Annual Convention & Expo (E1806010)

Rachel L. Anevski, M.A.O.B., PHR, SHRM-CP, is the founder and chief executive officer of Matters of Management, LLC. Rachel has held executive roles in marketing, business development and human capital for mid-size and large professional services firms. She has spent her career working alongside business owners and managing partners carrying out firm missions, acquiring talent and providing coaching to executives, management and staff. Consulting engagements have consisted of organizational redesign of operations and infrastructure, personnel programming, senior talent acquisition, total benefit and rewards systems, policy and procedure manuals, and providing business development coaching training. She is certified in human resources, has a Masters Degree in organizational behavior from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Frank is an emeritus partner of WithumSmith+Brown, PC (Withum) with over 35 years of accounting and auditing experience. He is a licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey and has significant experience working with SEC registrants, small and large private entities in various industries, including hedge funds, private equity funds and finance companies. Frank is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and was a former member of the AICPA Peer Review Board. He is a past president of the NJCPA and currently chairs its Peer Review Executive Committee. Frank is a frequent lecturer on accounting and auditing and is a co-author of three accounting books.

Rebekah J. Brown, CPA, is the manager of Membership Development and Engagement at the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA), and works to develop and engage the next generation of CPAs. Rebekah is active in the CPA social media scene, blogging for MACPA’s CPA Success, and tweeting and managing the social media presence of MACPA’s learning & innovation center, The Business Learning Institute. Rebekah is a certified facilitator in BLI’s I2A-Insights to Action Strategic Planning System and has used her facilitation skills to facilitate strategic plans for firms and non-profits, as well as, visioning sessions for accounting professionals in the United States and Canada. Rebekah earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration dual specializing in Accounting and Sports Management from The Max M. Fisher School of Business at The Ohio State University in 2009.

Thomas Byrne, Jr. is the chair of the New Jersey State Investment Council. The council oversees the investment of New Jersey’s public pension fund assets. He has also served as a member of the New Jersey Pension and Health Benefit Study Commission, and has written and spoken extensively on these issues. Byrne also serves as a trustee and treasurer of The Fund for New Jersey and is a trustee of several other civic organizations.

He is also Managing Director and Head of Equity Portfolio Managmenet of Byrne Asset Management where he brings over 35 years experience in the securities industry to his clients.

Jack M. Ciattarelli is a former State Assemblyman for the 16th Legislative District having served from 2011 to 2018. In the State Assembly, he sat on the Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee and the Regulated Professions Committee. In addition, in 2016, Jack was appointed to serve as a member of the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force. The task force analyzes and recommends ways for the state to retain and attract new companies in the biotechnology industry as it represents thousands of jobs, hundreds of companies, and billions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue each year. He was a candidate for governor in the 2017 Republican gubernatorial primary. In seeking the Republican nomination for governor, he sacrificed running for re-election to the State Legislature, where his term as State Assemblyman for the 16th District ended this past January. He is a successful entrepreneur and small business owner twice over, having founded two publishing companies, each time working as CEO and Publisher for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine medical journals. Jack recently founded and launched a third medical publishing business, this one focused on healthcare information and education for senior citizens. Jack earned his Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Masters of Business Administration in Finance at Seton Hall University, where he has also taught as an adjunct professor. Jack is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

E. Martin Davidoff is the National Managing Partner – Tax Controversy Practice of Prager Metis CPAs, a member of Prager Metis International Group. He has been practicing in the accounting industry for over 40 years.

Marty is a renowned expert in IRS and State tax controversy resolution as well as State and Federal income tax matters and Federal tax lien withdrawals. He has written over 30 articles on IRS representation in CPA Magazine and spoken on various tax issues on platforms including Fox News, WPIX and a number of radio shows. In addition, Marty is experienced in business start-ups, tax planning for both individuals and businesses, and the taxation of S-corporations and limited liability companies.

Marty’s extensive knowledge, contacts, and experience allow him to develop a thorough and comprehensive strategy to resolve tax controversies and deliver results effectively. Marty provides his clients with compassionate, reliable service and is willing to go to great lengths to get the best possible outcome. Clients who meet with Marty on tax controversy matters receive Marty’s detailed notes and a specific plan of action prior to leaving the meeting, relieving stress and providing peace of mind.

His comprehensive client service approach has led Marty to win several awards, including Accounting Today’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting from seven straight years. He has also previously been named by the US Small Business Administration as the Regional Advocate of the Year for small businesses and has participated in two White House conferences on Small Business.

In his spare time, Marty is dedicated to philanthropic endeavors, enjoying his grandchildren, and playing basketball, pickleball, and poker. Most notably, he is the Founder and Executive Director for Make A Smile Foundation Inc., a charity holiday shopping spree that benefits children in economic need.

Marty is also the owner of E. Martin Davidoff, Attorney at Law, which specializes resolution of Federal and State tax controversies, including representation before the IRS and in the United States Tax Court. Marty is admitted to practice law in the States of New York and New Jersey and has firm members or of counsel relationships allowing the firm to practice in 36 additional states.

Marc is a senior vice president of Mortgage Lending and a branch manager at Guaranteed Rate. He is currently licensed in all 50 states successfully serving his clients in residential mortgages and reverse mortgages. Marc consistently ranks in the top 1 percent of mortgage originators in the U.S., according to leading industry sources, such as Origination News, Mortgage Executive and Scotsman Guide. In his home state of New Jersey, Marc has been featured in NJBIZ's "40 Under 40," and is called upon frequently by the real estate, finance, accounting and legal communities as a trusted expert and speaker. Profoundly inspired by his grandfather's hard work and success as an immigrant coming from Cyprus, Marc has authored an award-winning book, Lessons From My Grandfather: Wisdom For Success in Business and Life.

John M. Fleming, CPA, M.B.A. John M. Fleming, licensed as a CPA in Pennsylvania, has served as the Director of Content Development for Kaplan Financial Education, powered by SmartPros, and also as President and Director of Accounting and Auditing for Kaplan Financial Education, powered by Loscalzo Institute. John retired on October 1, 2017. In retirement, John continues to provide seminars as a discussion leader on a part-time basis. John’s prior practice experience includes audit, tax, consulting, office management, and human resource responsibilities with Deloitte LLP, Richard Eisner & Company LLP, and Ernst & Young LLP. John is a graduate of LaSalle and Drexel Universities with degrees in accounting and finance. John served as the 1999–2000 President of the 8,300-member Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). In 2006, the PICPA recognized John as a Joseph E. Sterrett Fellow for his contributions to the accounting profession. In 2007, the Philadelphia Chapter recognized John with their Champion Award for his contributions to the PICPA, Chapter, profession, and community. John has also served as the 2002/2003 President of the American Accounting Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region.

Eleanor Galt-Lin, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Senior Vice President in the financial industry in New Jersey. She serves individuals and small business owners, often working closely with the CPAs and lawyers. After completing the rigorous requirements to attain her CFP® designation, Eleanor pursued even more advanced coursework in the area of Social Security benefits and Medicare. With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day during the next two decades, Eleanor believes it’s crucial for clients to understand their Social Security benefits.[1] She is a frequent speaker on Social Security and Medicare to various groups, including professionals such as CPAs and lawyers.   Eleanor graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Economics, and attained her CFP® designation in February 2012. A native of New Jersey, Eleanor loves to golf and scuba dive in her spare time.  

Jay Giannantonio is an advisory principal/senior manager at a global consulting firm, specializing in project management over ERP and finance transformation projects for global firms. He is a frequent speaker at accounting, financial management, and CFO process improvement seminars and conferences. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, he received the Surgent Outstanding Discussion Leader Award due to his consistently high evaluations for knowledge and presentation skills. Giannantonio was the vice president of internal audit for a national commercial construction equipment leasing and retailer in 2005 and 2006. He was the director of CFO advisory services for E&Y from 2007 until he started his own firm in 2011. He began a position at a national EPM consultancy in 2019. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand (now PwC) in audit and accounting practice, and then he spent nine years in corporate financial management at Verizon/Bell Atlantic. Giannantonio spent over eight years as a director in the World Class Finance Advisory and internal audit practices at KPMG. He also has been an associate adjunct professor at Widener University in the Master of Business Administration program. Giannantonio earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an accounting concentration from Drexel University.

Ed Guttenplan co-founded WilkinGuttenplan in 1983 and is the managing shareholder of the firm. In addition to his administrative duties in managing the strategy, personnel and financial aspects of the practice, Ed provides a wide array of accounting, tax and business advisory services to closely held and family owned businesses in the construction, food service, manufacturing, technology, engineering, medical, dental, sales industries and community associations. Ed’s real estate practice includes the development of budgets and forecasts, consultation regarding condominiums, cooperative corporations and homeowner association’s management, as well as guidance on accounting and tax matters related to project development and litigation support services. Prior to co-founding WilkinGuttenplan, Ed worked in private industry for both regional and international accounting firms. Ed also services many community associations including active adult communities, cooperatives, mixed-use and multi-association communities.

Ed was the 2017/18 president of the NJCPA and serves as chairperson of the Nominating Committee. He graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in business administration and Magna Cum Laude with an M.B.A. from Boston University.

John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, which helps CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, having been the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations, such as the co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services, and a founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses. 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.

James Kane has helped some of the largest and most well-known organizations in the world build nearly unbreakable relationships with not only their clients and customers, but with members, fans, guests, patients, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and employees, as well. James' work reveals the science behind the real human emotion called loyalty, and what anyone can do to receive its benefits. The author of two upcoming books, The Loyalty Switch and Virtually Loyal, Kane has worked with every major industry, while advising and training organizations ranging from global 1000 giants to small, regional companies, non-profits, and professional associations. James has been profiled and quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, TIME Magazine, the BBC, and numerous other global and industry publications. He is a frequent guest on CNN, CNBC and FOX Business. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, James has served as a guest instructor at Harvard University and The Pennsylvania State University.

Allan D. Koltin, CPA, CGMA, is the CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, a Chicago-based consulting firm that specializes in working with professional and financial services firms in the areas of practice growth, practice management, human capital, and mergers and acquisitions. His passion is facilitating retreats and providing coaching for firm leadership and partners. His specialties include strategy, governance, profitability, compensation, growth, human capital, succession, and mergers and acquisitions. For eighteen consecutive years, Allan has been named by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the accounting profession. For the past three years, he was recognized as one of the “10 Most Influential” in the profession. A nationally recognized speaker and industry analyst, he has appeared on numerous television networks and has been quoted frequently in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and New York Post, as well as Bloomberg News, BBC World Service, Business Week, Forbes and Reuters.

Sarah Krom, CPA, MST is Managing Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs and is well-respected by her clients and business associates for bringing tremendous value to those relationships for over ten years. Sarah works closely with clients to establish realistic financial goals and helps create reporting systems to ensure that they are on track to achieve those goals. By immersing herself in the daily operations of the business, she is able to consult on operational efficiencies, cost-saving tactics, and real-time financial reporting. Sarah is a past President of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a trustee on the board of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and also serves on its strategic planning committee.

Michael Markulec is partner and co-founder of Harbor Technology Group. He has advised senior government officials (DoD, DHS, ODNI) on cyber policy, critical infrastructure protection, and the global threat landscape in this capacity and at previous senior level management positions. Michael is a sought after speaker and presenter on a variety of networking and security topics, most notably security issues and mandates in the federal government, such as IPv6 transition and cybersecurity. He has published dozens of articles and technical papers on cybersecurity ranging from SCADA manufacturing system vulnerabilities to protecting international financial transactions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Norwich University and a master’s degree in business from Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business. In addition, Michael is a dedicated public servant, serving in the Army, as mayor of Hopewell Township, New Jersey, and as an elected member of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District school board.

Ellen McSherry is Chief Operating Officer for New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). She oversees the management of all programs that support the organization's strategic plan, mission and objectives. Ellen provides overall staff supervision as they work to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. She also manages all aspects of budgeting and resource requirements. Ellen has been with the organization for more than 25 years. Before her tenure at NJCPA, Ellen was a senior manager at Ernst & Young, overseeing audit executions for Nabisco, International and Becton Dickinson along with audits for the firm’s various health care clients. Ellen holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Northeastern University Graduate School of Professional Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Assumption College. She holds CPA and CGMA (Certified Global Management Accountant) certificates. She's also a liaison to the NJCPA Board of Trustees and sits on its Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Volunteer Relations and Retirement Savings Committees and liaises to its Council of Past Presidents. She was honored by the Executive Women of NJ as a "Salute to the Policy Makers" recipient and by the NJCPA as a "Woman of Note." Ellen is a wine enthusiast and enjoys watching basketball, going to concerts, and traveling to her favorite places like Europe or California. She's a Eucharist minister for St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield.

Daniel L. Mellor, J.D., LL.M., is a shareholder with Kulzer DiPadova, P.A., located in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Mr. Mellor is a member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, as well as the Camden, Burlington and Mercer County Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. He is also licensed to practice before the United States Tax Court. Mr. Mellor earned his B.A. from the College of William and Mary, his J.D. at the George Mason University School of Law, and his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Don is the chief marketing officer of the NJCPA, responsible for setting the vision, strategy and direction for the organization’s marketing, communications and membership campaigns and for driving the success of a deep and broad swath of organizational initiatives. Functional areas of accountability include digital assets (web, social media, email), content and news distribution (including the organization’s flagship publication, New Jersey CPA), membership, media relations, public relations, next generation recruitment, executive communications and internal communications. He also oversees graphic design, market research, and advocacy and legislative communications. Don came to the NJCPA from the Craft & Hobby Association, where he was director of marketing and public relations.

Brad is an assurance principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP). He has significant experience in financial reporting, tax compliance and planning for closely held businesses, SEC registrants, nonprofit organizations and strategic business planning, and in industries, such as real estate, construction, architectural and engineering, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Brad is a member of the AICPA and the NJCPA, and was a former NJCPA president. In addition, Brad has served as an adjunct professor of accounting at William Paterson University and the College of Saint Elizabeth.

Senator Steve Oroho is currently serving his third term in the New Jersey State Senate. He represents the Twenty-Fourth Legislative District in the northwestern part of the state which comprises all of Sussex County, and parts of northern Warren and Morris counties.

Before entry into public office, Senator Oroho had extensive professional experience in the finance departments of top New York City firms, including work for Price Waterhouse, W.R. Grace and Company, as well as Young and Rubicam where he held the position of Senior Vice President of Finance. Senator Oroho is presently a certified financial planner with Stonebridge Capital Management.

A corporate speaker and presenter, Kathy Parry works with professional and financial services organizations that want to energize employees in order to boost performance, increase retention and improve staff utilization. Prior to launching her own business, Kathy was a trainer for a super-regional bank on their merger and acquisition team. But it was Kathy’s fourth child, Merritt Joy, who taught her the most about energy. Merritt Joy was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease. Her cells did not properly turn food into energy. Kathy spent the next several years becoming an expert in cellular function and received her Certification in Plant Based Nutrition from the T.Colin Campbell Program at eCornell University. Her journey with her daughter and subsequent research on resiliency have led Kathy to author her latest book, The Resilient Leader. She previously authored three other books. Kathy holds degrees in Business and Food Management from Miami University and a coaching certification from WellCoaches. Kathy is a professional member of The National Speakers Association.

Debbie operates her own tax controversy practice, specializing in partnership and S corporation tax law as well as IRS audits and procedures. She has been successful petitioning and resolving tax issues under the jurisdiction of the United States Tax Court. She is proficient in Section 199A provisions and computations as well as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She prepares all types of tax returns and utilizes her forensic accounting skills for potential IRS criminal prosecution. Having spent more than 32 years at the IRS, Debbie retired from its Large Business and International Division, where she was a senior manager in the Flow-Through Issue Practice Group, which specialized in S corporation and partnership tax. She was the operations and technical assistant to the Deputy Commissioner International; the technical assistant to the Director of PFTG; a territory manager in the retail, food and pharmaceuticals industries; a team manager in the heavy manufacturing industry; and the IRC Section 263A Technical Advisor. Debbie taught accounting and taxation as an adjunct at Delaware State University, Wilmington College and Goldey-Beacom College. She has been a seminar presenter for over 24 years and a textbook author. She regularly receives the Surgent Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Paul A. Sarlo is the Deputy Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate. He serves as chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, the Higher Education Committee, the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, and the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee. He is a former chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Labor Committee. Mr. Sarlo has been the prime sponsor of more than 250 bills which have been signed into law and has played a leading role on legislation to promote job creation and economic development. He has been prime sponsor of bi-partisan legislation which reformed the state’s school funding formula, lowered income taxes for the middle class, working poor and senior citizens, strengthened the fiscal health of the state pension fund, and provided dedicated funding for the Transportation Trust Fund to finance vital infrastructure projects throughout the state. He has also sponsored bills which reformed New Jersey’s worker’s compensation system, criminalized the illegal trafficking and distribution of prescription drugs, required schools to adopt bullying prevention policies and upgraded penalties for identity theft. A licensed professional engineer, licensed professional planner, and a certified municipal engineer, Mr. Sarlo holds bachelor of science and master of science degrees in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Heather is vice president of Sales Operations for the ADP Accountant Channel. With a career spanning two decades, Heather steadily progressed through the global human resources and payroll company, moving from district sales manager and corporate sales trainer to her current position. Throughout her career with ADP, she has leveraged her expertise in roles that take advantage of her competencies in sales, human resources, benefits administration, talent management and talent acquisition. This encompasses internal associate and leader engagement to drive results, as well as well as a high level of interaction with the accountant community. Heather is sought after nationwide to lead speaking engagements such as interactive workshops to foster attendees’ personal and professional development. She has coached thousands of professionals on improving selling and overall communications skills. She is also a board member of the Hope for Children Foundation.

Lisë Stewart is a director in the Closely Held and Family Business Services Group within the Private Business Services Practice at EisnerAmper. Lisë has significant experience in organizational development, strategic planning and training, and human performance management. Prior to joining the firm, Lisë was the founder and president of Galliard International, the largest provider of transition services for small businesses in the country. In 2014, she founded the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute, a non-profit membership organization for those interested in supporting and saving family owned companies in their local communities. Lisë holds certifications from various organizational development institutions, including the Gestalt Institute’s Certification in Professional Coaching and attainment of Professional Level Certification through the International Coach Federation. A popular speaker, Lisë has been a keynote presenter on topics pertaining to small business for over 25 years. She is also the author of numerous articles.

Ralph is the CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs. He was appointed to AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and the AICPA Foundation Board. Ralph is a former national and chapter president of the National Association of Black Accountants, was chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s State Society Relations Committee and is a member of the accounting advisory boards of Lehigh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Montclair State, Felician and Thomas Edison universities and Middlesex County College. In January 2018, he was invited by Senate President Steve Sweeney to join his bipartisan Economic and Fiscal Policy Working Group. Additionally, Ralph was selected for the last eight years by Accounting Today as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.”

Michael VanderGoot, CPA, CGMA is a manager in BDO's Corporate Real Estate Advisory Services Practice. Michael has over 25 years of real estate accounting and finance experience. He began his career working for a real estate developer and his path eventually led to controller and finance/operating officer positions for local, regional and national real estate companies. His responsibilities included overseeing rent and additional rent billings to tenants, and resolving disputes when they would arise. In addition, responsibilities included analyzing the contracts and invoices of all the vendors. Prior to joining BDO, Michael was director of audit at BC Compliance Group where his primary focus was representing tenants with lease auditing. His accounting and finance experience working for real estate owners and developers added an alternative perspective to tenant-related issues and accounting treatment by landlords. He also currently serves as the Secretary for the NJCPA Board of Trustees and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in this era of disruptive technological change. Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike takes an anthropological approach – scanning the near horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, and then translating these into pragmatic plans for business transformation. Mike’s clients include many of the global Fortune 500. He previously founded Jupiter Research in Australia, and has also held senior strategy roles at News Corporation in the Asia Pacific Region. He is currently a board member and strategic investor in the North Alliance, Scandinavia’s leading digital marketing group. Mike’s best-selling book FUTURETAINMENT, published by Phaidon was the winner of the design award by the Art Director’s Club in New York. A prolific writer and commentator, Mike’s views have appeared in a wide range of international publications. He spends more than 300 days a year on the road interviewing innovators, entrepreneurs and corporate revolutionaries.