Bryan Sinclair 
Vice President, Technical Accounting Solution Leader - RGP
Bryan leads RGP’s Technical Accounting solution and is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with extensive knowledge in technical accounting matters, including US GAAP and IFRS, initial public offerings, internal controls and financial reporting functions within dynamic growth companies as well as mature organizations facing financial and operational challenges. Bryan has provided technical accounting analysis/guidance on significant transactions and events for clients, including initial public offerings, mergers & acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, and restructurings. Bryan began his accounting career with the Big Four, spending nearly nine years between KPMG and PwC, and is a Certified Public Accountant (State of Texas).
James Skakun 
Tax Partner - BMF
James Skakun is a Tax Partner at BMF with deep expertise in business taxation and transaction advisory services. Since joining the firm in 2011, James has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to closely held businesses, private equity firms, and strategic buyers navigating complex tax and transactional matters. James focuses primarily on business tax, with a significant specialization in mergers and acquisitions. He co-leads BMF’s Transaction Tax Services (TTS) practice and has authored over 175 tax diligence reports while playing a critical role in transaction structuring, risk identification, and post-deal tax planning. Over the past six years, the TTS practice has worked on over 20 sell-side transactions with an average equity value of $75M. Working closely with BMF’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group, James brings a collaborative, deal-oriented approach that aligns tax strategy with financial, operational, and commercial considerations. His experience spans acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, and restructurings, helping clients anticipate tax exposures, optimize deal economics, and achieve successful outcomes. James is known for his practical mindset, technical strength, and ability to communicate complex tax issues clearly to executives, investors, and deal teams. His hands-on approach and commitment to client service make him a key resource for clients navigating high-stakes transactions and long-term growth initiatives.
Matt Soful 
Director, Business Development - Consulting, RGP
Matt Soful is a results-driven business development professional with a strong track record of enabling organizations to execute critical business initiatives. With extensive experience in consultative sales, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth, Matt excels in connecting companies with highly experienced consultants and subject matter experts to solve their most pressing challenges. Currently serving as Director of Business Development at RGP, Matt partners with large enterprises to provide expertise, capability, and capacity for transformative projects. His ability to understand complex business needs and align them with tailored solutions has made him a trusted advisor across industries. Prior to RGP, Matt held roles at CBIZ, EY, and other firms, where he helped organizations enhance productivity, mitigate risks, and drive financial success. He also founded The Business Quarterback, helping businesses optimize financial strategies and achieve sustainable growth. In 2023, Matt was recognized by Crain’s Business as a Notable Leader in Accounting & Consulting, highlighting his impact in the industry and his ability to drive meaningful business outcomes. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Heidelberg University, where he developed a strong foundation in financial management, strategic decision-making, and business operations. Outside of his corporate career, Matt is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He serves on the Board of Directors for NEOPAT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families. His involvement reflects his passion for giving back and supporting those who have served our country. Beyond his professional achievements, Matt is a dedicated husband and father of four who values teamwork, collaboration, and community. A former collegiate athlete, he applies his competitive spirit and leadership skills to drive success for the organizations he serves.
Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D. 
Dean - Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University
Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D., joined Kent State University in January 2013 as Dean of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. She previously served at the University of South Alabama's Mitchell College of Business and has served on the faculties of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Western Michigan University and as a visiting professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Worms, Germany. Prior to earning her doctorate in marketing, she worked as the marketing research director of a publishing company and later for consulting firms in Atlanta, Georgia. Spake's research interests include services marketing, advertising, and business ethics. Her research has appeared in numerous publications. She is a member of the editorial review board of the Journal of Business Research and facilitates a seminar for new associate deans of business for AACSB International, the accreditation body for colleges and schools of business. She has previously served as a judge for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program.
Lisa Stiffler 
Managing Director, Risk Consulting - KPMG
Lisa is a managing director in KPMG’s Risk Consulting practice with over 23 year specializing in internal audit, SOX compliance, and enterprise risk management. She specializes in the Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Market industries, helping companies navigate risk considerations for new IPO’s, significant, complex transactions, and enterprise-wide transformational changes.
Robert “Cujo” Teschner 
Founder, CEO, Chief Consultant - VMax Group Consulting
Robert “Cujo” Teschner has more than 20 years of hands-on leadership experience in high-reliability organizations and brings all that experience with him wherever he speaks, teaches, or coaches. He has a special way of connecting with his audiences, blending high-impact stories of fighter aviation and personal humility to achieve the intended outcome. He served as Commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron, responsible for transitioning a start-up squadron to the Far East for four months. He was hand-selected to serve as an F-15 “Eagle” instructor pilot at the United States Air Force (USAF) Weapons School. He also served as a senior staff officer at Headquarters U.S. European Command, where he was a key architect of a major multi-billion-dollar overseas security initiative requested by the President of the United States.
Luke Wilson 
Manager, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk - KPMG
Luke Wilson is a manager in KPMG's Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk practice based in Cleveland, with more than seven years of internal audit and accounting experience. His work involves leading the execution of internal audit, enterprise risk, SOX, and ESG engagements for clients across a variety of industries. With the increasing need for ESG guidance, Wilson has been focused on helping to develop KPMG's methodology and approach to ESG processes and controls to address emerging risks surrounding ESG reporting. Luke has presented to IIA chapters and other groups on ESG and Internal Audit's role.
Jenelle Wolfe 
Director, International Tax Strategy - Eaton Corp.
Jenelle Wolfe is a Director, International Tax Strategy, for Eaton Corp. where she is responsible for overseeing global tax policy and tax planning for the company. Jenelle has over 18 years of combined experience, including prior roles in M&A tax for Eaton Corp. and tax compliance in public accounting. She is a CPA and holds a Master of Taxation degree from the University of Denver and a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from Kent State University.