to overcome communication challenges, reduce workplace anxiety, and drive real results. 

Her work has empowered countless remote leaders to unlock their team’s full potential, creating environments where distance is no barrier to success. In this workshop, Cecilia will share the strategies and insights that helped her build strong, successful teams, offering participants a blueprint for communication excellence.

James Fries

Jim Fries, CPA, MSA, is an assurance partner and co-leader of the K-12 and nonprofit practice of Brown Edwards. He is based in the Harrisonburg office and has over 20 years of accounting experience, with a focus on nonprofit organizations, including foundations, private education, churches, health care entities, and other social service organizations. In addition, Jim has a wide range of experience in other industries, including employee benefit plans, manufacturers, utilities and cooperatives.

Jim is a member of the firm’s peer review services team, providing quality reviews to regional public accounting firms around the country. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy, both from Virginia Tech. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

Jim serves as a board member at his local chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society and Redeemer Classical School. In addition, he serves on the finance committee of his local church and has board/committee positions on several other nonprofit organizations.

Charles Valadez

Charles Valadez, CPA, CGMA, CFSA, CCSA, CRMA, CGEIT, is deputy of the auditor general for the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C. His responsibilities include the oversight and auditing services for finance and financial reporting, information technology, human resources, budgeting and procurement, legal services and corporate operational functions. Prior to joining the bank, he was a senior manager for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and worked in the financial services and the nonprofit and institutions industry sectors. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Elisa Obillo

Elisa Obillo, CPA, is an assurance director at Aprio, LLP, a Top 25 advisory firm. With over 20 years in public accounting, she specializes in assurance services for public, private and nonprofit organizations, particularly in the government contracting space. 

She’s known for simplifying complex accounting standards and advising clients on best practices. Elisa serves on the Virginia Society of CPAs’ Accounting and Auditing Advisory Committee and actively mentors emerging professionals through local CPA societies and her firm. 

A passionate animal advocate, she supports international rescue efforts and dreams of retiring surrounded by rescued dogs. Elisa also champions diversity, inclusion and belonging within the profession.

Duncan Will

Duncan Will, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE, leverages his more than 40 years of experience in accounting, including public accounting, forensic accounting, consulting and audit and tax compliance, to deliver to policyholders the high-touch, high-quality CAMICO experience. He works closely with the Loss Prevention Specialists to manage the department’s efforts to deliver policyholder service. Duncan’s specialties are accounting and auditing and business valuation-related risk management. He advises policyholders through the CAMICO Loss Prevention Hotline, speaks to CPA groups, and writes articles on a wide range of accounting risk management and ethics topics. Topics of particular interest include complying with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, cyber-security, and serving clients in the cannabis industry. 

Duncan began his accounting career in 1979 as a staff accountant in the Washington, D.C. area and spent most of his public accounting career in California and Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland and is Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics. A Certified Fraud Examiner, Duncan is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; has supplemented his education with college courses at the University of Baltimore, Golden Gate University, and Florida Atlantic University; and welcomes opportunities to expand his knowledge over a broad spectrum of accounting-related curricula.

Jessica Hewitt

Jessica Hewitt, CPA, is a tax partner with Brown Edwards in the Hampton Roads region. She previously co-led the firm’s state and local tax team and now serves on the dealership team. Her other passion within the firm is serving with the internal team focused on the continual improvement of tax processes. She has lived and worked in the Hampton Roads community her entire life and enjoys helping the businesses around her succeed.

Bryant Harrison

Bryant Harrison is the founder and CEO of Seventh Wall, a cybersecurity and managed IT company that has spent years not only protecting businesses from tech failure and attacks, but also performing remediation for businesses held for ransom by hackers. 

It all started by accident in 2004 when Bryant was completely broke and trying to finish his cognitive science degree at UVA. He began fixing neighbor’s computers to earn cash and found that his lack of formal tech training meant no "speaking geek" to clients. This was a huge advantage. Soon, the new business (called QuickFix at the time), grew quickly in popularity by word-of-mouth. Now, Seventh Wall has clients nationwide, but most of them in Central Virginia.

Rachel Stushek

Rachel Foster, CPA, is a Professional Practice Director in Grant Thornton’s Metro DC office. She has spent 22 years in public accounting with extensive experience in financial statement and Uniform Guidance audits of not-for-profit organizations and federal agencies, as well as with compliance audits, examinations, System and Organization Controls (SOC) examinations, performance audits, reviews, and agreed upon procedures. Currently, as a Professional Practice Director, she works with not-for profit organizations and Grant Thornton’s specialty attest services practice. In this role she is responsible for implementing and monitoring the firm’s system of quality control related to audit execution, audit quality processes and initiatives, and operational matters, as well as managing risk and serving as a national consultative resource for technical questions and issues. Rachel is also involved with the AICPA and its Government Audit Quality Center (GAQC) by presenting at various national industry events such as the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference and Government and Not-for-Profit Training Program and GAQC web events, as well as state CPA society conferences. 

George Strudgeon

George D. Strudgeon, CPA, MBA, CISA, CGFM, is an Audit Director at the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts where he leads the Single Audit of the Commonwealth.  Additionally, George serves on the AICPA's Government Audit Quality Center Executive Committee and is the vice chair for the National State Auditors Association Single Audit Committee.  He represents these entities twice a year at the Single Audit Roundtable and receives regular updates from OMB and other federal agencies impacting Single Audits.  George shares his insight and knowledge by presenting at national conferences and other events.

Maureen Dingus

Maureen Dingus, CAE, is COO of the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She works alongside the Board of Directors and senior management to bring the VSCPA mission, vision and values to life. She also works with VSCPA members to imagine a new future through the VSCPA’s Strategic Insights program.

Jill Edmonds

Jill Edmonds is communications director at the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She leads the Society’s communications and public relations team, develops communications strategies, serves as managing editor of Disclosures magazine and oversees the VSCPA website and multimedia strategy. With nine years of experience in association communications and a journalism background, she is actively involved in the VSCPA’s social media and Web 2.0 initiatives.

Charles Valadez

Charles Valadez, CPA, CGMA, CFSA, CCSA, CRMA, CGEIT, is deputy of the auditor general for the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C. His responsibilities include the oversight and auditing services for finance and financial reporting, information technology, human resources, budgeting and procurement, legal services and corporate operational functions. Prior to joining the bank, he was a senior manager for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and worked in the financial services and the nonprofit and institutions industry sectors. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Elisa Obillo

Elisa Obillo, CPA, is an assurance director at Aprio, LLP, a Top 25 advisory firm. With over 20 years in public accounting, she specializes in assurance services for public, private and nonprofit organizations, particularly in the government contracting space. 

She’s known for simplifying complex accounting standards and advising clients on best practices. Elisa serves on the Virginia Society of CPAs’ Accounting and Auditing Advisory Committee and actively mentors emerging professionals through local CPA societies and her firm. 

A passionate animal advocate, she supports international rescue efforts and dreams of retiring surrounded by rescued dogs. Elisa also champions diversity, inclusion and belonging within the profession.

Michael Gardner

Mike Gardner focuses his practice almost exclusively on labor and employment issues and has represented clients large and small, public and private, in state and federal courts in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. He has counseled employers on handling all aspects of employment claims, from internal management, proceedings with state and federal agencies such as the EEOC or DOL, and through litigation, trial and appeal. While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, Mike emphasizes a proactive and preventative approach to employment issues in an effort to minimize the costs and disruptions litigation can impose on a business.

King Tower

King Tower assists employers with employment law litigation, labor-management relations, and
also offers counsel to businesses on employment-related matters. King’s experience includes
defending claims under the FLSA, the FMLA, the ADEA, the ADA, and Title VII. He has extensive experience providing strategic guidance to clients on conducting internal audits of corporate compliance, employment policies, and other critical decisions. King also assists federal contractors in preparing affirmative action programs and represents them during government audits. King has served as lead negotiator in collective bargaining and has represented employers in grievance and arbitration proceedings.

Ethan Paitsel

Ethan Paitsel, CPA is an In-charge associate based in the Roanoke office of Brown Edwards with over 3 years of public accounting experience.  
Ethan’s concentration is related to municipalities and healthcare entities.  

Ethan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Roanoke College. Ethan is a member of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association. 

He is committed to enriching his local community through sport. He is an assistant football coach for the Northside Middle School Norsemen and records varsity football games for the Northside High School Vikings in Roanoke, Virginia.

Cecilia Dahl

Cecilia Dahl is an award-winning business executive, author, and the founder of The Remote Leadership Lab. With decades of experience leading teams and scaling businesses, she understands the challenges that come with managing remote teams firsthand. As the co-founder of Smart Destinations, which she grew to a hundred-million-dollar enterprise, Cecilia navigated the transition to a fully remote team, discovering that strong communication, intentional leadership, and building trust were key to success. 

Her passion is helping leaders build high-performing remote teams that thrive. Cecilia believes that great communication is the foundation of effective teamwork, and she has made it her mission to teach leaders how to foster engagement, connection, and collaboration—regardless of geographic distance. Through The Remote Leadership Lab, she equips leaders with actionable tools to overcome communication challenges, reduce workplace anxiety, and drive real results. 

Her work has empowered countless remote leaders to unlock their team’s full potential, creating environments where distance is no barrier to success. In this workshop, Cecilia will share the strategies and insights that helped her build strong, successful teams, offering participants a blueprint for communication excellence.

Vivian Paige

Vivian J. Paige, CPA, CGMA, MBA, MS, has extensive experience in taxation and accounting. She was a successful sole practitioner until selling most of her firm 11 years ago and joining the faculty of her alma mater, Old Dominion University (ODU). During her nine years at ODU, she received numerous awards, including being bestowed the permanent title of "University Distinguished Teacher" and being named the "Most Inspiring Faculty Member" by the winner of the ODU Kaufman Scholar Award, given annually to the top student among ODU's 25,000+ students. She then spent two years as a member of the faculty at Christopher Newport University, where, in addition to teaching, she served as a mentor to the next generation of CPAs. She is currently taking a break from teaching.
Vivian is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She is actively involved in the VSCPA, currently serving as a member and immediate past chair of the Tax Advisory Committee and as a member of the VSCPA Political Action Committee Board, the ad hoc Educators' Symposium Task Force, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council. She authored the VSCPA Legislators' Tax Guide and presented briefings to the legislature on taxation. She is the co-author of two current VSCPA ethics courses and has been a presenter at several VSCPA conferences. Her longtime service to the VSCPA was recognized in 2019 when she was named the Outstanding Member.
Vivian is also involved in her community. She serves as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee of the FoodBank of Southeastern Virginia, on the audit and finance committees of the ACLU of Virginia, and as a board member of the Hampton Roads Tax Forum. She was a member of the Mayor's Commission on Equity and Economic Opportunity and the Mayor's Committee on Gaming. For a number of years, she was a weekly guest opinion columnist for The Virginian-Pilot, covering state and local politics. She co-founded Norfolk United Facing Race and was a founding board member of the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement. Her varied interests have led her to be a public speaker and a frequent guest on radio and television, both locally and nationally. For her work in the community, she has received numerous awards, including being a YWCA Women of Distinction honoree.

Michael Cheng

Mike Cheng, CPA, is a partner at Frazier & Deeter where he oversees professional practices related to technical accounting. He specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues. He is currently a member of the FASB’s Private Company Council (PCC), advising on possible alternatives within U.S. GAAP to address financial statement user needs, and he recently served on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee. 

Mike was previously a senior project manager and PCC coordinator at the FASB, where he led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shape the future of the FASB technical agenda and improve VIE guidance. Formerly at a Big 4 firm, Mike has worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842).

Jeffrey Lewis

Jeffrey Lewis, MBA, RR, CTP, CCM

Jeff’s practice areas include strategy development and implementation; corporate and global finance and treasury; financial institutions and markets; risk management and re-engineering; technology deployment and sustainability. He has worked worldwide for a variety of multinational companies. 

Jeff is a frequent lecturer on economics, finance, international development, digital and financial technologies, sustainability, and artificial intelligence from a transformational and business context.

Randolph Johnston

Randolph (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has over 40 years of management and technology consulting experience and continues to be a top-rated speaker in the technology industry. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, Randy is listed as a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011–2021. His influence throughout the accounting profession is highlighted by being a recipient of the Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting award from 2004–2021. Among his many other awards, he holds the honor of being one of nine technology stars in the U.S. by Accounting Technology Magazine.

Randy has started and owns multiple businesses, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, La., and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kan. NMGI has supported CPA firms for 30+ years and is the largest managed service provider serving the CPA profession in North America.

He has taught technology courses at Hutchingson Community College, James Madison University, Western Washington University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Alison Houck

Alison L. Houck Andrew, CPA, is a seasoned accounting professional with over 25 years of experience. She is a leader in the profession, currently serving as an At-Large Director for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) (after serving 3 years as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director). In addition, She currently serves as the Chair of NASBA’s Education Committee and the NASBA’s Representative of the AICPA’s Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC). 

A former Board President of the Delaware State Board of Accountancy and the Delaware Society of CPA’s, Alison was Delaware’s designated member of the AICPA National Council and has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the BPW Young Careerist Award, NAWBO Bridge Builder Award, and multiple “Best Accountant” honors. She remains actively involved in financial oversight, governance and advisory roles through roles with Beebe Medical Foundation, Children and Families First of Delaware, University of Delaware and WSFS Bank.

Alison specializes in entrepreneurial services consulting, not-for-profit entities, and tax consulting. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys boating, beach outings, and fitness. A recent cancer survivor, she is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting fellow survivors. 

William Walter

Bill Walter, Managing Director in DHG’s Government Contracting Advisory practice, has more than three decades of experience in the government contracting industry. Prior to joining the firm, Bill was an auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency and held executive-level positions with one of the largest service providers to the Department of Defense. 
Bill’s extensive background in the application and interpretation of rules, regulations and standards applicable to government contractors includes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), individual agency supplements and the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). His experience and perspective provide DHG clients with sound guidance regarding real business challenges and a diverse portfolio of solutions.
Bill’s work includes helping clients understand the requirements associated with developing and implementing pricing strategies, indirect cost allocation solutions, developing accounting, estimating, procurement, project management and integrated system requirements for clients in various industries including aerospace and defense, contingency contracting, logistics, oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, construction and professional services.
As a faculty member of the George Mason University (GMU) and the Public Contracting Institute (PCI) Government Contracts Program, Bill has developed and taught courses on many facets of contracting. In addition, Bill leads PCI’s “Trending Cost Issues” program, providing monthly updates on topics relevant to the Government Contracting industry. Bill is also a highly sought-after presenter on current topics to industry groups in the federal procurement arena.
Bill regularly writes articles on current industry trends for publications such as Government Contract Costs, Pricing & Accounting Report.

John Murray

John Murray, CPA, has over 20 years of experience in both the private and public accounting practice areas. He applies his experience to provide insights and identify opportunities for closely-held businesses in the real estate, technology, private equity and insurance industries. In addition, John has multi-state tax experience in which he plans for state franchise and capital taxes as well as sales and use taxes. He 
provides ongoing budgeting, forecasting, cash management and compensation planning for many of 
his clients. In addition, John applies his expertise and knowledge in structuring transactions and reviewing proposed acquisitions in order to minimize the tax consequences for his clients. John is a member of the firm’s Financial Services and Mergers and Acquisitions teams and has clients that are located throughout Charlottesville and Richmond.

Randolph Johnston

Randolph (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has over 40 years of management and technology consulting experience and continues to be a top-rated speaker in the technology industry. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, Randy is listed as a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011–2021. His influence throughout the accounting profession is highlighted by being a recipient of the Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting award from 2004–2021. Among his many other awards, he holds the honor of being one of nine technology stars in the U.S. by Accounting Technology Magazine.

Randy has started and owns multiple businesses, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, La., and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kan. NMGI has supported CPA firms for 30+ years and is the largest managed service provider serving the CPA profession in North America.

He has taught technology courses at Hutchingson Community College, James Madison University, Western Washington University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Vivian Paige

Vivian J. Paige, CPA, CGMA, MBA, MS, has extensive experience in taxation and accounting. She was a successful sole practitioner until selling most of her firm 11 years ago and joining the faculty of her alma mater, Old Dominion University (ODU). During her nine years at ODU, she received numerous awards, including being bestowed the permanent title of "University Distinguished Teacher" and being named the "Most Inspiring Faculty Member" by the winner of the ODU Kaufman Scholar Award, given annually to the top student among ODU's 25,000+ students. She then spent two years as a member of the faculty at Christopher Newport University, where, in addition to teaching, she served as a mentor to the next generation of CPAs. She is currently taking a break from teaching.
Vivian is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). She is actively involved in the VSCPA, currently serving as a member and immediate past chair of the Tax Advisory Committee and as a member of the VSCPA Political Action Committee Board, the ad hoc Educators' Symposium Task Force, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council. She authored the VSCPA Legislators' Tax Guide and presented briefings to the legislature on taxation. She is the co-author of two current VSCPA ethics courses and has been a presenter at several VSCPA conferences. Her longtime service to the VSCPA was recognized in 2019 when she was named the Outstanding Member.
Vivian is also involved in her community. She serves as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee of the FoodBank of Southeastern Virginia, on the audit and finance committees of the ACLU of Virginia, and as a board member of the Hampton Roads Tax Forum. She was a member of the Mayor's Commission on Equity and Economic Opportunity and the Mayor's Committee on Gaming. For a number of years, she was a weekly guest opinion columnist for The Virginian-Pilot, covering state and local politics. She co-founded Norfolk United Facing Race and was a founding board member of the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement. Her varied interests have led her to be a public speaker and a frequent guest on radio and television, both locally and nationally. For her work in the community, she has received numerous awards, including being a YWCA Women of Distinction honoree.

Michael Cheng

Mike Cheng, CPA, is a partner at Frazier & Deeter where he oversees professional practices related to technical accounting. He specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues. He is currently a member of the FASB’s Private Company Council (PCC), advising on possible alternatives within U.S. GAAP to address financial statement user needs, and he recently served on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee. 

Mike was previously a senior project manager and PCC coordinator at the FASB, where he led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shape the future of the FASB technical agenda and improve VIE guidance. Formerly at a Big 4 firm, Mike has worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842).

Paula McMillan

Paula McMillan is a recognized thought leader in navigating retirement readiness and the unique financial challenges of women. Paula created two national AICPA podcast series — Retirement Planning and Women and Wealth. Paula is regularly published and quoted in national and local publications, including The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, The Business Journal, The Tax Adviser, Journal of Accountancy, NCACPA Interim Report, How Stuff Works and more. A TEDx presenter on Retirement: Longevity and Security, Paula frequently delivers presentations to national, regional and local audiences on investing and financial life planning-related topics. Specifically, Paula’s passion is helping people balance living a desired lifestyle today with accumulating wealth for tomorrow through maximizing their financial position. She helps people answer the questions “Do I have enough? What strategies can I employ to have more?”

Randolph Johnston

Randolph (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has over 40 years of management and technology consulting experience and continues to be a top-rated speaker in the technology industry. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, Randy is listed as a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011–2021. His influence throughout the accounting profession is highlighted by being a recipient of the Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting award from 2004–2021. Among his many other awards, he holds the honor of being one of nine technology stars in the U.S. by Accounting Technology Magazine.

Randy has started and owns multiple businesses, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, La., and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kan. NMGI has supported CPA firms for 30+ years and is the largest managed service provider serving the CPA profession in North America.

He has taught technology courses at Hutchingson Community College, James Madison University, Western Washington University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

John Murray

John Murray, CPA, has over 20 years of experience in both the private and public accounting practice areas. He applies his experience to provide insights and identify opportunities for closely-held businesses in the real estate, technology, private equity and insurance industries. In addition, John has multi-state tax experience in which he plans for state franchise and capital taxes as well as sales and use taxes. He 
provides ongoing budgeting, forecasting, cash management and compensation planning for many of 
his clients. In addition, John applies his expertise and knowledge in structuring transactions and reviewing proposed acquisitions in order to minimize the tax consequences for his clients. John is a member of the firm’s Financial Services and Mergers and Acquisitions teams and has clients that are located throughout Charlottesville and Richmond.

Michael Brand

Michael L. Brand is currently a member/partner in the firm of BMSS, LLC working out of their Huntsville, AL office with an emphasis in auditing and accounting services, peer review, litigation support, and quality management. He has been in the practice of public accounting for over 34 years. He also teaches continuing education classes across the country, for which he has received the AICPA and ASCPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award multiple times; and has spoken at several conferences nationwide and overseas.  

Mike is a newly appointed member of the AICPAs Audit Standards Board and was formerly a member of the AICPA’s PCPS Technical Issues Committee, is a past chair of the Alabama Society of CPAs Board of Directors; current co-chair of the AICPA’s ENGAGE conference; and past chair and current member of the steering committee for National Advanced Accounting and Auditing Technical Symposium at ENGAGE. He serves as a committee member of the Partners in Peer Review of the ASCPA, the AICPAs Attestation Standards Task Force and PEECs Engagements Subject to the SSAEs Task Force .  He also serves on the Accounting Advisory Council for the University of North Alabama. Previously, he was chair of the Accounting and Review Services Committee, on the Professional Ethics Executive Committee, Peer Review Board, Joint Trial Board, and Quality Control Standards Task Force of the AICPA. 

Mike received his B.S. in accounting from the University of North Alabama and currently resides in Athens, AL with his wife and has two adult sons.  In his free time, he enjoys most outdoor sports including running and pickle ball and also loves to cook, travel and eat.

Alison Houck

Alison L. Houck Andrew, CPA, is a seasoned accounting professional with over 25 years of experience. She is a leader in the profession, currently serving as an At-Large Director for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) (after serving 3 years as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director). In addition, She currently serves as the Chair of NASBA’s Education Committee and the NASBA’s Representative of the AICPA’s Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC). 

A former Board President of the Delaware State Board of Accountancy and the Delaware Society of CPA’s, Alison was Delaware’s designated member of the AICPA National Council and has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the BPW Young Careerist Award, NAWBO Bridge Builder Award, and multiple “Best Accountant” honors. She remains actively involved in financial oversight, governance and advisory roles through roles with Beebe Medical Foundation, Children and Families First of Delaware, University of Delaware and WSFS Bank.

Alison specializes in entrepreneurial services consulting, not-for-profit entities, and tax consulting. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys boating, beach outings, and fitness. A recent cancer survivor, she is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting fellow survivors. 

Randolph Johnston

Randolph (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has over 40 years of management and technology consulting experience and continues to be a top-rated speaker in the technology industry. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, Randy is listed as a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011–2021. His influence throughout the accounting profession is highlighted by being a recipient of the Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting award from 2004–2021. Among his many other awards, he holds the honor of being one of nine technology stars in the U.S. by Accounting Technology Magazine.

Randy has started and owns multiple businesses, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, La., and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kan. NMGI has supported CPA firms for 30+ years and is the largest managed service provider serving the CPA profession in North America.

He has taught technology courses at Hutchingson Community College, James Madison University, Western Washington University and the University of Central Oklahoma.