Passionate about improving the well-being of clients, their families and their communities, Choreo is an independent firm focused on redefining an investment advisor’s place in the wealth advisory industry. Choreo operates out of 40-plus locations across the country. Choreo’s experienced advisors define, design and build solutions for their clients’ financial and related needs so they can focus on what matters most to them. Originally launched over 20 years ago as a subsidiary of one of the largest CPA and professional services firms in the country, Choreo serves over 7,000 clients with approximately $24.6 billion in assets under management and advisement (as of December 2023). For more information, visit choreoadvisors.com.
CPACharge, an AffiniPay solution, is an online payment solution developed specifically for accounting firms, giving professionals a secure way to accept credit, debit and eCheck payments. CPACharge is the only payment solution offered as an AICPA Member Discount Partner and more than 40 state CPA societies recommend it.
Danielle Lee, managing editor of Accounting Today, previously served as technology editor of Accounting Today and editor-in-chief of AccountingTechnology.com. Prior to that, she held the role of senior editor. Before joining Arizent, she covered the emerging corporate responsibility movement for CRO (Corporate Responsibility Officer, now CR) magazine as executive editor and worked for a range of entertainment and lifestyle publications in Los Angeles, including industry trade magazine TelevisionWeek. She holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a minor in cinema/television from the University of Southern California.
Alex is the co-founder and CEO at Truewind, a venture-backed technology startup building AI-powered Accounting. Trusted by 100+ fast growing businesses and accounting firms, including EisnerAmper and Frank Rimerman, Truewind raised $17 million from Thomson Reuters Ventures, Rho Capital, and Y Combinator.
Previously, Alex was a venture capital investor at Alliance Ventures and Schematic Ventures, where he invested in early stage startups and provided finance support to the portfolio companies. An engineer by trade, Alex was an engineer at Boeing where he helped design the 777X aircraft.
Alex received his MBA from Columbia University and BS in aerospace engineering from USC. He is an avid skier, loves basketball, reading, and the outdoors.
Denise LeDuc Froemming, President & CEO of CalCPA, leads a dynamic team serving over 40,000 members—California’s top CPAs, trusted advisors, students, and educators.
Her leadership centers on creating authentic, inclusive cultures that celebrate differences, foster honesty, and inspire excellence.
Before joining CalCPA, Denise was CEO of the International Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and held leadership roles in international healthcare organizations. She’s a Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Public Accountant, and holds an M.B.A. with an accounting focus.
Denise is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals and supporting their growth in the accounting and finance fields, helping to cultivate the next generation of dynamic leaders. Her favorite quote is – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
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.
Daniel Hood has been editor-in-chief of Accounting Today since 2011; he joined Accounting Today as managing editor in 1998. A graduate of Georgetown University, he has also served as a business editor for the New York Daily News, and as a production editor for The Wall Street Journal Europe. He is the author of five novels and a guidebook to New York City.