The State of the CPA Profession: Staying Agile for What’s Next

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

From new regulations and legislation to economic uncertainty, there’s plenty of issues keeping CPAs on their toes as
they try to serve their clients and companies. If this year has shown us anything so far, it’s that being agile and
adaptable is paramount. Join us as we dive into the changes, challenges, and trends impacting accounting and
finance professionals today and discuss what’s next as we steward the profession into the future.

Geoffrey Brown, CAE
President and CEO, Illinois CPA Society

Geof Brown is president and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society and CPAs for the Public Interest, bringing over 23 years of leadership in association management. Prior to joining ICPAS, he served as CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and has held key roles across multiple national organizations. He served as the board chair for the Association Forum and is an active member. He is also an active member in the American Society of Association Executives and is a board member for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values.

Brian Blaha, CPA
Chairperson, Illinois CPA Society and Managing Director, Winding River Consulting

Brian J. Blaha, CPA, is the 2025-2026 chairperson of the Illinois CPA Society Board of Directors and founder of Beacon Horizon Advisors LLC, where he advises private equity and accounting firms on growth and value creation. With nearly three decades at Wipfli—where he helped triple firm revenue and launched the Chicago office—Blaha brings extensive leadership experience and strategic expertise. He also actively contributes to the profession and his community through various board and advisory roles.

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Get Your Head in the Game! Harnessing Your Mental Fitness

11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Today’s most effective leaders are like elite athletes, charting their visions of success, building high-performing teams, and setting challenging goals. Learn how to navigate uncertainty and stress as you hone your leadership skills by boosting your mental fitness and emotional intelligence. Find out how to actively shift from a negative to a positive mindset regardless of the obstacle and take away proven tools and tactics to help leverage these strengths.

Kristen Fox, MBA, PCC, CPCC, CPQC
Practice Leader, Coaching and Leadership Development, TalentRise

Kristen Fox leads TalentRise’s Coaching and Leadership Development Practice, where she helps executives build mental agility and lead with authenticity. With nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across financial services, private equity, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and legal services industries, she specializes in executive integration and team transformation. Kristen is the creator of TalentRise’s Fast Start Coaching program and a trusted coach to CEOs and leadership teams of high-growth, founder-led companies.

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Catch Me If You Can: Today’s Pink Collar Criminal

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Embezzlement is a crime hiding in plain sight, and it’s often committed by long-term, trusted employees. Examine why this relatable and rapidly growing form of fraud is impacting organizations of all kinds. Learn how to spot the “pink flags,” hear strategies for protecting your assets, and discover ways to ensure your most trusted team member isn’t hiding a devastating secret.

Kelly Paxton, CFE
Principal, K Paxton LLC

Kelly Paxton is a Certified Fraud Examiner with over 20 years of investigative experience across both public and private sectors, including roles with U.S. Customs, working white collar fraud, money laundering and narcotics cases, and Nike. She’s the author of “Embezzlement: How to Prevent, Detect, and Investigate Pink-Collar Crime” and the founder of the “Fraudish” podcast and Great Women in Fraud. Kelly is a nationally recognized expert on workplace fraud, especially pink-collar crime.

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The U.S. Economy: Labor Challenges and Solutions

8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Receive an update on the trajectory of the U.S. economy with a focus on labor challenges and solutions. Discuss the
direction of the Federal Reserve and the impact of government policies on trade, tax, and spending.

Jeffrey Korzenik
Chief Investment Strategist, Fifth Third Bank

Jeff Korzenik is Chief Economist for Fifth Third Commercial Bank, where he provides economic insights to the bank’s key markets, as well as business leaders and policymakers nationwide. A frequent media contributor and author of Untapped Talent, he’s recognized for his expertise on private sector models for hiring people with criminal records and advancing public safety through employment. Jeff’s work bridges economic research with real-world impact, helping businesses and communities thrive.

David Snyder
President and CEO, The Economic Club of Chicago

David Snyder is president and CEO of The Economic Club of Chicago, one of the nation’s premier forums for business and civic leadership. He previously served as COO of Chicago CRED, a violence prevention initiative focused on counseling, education, and workforce development. Prior to that, he spent over 30 years in journalism, including as publisher and editor of Crain’s Chicago Business. David also serves on several not-for-profit boards supporting Chicago’s cultural and educational communities.

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Cultivating Creativity to Transform Your Career

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

In today’s data-driven, automated world, the most impactful finance and accounting professionals aren’t just technically strong—they’re strategic thinkers, storytellers, and problem-solvers who leverage creativity to drive business decisions. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, challenge the idea that creativity and accounting are mutually exclusive and explore ways to elevate your career and add value to your organization.

Liz Barhydt, CPA, CMA
CFO, Optimism

Liz Barhydt is the CFO of digital media group Optimism and head of finance for its owner’s family office. She leads strategic capital allocation across ventures, investments, and philanthropic endeavors. With experience spanning EY, high-growth startups, and 8- and 9-figure exits, she brings a passion for financial storytelling that drives real business impact. Liz is also a former CFO of a digital marketing agency and an advisor to venture-backed startups. She believes finance leaders are strategic storytellers who shape the future of business.

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The Evolving Technology Landscape

2:25 PM - 3:40 PM

Delve into today’s technology landscape and its implications for the accounting sector. Learn which trends are worth
monitoring and examine the proper hardware and software for your strategic and tactical plans. Explore the influence
of AI, quantum computing, software as a service, and productivity suites like Microsoft 365. Leave with actionable
insights on how to maximize your return on investment.

Randy Johnston, MCS
Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

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