Business & Industry Spring Conference

Since July 2024, Mark has been the Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. In this role, he works with the Board of Directors in the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic direction. Prior to this role, Mark joined NCACPA in May 2016 as their Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw communications, engagement, professional development, learning and innovation, finance and administration. Prior to joining NCACPA, Mark worked in public accounting with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP for 10 years and as Chief Operating Officer for Fidelity Bank for three years. Mark has served on various boards including NCACPA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina, the Triangle Land Conservancy as a board member and treasurer, as well as on both the Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management’s Accounting Advisory Boards.

Glenn Hopper is an author, speaker, and lecturer on the intersection of artificial intelligence
and corporate finance. He is the author of two books on the intersection of AI and finance:
Deep Finance: Corporate Finance in the Information Age (2021), and AI Mastery for Finance
Professionals (October 2024). Glenn’s work emphasizes the transformative role of AI and
automation in enhancing financial operations, improving accuracy, and driving data-driven
decision-making. Glenn is the Head of AI Research and Development at Eventus Advisory
Group, where he spearheads the creation of AI-powered solutions tailored to the finance and
accounting industries. His insights and expertise are regularly featured in publications such
as Fortune Magazine and Forbes, and he contributes to platforms including the AI Journal
and the Forbes Finance Council. With more than two decades of experience as a CFO in
private equity-backed companies, Glenn has led initiatives in finance automation, M&A, and
operational efficiency. He has a proven track record of modernizing finance departments by
integrating data and automation to achieve better business intelligence, faster reporting, and
improved operational performance. In addition to his professional work, Glenn is an instructor
at Duke University’s Executive Education program, the Corporate Finance Institute,
AICPA/CIMA, and LinkedIn Learning, where he teaches financial leaders how to leverage AI in
their strategic planning – making advanced AI concepts accessible to finance professionals
worldwide. Glenn holds a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in Finance from
Harvard University, where he also completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program; and
an MBA from Regis University in Denver, CO.

Glenn Hopper is an author, speaker, and lecturer on the intersection of artificial intelligence
and corporate finance. He is the author of two books on the intersection of AI and finance:
Deep Finance: Corporate Finance in the Information Age (2021), and AI Mastery for Finance
Professionals (October 2024). Glenn’s work emphasizes the transformative role of AI and
automation in enhancing financial operations, improving accuracy, and driving data-driven
decision-making. Glenn is the Head of AI Research and Development at Eventus Advisory
Group, where he spearheads the creation of AI-powered solutions tailored to the finance and
accounting industries. His insights and expertise are regularly featured in publications such
as Fortune Magazine and Forbes, and he contributes to platforms including the AI Journal
and the Forbes Finance Council. With more than two decades of experience as a CFO in
private equity-backed companies, Glenn has led initiatives in finance automation, M&A, and
operational efficiency. He has a proven track record of modernizing finance departments by
integrating data and automation to achieve better business intelligence, faster reporting, and
improved operational performance. In addition to his professional work, Glenn is an instructor
at Duke University’s Executive Education program, the Corporate Finance Institute,
AICPA/CIMA, and LinkedIn Learning, where he teaches financial leaders how to leverage AI in
their strategic planning – making advanced AI concepts accessible to finance professionals
worldwide. Glenn holds a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in Finance from
Harvard University, where he also completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program; and
an MBA from Regis University in Denver, CO.

David Peters is the Founder and Owner of Peters Professional Education and Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC in Richmond, VA. He has over 15 years of experience in financial services, including 3 years in the hedge fund industry and six years in the insurance industry.

David was the first-ever Chief Financial Officer at Compare.com – a position he held for over three years. David is a national CPE Instructor for the AICPA, Surgent, Kaplan and Don Farmer Tax Seminars. He regularly teaches courses in accounting, finance, insurance, and ethics throughout the United States.

David holds four Masters degrees and is currently pursuing his PhD in Financial Planning. He contributes regularly to various CPA publications, including NCACPA’s Interim Report, SCACPA’s CPA Report, and VSCPA’s Disclosures. He was also a co-author of the 2018 Virginia CPA Ethics course – a required course for all CPA’s licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was recently awarded AICPA’s Outstanding Facilitator Award for the 2021 CPE Year.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

David Peters is the Founder and Owner of Peters Professional Education and Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC in Richmond, VA. He has over 15 years of experience in financial services, including 3 years in the hedge fund industry and six years in the insurance industry.

David was the first-ever Chief Financial Officer at Compare.com – a position he held for over three years. David is a national CPE Instructor for the AICPA, Surgent, Kaplan and Don Farmer Tax Seminars. He regularly teaches courses in accounting, finance, insurance, and ethics throughout the United States.

David holds four Masters degrees and is currently pursuing his PhD in Financial Planning. He contributes regularly to various CPA publications, including NCACPA’s Interim Report, SCACPA’s CPA Report, and VSCPA’s Disclosures. He was also a co-author of the 2018 Virginia CPA Ethics course – a required course for all CPA’s licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was recently awarded AICPA’s Outstanding Facilitator Award for the 2021 CPE Year.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Rafe Martin, CRO, CCRP

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.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Economic Leadership LLC, based in Shallotte North Carolina, is a small group of data, strategy and policy experts working with private and public clients to analyze competitiveness, develop strategy, identify best practices, and reimagine the future. Over the past ten years the team has worked on over 140 projects in more than twenty states and internationally, Ted is the principle author of dozens of reports on future trends, workforce, and technology and speaks on the economy almost every week. He currently serves as the economic advisor to the National Association of State Chambers.

Born in Dallas, NC, Ted received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; his master’s from Johns Hopkins University, is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and is an Eisenhower Fellow for global economics.

Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA is an executive coach who helps smart professionals transform from technically talented to strategically savvy. If you want to be more productive, have more of an impact, and maintain your organization’s ethical standards, Jennifer can deliver interactive and engaging training sessions. In 2022, Jennifer received the Women Who Count award in education by the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA). In 2018, Jennifer earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). Making her one of only 15 people worldwide who hold both the CPA and CSP designations. CPA Practice Advisor named Jennifer one of the Top 25 Women in Accounting in 2018. She currently volunteers on the boards of several organizations including the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy, the Northeast Regional Council of the IMA, and Jennifer chairs the CSP Committee of the National Speakers Association.

I’m Nikki Bradley and I’m your go-to girl for branding and target marketing strategy. I help you get clarity around your brand and messaging so that you can make more money doing what you love.

I teach business people who want to get better at attracting more of the RIGHT customers the best practices that I’ve learned from being in the trenches in Corporate America, working with businesses of all sizes, and as an entrepreneur myself. I show you how to use proven branding and marketing techniques applied to your specific business so that you can grow your sales, but also get your customers to become your own team of raving fans.

Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA is an executive coach who helps smart professionals transform from technically talented to strategically savvy. If you want to be more productive, have more of an impact, and maintain your organization’s ethical standards, Jennifer can deliver interactive and engaging training sessions. In 2022, Jennifer received the Women Who Count award in education by the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA). In 2018, Jennifer earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). Making her one of only 15 people worldwide who hold both the CPA and CSP designations. CPA Practice Advisor named Jennifer one of the Top 25 Women in Accounting in 2018. She currently volunteers on the boards of several organizations including the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy, the Northeast Regional Council of the IMA, and Jennifer chairs the CSP Committee of the National Speakers Association.

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. Randy lives in Southside VA with his wife April. When not partnering with clients on Intelligent Automation projects, Randy enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid backpacker, mountain biker, and fly fisherman.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Amy has served in positions directly related to her expertise: Controller, Big 4 Auditor, and CFO. Her commitment to the non-profit community is evident in her role as a member of the GWSCPA Board of Governors, service as the Chair of the GWSCPA Women’s Leadership Committee and role in the Society’s annual Non-Profit Symposium Planning Committee. A founding member of Chief, a private network of women in executive leadership, she actively engages in the community to continue her development as an executive, expand her network, and gain new tools to help guide strategy and mentor others.

Sabrina Parris is the owner of Honeycomb State Tax Strategies, a firm dedicated to assisting tax professionals and their clients navigate complex multistate tax issues. With a profound commitment to the accounting field, Sabrina is particularly passionate about enhancing the accounting pipeline and supporting women in maintaining their careers in public accounting. Her expertise and innovative approaches have made her a sought-after voice in the industry, leading to features on innovative podcasts such as Accounting High and Entrepreneur Exchange, and in notable publications such as Bloomberg Tax. Sabrina’s contributions to the field are driven by her dedication to providing solutions and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic accounting profession. Sabrina is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Terrell A. Turner, CPA, is a 3x 40 Under 40 CPA, 2x Global Finance Influencer, and founder of a NY Times Featured CPA firm. In 2020, he founded the TLTurner Group, a premium accounting firm that provides bookkeeping and CFO services to law firms. In leading the firm, he oversees the marketing, sales, and staff development functions. These responsibilities lead him to consistently think about the product/service development process and go-to-market strategies that help the firm continue to see profitable growth

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Terrell A. Turner, CPA, is a 3x 40 Under 40 CPA, 2x Global Finance Influencer, and founder of a NY Times Featured CPA firm. In 2020, he founded the TLTurner Group, a premium accounting firm that provides bookkeeping and CFO services to law firms. In leading the firm, he oversees the marketing, sales, and staff development functions. These responsibilities lead him to consistently think about the product/service development process and go-to-market strategies that help the firm continue to see profitable growth

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, John established Higgins Advisory, LLC in 2023, his third client advisory startup company. John focuses on helping accountants understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve the quality and value of their services. Whether you are a CPA in public practice or working in private industry, John can be a valuable coach and resource to help you maximize your professional value. John’s passion for helping advance the success of CPA professionals is delivered in the form of conference presentations, one-on-one coaching and serving as a strategic project advisor.

John previously co-founded the startup CPA Crossings, LLC (CPAx) in 2001 and sold it in 2020. In his role at CPAx, John served as an innovator and strategic technology advisor to accounting firms and other business organizations on how to leverage the power of cloud-based technology tools to accomplish a successful digital transformation. There has never been a more turbulent time in the evolution of business technology. John helps business leaders and CPAs to understand the nature of rapidly evolving technologies and how to harness them to remain ahead of the curve competitively and avoid the risk of obsolete business processes and services.

Mark Vitner, CBE, has more than three decades experience analyzing the U.S. economy, as well as issues impacting residential and commercial development.

As a Chief Economist and owner of Piedmont Crescent Capital, Mark leads a team who provides independent economic consulting services to a wide range of businesses, trade groups and municipalities across the country.

Their common-sense approach to complex economic issues helps business leaders more confidently make key decisions.

Jack Cathey is an Associate Professor in the Turner School of Accountancy at the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the Director of the Master of Accountancy program and has previously served as both a Department Chair and an Associate Dean in the Belk College. He earned a Ph.D. and Masters in Accounting from Virginia Tech. His undergraduate degree is also in Accounting from Wake Forest University. Dr. Cathey is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina.

Dr. Cathey’s professional experience includes working as senior auditor with KPMG in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Cathey has published articles in a number of journals including Strategic Finance, Internal Auditing, Management Accounting, The Tax Advisor, The Journal of Accountancy, The American Subcontractor, and various academic journals. He is a co-author of Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis, 13th Edition, by John Wiley & Sons.

Dr. Cathey frequently speaks to professional groups on topics related to technology and financial reporting. The NCACPA recognized Dr. Cathey’s contributions to continuing professional education by awarding him their Chapter Speaker Award. Dr. Cathey previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Board and a Director at NewDominion Bank, a community bank based in Charlotte, NC and as a Director of Camber Ridge LLC, a Charlotte-area startup focused on meeting the needs of the automotive industry for an advanced tire testing services.