James Myers has led multiple large-scale planning system implementations for global organizations. He specializes in modeling and financial planning solutions that help companies reduce reliance on spreadsheets, improve collaboration, and achieve scalable performance management. His consulting work spans industries including manufacturing, technology, and retail, where he focuses on aligning processes, people, and systems for long-term success.

Expect to Learn:

• The signs your FP&A system is broken and ready for replacement

• How to select the right planning or modeling tool for your company's size

• The real cost behind system implementation (and how to plan for it)

• Why clean data and cross-functional collaboration are essential

• Best practices for RFPs, vendor selection, and proof of concept testing

Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.

Expect to Learn:

• Why cash from operations is the true measure of business value

• How to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomes

• Why most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costs

• How to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversations

• The two most important habits for connecting finance with strategy

Carl Seidman is a seasoned management consultant, fractional CFO, and educator. With over 20 years of experience advising companies from startups to Fortune 500s, Carl also teaches at Rice University and runs finance training programs for corporate teams. He brings a unique blend of technical mastery, business strategy, and teaching skill, making him the perfect voice to discuss why FP&A must go beyond the spreadsheet and into the realm of influence.

Expect to Learn:

• Why teaching is an essential skill for every FP&A professional

• How to tailor your message to different audiences, from analysts to executives

• Why oversharing details can derail your influence

• How to spot when your audience is confused (and how to pull them back in)

• Practical strategies for teaching finance without using jargon or acronyms

Matt Brattin is a finance leader turned entrepreneur. After serving as a CFO, Matt launched two startups: Siplify, which helps automate and streamline sales commission processes, and Close Pack, a tool aimed at making financial reporting more efficient. He’s also writing The Art of Analytics, a book that ties together strategy, storytelling, and behavioral insights. Matt brings a deep understanding of finance, technology, and human behavior to every conversation.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most commission plans fail, and how to fix them

• The value of simplicity in finance systems and processes

• How behavioral insights and empathy can improve analytics

• Why storytelling matters more than models at the executive level

• Tips for building tools that actually make a difference for finance teams

Willian Gomes is a seasoned FP&A and data analytics professional currently supporting EMEA supply chain operations at a global consumer goods company. Based in Brazil, he holds an MBA in Project Management and advanced certifications in machine learning from Stanford. Willian brings deep expertise in automation, process improvement, and financial storytelling, having saved tens of thousands of work hours through custom-built tools and insights-driven analysis.

Expect to Learn:

• How to evaluate whether an automation project is worth pursuing

• The challenges of implementing machine learning in corporate environments

• How Python enables scalable automation over Excel

• How cultural awareness enhances business partnering across global teams

Todd Niemann is the Treasurer at Varo Bank, where he oversees treasury and FP&A functions. A CFA charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University and a BA from Utah State University, Todd has helped build treasury and FP&A teams for three startup banks. His background spans banking, investing, and corporate finance, making him an authority on financial analytics and modeling in regulated industries.

Expect to Learn:

• How to build and scale FP&A and treasury functions at startup banks

• Why speed and accuracy are essential hallmarks of effective FP&A

• How to forecast effectively when historical data doesn’t exist

• The benefits of learning Python for finance automation and analytics

Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners, where he worked closely with CEOs and CFOs on value creation projects within the $18 billion firm. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and investing roles.

• The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.

• Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.

• Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.

• The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments.

Nate is a Senior Managing Director at Riveron Consulting, where he leads the private equity practice. With extensive experience supporting portfolio companies, Nate brings a sharp understanding of how to structure FP&A functions that drive value from early investment to exit. Jamie is Director of Financial Operations at Trivest Partners, a middle-market private equity fund. Jamie works closely with FP&A teams across Trivest’s portfolio, guiding companies through growth, transformation, and exit, with a clear focus on data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.

Expect to Learn:

• How private equity firms are shifting from financial engineering to operational value creation.

• Why FP&A is becoming a core strategic partner in PE-backed companies.

• The importance of early investment in data, tech stacks, and FP&A infrastructure.

• The difference between corporate FP&A and PE-backed FP&A environments.

• What skills and traits do PE firms value most when hiring FP&A professionals?

Andrej Lapajne is the CEO and founder of Zebra BI, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the way businesses communicate financial insights. With over 20 years of experience in business intelligence and data visualization, Andrej has helped organizations across industries implement better-reporting systems. He is a passionate advocate for the International Business Communication Standards (IBCS), a methodology he helped popularize to improve data reporting and visualization.

Expect to Learn:

• Why is consistent, clear communication in data visualization vital for FP&A professionals?

• The key skills FP&A professionals need to master include data modeling and communication.

• How Zebra BI helps businesses generate actionable insights with ease.
  Andrej's methodology for data visualization and the importance of standardized charting in business reporting.

• Key advice on mastering data modeling and communication skills for finance professionals

Patrick Culkin is the President & CEO of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), stepping into the role in July 2025 after more than two decades with the organization. He previously served as Executive Vice President and began his AFP journey in Human Resources. Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, is Director of the FP&A Practice at AFP, where he leads thought leadership, education, and community-building for financial planning professionals. With a background in corporate finance and consulting, Bryan is also a certified FPAC holder. 

Expect to Learn:

• What drives AFP’s mission and how its leadership is preparing for the future of finance.

• How finance professionals can navigate uncertainty, AI adoption, and rapid change.

• Why growing a strong professional network is key to career and organizational success.

• A practical framework for scenario planning and how Gen AI can support it.

• What to expect from the FP&A Forum and why it’s become a must-attend event for finance professionals.

Garry Ridge is a purpose-driven leader, coach, and global keynote speaker. As the former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry led the brand to become one of the world’s most trusted names, achieving over 90% employee engagement and consistent shareholder growth. Known as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders create values-driven workplaces where learning, innovation, and connection fuel success. He is the author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard.

Expect to Learn:

• The connection between company culture and business success

• How FP&A can guide strategy while fostering engagement

• Why servant leadership is key to unlocking innovation

• Practical advice on building a workplace of belonging

• The importance of "learning moments" in continuous improvement

William is the founder and principal of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm that specializes in placing finance and accounting talent. Since its launch in 2019, Frederick Fox has grown rapidly, serving over 700 clients with a team of 55+ experienced recruiters. The firm has achieved this growth without outside funding, focusing on speed, accountability, and results. Frederick Fox has redefined the recruiting process, prioritizing lean systems and performance-based partnerships to help companies make confident hires. Outside of work, William is a guitar-playing father of three, a math nerd turned entrepreneur, and an enthusiast of spicy food and hot yoga.

Expect to Learn:

• Why accounting and finance roles are becoming more crucial to businesses today

• How to stand out as an FP&A candidate in a competitive job market

• The importance of mastering technical tools like Power BI, Tableau, and SQL

• Why humble curiosity is key to becoming a better business partner

• How recruiters assess FP&A candidates and what skills they prioritize

Darrell Cox is the Chief Financial Officer at Una Software, bringing over 25 years of executive leadership across high-growth companies. His background includes CFO roles at Vena Solutions and FreshBooks, as well as leadership positions at Virgin Mobile, Rogers Communications, and ATI Technologies. Known for scaling finance teams and overseeing more than $1 billion in exits and transactions, Darrell focuses on blending financial insight with operational data to elevate finance's role as a strategic partner.

Expect to Learn:

• Why FP&A must evolve into strategic finance to remain relevant

• How to continuously improve forecasting through agile, data-rich practices

• The critical role of CRM and daily data in revenue intelligence

• How finance and sales can work together as partners, not opponents

• Career advice for FP&A professionals aiming to become CFOs

Brian McGrath is the Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, a firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-enabled FP&A solutions for growing companies. A graduate of the University of Florida and UNC Chapel Hill, Brian has helped organizations streamline processes, eliminate manual workflows, and build finance functions that influence real-time decisions. His hands-on experience, systems thinking, and deep commitment to automation and business alignment make his insights invaluable for any finance professional ready to modernize their approach.

Expect to Learn:

• Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day one

• What accountability-based forecasting looks like in practice

• How to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partner

• Practical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: time

• Why “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the business

Brian McGrath is the Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, a firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-enabled FP&A solutions for growing companies. A graduate of the University of Florida and UNC Chapel Hill, Brian has helped organizations streamline processes, eliminate manual workflows, and build finance functions that influence real-time decisions. His hands-on experience, systems thinking, and deep commitment to automation and business alignment make his insights invaluable for any finance professional ready to modernize their approach.

Expect to Learn:

• Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day one

• What accountability-based forecasting looks like in practice

• How to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partner

• Practical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: time

• Why “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the business

Jesse Mishler serves as Senior Vice President of FP&A at Carr Properties, where he oversees corporate forecasting, executive reporting, and strategic financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over two decades of experience, Jesse brings a mission-driven mindset to FP&A leadership. He is known for building high-performing, people-first finance teams, championing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing innovative planning tools like JEDOX to drive operational efficiency. With a master’s in real estate from Georgetown University and a passion for continuous learning, Jesse’s leadership reflects both financial precision and personal authenticity.

Expect to Learn:

• How military principles like integrity and resilience translate to corporate leadership.

• What makes FP&A a strategic hub, not just a back-office function.

• Why developing people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leadership.

• Key operational metrics in commercial real estate and how they guide decision-making.

• The power of curiosity in becoming a better business partner.

Chris is the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A, a financial strategy firm that supports small and mid-sized businesses with fractional CFO services. With more than 20 years in accounting, FP&A, and finance leadership, Chris has built a career around driving growth, navigating acquisitions, and helping organizations build financial clarity. He’s worked with global companies, led finance teams through complex M&A deals, and now channels that experience into helping others succeed

Expect to Learn:

• Why FP&A needs to evolve from reporting to a real business partnership

• How Chris shifted his mindset from CFO to CEO

• The importance of focusing on the right industries instead of trying to serve everyone

• Why failing early became one of his greatest learning tools

• What to do before you land your first paid client

Adam Rakich has spent over a decade streamlining finance processes across industries, working with top software platforms like Adaptive Insights, Workday, and OneStream. As the author of The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration, he is known for making complex finance concepts accessible, especially to non-technical professionals. At North Texas, Adam helps organizations build better, more collaborative FP&A functions without the pain.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most budgeting processes are broken and how to shift the mindset to fix them.

• The importance of soft skills in elevating finance's strategic impact.

• How to avoid the "Jurassic Park" trap of doing more just because you can.

• The value of driver-based planning and why simplicity often beats complexity.

• The "James Bond Philosophy" of budgeting: when to seduce and when to take a firmer stance.

Alex Holt is the CFO of Milo’s Hamburgers, a beloved 23-unit fast-food chain known for its iconic burgers and sweet tea, based in Alabama. With experience as the Executive Vice President of Finance at Capstone Communities and a background in real estate, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in finance, data visualization, and process improvement. He is passionate about making data useful and has a strong focus on enhancing financial operations.

Expect to Learn:

• How the role of FP&A extends beyond reporting to driving business change.

• The unique challenges of managing finances in a growing, family-owned restaurant chain.

• The importance of process improvement and documentation when scaling operations.

• How Alex uses technology to improve efficiency and communication.

• Key metrics and strategies for managing finance in the restaurant industry, including labor and food costs.

Raheli Sasson is the Director of FP&A at JFrog, where she partners with executive leadership to deliver financial and operational results. With deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and process automation, Raheli is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to drive efficiency in finance. She has managed budgets exceeding $1 billion and spearheaded global initiatives to integrate AI in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.

• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.

• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.

• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.

• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.