Waseem Daher is a founder at Pilot.com, makers of Meridian, the AI accounting platform that completes the month-end close from start to finish. Prior to Pilot, Waseem cofounded Ksplice (acquired by Oracle) and Zulip (acquired by Dropbox). He studied computer science at MIT.
Rachel S. Ellis, CPA, CISA, is the Owner of Ellis CPA, LLC, a full – service CPA firm based in Hyattsville Maryland. Named a 2025 and 2026 Forbes Best In-State CPA Firm, Rachel has over 12 years of experience in financial statement audits across multiple sectors, including Technology, GovCon and Non- Profit. Ms. Ellis has developed a deep understanding of accounting and finance through her experience as a manager in Big Four Public Accounting and now as an entrepreneur. As a MACPA Champion and member of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business Accounting Advisory Board, she stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in entrepreneurship. Ms. Ellis brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to help businesses successfully gain access to capital and scale.
Jonathan Priestley is IRIS’ General Manager for Global Accountancy Solutions and Transformation, where he drives market strategy, product positioning, and commercial enablement for our accountancy business.
Over the last seven years at IRIS, JP has held several leadership positions across product marketing, sales, and most recently as Interim Chief Marketing Officer. Before joining IRIS, Jonathan held senior marketing leadership roles at Sage, MultiTaction and HP, where he led brand repositioning, market expansion, and the development of high-performing go-to-market strategies. Prior to that, Jonathan served as Director of Corporate Strategy & Business Planning for BMC Software, where he developed multi-year strategic plans, led acquisition roadmaps and M&A integrations, and directed cross-functional teams across product development and solutions delivery.
Committed to supporting the evolution of the accountancy sector, Jonathan is focused on delivering solutions that empower firms to adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly changing market.
Michael is the Executive Director of BDO Alliance USA, the largest association of U.S.-based independent accounting, tax and advisory firms, comprised of over 260 US-based CPA firms and 150 advisory firms and vendors (Business Resource Network). Michael leads a team of 30 professionals dedicated to maximizing the value of collaboration between member firms, as well as with BDO in the USA and BDO Global. When national firm resources are deployed in local communities through entrepreneurial CPA firms, everybody wins.
Michael joined BDO’s Alliance team in 2002. He was previously a tax partner with a Big Four firm, where he helped to create an Alliance with independent accounting firms.
Kristen Rampe, CPA, managing partner of Rosenberg Associates, is a nationally recognized consultant to CPA firm leaders, known for her technical expertise and for helping firm owners navigate their futures.
Kristen works alongside CPA firm leaders to improve efficiency and support long-term scalability.
What distinguishes Kristen’s work from others is her consulting style, which focuses on translating complex issues into conversations firm leaders can have with confidence and helping them to identify better ways of operating and succeeding.
After spending a decade in public accounting with PwC and Frank Rimerman, she launched Rampe Consulting in 2011. In 2016, she began collaborating with Marc Rosenberg on practice management projects, and in 2022 they joined forces as Rosenberg Associates.
Kristen is a regular speaker at national industry conferences and podcasts, and author of articles and blogs. Kristen has written and co-authored six books on practice management topics.
In recognition of her thought leadership and commitment to elevating others in the profession, she has been named one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting multiple times, a CalCPA Women to Watch, and CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40.
Jamie Ellis is chief operating officer of KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller), and the partner-in-
charge of operations. In this role, Jamie leads a team of operations leaders whose
purpose is to align and optimize KSM’s resources and capabilities with the firm’s
strategic direction. Additionally, Jamie focuses on strategy and direction for the firm,
using his experience to help move KSM forward.
Jamie is also a member of KSM’s executive committee, a six-person leadership team
that sets and oversees the firm’s strategic direction.
Jamie, who began his career as a public accounting auditor, previously served as
corporate controller for a subsidiary of a national staffing firm, the chief financial officer
of a regional CPA firm, and the chief operating officer of a regional law firm.
Jamie is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Indiana CPA Society. He
currently serves on the North America Regional Council for PrimeGlobal, is immediate
past chair of the American Lung Association in Indiana, and a board member for the
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest. Jamie also serves as board member
and treasurer for Hoosier Fix, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing spay
and neuter financial assistance for underprivileged families in and around Indianapolis.
Jamie received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, with a minor in economics,
from The Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business
Administration degree from Loyola University of Maryland. Jamie is a Certified Public
Accountant in the states of Indiana and Maryland.
Courtney Spanjers Dewey is a partnership leader with nearly thirty years of experience in business to business sales and partnerships. She has been a leader in the Human Capital Management Industry for over a decade and has a passion for supporting Accountants as they grow, scale and build their dreams. In spite of accolades in sales, leadership, and volunteerism, she doesn’t take herself too seriously and adds fun to whatever she does.
Joe Blossom is the Senior Director of Product at Justworks, where he leads the International product suite, including the Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor services. Joe’s team builds the tools that help small businesses scale globally without the burden of local entities—an expansion he accelerated by leading the integration of Justworks’ second acquisition, Via, into Justworks’ core platform. Throughout his tenure, Joe has been a driving force in product strategy, also overseeing the integration of Time Tracking (formerly Boomr) to better serve the needs of businesses with hourly employees.
Prior to leading product at Justworks, Joe served as the Senior Product Manager of Payments at Etsy. There, he enabled buyers to pay, and sellers to get paid, in the way that was easiest for them, regardless of a payment’s geographical origin or destination.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in both Economics and Computer Science from Michigan State University. He lives in Maplewood, NJ, with his wife, daughter, son, and dog.
Samantha Bowling CPA, CEPA, CFE, CGMA is the Managing Partner of GWCPA, a progressive public accounting firm recognized for its commitment to innovation and modernization. With over 30 years of experience, Samantha has played a transformative role in the firm’s success, particularly in the past decade. Known for her forward-thinking leadership, she has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline operations and enhance client service.
Taking the helm as Managing Partner in 2023, Samantha led the firm through a significant period of transformation. She recognized early on the growing impact of technology in accounting and championed the adoption of AI across various areas, from audit processes to tax research and document management. Under her leadership, GWCPA became a trailblazer in using AI to optimize all aspects of the firm’s operations, positioning it as an industry leader in tech adoption.
Samantha’s leadership has earned her numerous accolades. In 2025 and 2026, she was recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State CPAs. In 2024, she was named one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting for the second time by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor. Her dedication to mentorship and team development also earned her the MACPA Experienced Leaders Award in 2023.
Under her guidance, GWCPA has cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, where team members are encouraged to innovate and participate in the firm’s success. Samantha introduced initiatives like eliminating weekend work and limiting overtime hours to ensure a healthier work-life balance for her team, helping to remove the stress of busy season. The firm thrives on empowering employees to take initiative and contribute to its ongoing growth, creating an environment where people feel supported and valued.
Samantha has also served on multiple boards, including those of AICPA and MACPA, and has held the position of Past Chair of the MACPA.
Looking ahead, Samantha is committed to continuing her mission of transforming public accounting. She envisions a future where technology further alleviates the pressures of busy seasons, enhancing both the client experience and the professional lives of her team. She remains dedicated to elevating the profession, ensuring that GWCPA stays at the cutting edge of the industry’s evolution.