Richard Kopelman is the CEO of Aprio, a nationally recognized business advisory, tax and accounting firm. A driven and inspirational leader, Richard has contributed to the firm’s acceleration in the profession supporting the careers of 2,100 professionals who serve clients in all 50 states and more than 50 countries, speaking over 60 languages. During his tenure, Aprio has experienced significant growth, including 26 strategic mergers and acquisitions, and expanded its footprint to 26 U.S. offices and two international locations, driven by the firm’s people-first and client-focused culture. Since Richard assumed the CEO role in 2013, Aprio has consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the nation, driven by a strong commitment to innovation and a forward-thinking approach. He has fostered a culture that prioritizes both professional development and enhanced client service, earning Aprio a reputation as a destination for top talent in the industry. Richard’s dedication to building a diverse and inclusive environment has been a cornerstone in shaping Aprio’s success and contributed significantly to the profession.

Kendale King is a CPA, entrepreneur, and industry innovator redefining accounting through creativity, technology, and community-driven initiatives. With over a decade of experience, he integrates gamification, digital assets, and modern financial strategies to inspire the next generation of accountants.

As the founder of CPAcon, he envisions an event that celebrates accountants like an NBA All-Star weekend—blending competition, education, and entertainment. Supported by CalCPA and the California Board of Accountancy, CPAcon challenges traditional perceptions of the profession and attracts major brand partnerships.

Kendale serves on the CalCPA board and is president of NABA Los Angeles, advocating for diversity, education, and industry growth. His consulting work spans entertainment, digital assets, and tech, helping clients scale sustainably and build generational wealth.

A frequent speaker and panel moderator, Kendale brings humor and warmth to topics often considered complex, delivering insights with a “financial partner” approach that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. He holds degrees from Morehouse College and Cleveland State University and continues to lead conversations that bridge finance, technology, and culture; he is committed to modernizing accounting and making it more engaging, inclusive, and future-focused.

Varun Jain, Founder & CEO of Miles Education, is redefining EdTech by addressing critical talent shortages and bridging skill gaps across Accounting, Healthcare, Business, and Technology.

A CPA and Harvard Business School alumnus, Varun began his career at Deloitte and Morgan Stanley before dedicating himself to Miles’ vision of inspiring and enabling talent to reach their highest potential. Through Miles, he has built an alumni network of over 70,000 CPA and CMA candidates in India, driving billions in accounting exports and actively tackling the U.S. accountant shortage. His STEM-integrated approach to accounting education has created pathways for Indian accountants to work in the U.S., establishing them as flagbearers of Indian talent while fulfilling American industry needs.

Building on this success, Miles has expanded into healthcare, creating pathways for international doctors, nurses, and paramedical professionals to address the U.S. healthcare talent gap. Varun is also reshaping undergraduate education with his Ed-Work pedagogy – a model that combines hands-on work experience with academic learning to ensure graduates are job-ready. Additionally, as co-founder of Futurense Technologies, he is equipping Indian tech talent with essential, AI-driven skills to excel in a rapidly evolving workplace.

With his unwavering commitment to transforming education, Varun Jain is setting new global standards and creating future-ready talent across industries.

Geralyn Hurd is the Co-Founder and President of K1x, bringing deep expertise in accounting, tax technology, and business transformation. Geralyn’s 32-year public accounting career included tenure with 3 large accounting firms where she has built & grew regional and national practices. In addition, she led a carve-out of the tax technology practice from her firm and created an independent technology firm – K1x. As a CPA and tax technology patent holder, she has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that streamline compliance and unlock new revenue opportunities for firms. Geralyn is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, known for her ability to bridge the gap between traditional accounting practices and cutting-edge technology. Her passion lies in empowering firms to work smarter, not harder, by leveraging automation and strategic insights.

Tailor Hartman is the founder of Celerity Accounting, a fast-growing firm specializing in accounting and advisory services for mid-market businesses. A CPA with over a decade of experience, Tailor is renowned for his expertise in accounting technology, automation, and creating operational efficiencies within firms.

Outside of work, Tailor enjoys hiking, running, and sharing his knowledge as an accounting instructor at a local community college. His passion for innovation and education drives him to help businesses streamline processes and achieve sustainable growth.

Sam Hallburn brings over a decade of entrepreneurial experience in the financial sector and more than 20 years of cross-functional expertise spanning finance, marketing, HR, and sales. She is the Director of Operations at Devine Consulting, LLC where she leads the accounting team and helps business owners better understand their numbers, strengthen financial systems, and use QuickBooks Online more strategically in their businesses.

A Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor since 2016, Sam is a nationally recognized QuickBooks Online educator, teaching accounting professionals and small business owners across the country through seminars, workshops, and industry events. As founder of PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions and Simplified Accounting Management, Inc., Sam bring years of hands-on experience building firms, advising clients, and developing practical financial education for business owners.

Sam’s industry recognition includes alumna status of the Intuit Accountant Council, advisory board membership with Insightful Accountant, and a member of the Woodard Writers Coalition. She has been recognized as a Top 100 ProAdvisor for the last 3 years and was awarded the Top Niche-Practice ProAdvisor for 2025. Known for her relatable, practical approach, Sam is passionate about equipping business owners with the financial clarity they need to make confident decisions and build stronger businesses.

Alberto Guzman is the Managing Partner of AbitOs, PLLC based out of Coral Gables in Miami, Florida.

Alberto leads a team that looks to him for his extensive knowledge of the intricacies of international tax codes and the complex accounting practices that need to be leveraged for multinational corporations doing business in the U.S. and high-net-worth individuals with an international lifestyle.

With over twenty years of experience with local and international firms, Alberto has extensive knowledge of financial and tax strategies for foreign investments into the U.S., cross-border business operations, and international, federal, and state taxation.

Alberto’s unique professional experience includes serving Latin American, Asian, and European companies. He is as highly respected for his expertise in international tax matters as he is with domestic tax situations and often advises domestic and foreign-based businesses and investors on their out-bound and in-bound ventures, with a particular focus on complying with, while at the same time, minimizing U.S. tax obligations.

Destiny leads AAFCPAs’ Commercial Division of the firm’s growing Outsourced Accounting & Fractional CFO (OAFC) practice providing “right-size” outsourced accounting and fractional CFO services, designed to optimize the effectiveness of the modern finance function. A service-driven leader, she manages the firm’s commercial team of fractional CFOs, controllers, and transactional accountants who collectively deliver accounting and advisory support to companies in diverse industries nationally. She leverages the resources of AAFCPAs’ 350+ employee firm to provide specialized resources as needed to help clients thrive.

Prior to joining AAFCPAs, Destiny gained more than a decade of experience in regional and national public accounting, advising privately held business owners, leaders, and investors. Coupling a deep understanding of financial reporting from her CPA auditing and technical accounting background, with analytical prowess and proven leadership expertise, Destiny brings a holistic and strategic perspective to her clients. She provides best practice recommendations on operational and internal control systems and processes to help clients mitigate fraud risks and gain operational efficiencies. She has a deep understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, and financial reporting as well as the ability to identify and assess risks. She is well-versed in financial reporting regulations and skilled at proactively communicating implications to various audiences. When examining financial details, she considers clients’ broader operational context to assist in strategizing for the future. As a department head, Destiny is recognized for her expertise in departmental operations coupled with her compassionate leadership style.

Through continuous learning, Destiny keeps her finger on the pulse of regulatory changes and new accounting standards. She serves as an invaluable resource to her team and clients in an ever-changing business environment. Her technical accounting background includes advising clients on complex business transactions, internal control policies and procedures, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and investor relationships, international accounting of foreign subsidiaries, revenue recognition, and complex inventory accounting.

As Chief Practice Partner, Kelly drives Wipfli’s practice vision, strategy, and execution by focusing on innovation and transformation. She oversees Wipfli’s consulting, audit and tax practices, and her team focuses on aligning services with industry and market needs, ensuring quality and increasing client satisfaction. She leads Wipfli’s AI strategy, focusing on leveraging technology to drive exponential value to clients.

Prior to her current role, Kelly served as a strategic advisor to a range of companies. Her diverse business experiences have allowed her to advise clients on a wide range of strategic matters such as governance and strategic planning, within a variety of industries including technology, professional services, manufacturing and distribution, and multinational companies.

Kelly has built a strong record of helping bring transformational ideas to her clients and has extensive experience implementing new technologies.

Marianne oversees the Avalara for Accountants Partner Program, delivering partner 1st experiences by driving strategy and execution as the Senior Operations and Strategy Leader for the Accountant Channel.
She brings 15 years of experience and knowledge working with the tax & accounting profession specializing in client advisory services (CAS) and sales and use tax, guiding and consulting with firms as they embrace technology, evaluate internal processes, and expand service lines.

Before Avalara, Marianne was at CPA.com, where she co-developed and co-facilitated the “Compliance & Advisory: Roadmap to Your Sales and Use Tax Practice Model” workshop, educating accounting firms on the changing sales & use tax landscape, the emerging business opportunity, and how to build a successful practice.

Marianne has been a featured speaker at many thought leadership events and industry conferences where she shares her passion and extensive knowledge of client advisory services (CAS) and sales and use tax with the profession.