New England Practice Management Conference

Laurence Whittman

Laurence Whittam, Founder and Managing Director of Impact Global Solutions is an Outsourcing Expert for accountants and businesses looking to utilize outsourced talent. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for driving transformative growth, Laurence empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of outsourcing and build successful international teams. Their deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance have helped countless businesses overcome staffing challenges and achieve sustainable growth. As a featured speaker and trusted advisor, Laurence brings a unique perspective to the podcast, sharing invaluable insights and practical strategies for leveraging outsourcing as a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with actionable tips as Laurence takes the stage to share their expertise on optimizing outsourcing and unlocking your firm’s true potential.

Trish Foster

Trish Foster is founder of Trish Foster Consulting and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change agent, a sought-after DEI speaker, advisor, writer and workshop facilitator and a certified energy healing practitioner. Her expertise includes allyship across identity difference – including race and gender – inclusive leadership, psychological safety, intersectionality, sponsorship and mentorship and gender equity. Foster also has extensive experience working with organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, with clients ranging from international corporations, early-stage companies, nonprofits and academic institutions. She works with employees at all levels and coaches senior leaders to help them navigate DEI challenges. Furthermore, Foster has written numerous research reports on topics ranging from disability inclusion and allyship to intersectionality and workplace culture. Her speaking engagements draw on this research.

Jon Lokhorst

Jon Lokhorst, CPA, PCC, is the founder of Lokhorst Consulting LLC where he develops leaders everyone wants to follow, builds teams no one wants to leave and delivers exceptional results . Prior to this role, he served for 18 years at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company, Ltd. before becoming a managing partner at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company. Lokhorst spent 15 years in nonprofit leadership roles, primarily as CFO or development director, and has served clients throughout the U.S. as a speaker, coach and trainer. On top of his coaching and accounting credentials, he is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), on the Board of Directors of the NSA Minnesota Chapter, a certified facilitator of RightPath assessment tools and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago.

Matt Rampe

Matt Rampe is a consultant, coach and speaker to CPA firm owners in North America. Rampe began his career in finance at a Fortune 500 company. He then transitioned to the business valuation of venture backed startups at top-50 ranked Frank Rimerman. Later Rampe served as an expert witness on business valuation matters related to divorce and corporate disputes before joining Rampe Consulting.

Matt has also earned his professional coaching certification and is trained in new product design, mediation and organizational change.

He was a 40 Under Forty – Honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) & Consultants’ Training Institute (CTI) and is a regular author and speaker on practice management topics.

Matt is a graduate of San Jose State.

Renee Moelders

Renee Moelders is a partner at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is a frequent speaker, writer and facilitator on topics impacting CPA firm leaders, offering practical strategies for improvement and change based on her experiences working with clients and her many years as a CPA firm administrator. Additionally, Moelders is passionate about furthering flexible and remote work in the profession and is a coach in the firm’s leadership program.

Michael Duffy

Michael Duffy is co-chair of the Tax Practice Group focusing on corporate, estate, and individual tax planning matters. He advises clients on the tax consequences of forming, operating, restructuring, and liquidating business entities with a focus on tax-efficient succession planning. He also handles issues related to the formation and management of nonprofit entities, executive compensation, federal and state tax audits and controversies, mergers and acquisitions, and the taxation of gifts, trusts, and estates.

Trish Foster

Trish Foster is founder of Trish Foster Consulting and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change agent, a sought-after DEI speaker, advisor, writer and workshop facilitator and a certified energy healing practitioner. Her expertise includes allyship across identity difference – including race and gender – inclusive leadership, psychological safety, intersectionality, sponsorship and mentorship and gender equity. Foster also has extensive experience working with organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, with clients ranging from international corporations, early-stage companies, nonprofits and academic institutions. She works with employees at all levels and coaches senior leaders to help them navigate DEI challenges. Furthermore, Foster has written numerous research reports on topics ranging from disability inclusion and allyship to intersectionality and workplace culture. Her speaking engagements draw on this research.

Jason Staats

Five years ago I switched my firm to a new practice management system. We spent a year of work researching, planning and training a team of 40 for the change, and in three months I realized we’d chosen the wrong system.

The reason? We made decisions according to what colorful brochures and commissioned sales people told us.

We were left with an impossible decision. We’d thrown away two years on this project, only to start the process over again. The ultimate cost would be years of lost productivity, and more sleepless nights than I could count.

I needed to ensure I never made the same mistake again.

Heather Lisle

Heather Lisle is a communications and marketing expert, entrepreneur, and professional problem-solver who helps executives stand out from their competition by creating unique brand positioning based on their personality using the DiSC profile. With 20 plus years of executive level experience, Heather has mastered the ability to cut through the small talk and dig deep to identify her client’s “special sauce” or uniqueness that sets them apart from their competition to increase leads and sales.

Laurence Whittman

Laurence Whittam, Founder and Managing Director of Impact Global Solutions is an Outsourcing Expert for accountants and businesses looking to utilize outsourced talent. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for driving transformative growth, Laurence empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of outsourcing and build successful international teams. Their deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance have helped countless businesses overcome staffing challenges and achieve sustainable growth. As a featured speaker and trusted advisor, Laurence brings a unique perspective to the podcast, sharing invaluable insights and practical strategies for leveraging outsourcing as a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with actionable tips as Laurence takes the stage to share their expertise on optimizing outsourcing and unlocking your firm’s true potential.

Adam Hamel

Adam Hamel is a Director in McLane Middleton’s Litigation Department, concentrating his practice in the areas of business, employment and probate litigation. Adam regularly assists clients on a variety of commercial and employment litigation matters, including claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, violations of restrictive covenants, and wage and hour issues. Adam also has extensive experience working on will contests, fiduciary litigation and guardianships. Adam, who received his J.D., magna cum laude, from New England Law / Boston in 2005, has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers®.

Trish Foster

Trish Foster is founder of Trish Foster Consulting and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change agent, a sought-after DEI speaker, advisor, writer and workshop facilitator and a certified energy healing practitioner. Her expertise includes allyship across identity difference – including race and gender – inclusive leadership, psychological safety, intersectionality, sponsorship and mentorship and gender equity. Foster also has extensive experience working with organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, with clients ranging from international corporations, early-stage companies, nonprofits and academic institutions. She works with employees at all levels and coaches senior leaders to help them navigate DEI challenges. Furthermore, Foster has written numerous research reports on topics ranging from disability inclusion and allyship to intersectionality and workplace culture. Her speaking engagements draw on this research.

Christopher Nash

Christopher Nash, Managing Partner, is a trusted business advisor with over a decade of experience in tax, assurance and advisory services. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Accounting from Bridgewater State University, where he also served as a graduate assistant, tutoring and teaching accounting to fellow students—a role that ignited his passion for helping others understand the complexities of the field.

Chris launched his career in 2012, spending almost four years in the assurance practice at national firms before shifting his focus in 2015 to small businesses, non-profits, and individual clients. Known for his ability to find unique solutions to complex problems, Chris provides candid, no-nonsense advice that helps clients navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), Chris is committed to delivering expert guidance while maintaining a personal connection with his clients. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.

Eliot Bassin

Eliot Bassin specializes in providing tax, audit and business advisory services to individuals, closely held businesses and non-profit organizations. He is also experienced in the performance of “Yellow Book” engagements, as well as audits conducted under the Single Audit Act. He earned a Bachelor of Accountancy, Cum Laude, from the George Washington University and a M.S. in Taxation from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He is also actively involved in several community organizations.

John Geraci

John Geraci is a Partner at LitmanGerson Associates, LLP (LGA), leading the firm’s A&A practice, as well as working with the firm’s leaders to develop and implement various strategic initiatives. He has also been instrumental in the development of other emerging leaders, serving as a mentor and career counselor to firm members at LGA, as well as at his former employer, Caturano and Company. John has been able to create and foster a culture of accountability where everyone expects more of themselves and each other.

Matt Rampe

Matt Rampe is a consultant, coach and speaker to CPA firm owners in North America. Rampe began his career in finance at a Fortune 500 company. He then transitioned to the business valuation of venture backed startups at top-50 ranked Frank Rimerman. Later Rampe served as an expert witness on business valuation matters related to divorce and corporate disputes before joining Rampe Consulting.

Matt has also earned his professional coaching certification and is trained in new product design, mediation and organizational change.

He was a 40 Under Forty – Honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) & Consultants’ Training Institute (CTI) and is a regular author and speaker on practice management topics.

Matt is a graduate of San Jose State.

Renee Moelders

Renee Moelders is a partner at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is a frequent speaker, writer and facilitator on topics impacting CPA firm leaders, offering practical strategies for improvement and change based on her experiences working with clients and her many years as a CPA firm administrator. Additionally, Moelders is passionate about furthering flexible and remote work in the profession and is a coach in the firm’s leadership program.

Randy Johnston

Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 30 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Systems and Network Integration, Accounting Software Selection, Business Development and Management, Disaster Recovery and Contingency Planning, and Process Engineering.

Corey Adams

Corey Adams is a regional manager for Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest staffing firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology. During his nearly 15 years with the company, Adams has helped clients locate highly skilled professionals in the areas of finance and accounting, with a primary focus on temporary, contract, consulting and permanent searches in the Greater Boston Area for mid to senior level roles.

Mark Brownstein

Mark Brownstein is highly regarded as a “trusted educator and advisor” and the Director of Medicare for Emerald Medicare. He a fully licensed Medicare professional servicing 20 states. Mark is a 3-time President of his local Financial Planners Association (FPA) and received industry recognition as a highly energetic leader who is both committed to the highest fiduciary standards and to service quality. He is a passionate, independent, and dedicated provider of comprehensive and competitive Medicare solutions. As an advisor, Mark has built his career based on objective education to assist in implementing Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. Mark has extensive experience working with individuals, veterans, Financial professionals, medical offices and CPA and tax professionals to implement Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. He and his team of 5 are committed all year long to service quality. Mark has provided Medicare solutions for over 1,500 clients and conducted educational workshops for over 3,000 clients and trusted advisors. Mark has a 2 local monthly radio shows focused on discussion that support seniors. Mark is also a CSA (Certified Senior Advisor). As an elder advocate he helps improve many facets of seniors and the adult children’s lives including Medicare. He delivers practical strategies and solutions to help one better deal with the eldercare issues.

Kyle Young

Since joining MS Consultants LLC in 2007, Kyle Young, director, has consulted on cost segregation studies, tangible property regulations, fixed asset reviews, sect179D deductions, historic rehabilitation certification, and energy savings analysis. He is responsible for analyzing depreciation schedules and related records for proper asset classification and preparing tax filings required in conjunction with engineering studies. Prior to joining MS Consultants, Young spent four years with a Western New York public accounting firm.

Mike Smith

Mike has had a meaningful and diverse career path with ms consultants since joining the firm in 1987. Initially hired as an intern in the Youngstown office, his role evolved from an environmental engineer to a branch manager, and he eventually became the firm’s chief operating officer. Today, Mike leads the company as President.

As the firm’s leader, Mike assumes responsibility for providing the highest level of service to clients. He enforces quality control procedures for all assignments, ensuring customer goals and objectives are met and exceeded through the efforts of talented and skilled personnel.

Outside the office, you can find Mike traveling with his wife and two daughters to destinations across the United States. They especially enjoy hidden gem and oddball sites that aren’t well-traveled. Mike also enjoys making furniture, watching sports, and helping family, friends, and neighbors with home improvement projects.

Jeff Hiatt

Jeffrey Hiatt is director of New Business Development at MS Consultants, LLC. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has developed and fostered relationships with CPA firms, real estate professionals and accounting societies throughout the New England area helping to make MS Consultants the leading provider of Cost Segregation Studies in the Northeast.

Ryan Ransford

Ryan advises both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the areas of fiduciary oversight and investment selection within retirement plans. Ryan works directly with plan sponsors in helping them manage their fiduciary risk by implementing a fiduciary governance process. His area of focus is in the design, implementation, communication, and administration of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans.

To Ryan, his role is about building relationships with individuals and taking the time to help improve his clients’ lives. He is dedicated and his passion for his work is evident to his colleagues and clients.

Greg Puig

With a passion for assisting clients in all things benefits and Health & Welfare, Greg is a key player on Sentinel’s leadership team. Having called Sentinel home for 13+ years, he is driven by a desire to help people day in and day out.

Greg brings a unique view of benefits to the table, having curated a diverse background in Health & Welfare, Insurance Consulting, and Retirement. While many companies are stuck in the past with outdated group insurance strategy, he appreciates Sentinel’s ability to innovate by bringing everything under one roof.

Greg understands insurance and benefit plans can be incredibly confusing for people. By helping firms create strong education game plans, his expertise enhances the value of their offerings and empowers employees to feel confident in what is offered to them.

When Greg isn’t involved in his Reading community, he enjoys taking trips to Newport, RI, with his wife Kristin and their two boys. Fun fact about Greg: He met Kristin on the first day of college orientation at the University of Connecticut! Nowadays, they enjoy cheering on their alma mater together.

Jake Quast

Jake has a Bachelor’s degree in business finance with a pre-law Minor from Dominican University of California. He’s now the Senior R&D Consultant at EPSA USA, helping Architecture, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, and Engineering firms claim research and development tax credits. He works with a team of experts, including tax attorneys and data analysts.

Connor Mitchel

Connor Mitchell is a seasoned tax professional with extensive expertise in Section 179D, currently serving as the CPA Partnership Manager at EPSA USA. Known for his deep understanding of tax regulations, energy-efficient tax incentives, and R&D tax credits, Connor has become a trusted advisor for clients seeking guidance on 179D deductions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of tax codes and regulations, particularly in the realms of energy-efficient commercial building deductions and research and development incentives. His proficiency in identifying and maximizing the benefits available under Section 179D and R&D tax credits has been instrumental in helping clients optimize their tax positions, making him an invaluable asset to the EPSA team and their partners.

Michele Fitzpatrick

Michele Fitzpatrick is the vice president of Northern 1031 Exchange where she brings 17 years of banking knowledge and almost 20 years working as a real estate professional. Since Northern 1031 Exchange was formed in 2016, she has played an integral role in the growth and inception of this wholly-owned subsidiary, and has successfully grown both the exchange transaction volume and exchange dollar amount. In addition, Fitzpatrick is actively involved with the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, the only 1031 nationwide industry association. She also recently completed all course work and hours required to sit for the Certified Exchange Specialist Exam in September 2021.

Jon Lokhorst

Jon Lokhorst, CPA, PCC, is the founder of Lokhorst Consulting LLC where he develops leaders everyone wants to follow, builds teams no one wants to leave and delivers exceptional results . Prior to this role, he served for 18 years at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company, Ltd. before becoming a managing partner at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company. Lokhorst spent 15 years in nonprofit leadership roles, primarily as CFO or development director, and has served clients throughout the U.S. as a speaker, coach and trainer. On top of his coaching and accounting credentials, he is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), on the Board of Directors of the NSA Minnesota Chapter, a certified facilitator of RightPath assessment tools and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago.

Beth Ziesenis

Beth Z cuts through the noise to bring you tech tips, tools and tricks for productive productivity, sexy social media, tolerable to-do lists and truly collaborative collaborations.

She is exciting, fun, and packed full of knowledge that she shares in easy-to-digest sound bites. Beth takes the fear out of technology and helps you get right to the point with effective apps and tools that you can integrate into your everyday work and life.

Heather Lisle

Heather Lisle is a communications and marketing expert, entrepreneur, and professional problem-solver who helps executives stand out from their competition by creating unique brand positioning based on their personality using the DiSC profile. With 20 plus years of executive level experience, Heather has mastered the ability to cut through the small talk and dig deep to identify her client’s “special sauce” or uniqueness that sets them apart from their competition to increase leads and sales.

John Colucci

John has a dual background as both an attorney and CPA. This unique skill set gives John a differentiating perspective and depth of understanding of the legal issues necessary for protecting a growing business, as well as the financial drivers of operating and sustaining a successful company. John’s ability to communicate complex legal and business issues clearly, concisely and simply is a hallmark of his work, as is his easy manner, yet no-nonsense style effectively managing business and legal matters for his clients.-John’s clients range from startup companies to large multiowner-private and publicly traded corporations. John has extensive experience in all areas of commercial transactions and business operations, and practices in the areas of business law, tax law, estate and business succession planning and real estate. John received his J.D. from Suffolk University, cum laude, (1992), B.S. in Accountancy and A.S. Management from Bentley College, magna cum laude, (1985). Previous to McLane, John was the Founding Partner of Colucci Norman LLP (2008-2010), Partner, Metaxas, Norman & Pidgeon, LLP (2000-2008), Shareholder, Colucci & Associates, PC (1998-2000), Partner, Gormley & Colucci, PC (1992-1998) and Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers (1985-1988).