2026 Cypress Summit - IN PERSON: Medical, Not-for-Profit, Estate & Financial Planning, and Financial Institutions
8.00 Credits
Member Price $359.00
Price will increase by $50 after 9/10
Non-Member Price $459.00
Price will increase by $50 after 9/10
Overview
The Cypress Summit Conference is BACK! This is your one-stop destination for impactful learning, fresh connections, and a full day packed with value!
We're bringing together four conferences under one roof:
• Medical & Healthcare (MED)
• Financial Institutions (FIC)
• Not-for-Profit (NFP)
• Estate & Financial Planning (EFP)
With multiple specialized tracks, you can customize your experience based on your interests and goals. Stay within one track for a deeper dive or mix and match sessions across conferences to create an agenda that's right for you. It's a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with professionals from a variety of industries.
Don’t miss this exciting new way to earn CPE, expand your network, and gain fresh insights—all in just one day!
When registering, you’ll select sessions to help us estimate room sizes, but you can attend any sessions you choose on the day of the event.
Agenda
7:30-7:55am - Registration, Breakfast & Opening Remarks
8:00am - 9:15am - General Session
Gazing into the Crystal Ball: Drivers of the 2027-28 Economy
Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA
What will be the key factors driving the Louisiana economy over the next two years? Is the national economy heading for a recession? If you are in the real estate area, what are the prospects for a Fed rate cut? How might the closure---even a temporary one---of the Strait of Hormuz impact Louisiana's burgeoning LNG export market? What is beginning to finally create a resurgence in the central and north Louisiana economies? Has there finally been a turn in the influence of the NGO's in the river parishes?
9:15-9:35 Break
9:35am - 10:25am Breakout Sessions
Tax Planning within the Nonprofit Landscape (NFP, EFP)
Taylor Boudreaux, CPA • Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC • Houma, LA
Jack Wiles, CPA, MS • Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC • Metairie, LA
Join speakers Taylor Boudreaux and Jack Wiles as they provide an overview of key tax issues affecting nonprofit organizations, including compliance requirements, recent developments, and practical planning considerations. Attendees will also gain insight into effective estate planning strategies designed to preserve wealth, maximize charitable giving opportunities, and help achieve long-term financial and philanthropic goals.
Hot Topics in ALM (FIC)
Matt Thompson, CFA • Smith, Shellnut, Wilson • Ridgeland, MS
This session will explore a range of timely asset/liability management issues facing community financial institutions, with a focus on areas where accounting treatment requires particular attention. Topics will include the effects of issuance costs on callable brokered CDs, TEFRA considerations affecting the yield on tax-exempt bond portfolios, and the persistent drag of unrealized losses in investment portfolios — a challenge that remains pressing even after 175 basis points of rate cuts and renewed pressure from rising market rates. Attendees will leave with practical insights to sharpen their understanding of ALM issues facing financial institutions today.
Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs (MED)
Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA
In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs. Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, while others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonably achieve in moderating them.
10:25 – 10:30 Change Break
10:30am - 11:20am Breakout Sessions
Not-for-Profit Update: Financial Resilience, Compliance Risk, and Emerging Reporting Issues (NFP)
Jeremy Thibodeaux, CPA, CFE • Ericksen Krentel • New Orleans, LA
Not-for-profit organizations continue to face funding uncertainty, cash flow pressure, increased compliance expectations, and growing demand for financial transparency. This session will provide a practical update on key industry trends, grant management, Uniform Guidance, Louisiana Legislative Auditor requirements, complex gifts, and emerging accounting and reporting matters. Participants will leave with insight into the risks, opportunities, and technical issues CPAs should be watching in the year ahead.
Accounting and Auditing Update (FIC, MED)
Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP • Oestriecher Financial Management Services • Alexandria, LA
Private Placement Life Insurance: What Your Wealthiest Clients Are Being Told (EFP)
David Means, JR. AEP, CLU, AIF, NQPC • DeNovo Advisory Group • Dallas, TX
High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients are increasingly hearing about private placement life insurance and annuities as tools for tax-efficient investing, estate planning, and asset protection. This session provides an objective look at what advisors are recommending, why interest has accelerated in recent years, how these structures function, and the key tax and planning issues CPAs should understand when evaluating opportunities for their clients.
11:20 – 12:20 Lunch
12:20pm - 1:10pm Breakout Sessions
Best Ways to Save For You, Your Kids, and Your Grandkids (EFP)
John C. Schmidt, CPA • Pelican CPAs & Advisors • Shreveport, LA
This session will discuss options available for saving for your retirement, plus discussion of savings options for young children, adult children and grandchildren including the new Trump accounts and Trump IRAs.
AI in Healthcare: What's Real Today and What's Coming Next (MED)
Shelley Martin, MD, FAAP • Ochsner Health System • Baton Rouge, LA
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare—from clinical documentation and patient engagement to revenue cycle operations and decision support. This presentation explores where AI is creating real value today, where risks remain, and how healthcare organizations are approaching governance and implementation. We'll also look ahead to the next wave of innovation, including AI agents, autonomous workflows, and emerging technologies that will increasingly influence the delivery, management, and financing of care.
Don't Take the Bait: Defending Against Today's Cyber Threats (NFP, FIC)
Allison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA
Cyber threats continue to evolve faster than ever, impacting organizations of every size and industry. This session explores today's cybersecurity landscape, emerging threats, and the issues that continue to plague organizations, including fraud schemes, phishing and other social engineering attacks, third-party risks, software vulnerabilities, and employee training challenges. Attendees will not only gain a practical understanding of the threats facing organizations but will also leave with actionable insights they can apply within their organizations and share with clients to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
1:10 – 1:15 Change Break
1:15pm – 2:05pm Breakout Sessions
Planning for Retirement: Medicare, Social Security & Sustainable Income (EFP)
Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP • Oestriecher Financial Management Services • Alexandria, LA
Preparing for retirement involves more than saving—it requires making informed decisions about healthcare coverage, Social Security benefits, and long-term income strategies. This session will explore key retirement planning considerations, including Medicare enrollment, Social Security timing, annuities, and fixed-income solutions, helping attendees build a confident and financially secure retirement plan.
Navigating the 340B Program: Eligibility, Compliance, and the Current Regulatory Storm (MED)
Jim Daniel Jr., JD, MBA • Partner - Hancock Daniel & Johnson, LLC • Richmond, VA
The 340B Drug Pricing Program has become one of healthcare's most contested topics, with new litigation, manufacturer restrictions, and federal guidance creating added compliance and financial risks. This presentation covers 340B eligibility and compliance basics, plus the latest developments CPAs need to know to advise their clients and employers on the program.
Board Recruitment and Retention (NFP)
Edmund Giering IV, JD • Baton Rouge Area Foundation • Baton Rouge, LA
In this session, Edmund Giering will explore board responsibilities – from mission, policy and financial perspectives. Participants will hear about best practices in terms of board and staff relationships, recruitment and retention of board members, and how best to support an organization and its leadership as a board member.
Deregulation from Banking Regulators (FIC)
Crystal Jareske, CPA, CIA • Crowe LLP • Dallas, TX
As the compliance landscape continues to evolve, organizations are facing a new kind of challenge: navigating a regulatory environment where oversight may be reduced, but expectations remain firmly in place. This session explores the shifting compliance climate emerging from Washington, D.C., examining what it means for banks when regulators redefine risk or adjust their focus, yet the rules themselves persist. The training will include questions to consider when managing risk, maintaining accountability, and adapting compliance strategies in a world where enforcement may change but obligations do not, with an emphasis on safety and soundness.
2:05 – 2:25 Break
2:25 – 3:15 Breakout Sessions
Estate Planning with Trusts (EFP)
Miriam Henry, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA
Hot Topics Panel (MED)
Kendall Johnson, CPA • General Health System / Baton Rouge General Medical Center • Baton Rouge, LA
Shunn Phillips, CPA • The Baton Rouge Clinic • Baton Rouge, LA
Jason MacMorran, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, MS • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA
Stephanie Bushart • Ochsner Health • Baton Rouge, LA
Panelists will discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting healthcare organizations today.
The Future of Philanthropy: Building Impact, Equity, and Legacy Across Generations (NFP)
Nathan Alvarez • Greater New Orleans Foundation • New Orleans, LA
Ashley Floyd • Greater New Orleans Foundation • New Orleans, LA
• Learn how philanthropy is changing as younger donors increasingly step up as community leaders and older generations step down
• Explore how donor-advised funds, planned giving vehicles, and charitable planning tools help create lasting community impact
• See how to align financial tools with personal and family values, especially across generations
Legislative Update (FIC)
Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA
3:15 – 3:20 Change Break
3:20pm - 4:35pm - General Session
AI Practical Uses and Policies
Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA
Brandon Smith, CPA • Mauldin & Jenkins • Atlanta, GA
Greg Langham, CPA, MBA • Malcolm Dienes, LLC • Metairie, LA
Zak Kinchen, CPA • Planters Bank • Indianola, MS
This panel will share practical applications, lessons learned, and real-world results from AI adoption. The discussion will explore firm policies, governance considerations, risk management, and best practices for balancing innovation, security, and client trust in an evolving technology landscape.
Notice
HOTEL INFORMATION
Cypress Summit attendees get exclusive rates on rooms for this event:
Marriott Baton Rouge
5500 Hilton Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-924-5000
Rate: $150/night
Book by September 4!
SPONSOR THIS EVENT
Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.
Lanyard Sponsor
September 24, 2026
General Session
- Gazing into the Crystal Ball: Drivers of the 2027-28 Economy
What will be the key factors driving the Louisiana economy over the next two years? Is the national economy heading for a recession? If you are in the real estate area, what are the prospects for a Fed rate cut? How might the closure—even a temporary one—of the Strait of Hormuz impact Louisiana’s burgeoning LNG export market? What is beginning to finally create a resurgence in the central and north Louisiana economies? Has there finally been a turn in the influence of the NGO’s in the river parishes?
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs (MED)
In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs. Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, while others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonably achieve in moderating them.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Hot Topics in ALM (FIC)
This session will explore a range of timely asset/liability management issues facing community financial institutions, with a focus on areas where accounting treatment requires particular attention. Topics will include the effects of issuance costs on callable brokered CDs, TEFRA considerations affecting the yield on tax-exempt bond portfolios, and the persistent drag of unrealized losses in investment portfolios — a challenge that remains pressing even after 175 basis points of rate cuts and renewed pressure from rising market rates. Attendees will leave with practical insights to sharpen their understanding of ALM issues facing financial institutions today.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Tax Planning within the Nonprofit Landscape (NFP, EFP)
Join speakers Taylor Boudreaux and Jack Wiles as they provide an overview of key tax issues affecting nonprofit organizations, including compliance requirements, recent developments, and practical planning considerations. Attendees will also gain insight into effective estate planning strategies designed to preserve wealth, maximize charitable giving opportunities, and help achieve long-term financial and philanthropic goals.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Accounting and Auditing Update (FIC, MED)
This session is available to registrants only.
- Not-for-Profit Update: Financial Resilience, Compliance Risk, and Emerging Reporting Issues (NFP)
Not-for-profit organizations continue to face funding uncertainty, cash flow pressure, increased compliance expectations, and growing demand for financial transparency. This session will provide a practical update on key industry trends, grant management, Uniform Guidance, Louisiana Legislative Auditor requirements, complex gifts, and emerging accounting and reporting matters. Participants will leave with insight into the risks, opportunities, and technical issues CPAs should be watching in the year ahead.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Private Placement Life Insurance: What Your Wealthiest Clients Are Being Told (EFP)
High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients are increasingly hearing about private placement life insurance and annuities as tools for tax-efficient investing, estate planning, and asset protection. This session provides an objective look at what advisors are recommending, why interest has accelerated in recent years, how these structures function, and the key tax and planning issues CPAs should understand when evaluating opportunities for their clients.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- AI in Healthcare: What's Real Today and What's Coming Next (MED)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare—from clinical documentation and patient engagement to revenue cycle operations and decision support. This presentation explores where AI is creating real value today, where risks remain, and how healthcare organizations are approaching governance and implementation. We’ll also look ahead to the next wave of innovation, including AI agents, autonomous workflows, and emerging technologies that will increasingly influence the delivery, management, and financing of care.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Best Ways to Save For You, Your Kids, and Your Grandkids (EFP)
This session will discuss options available for saving for your retirement, plus discussion of savings options for young children, adult children and grandchildren including the new Trump accounts and Trump IRAs.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Don't Take the Bait: Defending Against Today's Cyber Threats (NFP, FIC)
Cyber threats continue to evolve faster than ever, impacting organizations of every size and industry. This session explores today’s cybersecurity landscape, emerging threats, and the issues that continue to plague organizations, including fraud schemes, phishing and other social engineering attacks, third-party risks, software vulnerabilities, and employee training challenges. Attendees will not only gain a practical understanding of the threats facing organizations but will also leave with actionable insights they can apply within their organizations and share with clients to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Board Recruitment and Retention (NFP)
In this session, Edmund Giering will explore board responsibilities – from mission, policy and financial perspectives. Participants will hear about best practices in terms of board and staff relationships, recruitment and retention of board members, and how best to support an organization and its leadership as a board member.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Deregulation from Banking Regulators (FIC)
As the compliance landscape continues to evolve, organizations are facing a new kind of challenge: navigating a regulatory environment where oversight may be reduced, but expectations remain firmly in place. This session explores the shifting compliance climate emerging from Washington, D.C., examining what it means for banks when regulators redefine risk or adjust their focus, yet the rules themselves persist. The training will include questions to consider when managing risk, maintaining accountability, and adapting compliance strategies in a world where enforcement may change but obligations do not, with an emphasis on safety and soundness.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Navigating the 340B Program: Eligibility, Compliance, and the Current Regulatory Storm (MED)
The 340B Drug Pricing Program has become one of healthcare’s most contested topics, with new litigation, manufacturer restrictions, and federal guidance creating added compliance and financial risks. This presentation covers 340B eligibility and compliance basics, plus the latest developments CPAs need to know to advise their clients and employers on the program.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Planning for Retirement: Medicare, Social Security & Sustainable Income (EFP)
Preparing for retirement involves more than saving—it requires making informed decisions about healthcare coverage, Social Security benefits, and long-term income strategies. This session will explore key retirement planning considerations, including Medicare enrollment, Social Security timing, annuities, and fixed-income solutions, helping attendees build a confident and financially secure retirement plan.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Estate Planning with Trusts (EFP)
This session is available to registrants only.
- Hot Topics Panel (MED)
Panelists will discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting healthcare organizations today.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Legislative Update (FIC)
This session is available to registrants only.
- The Future of Philanthropy: Building Impact, Equity, and Legacy Across Generations (NFP)
• Learn how philanthropy is changing as younger donors increasingly step up as community leaders and older generations step down
• Explore how donor-advised funds, planned giving vehicles, and charitable planning tools help create lasting community impact
• See how to align financial tools with personal and family values, especially across generations
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI Practical Uses and Policies
This panel will share practical applications, lessons learned, and real-world results from AI adoption. The discussion will explore firm policies, governance considerations, risk management, and best practices for balancing innovation, security, and client trust in an evolving technology landscape.
This session is available to registrants only.
Leader(s):
- Ronald Gitz II, Executive Director/CEO, Society of Louisiana CPAs
- Miriam Henry, Jones Walker LLP
- Kendall Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, General Health System
- Brandon Lagarde, EisnerAmper
- Jason MacMorran, National Practice Leader, FLVS Team, EisnerAmper
- David Means Jr., DeNovo Advisory Group
- Anne Oestriecher
- Shunn Phillips, The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC
- John Schmidt, Tax Managing Director, Pelican CPAs & Advisors, LLC
- Loren Scott, President, Loren C. Scott & Associates
- Jeremy Thibodeaux, Partner - A&A Services, Ericksen Krentel, L.L.P.
- Allison Ward, Partner, CapinTech
Leader Bios
Ronald Gitz II, Executive Director/CEO, Society of Louisiana CPAs
Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA, serves as CEO of the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA), a non-profit membership association representing more than 7000 CPAs and future CPAs. Prior to joining LCPA in 2012, Ron had a diverse career working both in public practice and industry. He owned and operated several businesses, including a successful CPA practice.
At the national level, Ron currently serves on the Board of Trustees for AICPA’s Benevolent Fund which helps members through temporary periods of financial difficulties. He also serves on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s State Society Relations Committee, the Accountancy Stakeholders Working Group, and is Vice Chair of AICPA’s Interchange Planning Executive Committee. Ron is Past President of the CPA Society Executives Association and remains very active in the organization.
On the state level, Ron serves on the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s Taxation & Finance Council and is a member of the Committee of 100, and RESET. Ron also is a member of Louisiana State University’s Accounting Advisory Board. He leads LCPA’s Advocacy Team which works year-round to help create a more favorable economic environment for CPAs and the businesses and individuals they serve.
He holds both the CPA and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations.
Ron enjoys being outdoors and cooking competitively. He lives in Covington with his wife, Jennifer. Together they have three children, Audrey, Mary Grace, and Harrison.
Miriam Henry, Jones Walker LLP
Miriam Wogan Henry is a partner in the Tax Practice Group and a member of the rm’s board of
directors. She focuses on estate planning, including family wealth transfer plans, charitable
planning, and business succession planning, along with advising clients regarding duciary
litigation and transfer tax controversy matters.
Miriam advises on trust and estate planning matters such as drafting wills, trusts, powers of
attorney, and marital property agreements. Advising clients in connection with gift and estate tax
returns is part of Miriam’s practice, which includes representing clients before the Internal
Revenue Service in connection with gift, estate, and generation-skipping tax audits. She works
closely with members of the rm’s Litigation Practice Group in connection with duciary litigation
and transfer tax controversies.
Miriam is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and currently serves as the
Louisiana State Chair for ACTEC. She has been certi ed by the Louisiana Board of Legal
Specialization as a Board-Certi ed Estate Planning and Administration Specialist. Prior to joining
the rm, she served as a law clerk to Judge Frank J. Polozola of the US District Court for the
Middle District of Louisiana from 1997 to 1998.
Committed to civic engagement and community service, Miriam has served on the boards of Trinity
Episcopal School and the Louisiana SPCA.
Brandon Lagarde, EisnerAmper
Brandon Lagarde is a Partner in the firm's Tax Services Group. Brandon concentrates his practice on tax planning and consulting for federal and state income taxes. Brandon works with clients of all sizes in a variety of industries and assists those businesses with navigating the tax complexities of today's highly regulated environment.
Brandon has extensive experience assisting clients with tax issues associated with the CARES Act, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (aka "Federal Tax Reform") Louisiana income and sales taxation, tax planning for closely-held business, trusts and estates, multi-state planning and compliance, and mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to joining the firm, Brandon was a Director at Postlethwaite & Netterville (P&N), a leading full-service accounting and business advisory firm. Before this, Brandon practiced tax law at a national law firm.
Brandon is a member of the AICPA (Tax Section), where he serves as the Chair of the Tax Practice Management Committee and Vice-Chair of the National Tax Conference Planning Committee, the LCPA, where he serves on the State and Local Tax Committee, as a member of the Legislative Committee , and as a member of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the LCPA, American Bar Association (Tax Section) and Louisiana Bar Association (Tax Section). Brandon graduated from Leadership Greater Baton Rouge, a year-long leadership program of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), and was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report's Top 40 under 40.
Furthermore, Brandon is a frequent speaker on a variety of tax topics, including CARES Act, Federal Tax Reform, Louisiana taxes, and income and estate tax planning for closely held businesses and high-net worth individuals.
Jason MacMorran, National Practice Leader, FLVS Team, EisnerAmper
Jason MacMorran is a Partner in the firm's Financial Advisory Services Group with more than 25 years of experience. He specializes in business valuation, transaction advisory services and commercial litigation across a range of industries.
Jason provides valuation and transaction consulting services to individuals, growing companies and private equity, including financial due diligence and transaction support, financial reporting valuations, and tax valuations. He also serves clients and attorneys in complex valuation and economic damage matters, serving as a court appointed neutral, and providing testimony in a range of venues, including federal district court, federal bankruptcy court, state court, and international arbitration.
Jason has been an active member in the profession, having served nationally on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) Business Valuation Committee, and as faculty for both the AICPA's ABV Exam Review Course and Expert Witness Skills Workshop. He has also served on AICPA conference planning committees, various technical task forces, and he speaks nationally and locally on technical valuation and litigation topics. Jason was honored as the AICPA's 2014 Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year and was in the AICPA's inaugural Standing Ovation class for forensic accounting and business valuation professionals. Locally, Jason has served on the Society of Louisiana CPA's board of directors, was its 2019-2020 chair, and has served on its Forensic and Valuation Services Committee since 2009, chairing that committee in 2013 and 2014.
Prior to joining the firm, Jason was a Director and shareholder at Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC (P&N), a leading full-service accounting and business advisory firm, where he led P&N's forensic, valuation, and transaction practice.
David Means Jr., DeNovo Advisory Group
David graduated with honors early from Austin College with a dual major in Economics and Finance while captaining both the football and baseball teams. David holds his FINRA Series 7, FINRA Series 66, FINRA Series 24 registrations, and State Insurance Licenses. He also obtained the designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®).
With the success that the DeNovo Advisory Group has experienced, David speaks across the country to industry professionals regarding sophisticated risk management strategies. Much of his time is spent understanding the financial landscape and helping businesses or individuals understand how to best position themselves. He is committed to deepening his understanding of the industry through his memberships in the Top of the Table, Forum 400 and EARC.
David and his wife, Mallory, were married in September 2017. In their free time, they love to travel, eat at new restaurants, spend time with family & friends, and be outdoors with their dog, Lambeau. They enjoy playing golf, watching binge-worthy TV shows and cheering for all Dallas sports teams. David and Mallory attend Watermark Church in Plano.
Anne Oestriecher
Anne Oestriecher's career has spanned public accounting, banking, nonprofits, and financial services. In 2005, Anne started her own practice providing consulting services to small businesses and leading CPE for CPAs across the country. In 2009, she expanded her services to include financial planning for individuals and companies to help them reach their financial goals.
Anne is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, with a BBA in accounting. In 2009, she was named LCPA's Discussion Leader of the Year.
Now retired and residing in Kinder, Anne is Partner Emeritus with Oestriecher Wealth Partners in Alexandria.
John Schmidt, Tax Managing Director, Pelican CPAs & Advisors, LLC
John C. Schmidt, CPA, is a Tax Managing Director at Pelican CPAs and Advisors, LLC in Bossier City, LA. John has over 35 years of accounting experience handling complex tax compliance and consulting for high net worth individuals and their related business and charitable interests. John also holds the AICPA Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) Credential, a designation exclusive to CPAs signifying the powerful combination of extensive tax experience and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning. John's clients span a variety of industries including oil & gas, timber, construction, professional services, real estate, political campaigns, and other tax-exempt organizations. He also serves on the Board of Directors of several non-profit organizations. John received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.
His professional/Community Associations and Memberships include:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants (LCPA)
- Member of Estate & Financial Planning Committee
- Member of Oil & Gas Committee
- Tax & Estate Planning Council of Shreveport, Treasurer
- Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies (COPAS)
- United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Past Board Chair
Loren Scott, President, Loren C. Scott & Associates
Dr. Scott is the President of Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc., a 40-year old economic consulting firm whose clients include such large national firms as BP, Capital One Financial, Entergy, ExxonMobil, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nucor, Sasol, Chesapeake Energy, and a diversity of others. He is one of the 52-member National Business Economic Issues Council, which meets quarterly to discuss issues of state, national, and international interest. This group has experts who cover international trade, Washington economic policy, retail trade, trucking, steel, chemicals, etc. Dr. Scott is an energy specialist on the NBEIC. He has been interviewed on CNBC, MSNBC, and Bloomberg TV, in addition to several local TV stations, and his work has been cited in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, USA Today, and the Financial Times, to name a few. His career started at Louisiana State University in 1969 where he spent the next 33 years, rising through the ranks from assistant professor to the prestigious Freeport McMoran Endowed Chair of Economics and the Director of the Division of Economic Development and Forecasting. Over the thirteen-year period from 1983-96, he was the chairman of the Economics Department at LSU. During that time, the Department’s ranking among the 3,000 economics departments in the U.S. rose from 101st to 38th. He is presently Professor Emeritus at LSU. He received 7 awards at LSU for outstanding classroom teaching. He gives 50-70 speeches a year on the state of the economy.
Jeremy Thibodeaux, Partner - A&A Services, Ericksen Krentel, L.L.P.
Jeremy Thibodeaux is a partner in Ericksen Krentel's Accounting and Audit Services Section, where he oversees the quality and timeliness of services to many of the firm's audit clients with a focus on nonprofits. During his career, Jeremy has performed audits dealing with a variety of entities in industries such as governmental, construction, retail, hospitality, tourism and professional services. He also has extensive experience in auditing governmental and nonprofit entities in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Allison Ward, Partner, CapinTech
Allison joined the firm in 2006 and served as an IT audit intern throughout high school and college. After graduating from Louisiana State University in 2011, she committed full-time to the firm. Throughout her time as an information systems auditor, manager, and partner, Allison has provided information security assessment and consulting services primarily for nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and health facilities; however, she has served numerous other industries, including auto industry dealers, educational institutions, manufacturing and construction firms, professional service organizations, and other small businesses. In addition to these services, she has provided clients with consulting services in risk assessment and policy development engagements.
Non-Member Price $459.00
Member Price $359.00