Randy is the Founder of LakeTurn Automation, a Virginia-based professional services firm providing custom AI and Intelligent Automation Automation Solutions, with deep experience in Accounting Services and back-office Finance modernization. Before starting LTA, Randy began his career with Deloitte and spent 20+ years in leadership roles across various industries, including professional services, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and retail. Randy holds a BS in Accounting Information Systems from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He has earned a PMI certification as a Project Management Professional, is a Certified ScrumMaster, and is certified in Production and Inventory Management with APICS.

Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D is the founder and CEO of the dot Consulting and the Dottie Rose Foundation, where she creates, innovates and implements cutting edge technology focused on new age education. She has found her passion in education and has served as a computer science expert for the past 22 years, bridging the gap between our everyday actions and the application of technology. Dr. Jones is a highly sought after and national award winning Computer Science expert, is one of the 100 Women to KNOW in America, a co-Founder of Carolina Women in Tech and when not running the technology-world, Dr. Jones spends her time with her husband Ricky, and two sons, Ethan and Dylan.

Zackery Reichenbach-Carr is the Artificial Intelligence Leader at RSM US LLP, a leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services to middle market businesses. He is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive AI strategy that encompasses cutting-edge AI techniques, ensuring RSM remains at the forefront of innovation in the industry. He also leads a team of AI professionals and collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and deliver AI solutions across various business functions, including audit, tax, consulting, and risk advisory services. Zackery has over 10 years of experience in the AI and machine learning field. He has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, delivering measurable business outcomes, and providing thought leadership and guidance on ethical AI practices and AI governance.

Jody Padar, CPA, also known as The Radical CPA, is one of the accounting profession’s foremost visionaries and pioneers. A well-known advocate for tech adoption and general forward-thinking behavior inside the profession, she has been consistently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential to the Profession by Accounting Today. She is the author of Radical Pricing which will be published in early 2024 as well as two other books, From Success to Significance: The Radical CPA Guide; and The Radical CPA: New Rules for the Future-Ready Firm. She is a regular contributor to a number of industry publications, including Accounting Today and CPA Trendlines, where she offers practical tips and advice on running a next-generation firm.

Since her days as a small firm owner, she has advocated for bringing the accounting profession into the digital age and leading the next generation of accounting professionals to a better life where they can go home on time, give more to their clients and foster their passion for the industry. Currently a senior tax advisor at april, Jody loves the idea of using AI and automation to transform taxes, and she’s excited to help develop, evolve and share a simplified and pleasurable tax experience.

Padar is married with two adult children and currently resides in Door County Wisconsin. She earned her BBA from Saint Mary’s College and MST from Northern Illinois University. Follow her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.

Rafe Martin, CRO, CCRP
Comtech

Rafe Martin is the Chief Risk Officer at ComTech. He helps clients manage cyber risks and enhance operational preparedness through effective cyber resilience planning.

With over 30 years of IT experience, Rafe holds a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT, is Certified in Cybersecurity, and holds the Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP) certification from DRI International.

As an in-demand speaker and host of ComTech’s RippleFX podcast, Rafe shares insights on emerging technology, including cybersecurity, cyber resilience, and artificial intelligence at conferences, on podcasts, and in webinars.

Whether it’s creating harmony with his bluegrass band or experimenting with the culinary philosophy that anything wrapped in bacon and put on the smoker is bound to be a masterpiece, Rafe enjoys life’s varied flavors. He also cherishes spending time with his wife of 34 years and their family.

Ethan Farlow
Comtech

Ethan Farlow brings over a decade of expertise in IT systems and support to his role as the Chief Operations Officer at ComTech. Ethan is always thinking about our clients first, continuously improving the ComTech Experience.

Ethan is passionate about protecting small businesses from hackers and cybercrime. He created CyberHero Academy, a free program for businesses that provides in-person training to equip your staff to become cyberheroes for their business.

Additionally, Ethan spearheads ComTech’s training and educational programs. He is a regular speaker at our live events and is featured prominently in our training videos and webinars, sharing his knowledge to empower others.

Ethan is also the face of the ComTech YouTube Channel. With over 150 educational videos, he creates content to help businesses leverage technology effectively.

Sara Watson
FORVIS, LLP

Sara is a Director in the Professional Standards Group in the Charlotte, NC office of FORVIS, LLP where she focuses on technical assurance and accounting matters. She was previously a member of the firm’s Assurance Methodology and Innovation team and spent several years as a consultant on the AICPA’s Dynamic Audit Solution project. She is currently a member of the ASB’s Technology.