9:30 am - 10:30 am
Speaker: Stacey Bowman
Location: Room 157
More About the Speaker:
As the business environment evolves, good leaders are essential. Regardless of whether your professional life is in advanced stages or just beginning, it’s never too late or early to develop your leadership abilities. This presentation explores the expectations employees and employers have, what skills are most important for success, strategies for advancing your career and becoming a successful leader, and more.
Speaker: Ashley Williamson & Thomas Carver, Forvis Mazars
Location: Room 199
A discussion on navigating through organizational and technological change by leading with a “change for good” culture.
More about the speaker:
Ashley is a director on the assurance methodology and innovation team. She has more than 12 years of experience in the accounting and auditing fields and now focuses on AICPA audit methodology, guidance, training, and the firm’s technology solutions.
She previously served as controller at a privately held organization. Prior to that, she was a manager in Forvis Mazars’ Louisville office, where she was a member of the manufacturing and distribution, private equity, and construction & real estate practices. She provided assurance and consulting services to various manufacturing, distribution, and construction clients and audited purchase accounting transactions and employee benefit plans.
Ashley is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. She currently serves on the board of directors for Girls on the Run of Louisville.
She is a 2012 graduate of University of Kentucky, Lexington, with a B.S. degree in accounting and an international business minor.
Speaker: Mark Whelan, TRS
Location: Room 127
Attendees will learn about the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System, the largest financial institution in the state. The presentation will include an overview of the system, what it is like to work at TRS and how a career in the public sector can be fulfilling.
Mark Whelan is the Chief Financial Officer for the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Kentucky (TRS) and has served in this capacity since January 2004. He manages the accounting department for the retirement plan. He also serves on the team that has constructed the Pathway online member self-service portal.Mr. Whelan was TRS’s deputy controller from November 2001 through 2003. Prior to TRS, he worked seven years at accounting firms specializing in audits of local governments.Mr. Whelan graduated in 1994 from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor of science in accounting and received his designation as a Certified Public Accountant in 1997. Mr. Whelan currently serves on the board of the Public Pension Financial Forum (P2F2). He also serves on the Government Finance Officers Association’s Special Review Executive Committee and the Education Advisory Council and previously served two terms on it’s Committee on Retirement and Benefits Administration (GFOA CORBA). Mr. Whelan also is a member of the AICPA and Kentucky Society of CPAs.
Speaker: Tara Bilby, Alvarez and Marshal
Location: Kincaid Auditorium
In today’s rapidly evolving deal landscape, where competition is fierce and speed is critical, firms that effectively harness data and AI gain a decisive edge. This session will dive into how data and AI are transforming M&A, with a focus on optimizing deal sourcing and streamlining due diligence. We’ll explore the modern M&A data stack, discuss real-world AI applications in private equity, and uncover how leading firms are leveraging technology as a key differentiator.
Tara Bilby is the Founder and Practice Leader of Alvarez and Marsal Data Intelligence Gateway (A&M DIG), a proprietary intelligence platform that leverages structured and unstructured data to identify U.S. public and private companies for M&A deal idea generation. In this role, she oversees data and product strategy, operations and resources, business development and all growth initiatives, including:• Defining and executing the business strategy and product roadmap to drive innovation across A&M DIG offerings.• Expansion of A&M DIG offerings to meet client and market needs. • Spearheading go-to-market initiatives, partnerships, and business development activities. Previously, Tara spent four years in Alvarez & Marsal’s Private Equity Services practice, assisting with relationship and account management as well as go to market initiatives. Select responsibilities include:• Launching global transaction analytics in the marketplace and within priority accounts.• Overseeing activities related to PE priority account management and managing, maintaining and creating go-to-market collateral and processes. Prior to joining Alvarez and Marsal, Tara was a Marketing Associate for Argo Consulting where she developed and executed the firm’s marketing strategy and managed vendor relationships.Tara graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications.
Speaker: Bob Gayhardt, Uworld
Location: Room 183
Join UWORLD to discuss the CPA/CMA Exam process and how to prepare. Get your Exam and licensure questions answered.
Bob Gayhardt is the Business Development Manager with UWorld. Bob has been in the educational publishing market for 25+ years, an experienced business development executive with proven account management and relationship success. A strong leader with robust cross functional experience. Bob is a coach / mentor to people to achieve their goals and change their lives. His core competencies include: Client Partnerships, Leadership, Consultative Educational Sales, Training, Planning & Process Improvement, Technical. Regardless of where he meets Exam candidates, whether it be at local campuses, a BAP Regional or Annual Meeting, or a partner firm he is dedicated to ensuring they are set up for their Exam success.
Speaker: Paige Dauparas and Brian Buchanan, PwC
Location: Room 171
As students, job fairs and career descriptions can be overwhelming. How do you know what to look for? How do you know which path to take to end up in your goal position? What if you aren't sure what that role is? Join Brian Buchanan and Paige Dauparas for a discussion on their career paths, how company culture has influenced their careers and goals including culture, leaders, colleagues, and how to make your career your own.
Paige Dauparas is a manager in PwC's tax practice. Paige has spent most of her career specializing in tax aspects of mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other major domestic and international corporate transactions, as well as tax due diligence. Paige has concentrated on the application and interpretation of U.S. federal income tax law as it relates to domestic and cross border corporate acquisitions, consolidated groups, tax efficient structuring and use of debt, as well as the reorganization provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Paige earned a B.S. in Accounting, a B.A. in English, and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Kentucky.
Speaker: Taterial McClendon, Department of Homeland Security
Location: Virtual
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Speaker: Bekah Erickson, RFH
Internships are a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional relationships, and set the foundation for your future career. This session is designed to help you navigate your internship with purpose and intention, ensuring that you make the most of every moment. Whether it’s your first internship or you’re looking to level up your experience, we’ll provide actionable tips and strategies for success.
With over 9 years of experience at RFH, Bekah has worked their way up from the front desk to become an integral part of the firm’s leadership team as the Firm Administrator. Originally from Minnesota, Bekah is passionate about guiding individuals as they embark on their professional journeys. Whether supporting new team members or helping interns and young professionals develop their careers, Bekah thrives on fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. With a deep understanding of the firm’s operations and culture, they play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while empowering the next generation of professionals to succeed.
Speakers: Aaron Brewer, Diane Isdith, Logan Carlisle, Kyle Nutgrass, and Chancellor Caldwell, Yum!
During the breakout session, several Yum! leaders will share their experiences and insights on maximizing the potential of an internship. Topics will cover best practices for interns, ways to build professional networks, and strategies to turn an internship into a full-time job offer. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through a Q&A session, making it a valuable learning experience.
More about the speakers:
Diane Isdith - Senior Leadership Development Manager, Pizza Hut
With over 13 years in Human Resources, Diane Isdith-Martin began her career in recruiting and discovered her passion for training and development through diverse roles and career growth. Now leading Leadership Development for Pizza Hut globally, she empowers restaurant leaders to grow and excel. Diane is excited to share insights on standing out as an intern, making the most of the experience, and turning internships into full-time opportunities.
Aaron Brewer
Aaron J. Brewer is an accomplished finance professional with a strong background in accounting and financial management. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (cum laude) with a Minor in Music Performance from the University of Kentucky (2012-2017) and a Master of Public Financial Management (2020-2022). Aaron is also a Certified Public Accountant (Kentucky). Currently serving as an Associate Manager at Yum! Brands Inc. (2021-present), Aaron has previously held roles such as Control Analyst (2019-2021) at Yum! Brands Inc. and Experienced Assurance Associate (2017-2019) at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. Aaron obtained his first post-graduate position with PricewaterhouseCoopers via an internship in the assurance field.
Logan Carlisle - Associate Manager, KFC U.S. Franchise Finance
Logan Carlisle has over 10 years of experience in diverse finance and accounting roles at KFC, Yum! Brands, and Deloitte & Touche. Currently, he leads Franchise Finance Growth & Strategy for KFC US, overseeing franchisee M&A, monitoring financial health, and advising executive leadership on potential risks/opportunities. Logan is passionate about enabling others to unlock their full potential and is excited to share best practices for interns, ways to build your professional network, and strategies to turn an internship into a full-time job offer.
Kyle Nutgrass - Analyst, KFC U.S. Franchise Finance
Graduating in May 2024 from Western Kentucky University, Kyle Nutgrass began his career with KFC U.S. in Franchise Finance after completing a year-long internship with the company in Financial Planning and Analysis. With a background in FP&A and a current focus on monitoring franchisee financial health and facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee transactions, he has gained valuable insights into both the internal and external environments of a major corporation. Kyle will share his internship experience, tips on making a significant impact in a short timeframe, and general advice on achieving a successful internship
Chancellor Caldwell - Software Developer, Yum! Brands
Chancellor Caldwell holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Louisville. After interning with Yum Brands for 10 weeks in the summer of 2021, he was hired full-time as a Software Developer. He has been with Yum Brands for approximately 3.5 years, also serving as the liaison for their Dare to Care corporate relationship. Additionally, Chancellor is an entrepreneur mentor for a local business incubator, AMPED.
12:00 PM
Speaker: Brad White
What do football and accounting have in common? More than you might think! Join us for an inspiring keynote session featuring Brad White, Defensive Coordinator for UK Football and holder of a master’s degree in accounting. Brad will share his unique journey, highlighting how the leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking he developed in both football and accounting have shaped his career.
In a dynamic conversation, Brad will be interviewed by a current UK football player majoring in accounting and a UK accounting faculty member, offering a compelling look at the intersection of sports, business, and leadership. Whether you're an aspiring accountant, a sports enthusiast, or simply looking for motivation, this session will leave you with valuable insights on teamwork, adaptability, and building a winning mindset—on and off the field! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from a leader who has excelled in two distinct yet connected worlds!
Brad White enters his seventh season as the outside linebackers coach at Kentucky, and his sixth as the Cats’ defensive coordinator, in 2024. He was elevated to the defensive coordinator position by head coach Mark Stoops in February 2019.
White came to the Bluegrass in 2018, after spending six years with the Indianapolis Colts. Coming in as the outside linebackers coach, White’s NFL experience combined with defensive end Josh Allen’s talent and work ethic allowed for Allen to have one of the greatest seasons in program history in 2018. He won National Defensive Player of the Year honors and was a unanimous All-America First Team selection that season, after leading the team with 88 tackles and pacing the Southeastern Conference in sacks (17.0), tackles for loss (21.5) and forced fumbles (5).
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