Business & Industry Virtual Conference

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.

Eric Slack

Eric is counsel in Thompson Hine’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group. He brings nearly two decades of substantive federal tax and regulatory experience to advising corporate clients on complex retirement plan and corporate tax matters. Prior to joining the firm, Eric held leadership roles at the Internal Revenue Service, including nine years as an executive within the IRS Large Business & International and Employee Plans Divisions, and most recently as the Director of Employee Plans, where he oversaw 700 employees across the country. He also worked as detailed tax counsel with the Senate Finance Committee, reviewing, revising and developing benefits and tax legislative issues.

Jeffrey Lewis

Jeffrey Lewis, MBA, RR, CTP, CCM, is a frequent lecturer on economics, finance, international development, digital and financial technologies, sustainability and artificial intelligence from a transformational and business context.

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.

Jared Brown

Jared Brown, CPA, is a director in the Bristol office of Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. Jared was a principal with Dent K. Burk Associates, P.C., prior to its merger with Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. in 2015. Jared’s concentration is related to small business compilation, reviews and tax returns. He also specializes in audits of nonprofits and manufacturing entities as well as assisting with the firm’s automotive niche.

Jared graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a CPA in Tennessee and Virginia. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Brydon DeWitt

Brydon DeWitt is a partner at Williams Mullen, where he focuses his practice on all areas of employee benefits law, including qualified pension plans, welfare plans, Affordable Care Act compliance, HIPAA health information privacy and security, stock-based compensation and benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions.

His experience includes advising clients with respect to ERISA, tax and securities law aspects of qualified retirement plans; providing advice regarding the HIPAA health information privacy standards and designing comprehensive HIPAA privacy policies, business associate agreements, plan amendments, forms and guides; and advising clients on COBRA continuation coverage issues regarding group health plans.

Brydon leads the firm's Health Care Reform Team, advising clients with respect to the Affordable Care Act, including plan design, plan amendments, notice and disclosure, reporting, compliance strategies and the employer shared responsibility or "play or pay" mandate.

He has advised clients with respect to the design of flexible benefit plans. He has prepared proxy and disclosure for shareholder approval of stock incentive plans and plan amendments. He has experience with stock options and other types of equity-based compensation. He has participated in ERISA litigation and designed change in control and severance benefit arrangements.

Brydon is a member of the Taxation Section on the Employee Benefits Committee for the American Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and the Central Virginia Employee Benefits Council. He is a frequent speaker on HIPAA and other employee benefits matters. Brydon serves as a board member of Deeds of Love Ministries, U.S.A., and he is the president of Tuckahoe Little League. He is also a member of the Higher Achievement Richmond Advisory Board.

Brydon received his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Bridgewater College. He received his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he was a member of the University of Richmond Law Review and the McNeill Law Society.

Jeffrey Lewis

Jeffrey Lewis, MBA, RR, CTP, CCM, is a frequent lecturer on economics, finance, international development, digital and financial technologies, sustainability and artificial intelligence from a transformational and business context.

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.

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. She is the author of the VSCPA’s monthly Don Farmer Federal Tax newsletter, and authors and presents its annual Federal Tax Update.  She also is 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.

John Higgins

John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.

John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm.

John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies.

Some of John's notable accomplishments include:
• Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services.
• Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses.
• Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms.
• AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee.
• Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the CPA Practice Advisor magazine (2011–2023).
• Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology.
• National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP.
• Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs.
• Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award.
• Co-author of 10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud, published by the AICPA.
• Contributing author to The Insiders’ Guide to Accounting Advisory Success on Amazon.

John delivers over 100 presentations annually on a wide range of accounting technology topics. Some of the current popular topics include:
• ChatGPT and generative AI.
• Blockchain technology.
• Bitcoin and other virtual money.
• Big Data and data analytics.
• Communicating, collaborating and sharing knowledge with Office 365 and Teams.
• KPI Dashboards: The New Financial Reporting Model.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA).
• How to Build a Virtual Accounting Practice.
• And many more.

Ashley Sullivan

Ashley Sullivan is a Partner at MSC, where she oversees firmwide operational strategy and ensures consistency and quality across all cost segregation and fixed asset service lines. She works closely with practice leaders to refine workflows, strengthen quality control processes, and align technical standards with evolving industry guidance.

With more than 20 years of experience, Sullivan has supported the execution and review of over 10,000 engineering based studies across diverse property types.

Her expertise spans:
• Engineering driven cost segregation studies
• Repair vs. capitalization analyses under IRC §§162 and 263(a)
• Section 1031 exchange asset classification
• Fixed asset lifecycle and depreciation method optimization
• Energy related incentives, including §179D and §45L

In addition to her client and technical work, Sullivan is a frequent national speaker at major accounting and industry events. She has presented at the AICPA National Tax Conference, the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference, and numerous state CPA society conferences, including Arizona, Virginia, and Tidewater. Her speaking topics range from cost segregation, Section 1031 exchanges, and short term rental considerations to §179D/§45L energy incentives and women’s leadership in technical practice areas.

Sullivan currently serves as President of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP) for the 2025–2027 term. A long time CCSP member, she has held multiple leadership positions within ASCSP, including Secretary, Vice President, Director, and Chair of the Conference Committee. In these roles, she helped strengthen technical standards, expand educational programming, and enhance audit ready documentation practices for the profession.

Earlier in her career, she contributed to the development of The Practical Guide to Cost Segregation (CCH/Wolters Kluwer) and supported the creation of early software tools that standardized building component mapping and modernized engineering workflows. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Averett University and remains active in professional organizations at both the state and national levels.

Jared Brown

Jared Brown, CPA, is a director in the Bristol office of Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. Jared was a principal with Dent K. Burk Associates, P.C., prior to its merger with Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. in 2015. Jared’s concentration is related to small business compilation, reviews and tax returns. He also specializes in audits of nonprofits and manufacturing entities as well as assisting with the firm’s automotive niche.

Jared graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a CPA in Tennessee and Virginia. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Brydon DeWitt

Brydon DeWitt is a partner at Williams Mullen, where he focuses his practice on all areas of employee benefits law, including qualified pension plans, welfare plans, Affordable Care Act compliance, HIPAA health information privacy and security, stock-based compensation and benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions.

His experience includes advising clients with respect to ERISA, tax and securities law aspects of qualified retirement plans; providing advice regarding the HIPAA health information privacy standards and designing comprehensive HIPAA privacy policies, business associate agreements, plan amendments, forms and guides; and advising clients on COBRA continuation coverage issues regarding group health plans.

Brydon leads the firm's Health Care Reform Team, advising clients with respect to the Affordable Care Act, including plan design, plan amendments, notice and disclosure, reporting, compliance strategies and the employer shared responsibility or "play or pay" mandate.

He has advised clients with respect to the design of flexible benefit plans. He has prepared proxy and disclosure for shareholder approval of stock incentive plans and plan amendments. He has experience with stock options and other types of equity-based compensation. He has participated in ERISA litigation and designed change in control and severance benefit arrangements.

Brydon is a member of the Taxation Section on the Employee Benefits Committee for the American Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and the Central Virginia Employee Benefits Council. He is a frequent speaker on HIPAA and other employee benefits matters. Brydon serves as a board member of Deeds of Love Ministries, U.S.A., and he is the president of Tuckahoe Little League. He is also a member of the Higher Achievement Richmond Advisory Board.

Brydon received his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Bridgewater College. He received his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he was a member of the University of Richmond Law Review and the McNeill Law Society.

Vincent Centofanti

Vincent is a director in the Valuation, Forensic, & Litigation Support (VFLS) practice of the firm. He has over 10 years of experience in business valuation, intangible asset valuation, transaction advisory services, litigation support and forensic accounting.

He has prepared hundreds of valuations for such purposes as estate and gift tax planning, mergers and acquisitions, ESOP compliance, shareholder disputes, marital disputes and others. Vincent has assisted numerous businesses with transaction advisory services, such as financial due diligence, quality of earnings analysis, target working capital analysis, and fairness opinions. Vincent's forensic and litigation support experience includes dispute valuations, calculating economic damages, financial forensic investigations and fraud examinations.

Billy Robinson Jr.

Billy is a partner and the firm coordinator of Construction and Business Valuation Services in the Kingsport, Tenn., office of Brown Edwards, L.L.P. 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.

Josh Blum

Josh Blum is the co-founder and partner of IVOLVE + THRIVE, where he works with business owners to align strategy, leadership, and structure so their companies can grow without becoming more dependent on them.

Through peer advisory groups and strategic workshops, Josh and his partners help owners uncover the blind spots that influence their time, decisions, and long-term business outcomes.
He regularly facilitates conversations between business owners and their professional advisors around complex growth decisions including acquisitions, leadership transitions, and scaling strategy.

Josh has provided continuing education for professional advisors for more than 15 years and has worked extensively within the financial services industry helping clients pursue greater financial independence and long-term business value.

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. She is the author of the VSCPA’s monthly Don Farmer Federal Tax newsletter, and authors and presents its annual Federal Tax Update.  She also is 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.

Joseph Wiggins

Sandy and his team joined Wealthspire through the acquisition of ACG Wealth Management, where he served as president & CEO for more than 35 years.  

As an advisor, he brings decades of concentrated experience in developing investment, wealth management and retirement plan strategies for successful individuals, businesses and endowments.

He is deeply committed to putting clients first and ensuring transparency and trust in each relationship. A firm believer in collaboration, he also works closely with clients’ other advisors (i.e., CPAs, attorneys) to create a cohesive team of professionals with the common goal of securing clients’ financial futures. 

Sandy earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds both the Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designations. Active in his local community, he is a proud board member of the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation and a contributor to the Massey Cancer Center and the Pauley Heart Center. 

Outside of work, Sandy enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, in addition to traveling, hiking, biking, boating and skiing. He is also a high-performance driving instructor and amateur sports car racer.

John Higgins

John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.

John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm.

John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies.

Some of John's notable accomplishments include:
• Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services.
• Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses.
• Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms.
• AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee.
• Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the CPA Practice Advisor magazine (2011–2023).
• Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology.
• National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP.
• Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs.
• Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award.
• Co-author of 10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud, published by the AICPA.
• Contributing author to The Insiders’ Guide to Accounting Advisory Success on Amazon.

John delivers over 100 presentations annually on a wide range of accounting technology topics. Some of the current popular topics include:
• ChatGPT and generative AI.
• Blockchain technology.
• Bitcoin and other virtual money.
• Big Data and data analytics.
• Communicating, collaborating and sharing knowledge with Office 365 and Teams.
• KPI Dashboards: The New Financial Reporting Model.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA).
• How to Build a Virtual Accounting Practice.
• And many more.

Richard Hedley Jr.

Richard is a tax services partner in the Roanoke office of Brown Edwards & Company, L.L.P., and has over 25 years of experience providing tax planning, compliance and advisory services.

Prior to joining Brown Edwards, Richard was a partner in one of the top 20 firms in the nation where his areas of expertise included high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed business, pass-through entities and tax controversy.

Richard has served a wide variety of clients in residential and commercial construction, manufacturing, hospitality, closely-held entities, S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and individuals. In addition, he has experience with representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service.

Richard provides leadership to the firm's state and local tax group that assists businesses of all sizes with planning and compliance in connection with both state sales and use tax and income tax requirements.

John Higgins

John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.

John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm.

John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies.

Some of John's notable accomplishments include:
• Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services.
• Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses.
• Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms.
• AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee.
• Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the CPA Practice Advisor magazine (2011–2023).
• Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology.
• National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP.
• Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs.
• Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award.
• Co-author of 10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud, published by the AICPA.
• Contributing author to The Insiders’ Guide to Accounting Advisory Success on Amazon.

John delivers over 100 presentations annually on a wide range of accounting technology topics. Some of the current popular topics include:
• ChatGPT and generative AI.
• Blockchain technology.
• Bitcoin and other virtual money.
• Big Data and data analytics.
• Communicating, collaborating and sharing knowledge with Office 365 and Teams.
• KPI Dashboards: The New Financial Reporting Model.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA).
• How to Build a Virtual Accounting Practice.
• And many more.

John Lewis

John is a founding partner of Lewis Wealth Partners and serves as the team’s Family Wealth Director. He advocates for client engagement and deep relationships as essential elements to help clients achieve long-term goals. John provides a consistent review process and extensive education services through individual and family meetings, as well as client events.

John began his career in 1986 at Central Fidelity Bank. With vast experience in the financial services industry, he has held significant roles at Lehman Brothers, UBS, SunTrust, Morgan Stanley and Truist before joining Rockefeller in 2024. As an Entrepreneur, Chief Investment Officer and endowment investment expert, John leverages his expertise to strengthen the investment process, engage stakeholders, reduce risk and enhance returns. He has demonstrated expertise in multi-asset class investing for endowments, foundations, high net-worth individuals and insurance companies. His leadership and insights have been instrumental in guiding investment strategies and fostering sustainable growth.

A native of Richmond, John has been very active within the community. He serves or has served on the Boards of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Faison School for Autism, Massey Cancer Center, VMFA Charitable Advisors and the Entrepreneur’s Organization. He is also a member of the Virginia Council of CEOs and the Estate Planning Council of Richmond and has spoken at numerous organizations’ meetings. 

John lives in Richmond with his wife, Libby. Their two sons, Porter and Warner, are currently attending Virginia Military Institute. John enjoys spending time at the Bay with his family, watching his sons play lacrosse and managing his family’s beef cattle farm in Augusta County.

Helen Dow

Helen Dow is a director at Warren Whitney with more than 30 years of experience helping companies improve their financial performance and enhance all finance and accounting functions. She works with clients on overseeing financial analysis, improving operational efficiencies and system implementation. Helen generally serves Warren Whitney’s clients in the role of fractional CFO or Controller. She brings perspective from working in both the nonprofit and private sectors.