9:30 am - 10:20 am
Speaker: Tara Bilby, Alvarez and Marsal
Location: Room 283
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.
More about the speaker:
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.
Speakers: Mark Whelan and Sarah Meehan, 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.
More about the speakers:
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.
Sarah Meehan is the director of investment accounting for the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Kentucky (TRS) and has served in this role since Feb. 1, 2025. She has worked in TRS’s investment accounting division since joining TRS in December 2007. Her team supports the investment staff by preparing and examining TRS’s investment transactions and ensuring all investment transactions are recorded and maintained for proper reporting.
Prior to joining TRS, Mrs. Meehan worked four years with Lexmark International, working both in the accounting and corporate finance departments.
Mrs. Meehan graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2003 with a bachelor of science in accounting and finance.
Speakers: Stacey Bowman, Robert Half
Location: Room 157
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.
More About the Speaker:
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Stacey Bowman is a Recruiting Manager within the Permanent placement division specializing in Finance and Accounting placements and has been with Robert Half since 2019.
Speaker: Paige Dauparas and Brian Buchanan, PwC
Location: Room 165
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.
Brian is an innovative partner fully leveraging the firm’s digital capabilities in delivering audit services. Brian has successfully implemented various technology-enabled applications to make better use of data in our audits. Brian is focused on investments in our people and tools so we can deliver scalable, tailored solutions, and streamlining processes to drive greater value through our audits.
Brian has over 28 years of experience and has worked in various offices, including Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; Washington D.C.; Florham Park, New Jersey; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois, while serving significant and important clients of the Firm
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: 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.
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.
Thomas is a member of the Commercial Products Practice and has 14 years of providing audit and consulting services for closely held and private equity-backed companies, including those with complex international operating structures.
His public accounting experience includes audits, reviews, compilations, helping clients implement new FASB pronouncements, internal control reviews, and various other industry specific consulting services.
Thomas is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves on the board of directors of the American Heart Association as well as a member of the finance committee of Greater Louisville Inc.
He is a 2010 graduate of University of Kentucky, Lexington, with B.S. and M.A. degrees in accounting.
Speaker: Dan Mitzenmacher, Cherry Bekaert
Location: Room 257
This session will explore varying definitions and applications of AI use cases in Finance & Accounting to support business operations, the key benefits, and pragmatic approaches for how to determine which use cases to pilot & deploy.
As a Managing Director for Cherry Bekaert's Digital Transformation Services practice, Dan has 20 years of experience as a business and technology solutions leader with an industrial manufacturing, distribution, technology and healthcare and life sciences industry focus, including working as a consultant and technology executive with a variety of advisory roles. Dan leads project teams and is responsible for the delivery of engagements with a background in IT and application strategy, systems implementations, processimprovements, data platforms, data enabled optimization, consolidation strategy, cloud strategy,architecture strategy and target operating modelenhancements.
Speaker: Ali Strohm, EY
Location: Room 265
Choosing the perfect mentor can be challenging but what if you didn't have to just choose one? In this session, you will learn how to build your professional circle, what things you should look for, and how to maximize your experience through connections.
Ali has been with EY for 16 years, serving in several roles within the firm. She is an Ohio CPA and has worked in EY’s Audit practice and in a variety of Talent roles. Ali currently works within HR, serving EY’s Tax practice nationally. Ali graduated summa cum laude in Finance with a minor in Spanish from Xavier University and graduated with her M.S. in Accounting from University of Virginia. Ali is passionate about the career opportunities the accounting profession provides, and she loves giving back to the profession in her role as board chair of The Ohio CPA Foundation. She is a member of the AICPA and Ohio Society of CPAs and has her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and property & casualty, life & health insurance licenses.
Ali is energized by community engagement, volunteering through the years with Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, University of Cincinnati Business Fellows, The Ohio CPA Foundation, Junior Achievement, Kindervelt of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, ArtWorks, and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Ali and her husband, Alex, live in Cincinnati with their two children and dog.
10:30 am - 11:20 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.
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.
Speaker: Brad Smith, Cherry Bekaert
In the complex landscape of modern business and accounting, professionals must consistently uphold ethical standards that protect stakeholder interests and maintain organizational trust. This session will equip students with a robust framework for identifying potential ethical dilemmas, analyzing conflicts of interest, and developing principled approaches to independent and objective decision-making.
As an Assurance Partner at Cherry Bekaert, Brad has held various leadership roles in the Assurance practice. Brad focuses on middle-market growth oriented companies in a wide range of commercial related entities and industries, including public company services. In addition to his role in Assurance, Brad serves as the Market Leader for the Central Region, collaborating with the team to execute growth strategies.
Prior to joining Cherry Bekaert, Brad was the Managing Partner of a large regional accounting firm, working with the leadership team to further develop and grow the firm across its regional footprint. Additionally, Brad was a partner with a Big Four firm where he led the Entrepreneurial Services Group in Kentucky, working with a variety of publicly traded and privately held entities principally focused in the areas of accounting and auditing.
As a celebrated and accomplished leader in his field, Brad has serviced various industries, including Industrial Manufacturing, Government & Public Sector, and Not-for-Profits.
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Speaker: Brad White
Location: Kincaid Auditorium (Gatton Room 111)
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).
He graduated from Wake Forest with a bachelor’s degree in analytical finance and a master’s degree in accounting.
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