2026 Summer Education Conference
20.00 Credits
Member Price $750.00
Price will increase by $50 after 7/6
Non-Member Price $850.00
Price will increase by $50 after 7/6
Overview
**Hotel reservation link will be sent in your Conference Registration Confirmation email.
Open to all CPAs, featuring a diverse range of hot topics to keep you informed and ahead in the field.
All CPAs are invited to join the Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas CPA Societies for the Summer Education Conference in Gulf Shores, AL. Pack up the family and enjoy 4 hours of CPE each morning, with the rest of the day free to relax on the beach, kayak, or explore local attractions. It’s the perfect blend of vacation and professional growth, offering a unique chance to network with CPAs from across the SEC!
Sunday, July 19
4:00 pm Conference Registration
6:00 - 7:30 pm SEC Networking Reception Tailgate
Show your school spirit by wearing your team colors and join us for a lively tailgate reception to kick off the conference! Network with fellow state societies, enjoy delicious food, and connect before the sessions begin.
The reception is complimentary for registrants, with adult guests at $25 and children at $10. Please remember to rsvp and pre-pay for any reception guests before arriving in Gulf Shores to secure your spot.
Monday, July 20
8:00 - 9:40 am
Professional Opportunities Update (Rise to the Future Together)
Mark Koziel
Join Mark Koziel, President & CEO of the AICPA and CEO of the Association of Certified Professional Accountants, as he looks to the future and provides an update on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Discover how the profession is rising to meet the moment and how the Association is working to empower innovation, leadership, and inspiration for the next generation of CPAs and CGMAs.
9:40-10:00 Break
10:00 - 11:40 am
Do You Smell Something Burning?
Dr. Angela White Bazile, Esq. • Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc. • Mandeville, LA
Burnout is a form of chronic stress that stems from prolonged workloads, tight deadlines, and intense pressure to maintain accuracy and compliance. It can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness. The cyclical nature of peak seasons and the demand for precision can make it difficult for accountants to find work-life balance, contributing to long-term mental and emotional strain.
Tuesday, July 21
8:00 - 11:40am
Tax Update
Lisa McKinney, CPA • University of Alabama, Culverhouse School of Accountancy • Tuscaloosa, AL
This workshop will cover recent legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect tax compliance and consulting. CPAs from all levels can benefit from the workshop.
Wednesday, July 22
8:00 - 9:40 am
Update on AI for the Accounting Profession
Paul M. Perry, FHFMA, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, CPA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, AL
As artificial intelligence quickly becomes part of our everyday lives, it brings with it more comprehension needs, risk, and capabilities. IT almost requires a daily refresh on what was and what will become. Simply, AI is a powerful tool and, at times, a crutch – but never a replacement for human judgment, context, or accountability. Participants will explore where AI adds real value (content creation, summarization, efficiency gains), where it creates new exposures (data leakage, false confidence, over reliance), and how accountants must apply professional skepticism, governance, and security controls to use AI safely. The session will explore every aspect of our professional life and the abilities that we can (and should) turn over to AI and those that should remain firmly human responsibilities.
9:40-10:00 am Break
10:00 - 11:40 am
Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Valuations
Robert P. Gray, CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA, CFE • Gray Schrupp & Associates • Dallas, TX
Thursday, July 23
8:00 - 11:40 am
Accounting and Auditing Update
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
This session will cover new standards issued by the FASB, Auditing Standards Board, and AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee. Hot topics in peer review will also be covered, along with emerging issues in the accounting and auditing field.
Friday, July 24
8:00-9:40
Wall Street, Washington, and West Coast: An Economic Updat
Stephen Morgan • Senior Vice President, Investment Director – Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA
Policymakers are reshaping global trade and upending international relations as the U.S. Federal Reserve enters a new era. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and other factors are rewriting labor force dynamics. We’ll examine the new economic and financial market landscape in light of these developments.
9:40-10:00 am Break
10:00 - 11:40
The CPA as Connector: Adding Value Without Being the Forensic Expert
Ralph A. Litolff, Jr., CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, MBA • RAL Forensics, LLC • Metairie, LA
Forensic accounting is often treated as a single specialty, but it encompasses multiple distinct disciplines, each designed to address different client needs and situations. This session is designed for CPAs across all practice areas and focuses on helping attendees understand how forensic accounting differs from traditional CPA services and how to identify which type of forensic expertise best fits a client’s circumstances.
The session emphasizes the CPA’s role as a trusted advisor and connector. Attendees will learn how to recognize when matters move beyond traditional CPA services, what information is helpful to gather early, and how to manage client expectations before a forensic specialist is engaged. The goal is for CPAs to leave feeling more confident adding value by connecting clients with the right forensic expertise at the right time.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify major forensic accounting disciplines and their common use cases
• Recognize client scenarios where forensic expertise may be appropriate
• Understand how CPAs add value by serving as connectors
Important Note: Starting June 30th, a $200 cancellation fee will apply due to commitments with the hotel, catering, and event planning. We appreciate your understanding.
Notice
**Hotel reservation link will be sent in your Conference Registration Confirmation email.
This block will sell out. Hotel Room Block Rates will expire after June 15, 2026. Register & book early to save!
ABOUT THE LODGE
The Lodge features:
- 28 miles of hiking/biking trails
- Private beach
- Daily activities
- Free bike-share (up to 3 hours)
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Guided Segway eco-tours
- No resort fees!
Plus Gulf State Park offers dozens of weekly activities, like guided beach walks and star-gazing, opportunities to “meet” local wildlife (owls, turtles, snakes, etc), fitness classes, pickleball, and more!
NIGHTLY RATES
SEC attendees get exclusive discounted rates at The Lodge starting at $255/night.
RESERVATIONS: These rates are good for arrivals as early as July 18, departing July 24, and are subject to state and local taxes. Hearing and mobility accessible rooms are also available.
SPONSOR THIS EVENT
From pre-event promotion to the in-person conference, our sponsor packages can put your brand in front of 25,000+ CPAs across the southeast. Check out the packages and pricing and email dallen@louisiana.cpa for more information.
Reception Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Beach Chair Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
July 19, 2026
Breakout Session
- Reception Guest Fee: Adult $25
This session is available to guests only.
- Guest Price
- $25.00
Session Pricing:
- Reception Guest Fee: Child $10
This session is available to guests only.
- Guest Price
- $10.00
Session Pricing:
- Sunday Reception - Free For Registrants! Select this option to attend
This session is available to registrants only.
Leader(s):
- Robert Gray, Gray Schrupp & Associates
- Mark Koziel, Instructor
- Ralph Litolff Jr., Owner, RAL Forensics, LLC
- Lisa McKinney, University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy
- Stephen Morgan, Hancock Whitney Bank
- Kurt Oestriecher, Partner in Charge, Oestriecher & Company, APAC, CPAs
- Paul Perry, Warren Averett
- Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program
Leader Bios
Robert Gray, Gray Schrupp & Associates
Robert P. Gray, CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA, CFE, is Principal at Gray Schrupp & Associates in Dallas. His practice areas include complex commercial litigation, forensic investigations, stakeholder disputes, matrimonial services, business valuations and other forensic accounting consulting services. He serves clients in the United States and internationally.
He has been actively involved in TXCPA's Business Valuations, Forensic and Litigation Services Committee for a number of years and has chaired the subcommittee for their conference. In addition, he is a member of AICPA and the Kentucky Society of CPAs, and he has served in several leadership roles in the niche forensic and valuation services community at AICPA.
Gray is also an expert author. He has co-written a chapter in the book "Lost Profits Damages: Principles, Methods, and Applications" second edition. Today's CPA recently caught up with Gray to learn more about his career, his volunteer service and the new book.
Mark Koziel, Instructor
Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, has been named as the incoming CEO of AICPA & CIMA, which operate together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
Koziel will begin his role Jan. 1, 2025, after a transition period. He is president and CEO of Allinial Global, the world’s second-largest accounting association. Allinial Global has 268 member firms with locations throughout the world generating over $6 billion in collective revenues. He is responsible for strategic planning, financial performance, and Allinial’s overall growth and success.
Prior to joining Allinial in 2020, Koziel spent 14 years with the AICPA and later the Association. He began his career at an accounting firm in Buffalo, N.Y.
Koziel has been a leader and advocate for accountants. He has appeared among the top 10 of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and been named to the International Accounting Bulletin’s Global Accounting Power 50 List.
Ralph Litolff Jr., Owner, RAL Forensics, LLC
Ralph A. Litolff, Jr. is the founder of RAL Forensics. He has over 21 years of experience in public accounting, including consulting engagements for a wide variety of closely-held and publicly-traded companies as well as government and nonprofit entities. He provides advisory services to business owners and attorneys in the areas of forensic accounting, business valuation, financial analyses, forecasts and projections, profitability improvement studies, business planning, internal control reviews, commercial litigation and bankruptcy and restructuring.
Lisa McKinney, University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy
Focus and Current Research
Tax Accounting
Financial Accounting
Honors Achievements & Affiliations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Alabama
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Outstanding Educator Award, Alabama Society of CPA’s. (2015).
Alabama Society of CPAs, Board of Directors.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member.
American Society of Women Accountants, Member.
Academic Consult, Pearce Bevill Leesburg, Birmingham, AL. (December 2013 - Present).
Academic Consult, Institute of Management Accountants, Birmingham, AL. (September 21, 2012 - Present).
Academic Consult, Alabama Society of Women Accountants-Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL. (August 22, 2012 - Present).
Academic Consult, Alabama Society of Women Accountants-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. (June 2012 - Present).
Stephen Morgan, Hancock Whitney Bank
Stephen Morgan is an investment director at Hancock Whitney Bank, where he is facilitates a team of investment professionals focused on delivering superior investment strategies and client outcomes.
Stephen has been in the investment industry for over 20 years, joining Hancock Whitney as part of the acquisition of Capital One Asset Management, LLC. Prior to joining Capital One, Stephen worked at Morgan Stanley, efolio.com, Hibernia Bank and Waterhouse Securities.
Stephen has a Bachelor of Mathematics from Carleton College and a Master of Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin.
Kurt Oestriecher, Partner in Charge, Oestriecher & Company, APAC, CPAs
Kurt Oestriecher is partner in charge of accounting and auditing services with Oestriecher & Company, CPAs, in Alexandria, and is also involved in litigation support and small business consulting engagements.
Kurt is a 3-time recipient of LCPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award and has been named an Outstanding Discussion Leader for the AICPA 10 times. Kurt has served on the Accounting and Review Services Committee, AICPA Council, and has authored several courses for the AICPA and LCPA.
Paul Perry, Warren Averett
Paul Perry has been with the Firm since 2004 and is a Member and the practice leader of the Security, Risk and Controls Group. Paul and his team focus on cybersecurity, information technology related projects, risk assessments, internal controls, internal audit and control-related projects, including System and Organization Control engagements.
Paul is also the leader of the Firm’s Data Analysis Group, a team of individuals within the Firm who provide data analysis solutions to both internal and external clients. For more than 11 years, he specialized in auditing and assurance services. Paul has extensive experience serving clients in the nonprofit, governmental, financial, insurance and healthcare facilities/hospital industries during this time. Paul has earned the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification. This credential is awarded to CPAs who possess both information technology and business expertise.
Paul is a thought leader, published columnist and regular speaker on topics such as cybersecurity, data analysis, internal controls and information technology. During the year, Paul performs 20+ external presentations on a wide variety of technology and control related topics to groups including corporate clients, ASCPA, HFMA, IIA and ISACA.
Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program
DR. ANGELA WHITE-BAZILE, is a graduate of the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette,
Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She received her juris doctorate
from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, and she also has a Doctorate of Psychology &
Counseling.
Dr. Bazile is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP)
and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. She held positions such as Judicial Law
Clerk/Research Attorney at Orleans Parish Civil District Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal,
and the Louisiana Supreme Court; Associate Attorney; and Professor of Law. She was also an In-House
Counsel for Prudential Life Insurance in Jacksonville, Florida.
Prior to being named the Executive Director of JLAP, Dr. Bazile was the Executive Counsel at the
Louisiana Supreme Court under the 25th Chief Justice, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. She
was also the Secretary of the Louisiana Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and the Louisiana
Judicial Liaison for human trafficking.
Dr. Bazile has been a presenter for various Continuing Legal Education seminars and is a
well-sought-after motivational speaker. Along with being an attorney, she is also a published
author and licensed realtor.
Dr. Bazile is the recipient of various awards: the 2023 American Judges Association Nachtigal
Award; the 2022 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Christiana Smith African American Alumni
Outstanding Graduate Award; the 2020 National Bar Association Hidden Figure Award; the 2018
Southern University Law Center Distinguished Alumna Award; and the 2017 Louisiana State Bar
Association President's Award.
Dr. Bazile is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans Alumnae Chapter. She
is also a member of various legal organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association,
National Bar Association, American Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal
Society, A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court, 22n? JDC Bar Association, and the National Association of
Realtors.
Non-Member Price $850.00
Member Price $750.00