Chase M. Ruiz is based in HTB’s Denham Springs office, specializing in corporate and individual taxation. Primarily servicing the Construction and Small Business industries, he draws on his diverse client base and experience to help develop comprehensive tax strategies for clients while ensuring current tax compliance. Chase takes pride in helping develop proper strategies to address today’s challenging business environment.
Jeffrey S. Rosen, CPA, CGMA, MBA, is the Managing Partner at RS&F and focuses on firm strategy, team development, and client engagement. He works closely with RS&F’s partner group to expand the firm’s service offerings on behalf of current and future clients. Jeff performs business advisory and consulting engagements on behalf of many clients. He has real estate, construction, finance, business services, distribution, technology, and not-for-profit industry expertise. During his tenure at RS&F, Jeff developed and implemented the firm’s succession plan, enhanced the firm’s client and team platform, and supported firm growth initiatives. Before joining RS&F, Jeff was a real estate developer with The Shelter Group, a national owner, developer, and manager of multifamily and senior living communities. He also worked as a financial analyst at The Bernstein Companies, the director of operations for Sphere Software Corporation, and a financial analyst for GE Capital. Jeff has served on the board and committees for a variety of non-profit organizations, including Towson University and the Towson University Foundation, the Maryland Transportation Authority, Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE), Association for Corporate Growth (Maryland Chapter), the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Woodholme Country Club, the Center Club, Robert H. Smith School of Business, and The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore (Associated). Jeff is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Darren Root is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and creative visionary dedicated to reimagining what it means to lead in the accounting profession. While putting himself through college working at a high-end men’s clothing store, Darren developed an early appreciation for style, service, and design-values that would shape his entire professional journey.
After starting and scaling his own accounting firm, Darren launched a men’s clothing store, became a partner in a luxury Asian antique lamp company, and served as Executive Editor of CPA Practice Advisor Magazine. He went on to found Rootworks, one of the profession’s first firm transformation platforms, and later launched Better Everyday, a private community designed to support firm owners seeking clarity, simplicity, and freedom.
A lifelong writer and thinker, Darren has authored multiple books and written extensively for publications like Accounting Today, CPA Practice Advisor Magazine, and INC Magazine.
Ken Powell is the Chief Revenue Officer at K1x and a recognized authority in change management and business growth strategies. With a career spanning leadership roles in sales, revenue strategy, and consulting, he has helped numerous firms transform their operations, drive efficiency, and expand into higher-value markets. Ken specializes in guiding accounting firms through the shift from compliance-based services to advisory-driven revenue models, ensuring long-term profitability and client retention. His expertise in strategic positioning and market differentiation makes him a sought-after speaker and advisor in the industry. Passionate about empowering firms to scale effectively, Ken brings a dynamic, results-driven approach to leadership and business transformation.
Tyler Otto is the president and owner of Specialized Accounting, a thriving seven-figure remote firm dedicated to the hospitality industry. Before joining forces with his wife Karen at her fledgling practice, he honed his finance chops with leadership roles at Vail Resorts and Imprint Hospitality. Known for his energy and approachability, Tyler believes wholeheartedly in collaboration with fellow professionals and finds joy in welcoming new accountants to the field.
Tyler is passionate about sharing his expertise and has presented at conferences such as Intuit Connect, Accounting Today’s Firm Growth Forum, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), BKX (Bookkeepers.com), Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) Unlocked, The Successful Bookkeeper Summit, Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), Universal Accounting GrowCon, and The Glamping Show, and in webinars with Relay, ThinkReservations, Earmark, and Kaplan. He has also appeared as a featured guest on Relay’s On the Money Mondays video series, as well as podcasts including Universal Accounting’s Building the Premier Accounting Firm, The Successful Bookkeeper, and The Ambitious Bookkeeper.
Drawing on his deep industry knowledge and a commitment to innovation, Tyler recently launched Firm Foundation, a step-by-step course turning firm-building from daunting into doable. Whether on the stage or trading insights with his good friend Jeremy Van Groll on their accounting gameshow podcast, UnAccountable!, Tyler brings both expertise and a dash of fun to any discussion.
Kyle is a tax partner at Eide Bailly with more than 14 years of experience in public accounting. He leads the firm’s Idaho Tax Department, managing a team of over 45 professionals across the Boise and Twin Falls offices. Kyle specializes in federal and state taxation for closely held corporations, individuals, and complex partnerships. His industry experience spans manufacturing, real estate, technology, and high-net-worth individuals and families. Known for building lasting relationships with both clients and team members, Kyle is valued for his practical, approachable style. He is committed to understanding client concerns, navigating emerging tax issues, and delivering clear, effective strategies aligned with long-term goals. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University–Idaho and is a Certified Public Accountant. Kyle is also an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants. Outside the office, Kyle enjoys life in the Idaho mountains with his wife and twin daughters. He spends as much time as possible outdoors: hunting, fly fishing, skiing, and mountain biking.
Martin Moll is a founder and lead investor of KeyMaster, which owns and operates financials services companies including Breakaway Advising, Cadencia, and Starboard Labs. He brings 15 years of experience leading a top 10 West Coast CPA firm as its CEO and managing partner. He has a diverse skill set in working with small to medium sized businesses – from initial formation to exit.
Martin is committed to providing intelligent business counsel to his clients, including growth strategies and long-term planning. He thrives in seeing his clients’ businesses grow and connecting the dots of business mergers, specializing in entrepreneurial healthcare.
Martin currently holds a Juris Doctor of Tax Law/Taxation from the Northwestern College of Law at Lewis and Clark College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon. An avid cyclist, Martin is the chair of the Board of Trustees of Pacific University. He and his wife Lois have two beautiful children, Emily and Ryan.
Nathen McEown has been a vital part of Whitley Penn for more than two decades, beginning his journey as an intern, steadily advancing to Audit Partner in 2015, and assuming the role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2025.
As the former Energy Practice Leader, Nathen worked with many private equity-backed energy companies and led various initiatives, including the creation of Whitley Penn’s Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) Energy Outsourced Accounting, Land Administration, and Mineral Management service lines. After moving his family from Dallas to Houston in 2016, Nathen served as the Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, Nathen transitioned away from audit to join the firm’s management committee, assuming the role of Partner-in-Charge of Consulting.
In 2024, Nathen expanded his responsibilities taking on the role of Chief Growth Officer where he identified and led the incorporation of two acquisitions, further expanding the firm’s consulting practice. As CEO, Nathen continues to lead the firm’s Growth Champions training initiative helping future firm leaders make the transition from Senior Manager to Partner.
Nathen co-authored “PPC Practice Aids for Audits of Oil and Gas Entities”, published by Thomson Reuters as part of their Checkpoint brand. In 2015, he was selected as the Dallas Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy” and was awarded “Forty Under Forty” by the Dallas Business Journal. Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Dallas class of 2014, and currently sits on Texas Tech’s Accounting Advisory Council.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nathen is committed to driving growth and creating a positive impact within the broader community. He co-founded the Bayou City Houston Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and currently serves as its Learning Officer. Additionally, he is the Audit Committee Chairman for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Fitness nonprofit organization and, together with his wife, supports the Houston March of Dimes.
Brent McDaniel is the Chief Digital Officer at Aprio, where he leads a dynamic technology team focused on driving growth through intelligent automation, data activation, and creating the industry’s best client experiences. With a passion for innovation and a relentless drive to shape the future, Brent partners with Aprio’s leadership and management to develop transformative solutions that enhance operations, empower team members, and deliver exceptional client results.
Bringing nearly 30 years of experience, Brent has a proven track record of aligning technology with business strategies to achieve measurable growth. His knowledge spans building organizations from the ground up – including scaling a startup into the world’s largest financial exchange – and implementing impactful, scalable solutions. At Aprio, Brent specializes in simplifying complexity and designing actionable roadmaps that fuel the firm’s strategic objectives.
Alexis is a Project Manager with Atchley & Associates LLP driving the implementation of technology and processes to streamline and automate traditional workflows. A background in Operations Management that spans 20 years and multiple industries has allowed Alexis to bring a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the modern firm. With a focus on optimizing processes and improving efficiency, Alexis is helping redefine the scope of roles within A&A.
Outside of work, Alexis is a proud parent to two 16-year-old daughters, that keep life interesting and fun. When not running lists and creating project plans, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and reading. A commitment to lifelong learning enables her to remain agile, well-informed, and innovative while meeting the demands of a continuously evolving business environment.