SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE: JAY GUBRUD

Jay Gubrud is a catalyst for performance improvement. He is a dynamic professional speaker, trainer, author and consultant who has been presenting across industries and audiences for over seventeen years. His programs challenge participants to eliminate the everyday roadblocks to their success. Jay has an innate ability to relate the trials of life and business in a way that everyone can relate to … Cars and Driving!

He has never been afraid to have a difference of opinion or shake up the status quo. He believes that regularly moving out of your comfort zone and improving your performance are key to personal and professional success and satisfaction.

He values the contribution of all people’s personalities and characteristics at the office and at home. His presentation style honors these differences and seeks to create an environment of mutual respect. Jay’s strives to open people’s minds to new ways of thinking and acting while at the same time reducing negativity. Another one of his strengths is connecting…connecting need and opportunity together to create value at every turn. Find out more on this topic in Jay’s upcoming book to be released in 2024!

In high school and college he didn’t reside in just one group, he knew all the groups and built connections and transferred opportunities amongst those different groups. He continues to do that by working in a variety of industries and transferring ideas between different industries.

A few unique facts about Jay:

• He has been riding a motorcycle since he was 7 years old.

• He made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show.

• He has had the pleasure of riding in a rare Ferrari F40 worth nearly $1,000,000.

• He has never missed a speaking engagement in 18 years.

• He does not like mushrooms.

SCOTT BISHOP, CFO, Buist Electric, Inc.

Scott Bishop is the CFO of Buist Electric, Inc., a commercial electrical contractor performing Electrical, Testing, Communications, Automation and AV work primarily in the West Michigan area. He joined Buist in 2014 after spending time in public accounting and performing management roles in the manufacturing industry. Scott holds a degree in accountancy from Calvin University. Since joining CFMA in 2014, Scott has served in various capacities on the Board including Chapter President, Committee Chairs and as a member on several committees. In addition to his CFO responsibilities Scott is a trustee of the Buist Electric ESOP. Outside of Buist and CFMA he has served at other local non-profit boards in leadership positions.

ANDRE DAVIS, CFO, Livegistics

Andre Davis, Livegistics' Chief Financial Officer, is an entrepreneur, a Certified Public Accountant, and the recipient of the Black Ambition Initiative's Million Dollar Grand Prize for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in the tech, design, and products/services industries. Andre and his co-founder Justin Turk have successfully challenged and revolutionized the way hundreds of construction companies around the country think about how automation brings sustainability to the heavy civil and demo construction industry. Andre has more than 20 years of executive management experience, establishing himself as a motivated leader with an innovative vision. Andre's experience managing multimillion-dollar accounts for domestic and international companies has earned him a reputation for candor, astute financial acumen, and a relentless work ethic.

Andre has a Master's Degree in Accounting and is a member of the AICPA and MICPA. He currently lives in Metro Detroit with his wife and five children.

GUYLAINE DONAVAN, Vice President, Hylant

Guylaine oversees the employee benefits placement for clients with a focus on manufacturing. She has extensive experience in self-funding and benefit financing including benefit captives. Her clients have national and international presence.

Guylaine currently serves on the advisory board of The Salvation Army and has previously served on the board of the West Michigan Health Underwriters. She has also served on the advisory boards for Priority Health, BCBS of Michigan, and Delta Dental.

CHRIS DUPREY, Vice President/CFO, Granger Construction Company

Chris Duprey is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Granger Construction Company, a general contractor based in Lansing, Michigan. In addition to leading the finance and accounting function, Chris co-manages risk management and insurance program design. Chris has been with Granger since 2013 after an eight-year career in public accounting serving construction clients.

SHAWN FARZAM, Guy Hurley

Shawn joined the Guy Hurley team in 2014 and has over 15 years of experience in the insurance and financial industry. Shawn brings a comprehensive background in workers' compensation as well as property & casualty lines across all industries. His footprint in mid-Michigan as well as the West side of the State is an important diversification for the GH team. Shawn holds a BA degree from Michigan State University and is an active member in the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA), Michigan Manufacturing Association (MMA) and National Parking Association (NPA). Shawn enjoys spending time with his family and giving back to the community.

HEATHER GARDNER, Partner, DWH

Heather has spent over 25 years in executive leadership positions developing and leading teams in high performing organizations.  She helps business leaders optimize an organization’s performance and potential through strategic planning, leadership development and coaching, purpose-driven organizational structures and effective operating practices.

EMILY GLANZ, Risk Consultant, Cottingham & Butler

Emily is a Risk Consultant at Cottingham & Butler, one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the country. Emily has worked for nearly 12 years in a consulting role to the Construction industry. Acting as an outsourced risk manager, Emily partners with her clients to analyze and improve their risk management program and subsequently, their total cost of risk. Today, Emily’s industry knowledge and determination to achieve top-results for her clients has earned her a reputation as a leader in complex insurance consulting. Emily is an advocate for the construction industry and is an active participant and speaker for many state and national construction associations.

KATIE HENSLEY, Property & Casualty Broker, Cottingham & Butler

Katie began her insurance career as a Workers’ Compensation Adjustor and was responsible for managing claims across multiple jurisdictions for high deductible, self-insured, and captive clients. Katie used her extensive claims handling experience and leadership skills to help build and lead the Risk Management Brokerage Claims & Safety Advocacy Team. Today, Katie is Property & Casualty Broker specializing in challenging industries.

Katie’s success is in direct correlation with how she communicates and interact with current and prospective clients. Starting from the first interaction, she wants to understand and recognize needs, and then, begin to work together, developing a solid foundation through connection and collaboration. When working with Katie,expect someone who will be steady and focused on the end-game, someone who brings stellar results to each interaction.

When not working, you will find Katie enjoying the outdoors and playing catch with her son.

STEPHEN HILGER, Shareholder, Hilger Hammond PC

Steve Hilger practices in the areas of complex commercial business transactions and litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state and federal courts and has appeared in several state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court on cert, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country.

Steve is active in mediating and arbitrating complex commercial and construction law and related cases. His cases range from simple construction issues to complex commercial, municipal, and industrial projects encompassing claims and issues in the tens of millions of dollars.

Steve is also involved in extensive contract preparation and review. He is routinely involved in extensive negotiation of transactions and agreements, as well as pre- and post-litigation mediation. The remainder of Steve’s practice involves in-depth participation in and the making of recommendations for business decisions and business strategies, as well as assisting in regulatory compliance and promoting and developing best practices.

RHONDA HUISMANN, CPA, CCIFP, Partner, Crowe LLP

Rhonda Huismann is a consulting partner based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She spent more than 20 years with the tax group at Crowe before moving into her current role as technology and consulting lead for clients in the construction and real estate industries.

Rhonda has more than 24 years of experience working with general and specialty contractors, construction management firms, architectural and engineering firms, real estate developers, and material suppliers, with deep expertise in percentage of completion tax methods and deferral strategies. She is focused on bringing innovative technology to the construction and real estate industries, including the Crowe Construction Contract Optimizer, a construction tax solution that she helped develop, and her most recent solution, Contract Manager for construction, an AI-based software designed to streamline the review, risk assessment, and collaboration related to construction contracts.

Rhonda is passionate about the construction industry and has been involved in various industry organizations, including serving on the various committees and the board both locally and at the national level with CFMA, most recently as the CFMA National Secretary.

JESSICA WEBSTER HUIZEN, Vice President of Commercial Banking, Key Bank

Jessica has over 20 years of broad experience in many facets of commercial lending, including middle-marketing banking, real estate, and SBA lending.

CHRIS LETTS, Co-Founder, Pine Harbor Group

Chris founded the Pine Harbor Group, a wealth management group at Morgan Stanley. He focuses his work on serving the most affluent clients of the firm, specializing in advising families considering substantial liquidity events due to the sale or recapitalization of a closely held business.

MICHELLE MCHALE

With expertise in fraud, forensic accounting, damage/loss analysis, and insurance claim analysis, Michelle works with clients to resolve anomalies or unusual transactions that warrant an investigation. As no industry is immune to fraud, she works across all sectors to help companies move forward with their businesses.

When clients have an urgent problem, they’re distraught, they’re not sleeping, and they look to us for an immediate response. We quickly act as a triage team to pinpoint the source of the damage, stop the fraud, and quantify the losses. After more than 20 years performing forensic work, Michelle has seen almost every problem a client can have, and nothing surprises her.

She’s proud of the forensic investigative team we’ve established. We’ve broadened the firm’s name recognition in this area as we’ve increased client services and solidified our reputation as an immediate responder.

Michelle is often asked to speak to various organizations and industry professionals on fraud and forensics. She belongs to the AICPA and the MICPA where she was the Fraud Task Force chair. Michelle has a B.B.B in accountancy from Walsh College. A proud lover of the arts, she supports the not-for-profit group Artists Creating Together.

PAUL MENE, JD, Senior Manager, Advisory and Tax Services, Rehmann

Paul is a Research and Development (“R&D”) specialist with a focus on federal and state research tax credits. He has extensive expertise in performing R&D tax credit analysis for qualifying companies of all sizes and in various industries to identify R&D activities and expenses that qualify for these tax credits on their federal income tax returns.

ADAM MIHOLIC, Senior Consultant, Hylant

Drawing on nearly 10 years’ experience, Adam works with clients and prospects to model and evaluate various captive insurance structures that will best protect and finance risk for corporations of any size and industry. He has extensive experience leading captive feasibility and modeling projects for Group Captives, Cell Captives, Risk Retention Groups and both large and small Single Parent Captive entities. Adam is actively involved as a speaker and panelist for industry associations and events, routinely authors or contributes to captive and risk management publications, and works with many State and Federal regulatory agencies regarding captive legislation.

Adam currently serves as committee member for the Captive Insurance Companies Association's (CICA) NextGen initiative, focused on attracting, retaining, and educating young and new professionals in the captive industry. Adam is also on the conference committee for the Western Region Captive Insurance Conference (WRCIC).

Adam has earned the honor of Captive Review “Power 50: One to Watch” in 2021 and Captive Insurance Times “Emerging Talent” in 2019.

JAMIE MONTAGUE, Director of Finance and Accounting, Feyen Zylstra

Jamie Montague is the Director of Finance and Accounting at Feyen Zylstra (FZ), an electrical contractor in Michigan, Tennessee and the Carolinas. She attended Michigan State University where she obtained a bachelors and masters degree in accounting. Jamie went on to obtain her CPA certification and enjoyed her time in public accounting with the firm Plante Moran, serving audit clients and developing staff members in the Metro-Detroit region. Since joining CFMA in 2016, Jamie has participated in many activities including a rotation on the local Western Michigan board where she's serving her last year and looks forward to many years to come growing the chapter.

CHRISTOPHER NYENHUIS, Shareholder, Hilger Hammond PC

Chris Nyenhuis regularly appears in both state and federal courts. He has represented public and private companies, small businesses and individuals in a range of industries, including manufacturing, finance, and technology.

Chris has broad experience resolving disputes prior to litigation, obtaining favorable settlements during litigation, and arguing and prevailing on motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.

BEN OSBORNE, Oswald Companies

Ben has 17 years’ experience in construction and risk management. Ben is a graduate of Western Michigan University. He is originally from Monroe, MI area. Ben helps his clients manage and transfer risk. He has been very involved in the construction industry his entire life, growing up in a contractor family. Professionally Ben holds his CRIS (Construction Risk Insurance Specialist) and CyRM (Cyber Risk Management) designations. He is involved in CFMA Metro Detroit where he is currently the Past President, CFMA NW Ohio Chapter member, and Ohio Contractors Association member. For fun Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, camping, fishing, hunting, and golf.

ANN PLUMMER, Shareholder, Beene Garter, A Doeren Mayhew Firm

Ann has more than 25 years of experience assisting clients in various construction trades, including general contracting, fire protection, electrical, security, heavy highway, excavating, residential builders, roofing, mechanical, and general trades and interiors. Along with traditional accounting services, she provides operational assessments, job cost system design, prevailing wage consulting, cost certifications, tax credits and deductions, and accounting method consulting.

LISA POHL, JD, Principal, Advisory and Tax Services, Rehmann

As Rehmann’s director of state and local tax (SALT), Lisa focuses on identifying tax savings and resolving multi-state tax issues for domestic and international clients alike. She performs SALT planning, consulting, audit defense and dispute resolution for all entity types and individuals to minimize tax and manage risk. 

DAVE REECE, AIA, COO, Clark Construction Company

As a 40-year veteran of the design and construction industry, Dave brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to the industry. Dave has earned the trust and respect of multiple clients in a wide variety of building types and is responsible for over $2 billion worth of projects in his career.

As Chief Operating Officer at Clark Construction Company, Dave oversees all aspects of the company related to Daily Operations with a concentrated focus on Project Staffing, Project Team Development, Operations Excellence, Legal, Bonding and Insurance requirements. Dave also oversees Clark’s Trade Contractor Pre-qualification Process to help ensure that the best qualified Trade Contractors work with Clark Construction Company.

Dave is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. He is a Licensed Architect
in the State of Michigan, a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Architects Michigan and Detroit chapters, AIA Academy of Architecture for Health and Design-Build Knowledge Communities and the Engineering Society of Detroit. He is a Member of the National AGC Award Winning Clark Construction Company Safety Committee and the Clark Construction Company Senior Leadership Team.

Dave previously served as a member of the Planning Commission of Rochester Hills and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Macomb
Oakland Regional Center (MORC).

MAX RISPLER, Client Executive, Hylant

Max provides innovative and proactive solutions to change consumer behavior, improve cost containment, and mitigate long term risk. His unique experiences help clients be dynamic and adapt rapidly to any changes in the industry. His experience ranges from McDonalds/CAT to startups learning about the benefits process.

Max currently works with companies such as Watkins Ross and Company, MKB Holdings, King Milling, Garrison Dental Solutions, Scentlock Technologies, White Hall Products, Air Lift Company, Dood Enterprises, AeroFoil International, Securalarm Systems, and Steeltech LTD. His previous experience includes CAT, McDonalds, Generac, The Orchards, Golden Gate/Circa/TheD, and ACI Transport.

Max earned his bachelor’s degree focused in Business Administration and Management from Bowling Green State University. Max has his counselor’s license with the State of Michigan in Life, Accident and Health.

MARK RYSBERG, Shareholder, Hilger Hammond PC

Mark Rysberg focuses his practice on construction law. He works as a litigator and legal advisor to parties involved in the construction industry. Having worked in the commercial construction and real estate industries for over ten years before practicing law, Mark’s experience adds insight into how to work with his clients as a business advisor and legal advocate. He is experienced with a broad range of construction issues, problems, and disputes. Mark has drafted and reviewed design and construction contracts on behalf of owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architect/engineers, consultants, sureties, design/builders, and construction manager clients.

He has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, Eastern District of Michigan and Northern District of Michigan. Mark has also been admitted to practice in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit.

Mark received his B.S. degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State University. He received his J.D. degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mark has written and lectured to construction trade associations on various topics related to the construction industry and construction law.

NICOLLE TAYLOR-SHEAFOR, CFO, Hardman Construction, Inc.

Nicolle is the CFO of Hardman Construction, Inc., a Midwest leader in foundation, geotechnical, and bridge construction. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus in Accounting and first started her career serving in the public accounting sector. After 7 years in the public arena she decided that she wanted to be a part of the daily life of an individual business and began looking into private industry. Hardman Construction turned out to be a great fit in providing the unique and fun challenges that come along with working in the industry and providing a great cultural fit; she has been with the company since 2015. Nicolle is currently serving on the Western MI CFMA Board of Directors and sits on the Programming and Promotions Committee at the chapter level and the Specialty Trades Committee at the national level.

DAVID SIKINA, CISSP, CHQP, CCSFP; Senior Manager

David has over two decades of experience in multiple industries, including the financial and healthcare sectors. He has been in a wide range of roles including networking, infrastructure, compliance and audit, security, and leadership. Compliance and audit experience includes SOC 2, FFIEC, GLBA, HIPAA, and HITRUST. He currently specializes in providing assessments and recommendations of cybersecurity solutions. David is a member of the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). He has written whitepapers and articles on various security-related topics. David's professional certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified HITRUST Quality Professional (CHQP), and HITRUST Certified CSF Practitioner (CCSFP).

ANNE MARIE TOWLE, Global Captive Solutions Leader, Hylant

A veteran of the captive insurance industry, Anne Marie leads the Global Captive Solutions team at Hylant. She has over 25 years of experience with diverse projects and has worked with captives and other alternative risk transfer vehicles in many key onshore and offshore domiciles. Prior to joining Hylant, Anne Marie was an Executive Vice President with JLT, and formerly a Senior Consultant with Willis Towers Watson for over 7 years. Anne Marie also spent time as a Senior Manager in public accounting and 10 years in taxation, where she provided consultancy services to captive owners. Anne Marie managed client projects through feasibility and implementation processes in structuring captives and managed their accounting and tax compliance functions. Before that, for over 6 years, Anne Marie worked in private industry in the insurance tax departments of several Fortune 500 insurance and financial institution companies. Industry Associations.

Throughout her career, Anne Marie has been closely involved in captive insurance organizations at the local, state and national level. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), serves as the Vice-Chair for the North Carolina Captive Insurance Association (NCCIA), and the International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE); the curriculum committee for ICCIE and an instructor for ICCIE courses; and the conference committees of the (2017 Chair) VCIA, Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA), World Captive Forum (WCF) and the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association (SCCIA).

JUSTIN TURK, CEO, Livegistics, Inc.

By preparing businesses for a sustainable future, Livegistics, Inc., a Detroit-based MBE Certified Company, is committed to automating tedious manual tasks creating a more sustainable future. Transparency, accountability, and universal access to information lead to a more equitable and sustainable future for the construction industry.

As Vice President and Chief Estimator at one of Michigan's largest heavy civil (Minority-Owned) construction companies before becoming CEO, Justin Turk was instrumental in the introduction and advancement of construction technology utilization throughout the organization, with a background in both computer science and civil engineering/construction management. Turk is a third-generation entrepreneur in the construction industry and a member of the Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance, EYs (Ernst & Young) Entrepreneur Access Network, and the National Black Supplier Development Program presented by Stellantis North America and the National Business League.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who once founded Michigan's largest minority-owned asphalt paving company, Justin holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Bowling Green University and a master's degree in construction engineering from Lawrence Technological University. Justin is dedicated to ensuring that minorities have a sustainable place at the table as both construction and tech entrepreneurs.

ELIOT WAGONHEIM, Principal, Wagonheim Law

Over the years, Eliot has honed his craft not only as a lawyer and litigator but as a teacher, writer, speaker, and facilitator. Eliot works with individuals and organizations in three ways: through the law practice (Wagonheim Law), teaching online webinars, workshops, and courses, and speaking engagements. Eliot has served as counsel to businesses of all sizes, from five-person companies to some of the most successful nationally-recognized organizations. As a teacher and guide, Eliot helps people avoid deadly contract traps, spot opportunities, and protect hard-earned profits.

• Named a Maryland Super Lawyer for 10+ years running

• Named one of Smart CEO’s Legal Elite as a “go-to” business lawyer

• Hundreds of 5-star reviews from teaching to audiences in 100+ countries

• Author of The Art of Getting Paid

• Teaching business law at the graduate (MBA) level