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Monday, April 6, 2026
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Preconference Registration Open
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Preconference Registration Open
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction- 4th Floor
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
AM Preconference Sessions
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Are You Running Your Business, or Is Your Business Running You?
Location: 204
Jacqueline Kibler, n/a
– EOS Worldwide
Growth Strategies
Sponsored By
CE: 3
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Building a High-Involvement Culture: Your Playbook for Engaging Employee-Owners and Driving a Winning Culture
Location: 104
Steve Baker, n/a (he/him/his)
– The Great Game of Business
Rich Armstrong (he/him/his)
– The Great Game of Business
Jarrett Payne
– The Great Game of Business
Innovative Leadership
Sponsored By
CE: 3
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
The ESOP Journey From Implementation to Maturity
Location: 106
Scott Freund, QPA, QKC
– Blue Ridge Associates
Barbara M. Clough, QPA, QKC, QKA (she/her/hers)
– Blue Ridge Associates
Markus Dahl, CPA
– Eide Bailly LLP
Operational Excellence
Sponsored By
CE: 3
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Feasibility Preconference
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
CDT
Welcome to the ESOP Feasibility Preconference Session
Location: 206
Matt M. Licina (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Francesca Santos (She/They/Ella)
– National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
9:30 AM - 10:25 AM
CDT
Using Employee Ownership as a Business Succession and Exit Planning Tool
Location: 206
Craig West, B.Bus(Mgmt), M. Tax Law, M.Bus(Acct/Finance), DBA, CEPA
– Succession Plus
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:25 AM
CDT
Building Your ESOP Dream Team: A Guide to Who Does What
Location: 206
Anlai Jiao, JD, CPA
– Prudent Fiduciary Services
Bryan Boeck, CPFA, QKC, QKA (he/him/his)
– Merit Financial Advisors dba Fiduciary Services
Eric Strebe
– ESOP Partners
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:10 PM
CDT
ESOPs and Estate Planning
Location: 206
Sarah Bothner, n/a
– The Capital ESOP Group, UBS
Rick Jaye
– Business Transition Advisors
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
1:30 PM - 2:25 PM
CDT
What Does It All Mean? Demystifying the Financing Process for ESOPs
Location: 206
Jamie M. Walrack, n/a
– First American Bank
Matthew Nels
– The Menke Group, Inc.
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
CDT
Valuation and Administration: Insights for Early-Stage and Prospective ESOPs
Location: 206
Jake Helwick, ASA
– Adamy Valuation
Wilson T. Denari, CPA/ABV
– CBIZ
Scott Freund, QPA, QKC
– Blue Ridge Associates
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
3:35 PM - 4:25 PM
CDT
The Ownership Mindset: Choosing and Leading Employee Ownership
Location: 206
Louis Grassi, CPA, CFE
– Grassi Advisory Group, Inc.
Keith Apton, CEPA
– UBS Financial Services Inc
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Group Discussion and Plotting Your AC Experience
Location: 206
Matt M. Licina (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Francesca Santos (She/They/Ella)
– National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
CDT
PM Preconference Sessions
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
CDT
AI Today and Tomorrow: Becoming AI Native in Your Company
Location: 106
Turja Chowdhury
– Village Labs
Charlie R. Ney (he/him/his)
– Village Labs
Nicholas Jones
– Village Labs
Mohamed Ahmed (he/him/his)
– Village Labs
Workforce Development
Sponsored By
CE: 3
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
CDT
Sustainability Workshop: How Do You Compare?
Location: 204
Matt Keene
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Ryan Graham, n/a
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Amanda Strickler
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Operational Excellence
Presented By
CE: 1
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
CDT
The GRITT Stress Test Every ESOP Needs: Are Your People, Culture, and Numbers Ready?
Location: 104
Tom J. Bagwell, n/a
– GRITT Business Coaching
Alexa Lott, SHRM-SCP (she/her/hers)
– GRITT Business Coaching
Operational Excellence
Sponsored By
CE: 3
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
CDT
Coffee Break
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction- 4th Floor
4:30 PM - 6:25 PM
CDT
Opening Cocktail Reception
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Opening Cocktail Reception
Location: Baird Ballroom
Sponsored By
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
7:15 AM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
7:15 AM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction- 4th Floor
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
CDT
Opening Breakfast
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
CDT
Opening Breakfast
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
Sponsored By
8:10 AM - 8:40 AM
CDT
Opening General Session
8:10 AM - 8:40 AM
CDT
Opening General Session
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
Sponsored By
8:15 AM - 6:00 PM
CDT
Member Lounge
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Member Lounge
Location: 2nd Floor
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Jaymie Oviedo
– National Center for Employee Ownership
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Concurrent Session 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Beyond the Basics: Tailoring ESOP Education for Every Stage of Ownership
Location: 108
Kate Hamm, n/a
– Novaspect
Kelly Mutuc, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Novaspect
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Empowering New Talent: BV's "We Own It, Let's Grow It" Approach to Financial Acumen Development
Location: 206
Amanda Clark, n/a
– Black & Veatch
Darin Olivarez
– Black & Veatch
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Engaging ESOP Strategies: Market Dynamics and Conservative Investments
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Taylor Lundstrom (she/her/hers)
– Morgan Stanley
J. Scott McCoy (he/him/his)
– Morgan Stanley
Brian D. Wurpts
– Waste Gas Fabricating Co.
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
Sponsored By
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Financing Considerations for New and Existing ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Ginny Saloom, n/a
– PNC Bank
John Solimine
– Verit Advisors
Brian Roth
– Bank of America
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
From the Front Lines: Employee Voices on Employee Ownership Conversions
Location: 104
Andrea Steffes-Tuttle (she/her/hers)
– Well Economy Lab
Haley Ruybal (she/her/hers)
– StoneAge Tools
Brian Comley (he/him/his)
– Worth and Company
Gabi Jones
– Brinkmann Constructors
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Guarding the Ownership Culture: Cybersecurity Essentials for ESOPs
Location: 208
Zach Freeman, n/a
– Christensen Group
Andrew Tewksbury
– Ostra Cybersecurity Inc.
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Recruitment Advantage: Marketing What Matters in a Crowded and Competitive Talent Landscape
Location: 204
Ron Bogart, Masters of Organizational Leadership and Doctorate of Strategic Leadership
– Gold Mechanical
Workforce Development
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
Taylor Guitars: Making Employee Ownership Work the Taylor Way
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Barbara Wight, MBA/CPA
– Taylor Guitars
Petros Kusmu (he/him/his)
– Alpine Vistas Capital / Harvard Business School
Dennis Campbell
– Harvard Business School
Greg Fresh, n/a
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
The EO Health Care Peer Network: Insights & Strategies
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Terry Leahy, J.D., M.B.A. (he/him/his)
– MyPath
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
The Evergreen ESOP Playbook: How to Make an ESOP That Lasts Generations
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Michael Moyer, n/a
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Matt M. Licina (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
The Repurchase Playbook: Proven Strategies for a Predictable Future
Location: 106
Benjamin Spadt, CPA, CVA (he/him/his)
– The Menke Group
Christopher M. Silvetti, n/a
– Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
CDT
What Board Members Need to Know About ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Scott D. Miller, CPA (he/him/his)
– Enterprise Opportunities, LLC
Bill Frommelt, n/a
– Strategic Talent Partners
Effective Governance
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Concurrent Session 2
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Acquisition Strategy and Finding the Right Targets
Location: 108
Kevin Lindsey, n/a
– DVS Group LLC
Drew Larson, JD
– Brown Winnick
DJ Simmons
– ACME Group Holdings
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Building an ESOP Board From Scratch
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Desa Bubnovich
– Material Motion, Inc.
Chad Bell, ASA (he/him/his)
– CBIZ
Effective Governance
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
CEO Peer Network: Exclusive Roundtables on Today’s Toughest Challenges: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Cheers to Success: Why Celebration Powers Employee-Owned Companies
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Emily Coates, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Rayser Holdings
Angie Hoover, PHR
– Rayser Holdings
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Due Diligence Demystified: CFO Insights
Location: 204
Trevor Dursky, CFA
– Prairie Capital Advisors
John Hooyman
– OwnersEdge
Julie O'Neal, CPA
– H2I Group
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Effectively Communicating ESOP Amendments at Every Stage of the Employee-Owner Lifecycle
Location: 208
Cole D. Mercier, n/a
– DSG
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
From Launch to Legacy: A Two-Year Journey of Engagement and Education
Location: 104
Rebecca Lechner, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Room & Board
Skye Seesz (she/her/hers)
– Room and Board
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Hiring for Ownership: Navigating the 7Cs to Strengthen Culture, Commitment, and Capability
Location: 206
Tom J. Bagwell, n/a
– GRITT Business Coaching
Marti Canida (she/her/hers)
– Gemini Industries
Workforce Development
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Psychological Safety, Accountability, and Inclusivity: The Culture Every Team Needs
Location: Baird Ballroom F
DOROTHYANNA COFFEY, MS (she/her/hers)
– The Omni Family of Services
Chris Moynihan, LCSW
– The Omni Family of Services
Gina Drobnick
– 3LS Ventures
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Sustainability Simplified: Run Your Own Mini Study in an Hour
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Thomas Dudley
– Butcher Joseph
Sponsored By
CE: 1.0
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
The Power of Why: Making Intentional ESOP Decisions
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Tina M. Langlois, n/a
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Will Rice, CPA
– Vulcan, Inc.
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Puppy Lounge
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Puppy Lounge
Location: Baird Ballroom C
Sponsored By
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Headshot Studio
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Headshot Studio
Location: Baird Ballroom D
Sponsored By
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 3
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
A Storytelling Workshop for Employee-Owners
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Austin Evans (he/him/his)
– 5by5, A Change Agency
Aimee Ralph, MBA
– 3LS Solutions
Mike Brady (he/him/his)
– 40 Million Owners
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Adding Financial Literacy to Your Ownership Culture
Location: 208
Todd Young, n/a
– Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Meredith Fiocchi (she/her/hers)
– Fiocchi McCarthy ESOP Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Ashley Kirchner, n/a
– BMO Corporate Advisory
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Beyond the Acquisition: Lessons Learned From Integration Missteps
Location: 108
Nick Viner, n/a
– Prairie Capital Advisors
Angie Hoover, PHR
– Rayser Holdings
Kelly O'Hara
– Folience
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Beyond the Hype: Practical AI Plays for ESOP Marketing and Sales Leaders
Location: Baird Ballroom F
David Kidd, n/a
– SteadyRain
Ryan Frederick, n/a
– Transform Labs
Thompson Knox, Jr. (he/him/his)
– SteadyRain
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Health Plan Savings, Transparency, and Stability for ESOP Companies
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Pim Jager, n/a
– Scott Insurance
Abby Zipoy
– Innovative Captive Strategies
Workforce Development
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
How the Stories You Tell About Yourself and Your Colleagues Build (or Undermine) Your Culture
Location: 106
Corey Rosen, n/a (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Michael Quarrey (he/him/his)
– Web Industries
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Innovative Communications Coalition (ICC) Peer Network: The Stories We Share: Building Ownership Culture One Story at a Time
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Kellie Torrenga, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Gardant Management Solutions Inc.
Danel Erickson, SHRM-CP (she/her/hers)
– Gardant Management Solutions Inc.
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Make Employee Ownership Attractive to Gen Z
Location: 206
Andrew Skidmore, MBA
– 4Creeks
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Making Your ESOP a Success, Now and Forever
Location: 104
Trevor J. Gilmore, CPA/ABV, MST
– The Menke Group, Inc
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Ownership-Driven Rewards: Structuring Compensation and Benefits to Motivate Every Level
Location: 204
Anne Bushman, CPA (she/her/hers)
– RSM US LLP
Rachel Simon
– Chartwell Financial Advisory, Inc.
Workforce Development
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Ready, Set, Own: The Amazing Race for New ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Matthew D. Goedert, n/a (he/him/his)
– N & G Legal Group
Barbara M. Clough, QPA, QKC, QKA (she/her/hers)
– Blue Ridge Associates
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Should We Do That? Best Practices for ESOP Company Boards
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Scot Storjohann, n/a
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Matt Keene
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Keith Bennett
– ESS Companies/ Sargent Corp/ Griffith Company
Effective Governance
CE: 1
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
CDT
3LS T-shirt Screen Printing
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
CDT
3LS T-shirt Screen Printing
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDT
Opening Luncheon
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDT
Opening Luncheon
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
CDT
Keynote- Adam Grant
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
CDT
Keynote by Adam Grant
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
Adam Grant
Timothy Garbinsky, n/a (he/him/his)
– National Center for Employee Ownership
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 4
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 4
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Beyond the Broker: Mission-Driven Off-Market Acquisition Strategies for Growth
Location: 206
Hannah Z. Sandmeyer, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Up & Over Advisors, LLC
Daniel J. Goldstein, n/a
– Go ESOP LLC
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Beyond the Chatbot: Agentic AI Is Here and Employee-Owned Companies Can't Afford to Wait
Location: 104
Michael Zimmer, MBA
– ownAI
Trevyr Meade, MBA
– ownAI
Workforce Development
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Building Trust: Driving Engagement, Performance and Ownership in a New ESOP
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Beth Krieck, bkrieck@esoppartners.com (she/her/hers)
– ESOP Partners
Alison Lawlor (she/her/hers)
– Becht Engineering BT
James W. Anderson, Jr., PE (he/him/his)
– Becht Engineering BT
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
ESOP Trivia Challenge: Turning Obligations Into Opportunities
Location: 106
Joshua M. Young, CFP, CEPA
– UBS Financial Services Inc.
Thomas L. Totten, FSA, PhD
– Stokastique LLC
Brian A. Eagle, J.D.
– Eagle & Fein, P.C.
Ian Holloman
– HDH Advisors
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
How to Engage New Employees and a Younger Workforce in Ownership Culture
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Joe Belstering
– Certified EO
Operational Excellence
Sponsored By
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Leading with Your Whole Self: How Leader Well-Being Drives Organizational Health in Employee-Owned Companies
Location: 204
Kelly Chewning, ICF ACC (she/her/hers)
– Elevate Coaching & Consulting
Keith Davenport, n/a (he/him/his)
– 030 Holding Company
Mike Lenda
– 5by5, A Change Agency
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Managing a Mature ESOP
Location: 208
Natasha S. Fedder, JD (she/her/hers)
– Foundation Law Group LLP
Julie A. Govreau, M.S., J.D., Ll.M (she/her/hers)
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Sheryl C. Bayani-Alzona, J.D. (she/her/hers)
– Employee Benefits Law Group
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Off to a Strong Start: Tips for New ESOPs to Ensure Long-Term Success
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Jason Wellman, n/a
– ESOP Partners
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Play, Learn, Own: Making ESOP and Financial Literacy Education Engaging
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Betsy Kilmer, n/a
– Windings
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Service Provider Peer Network: Bridging Expertise and Elevating the Employee Ownership Support Ecosystem
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Dan Markowitz, CPA
– Boulay
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Show Me the Money: Distribution Rules for ESOPs
Location: 108
Kevin J. Spaeth, n/a (he/him/his)
– PenChecks Trust
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
The Next Chapter: Critical Steps to Ensure a Smooth CEO Transition
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Mike P. Frommelt, n/a
– Strategic Talent Partners
Terry Leahy, J.D., M.B.A. (he/him/his)
– MyPath
Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
– MyPath
Effective Governance
CE: 1
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
CDT
Headshot Studio
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
CDT
Headshot Studio
Location: Baird Ballroom D
Sponsored By
3:45 PM - 4:10 PM
CDT
Ballpark Break
3:45 PM - 4:10 PM
CDT
Ballpark Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
Sponsored By
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 5
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Achieving Growth Through a Coaching Culture
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Dave Williams, n/a
– ISG
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
After the Close: Cool Hardware’s First 24 Months as an ESOP
Location: 208
Matt Middendorp, n/a
– Vision Point Capital
Gina Schaefer (she/her/hers)
– A Cool Hardware Co.
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Case Study: Ideas App for a Quickly Growing EO Company
Location: 106
Michelle Page, SPHR
– HFA-AE, Ltd
Lindsay Isaac, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
ESOP Finance Leadership Peer Network Roundtables
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
ESOP Litigation Update
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Lindsey R. Camp, Esq
– Holland & Knight LLP
Clifford G. Canavera, CFP®, MBA, CFP®, MBA
– Canavera Financial Group, LLC
Matt M. Licina (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Laurence Goldberg, n/a
– ESOP Law Group, LLP
Effective Governance
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
From Communication to Culture: Building Ownership From the Inside Out
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Andrew Bulluck, n/a (he/him/his)
– Nobis Group
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Future-Proofing Your Workforce Amid Uncertainty
Location: 104
Ryan Festerling, n/a (he/him/his)
– QPS Employment Group
Workforce Development
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
How Smart ESOPs Link Repurchase Planning with Acquisition-Driven Growth
Location: 206
Mike Brady (he/him/his)
– 40 Million Owners
Ryan J. Kuchta, n/a (he/him/his)
– ESOP Partners, Inc.
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Policy to Practice: What Washington Decisions Mean for Employee Ownership
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Lisa M. Gomez, Esq. (she/her/hers)
– LMG Collaborative Consulting Solutions
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Stardate 2026: Charting Your Course Through the NCEO Galaxy
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Understanding Post-Transaction ESOP Trustee Roles and Decisions
Location: 108
Wendy L. Gilligan, J.D., LL.M. in Tax (she/her/hers)
– Gilligan Benefits Law, P.C.
Nikita Agarwal, CVA
– Ventura Trust Company
Effective Governance
CE: 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
CDT
Valuation in Uncertain Times
Location: 204
Michael A. Lovett, ASA (he/him/his)
– Ventura Trust Company
Chase Hoover, CFA
– Acuity Advisors
Michael C. Yi, ASA, CPA, MBA, TEP
– Newport Valuations, Inc.
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Sip & Social Cocktail Reception
5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
CDT
Sip & Social Cocktail Reception
Location: Baird Ballroom
Sponsored By
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
CDT
Building Local Bridges: Facilitated Networking by State &Region (An NCEOX Initiative)
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
CDT
Building Local Bridges: Facilitated Networking by State and Region (An NCEOX Initiative)
Location: Baird Ballroom AB
Noelle Carne, n/a
– Employee Ownership Expansion Network
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
CDT
Main Conference Registration Open
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction- 4th Floor
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Breakfast
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
8:15 AM - 6:00 PM
CDT
Member Lounge
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Member Lounge
Location: 2nd Floor
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Jaymie Oviedo
– National Center for Employee Ownership
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Concurrent Session 6
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
A Crash Course in ESOP Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Banking Covenants
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B | 3rd floor
Tom Clarke
– PNC Bank
Will Beard
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Benefit Corporations and Employee Ownership: A Perfect Match?
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Wally Brockhoff, n/a
– Polsinelli PC
Jean Sand
– Room & Board
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Contingency Planning for a World on Fire
Location: 108
Rich Armstrong (he/him/his)
– The Great Game of Business
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Demystifying ESOP Segregation: Best Practices for Plan Sponsors
Location: 106
Christopher R. Wingard, MBA/JD (he/him/his)
– Kleinbard LLC
Jennie Msall, CVA (she/they)
– Ventura Trust Company
David S. Horvath, dhorvath@prairiecap.com
– Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Executive Compensation: The Aspect of Business You Cannot Afford to Miss
Location: 204
Michael Kenneth
– WealthPoint Business Advisory Services, LLC
Effective Governance
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Holding Company Strategies and Case Studies to Diversify and Grow Shareholder Value
Location: 208
Mary Sullivan Josephs, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Verit Advisors
Mark J. Edmonds
– Employee Owned Brands
JoAnne Williams (she/her/hers)
– Holden Industries, Inc.
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Human Leadership, Smart Tools: Using AI to Strengthen Performance Conversations
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Kim Dinwiddie, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPC
– Empowered Ventures
Workforce Development
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Managing Cybersecurity Risk: Must-Dos for Boards and Leadership
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Johan Hammerstrom, n/a (he/him/his)
– Community IT Innovators, Inc.
Janet Schulz, MBA, FACHE
– MyPath
Tina Chang (she/her/hers)
– SysLogic Inc.
Effective Governance
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Nothing Artificial About It: Building Prosocial Teams, Collective Intelligence, and a People-First Culture
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Dallan Guzinski, n/a (he/him/his)
– Prudent Fiduciary Services
Krisi Schell, SRC Holding Company (she/her/hers)
– SRC Holdings
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Participatory Decision-Making as EO Connective Tissue
Location: 206
John Abrams
– Abrams+Angell
Allison Curtis (she/her/hers)
– The ICA Group
Alexander P. Moss, MPPM (he/him/his)
– Praxis Consulting Group
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
The Perfect Blend: Integrating Fun, Learning, and Ownership in Employee Engagement
Location: Baird Ballroom G
David Graham
– KJT Group
Katherine Ephlin
– KJT Group, Inc.
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CDT
Unleashing Employee-Owners’ Potential: The Multiplier Effect
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Melisa S. Gillis, M.ED, PCC
– Gillis Consulting
Megan Glidden
– Web Industries
Mark Stailey
– UNH Browne Center
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Concurrent Session 7
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Communicating Annual ESOP Valuation to Engage Employees and Drive Performance
Location: 208
Susan Kildahl, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NHS Northstar, Inc
Nels Carlson, J.D., LL.M.
– Summit Fiduciary Group
Aaron Pryor, ASA, CFA
– Acclaro Valuation Advisors
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Effective Governance: Board Development and Training Workshop
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Steve Ryan, n/a
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Kate Roosevelt (she/her/hers)
– Campbell & Company
HAYDEE CALDERO, n/a (she/her/hers)
– TXI
Debra McGuire (she/her/hers)
– Private Directors Association (PDA)
Effective Governance
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Forecasts, Predictions, and Wild-A$$ Guesses
Location: 206
Steve Baker, n/a (he/him/his)
– The Great Game of Business
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
From Insight to Action: Using Performance Management to Improve Job Quality
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Rachel Merfalen, RachelEvaMerfalen@outlook.com (she/her/hers)
– Good Future
Workforce Development
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Tape: The ESOP Year in Motion
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Tiffany Richoux, n/a
– SCJ Fiduciary Services
Tina Fisher, n/a
– Principal
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Growing Good Through Acquisition: Lessons From Building a Diversified ESOP
Location: 104
Jane Wintz
– The Omni Family of Services
Eric Strickland, MBA
– 3LS, Inc.
Jim Gardner
– Retired, Senior VP, Servisfirst Bank, CFO Roane Transportation Company
Tracy E. Woolsey, n/a (she/her/hers)
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Life Cycle of an ESOP: Case Study
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Bill O'Brien, n/a (he/him/his)
– Morgan Stanley
Brian D. Wurpts
– Waste Gas Fabricating Co.
Kjersti Cory (she/her/hers)
– SCJ Fiduciary Services
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Planning for Payouts: Build Your ESOP's Liquidity Playbook in Real Time
Location: 204
Brenda A. Bennett, CFP®, CEPA®, CRPS
– UBS Financial Services Inc.
Jeff R. Behrens
– SCIPI Companies
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Rising Leaders Peer Network: Conflict Resolution
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Karen D. Ng, n/a (she/her/hers)
– N&G Legal Group, APC
Linshuang Lu, MSOD (she/her/hers)
– Praxis Consulting Group
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
Scenario Planning: Engaging Employee-Owners to Lead Through Unpredictability
Location: 108
Marcy Tessmann
– The Charleston Orwig Collective
Ginny Vanderslice, Ph.D (she/her/hers)
– Center for Social Policy and Practice, Univ of Pennsylvania
Lynn Bruns, PE
– ISG
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
CDT
What is an AI-Native Company?
Location: 106
Roger Cawdette, n/a
– Village Labs
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
CDT
Lunch
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
CDT
Lunch
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 8
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Building a Feedback Culture
Location: 106
Lindsay Isaac, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Andrea DiMatteo (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Clarity as Capital: The Hidden Multiplier Driving—or Dragging—Your ESOP’s Fair Market Value
Location: 208
Erica L. Roberts, Certified Pinnacle Business Guide, Certified ValueBuilder Advisor, EQ-i 2.0 Certified Coach, Authorized Partner Everything DiSC, Authorized Partner Five Behaviors, Working Genius Certified
– inVantage Business Guides
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Demystifying the Financing Process
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Jade Palermo, n/a
– Empire Valuation Consultants
Brian Lowe
– First Financial Bank
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Engage, Empower, and Grow: Workforce Activation Through Employee Ownership Strategies
Location: 104
Greg Daugherty, n/a
– Porter Wright
Jacqueline R. Radebaugh (she/her/hers)
– Jason Wiener p.c., a public benefit corporation
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
ESOP Sustainability: What ‘R’ is right for you right now?
Location: 204
Markus Dahl, CPA
– Eide Bailly LLP
Barbara M. Clough, QPA, QKC, QKA (she/her/hers)
– Blue Ridge Associates
Bob Kitta
– Mead Lumber Company, Inc.
Brad Frehner
– Caltrol Inc
Lesa Drysdale
– ISG
Jenny Cripps
– Gemini Industries
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
How Employee Ownership Can Align Your Purpose, People, and Profit
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Bob Whalen
– HB Global, LLC
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
How Employee-Owner Stories are Supercharging the Movement to Expand ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Daniel Massey, n/a
– Expanding ESOPs
Keith Dixon
– Ambac International
Morgan Uridil
– Crystal Group
Kevin Sims
– Web Industries
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
HR Peer Network: Talent & Onboarding Strategies for Employee Ownership
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Jodi Lamb (she/her/hers)
– Houchens Insurance
Workforce Development
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Leadership Through the ESOP Life Cycle: Emerging Issues at Every Stage
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Kim Abello (she/her/hers)
– Wells Fargo Advisors
David B. Solomon (he/him/his)
– LP
Jim Massey
– Chartwell
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Mature ESOP Company Investment Considerations
Location: 206
Michael J. McGinley, ASA, CVA
– Monarch Investment Partners
Daniel J. Goldstein, n/a
– Go ESOP LLC
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Pairing Investment Policy and Sustainability Studies for Long-Term Success
Location: 108
Ashleigh Newlin, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Christine M. Hurt, CPA, MBA (she/her/hers)
– Ayers Saint Gross, Inc.
Amy Schuster, FINRA Series SIE, 79 and 63 licenses and MBA
– PNC Bank
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
CDT
Which Hat Are You Wearing? The Challenges for Internal Directors, Independent Directors, and Executive Management
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Elizabeth A. Di Cola, n/a (she/her/hers)
– USCB, Inc.
Natasha Daniels
– USCB, Inc.
Alexander P. Moss, MPPM (he/him/his)
– Praxis Consulting Group
Effective Governance
CE: 1
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
CDT
Coffee Break
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 9
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Building Ownership Culture from Day One: Lessons from ESOP and EOT Leaders
Location: Baird Ballroom B
David Gray, n/a (he/him/his)
– Project Equity
Brent H. Hutchings (he/him/his)
– North River Boats
Jeanne Taylor (she/her/hers)
– ShopBot Tools, Inc.
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Getting Real Use Out of Your NCEO Membership: A Practical Workshop
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Matt M. Licina (he/him/his)
– NCEO
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Lori Atone, n/a
– TVF
Patrick K. O'Brien, n/a
– Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, a Terracon Company
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Growing Successors: Effectively Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Location: 106
Angela Busk, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Colorado Pool + Spascapes
Marshall Foote (he/him/his)
– Colorado Pool + Spascapes
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Hot Topics in ESOPs: Transactions, Regulation and Litigation
Location: Baird Ballroom D | Demo Stage
Ted Becker (he/him/his)
– McDermott Will & Schulte LLP
Allison wilkerson, JD (she/her/hers)
– McDermott Will & Schulte
Erin K. Turley (she/her/hers)
– McDermott Will & Emery
Myriem Bennani
– McDermott Will & Schulte LLP
Julian Andre
– McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Operational Excellence
Sponsored By
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Leading in the Gap: Turning Uncertainty Into Innovation
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Celina E. Peerman, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, CSP (she/her/hers)
– The Peerman Group
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Managing Repurchase Obligations for a Mature ESOP
Location: 208
Joe Marx, CPA (he/him/his)
– Principal
John P. Murphy
– Chartwell Financial Advisory, Inc.
Rob Starkey
– Hypertherm Inc.
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Navigating the Path of ESOP to ESOP Mergers
Location: 108
Hillary L. Hughes, CFA, ASA (she/her/hers)
– Prairie Capital Advisors
Tracy E. Woolsey, n/a (she/her/hers)
– GreatBanc Trust Company
Mindi M. Johnson (she/her/hers)
– Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
Spot the Flaws: A Critical, Hands-On Review of the ESOP Valuation Report
Location: 204
Jennifer Krieger, CVA (she/her/hers)
– Weaver
Laurie-Leigh White, n/a (she/her/hers)
– BVA Group
Operational Excellence
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
The Large ESOP Company Peer Network: Scaling ESOP Excellence: Leading Big with Purpose & Ownership
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Terry Leahy, J.D., M.B.A. (he/him/his)
– MyPath
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
CDT
What Do Standout Trustees Do Differently in Governance?
Location: 206
Christine Adee, n/a
– Private company
Annmarie Logue, n/a
– Maxive Consulting, Inc.
Effective Governance
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 10
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Brand is Culture, Culture is Brand: Why Strategic Marketing Builds ESOP Value
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Angi Krueger
– OwnersEdge
Chelsea Drusch
– Weidert Group
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Culture as Capital: The Ownership Effect
Location: 206
Kyla Alterman, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Prudent Fiduciary Services
Mark Koenig
– Bluedog
Melissa Krchma
– Bluedog
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
EO Through Acquisitions: Rethinking Pathways to Increasing Shared Prosperity Through Employee Ownership
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Malini Ram Ram Moraghan, n/a (she/her/hers)
– The Torana Group
Isabelle Steichen (she/her/hers)
– Torana Group
Mike Brady (he/him/his)
– 40 Million Owners
Raam Jani
– BakerHostetler
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Let's Talk About Process: What Do I Do with an Unsolicited Third-Party Offer?
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Tabitha M. Croscut, n/a
– Devine, Millimet & Branch, P.A.
Effective Governance
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Mastering Your ESOP Statement Release: Strategies for Success
Location: 106
Cecilia Miller, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Blue Ridge Associates
Lynn Phelps
– MTI Boats, Inc
Denise Herndon
– Renkim Corporation
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Ownership 365: Strategies for Year Round Engagement
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Sean OBrien, n/a (he/him/his)
– Alliant Engineering
Beth Winter (she/her/hers)
– Alliant Engineering
Nick Grage, PE, PTOE, RSP (he/him/his)
– Alliant Engineering
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Risk Management in an Evolving Litigation Environment
Location: 208
Blake Roter, n/a (he/him/his)
– Burke Warren MacKay & Serritella
Lars C. Golumbic, JD (he/him/his)
– Groom Law Group
Jeanne Flanagan (she/her/hers)
– M3 Insurance
Effective Governance
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
The Foundation of a Successful ESOP Client-Third Party Administration Relationship
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Alex Plyler, n/a
– Principal
Jerry Bohnsack, CPA
– Cross Company
Bronwen A. Sholar, CPA
– Cross Company
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
The Language of Ownership: How Effective Communication Builds Culture
Location: 104
Jermie Howell, SHRM-SCP
– Inline Electric Supply Company
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
The Power of Leverage: Managing ESOP Repurchase with Confidence
Location: 108
Amy L. Byrd (she/her/hers)
– Pacific Steel & Recycling
Richard Shuma, n/a
– Prairie Capital Advisors
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
When Growth is a Strategy: Developing Leaders for the Long Haul
Location: 204
Kathleen McInerney Kane, n/a (she/her/hers)
– Praxis Consulting Group
Dave Nowak, P.E.
– Sentry Equipment Corp
Marcease Warren
– Sentry Equipment Corp
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDT
Women's Networking
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B | 3rd floor
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Eva Lianos, CMP
– NCEO
Madelyn Hammack, n/a (she/her/hers)
– National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Francesca Santos (She/They/Ella)
– National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
Sponsored By
CE: 0
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
CDT
Closing Cocktail Reception
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
CDT
Closing Cocktail Reception
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
Thursday, April 9, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Closing Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CDT
Closing Breakfast
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
8:15 AM - 6:00 PM
CDT
Member Lounge
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Member Lounge
Location: 2nd Floor
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, n/a (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Grace Dawson (she/her/hers)
– NCEO
Jaymie Oviedo
– National Center for Employee Ownership
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
CDT
Closing General Session
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
CDT
Closing General Session
Location: Exhibit Hall A-B 3rd floor
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Concurrent Session 11
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Addressing the Unique Insurance Needs of ESOPs – Fiduciary and Broader Risk Transfer
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Zach Freeman, n/a
– Christensen Group
Rick Pearl, n/a (he/him/his)
– Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Chad Duke, n/a
– Scott Insurance
Ted Becker (he/him/his)
– McDermott Will & Schulte LLP
Christpher Kentra
– Burke Warren MacKay & Serritella
Effective Governance
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
AI in Employee Ownership: Navigating the Future Together
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Marcy Tessmann
– The Charleston Orwig Collective
John Michael (Mickey) Maier
– Professional Fiduciary Services
Janet Schulz, MBA, FACHE
– MyPath
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Board of Directors Peer Network: Governing for Impact and Board Leadership in Employee-Owned Companies
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Kimberly McCourtney, kmccourtney@nceo.org
– NCEO
Howard L. Kaplan, n/a (he/him/his)
– Kaplan Fiduciary Group
Effective Governance
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Employee Value from Performance to Paycheck to Payout - ESOP Wealth!
Location: 206
Carlito R. Cabelin, n/a (he/him/his)
– ESOP One
Ivy Wan-Beltejar, ASA, CFA (she/her/hers)
– Empire Valuation Consultants
Mike P. Frommelt, n/a
– Strategic Talent Partners
Joseph D. Verri
– The 128 Group at Morgan Stanley
Workforce Development
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
Maximizing Employee Ownership: Strategies for New, 5-Year, and 10-Year-plus ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Ken Sommers, CPA
– PCE Investment Bankers
Jason M. Bolt, CFA
– J.P. Morgan
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
The Coaching Leader: Unlocking Performance for People-First Companies
Location: 204
Christopher Arnold, n/a (he/him/his)
– Care Deeply Consulting
Bill Zoelle
– ESOP Partners
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
CDT
When Culture Drives Growth: The Ownership Mindset
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Drew Mousetis, MBA
– Tandem Center for Shared Business Success
Daniel Cooper, CFA (he/him/his)
– PCE
Chloe Handelman
– Beyond Ownership
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
CDT
Coffee Break
Location: Baird Ballroom Prefunction
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Concurrent Session 12
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
ESOP to Exit: What Happens When an ESOP Company Sells?
Location: 208
Tom Murphy, JD (he/him/his)
– Prudent Fiduciary Services
Britt Bruinsma
– Vision ESOP Valuation
Chris Buch, JD
– Sheppard
Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
From Founder to Employees Owners: Inside the iSpace ESOP Transition
Location: Baird Ballroom F
Kirk Lindemann, CPA
– Eide Bailly
Mark Guy
– Eide Bailly
Dustin Benz
– iSPACE Environments
Amy Sundermeyer (she/her/hers)
– iSpace Environments
Bart McIlonie
– Atlas Legal Services, PLLC
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
From Transaction to Transformation: Building and Sustaining Ownership Culture
Location: 204
Matthew Tyburski, CPA
– Heywood Partners
Matt Gaffy
– Scipi Companies
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Leveraging Operating Systems for Innovative Strategic Visioning and Planning
Location: Baird Ballroom E
Tim Rettig, n/a
– Intrust IT
Brenda Wilbur, MBA
– Great Game of Business
Innovative Leadership
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Organic Revenue Growth – Sustaining the Legacy of Success
Location: Baird Ballroom B
Gale G. Crosley, CPA, CGMA
– Crosley+Company
Growth Strategies
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Strong Boards, Strong Companies: Governance Best Practices for ESOPs
Location: Baird Ballroom G
Allison wilkerson, JD (she/her/hers)
– McDermott Will & Schulte
Greg Cook
– Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
Effective Governance
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
The Current State of the Debt Capital Markets: Implications for ESOP Companies
Location: Baird Ballroom A
Ryan Rassin, n/a
– Chartwell Financial Advisory
Peter DeLong (he/him/his)
– J.P. Morgan
Operational Excellence
CE: 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CDT
Unlocking the Hidden Profits in Your Teams
Location: 206
Eddie Geller, n/a
– SKOR
Culture and Engagement
CE: 1
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Conference Concludes
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
CDT
Conference Concludes