Internal and external accountants for not-for-profits are often the first to see red flags and prevent legal mistakes and illegal behavior. Review some common legal mistakes and discuss how to avoid them in endowments, scholarships, member discipline, codes of conduct, royalties, and more.

Paula Cozzi Goedert, JD | Partner | Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Jeremy Lewin, JD | Partner | Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Not-for-profits continue to look for ways to diversify investment strategies while staying true to their underlying missions. Alternative investments and hedge funds are among these strategies. Hear how the Shedd Aquarium launched an ESG investment portfolio to further advance their mission and how an investment consulting firm advises not-for-profits on their portfolios.

Gary Gordon | Chief Financial and Administrative Officer | Shedd Aquarium
Anthony M. Novara, CFA | Partner, Research Director, Marketable Alternatives & Capital Markets | Fiducient

Explore the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and dive into the risks and challenges Deloitte encountered while implementing AI solutions in their audit and assurance practice. Additionally, learn how AI can be leveraged to enhance operations, mitigate risks, and achieve goals across various sectors, including not-for-profit organizations.

Seth Nicolai, CPA, CFE | Senior Manager | Deloitte

Delve into how unrelated business income (UBI) can be triggered in retirement accounts, charitable trusts, social clubs, and other areas, presenting unique challenges for tax-exempt entities. Explore uncommon scenarios where UBI can affect investment returns, jeopardize the tax advantages of charitable remainder trusts, and create compliance concerns for social clubs engaging in non-member activities. Walk away equipped to identify potential UBI pitfalls, implement proactive strategies, and ensure compliance for your organization.

Bernadette Zita, CPA, MST | Senior Vice President Finance | College of Healthcare Information Management Executives Risk Management and Litigation

Managing risk and avoiding litigation are both regularly on the minds of not-for-profit executives. Hear how one organization manages risk and learn how you can protect your own organization with effective legal practices, policies, and procedures. Plus, develop risk management strategies that will minimize liability and explore organization indemnification obligations and best practices.

Kimberly Pendo, JD | Founding Member & COO | Chicago Law Partners
Angelica Stapert | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Brightpoint

Explore innovative approaches to benefits and compensation within the not-for-profit sector. Discover creative solutions to align organizational mission with employee needs, helping your organization compete effectively in today's challenging talent market.

Dr. Lynn Burks, Ph.D. | Chief Associate | HYA Higher Education Collaborative

Dive into the mission and inner workings of Make-A-Wish Illinois, a not-for-profit that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Discuss the struggles of the COVID years, the current challenges it faces, and how it works to fund life saving operations and wishes.

Moderator:
Christine Torres, CPA | Partner | Crowe LLP

Panelists:
Jason Maslan, CPA | Partner | Protiviti
Stephanie Springs | CEO | Make-A-Wish Illinois

Hear the ins and outs of excise tax on excessive executive compensation, deferred compensation rules, and compliance with the latest regulations. Gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate these tax challenges while ensuring fair and reasonable compensation for executives.

Andy Bridgman, JD | Counsel | Seyfarth Shaw LLP

In an era of evolving funding landscapes, not-for-profits must adapt to changes in federal, state, and private funding sources to sustain their missions. Discover practical strategies to navigate these shifts effectively and receive an update on the current landscape.

Deirdre Hodgson, CPA | Managing Principal of Industry-Higher Education | CLA
Melissa Struck, CPA | Nonprofit Principal | CLA

Learn the importance of periodic strategic planning procedures for your organization. Examine the various stages of the strategic planning process through the eventual implementation and execution of the plan.

Moderator:
Scott Steffens, CPA | Principal | O’Connor Consulting Services, LLC

Panelists:
Jim Croft, Ph.D. | Lecturer in Nonprofit Financial Management | The University of Nebraska and Northwestern University, and Former Executive Vice President and CFO | Field Museum
Patricia Lawson | Vice President for Finance and Operations/CFO | Erikson Institute

The Barack Obama Foundation will open the Barack Obama Presidential Center in the Spring of 2026, which will join a distinguished list of world-class cultural institutions in the Chicagoland area. Hear about the creation of the foundation, the development of the programming, and the preparation for the opening of this innovative presidential center.

Moderator:
Scott Steffens, CPA | Principal | O’Connor Consulting Services, LLC

Panelist:
Ammar Rizki | CFO | The Barack Obama Foundation

Attendees are invited to stay after the conference to connect and interact over light refreshments.

Thank You to our Reception Sponsors:
O’Connor Consulting Services and Wintrust

Through the lens of SAS 145, explore risk assessment strategies for managing outside IT services, including identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigating risks. Discuss the expectations surrounding documentation processes and gain insights from a peer review perspective.

Moderator:
Heather Lindquist, CPA | Assistant Director, Peer Review and Professional Standards | Illinois CPA Society

Panelists: TBD

Understand the common types of transactions that generate unrelated business income taxes (UBIT) and the basic exclusions from it, such as dividends and interest, revenue from activities using volunteer labor, and revenue from unrelated activities that are not regularly carried on. Plus, discover best practices for reporting UBI revenue and the expenses that can offset it to reduce tax liability.

Katherine Kurtzman, CPA | Managing Director | EY
Voula Spyridis, CPA | Senior Manager | EY

Delve into the accounting and reporting requirements for special events, including the complexities of recognizing and measuring revenue, expenses, and other financial elements associated with these activities. Gain practical insights and strategies to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with Form 990 reporting.

Sarah Eddy, CPA | Manager | Mann Weitz & Associates LLC
David Lowenthal, CPA, J.D., LL.M. | Partner | Plante Moran

Test your knowledge while learning new concepts in this fun, interactive game of not-for-profit trivia.

Game Master:
Nancy Gonsiorek, CPA | Nancy L. Gonsiorek, CPA