All CPAs are invited to join the Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas CPA Societies for the 2026 Summer Education Conference in Gulf Shores, AL. Pack up the family and enjoy 4 hours of CPE each morning, with the rest of the day free to relax on the beach, kayak, or explore local attractions. It’s the perfect blend of vacation and professional growth, offering a unique chance to network with CPAs from across the SEC!
Room block information will be provided on your registration confirmation email, as well as on the event page post registration. The cutoff date for reservations is June 15th. This room block will likely sell out before this date. We encourage all attendees to secure your reservations as early as possible.
Starting June 30th, a $200 cancellation fee will apply due to commitments with the hotel, catering, and event planning. We appreciate your understanding.
President & CEO
American Institute of CPAs (Durham)
Mark Koziel is the President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 600,000 members, candidates, and registrants. Formed in 2017, the Association combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the AICPA.
Koziel was named to this role by the Association’s Board of Directors in October 2024 and began his tenure on January 1, 2025. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served the profession for decades. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with 268 member firms worldwide. He began that role in 2020 after 14 years with the Association (previously AICPA), where he served in a number of roles, including executive vice president, Firm Services.
Koziel began working in the profession at a large accounting firm, Lumsden McCormick, based in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career he has been a consistent advocate for accountants, developing a strong global understanding of the accounting and finance profession.
He is known for his commitment to key values, such as strategic growth, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, and has been recognized with many notable awards. He regularly appears on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and in 2017, Koziel received the Dr. Joseph R. Coppola ’40 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Canisius University’s Accounting Department. Among his many accolades, Koziel was also named to CPA Practice Advisor’s Top Thought Leaders in Public Accounting and the International Accounting Bulletin and The Accountant’s list of the Global Accounting Power 50.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Koziel graduated from Canisius University in 1991 with a BS, accounting degree. He now resides in North Carolina with his family
Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc.
DR. ANGELA WHITE-BAZILE, is a graduate of the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She received her juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, and she also has a Doctorate of Psychology & Counseling.
Dr. Bazile is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. She held positions such as Judicial Law Clerk/Research Attorney at Orleans Parish Civil District Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, and the Louisiana Supreme Court; Associate Attorney; and Professor of Law. She was also an In-House Counsel for Prudential Life Insurance in Jacksonville, Florida.
Prior to being named the Executive Director of JLAP, Dr. Bazile was the Executive Counsel at the Louisiana Supreme Court under the 25th Chief Justice, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. She was also the Secretary of the Louisiana Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and the Louisiana Judicial Liaison for human trafficking.
Dr. Bazile has been a presenter for various Continuing Legal Education seminars and is a well-sought-after motivational speaker. Along with being an attorney, she is also a published author and licensed realtor.
Dr. Bazile is the recipient of various awards: the 2023 American Judges Association Nachtigal Award; the 2022 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Christiana Smith African American Alumni Outstanding Graduate Award; the 2020 National Bar Association Hidden Figure Award; the 2018 Southern University Law Center Distinguished Alumna Award; and the 2017 Louisiana State Bar Association President's Award.
Dr. Bazile is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of various legal organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court, 22n? JDC Bar Association, and the National Association of Realtors.
McKinney practiced in public accounting for nine years in Birmingham and Memphis. She specialized in tax consulting and planning with extensive client experience in the real estate industry and partnership tax issues. Ms. McKinney joined The University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy as a full-time faculty member in 2001 and has taught undergraduate level courses in taxation and financial accounting for the last 21 years. Primary courses of instruction include Introduction to Financing Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Business Entity Taxation.
McKinney is director of The Culverhouse School of Accountancy LIFT community outreach and experiential learning program. This initiative utilizes University students to teach free computer, financial, and career classes to adults, veterans, seniors, and teens in under-served communities. The program utilized over 600 volunteers and leaders in the Spring 2023 semester, teaching over 35 classes each week throughout West and Central Alabama. During the pandemic, LIFT continued to provide classes virtually. Through the LIFT program, students work with food banks in west Birmingham and Selma to help them with volunteer management, inventory management systems, accounting, and warehouse organization.
McKinney also provides tax training for many small to mid-sized accounting firms in the Southeast, as well as nonprofit organizations. Over the past four years, McKinney and LIFT have partnered with The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to build an accelerator to support underrepresented micro-businesses in Alabama. University students are utilized in this capacity to provide accounting and other business services to both for-profit and non-profit businesses.
Steve Morgan is an investment director at Hancock Whitney, where he facilitates a team of investment professionals focused on delivering superior investment strategies and client outcomes. He participates in the firm’s Asset Allocation, Due Diligence and Oversight Committees and actively contributes to investment and economic commentary. Steve has been in the investment industry for over 25 years. He joined Hancock Whitney as part of the acquisition of Capital One Asset Management LLC. Prior to joining Capital One, Steve worked at Morgan Stanley, efolio.com, Hibernia Bank and Waterhouse Securities. He has a Bachelor of Mathematics from Carleton College and a Master of Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin.
Paul Perry has been with the firm since 2004 and is a Member and the practice leader of the Risk Advisory & Assurance Services Group. Paul and his team focus on cybersecurity, information technology-related projects, risk assessments, internal controls, internal audit and control-related projects, including SOC engagements. Paul is also the leader of the firm’s Data Analysis Group, a team of individuals within the firm who provide data analysis solutions to both internal and external clients. For more than 11 years, he specialized in auditing and assurance services, serving clients in the nonprofit, governmental, financial, insurance and healthcare facilities/hospital industries. Paul holds the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification, awarded to CPAs who possess both information technology and business expertise. Paul is a thought leader, published columnist and performs 20+ presentations a year on a wide variety of technology and control-related topics to groups including corporate clients, ASCPA, HFMA, IIA and ISACA. He also offers insight to business leaders as a co-host of Warren Averett's podcast, The Wrap.
Bob is a member of the AICPA and has been recognized by his peers and has served in several leadership roles in the niche forensic and valuation services (“FVS”) community at the AICPA. In his roles related to various duties at the AICPA, he assisted practitioners by providing guidance to CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting, consulting, damages analyses, business valuation and other specialized services.
Wear your team colors and network with other state societies! The reception will take place on the terrace right outside the meeting room. There will be an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Attendance is free for the registrants, but you MUST register to attend.
Guests may be added for an additional fee: Adult guest fee $25 | Child guest fee $10
Mark Koziel is the President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 600,000 members, candidates, and registrants. Formed in 2017, the Association combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the AICPA.
Koziel was named to this role by the Association’s Board of Directors in October 2024 and began his tenure on January 1, 2025. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served the profession for decades. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with 268 member firms worldwide. He began that role in 2020 after 14 years with the Association (previously AICPA), where he served in a number of roles, including executive vice president, Firm Services.
Koziel began working in the profession at a large accounting firm, Lumsden McCormick, based in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career he has been a consistent advocate for accountants, developing a strong global understanding of the accounting and finance profession.
He is known for his commitment to key values, such as strategic growth, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, and has been recognized with many notable awards. He regularly appears on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and in 2017, Koziel received the Dr. Joseph R. Coppola ’40 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Canisius University’s Accounting Department. Among his many accolades, Koziel was also named to CPA Practice Advisor’s Top Thought Leaders in Public Accounting and the International Accounting Bulletin and The Accountant’s list of the Global Accounting Power 50.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Koziel graduated from Canisius University in 1991 with a BS, accounting degree. He now resides in North Carolina with his family
Join Mark Koziel, President & CEO of the AICPA and CEO of the Association of Certified Professional Accountants, as he looks to the future and provides an update on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Discover how the profession is rising to meet the moment and how the Association is working to empower innovation, leadership, and inspiration for the next generation of CPAs and CGMAs.
DR. ANGELA WHITE-BAZILE, is a graduate of the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She received her juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, and she also has a Doctorate of Psychology & Counseling.
Dr. Bazile is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. She held positions such as Judicial Law Clerk/Research Attorney at Orleans Parish Civil District Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, and the Louisiana Supreme Court; Associate Attorney; and Professor of Law. She was also an In-House Counsel for Prudential Life Insurance in Jacksonville, Florida.
Prior to being named the Executive Director of JLAP, Dr. Bazile was the Executive Counsel at the Louisiana Supreme Court under the 25th Chief Justice, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. She was also the Secretary of the Louisiana Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and the Louisiana Judicial Liaison for human trafficking.
Dr. Bazile has been a presenter for various Continuing Legal Education seminars and is a well-sought-after motivational speaker. Along with being an attorney, she is also a published author and licensed realtor.
Dr. Bazile is the recipient of various awards: the 2023 American Judges Association Nachtigal Award; the 2022 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Christiana Smith African American Alumni Outstanding Graduate Award; the 2020 National Bar Association Hidden Figure Award; the 2018 Southern University Law Center Distinguished Alumna Award; and the 2017 Louisiana State Bar Association President's Award.
Dr. Bazile is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of various legal organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court, 22n? JDC Bar Association, and the National Association of Realtors.
Burnout is a form of chronic stress that stems from prolonged workloads, tight deadlines, and intense pressure to maintain accuracy and compliance. It can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness. The cyclical nature of peak seasons and the demand for precision can make it difficult for accountants to find work-life balance, contributing to long-term mental and emotional strain.
McKinney practiced in public accounting for nine years in Birmingham and Memphis. She specialized in tax consulting and planning with extensive client experience in the real estate industry and partnership tax issues. Ms. McKinney joined The University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy as a full-time faculty member in 2001 and has taught undergraduate level courses in taxation and financial accounting for the last 21 years. Primary courses of instruction include Introduction to Financing Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Business Entity Taxation.
McKinney is director of The Culverhouse School of Accountancy LIFT community outreach and experiential learning program. This initiative utilizes University students to teach free computer, financial, and career classes to adults, veterans, seniors, and teens in under-served communities. The program utilized over 600 volunteers and leaders in the Spring 2023 semester, teaching over 35 classes each week throughout West and Central Alabama. During the pandemic, LIFT continued to provide classes virtually. Through the LIFT program, students work with food banks in west Birmingham and Selma to help them with volunteer management, inventory management systems, accounting, and warehouse organization.
McKinney also provides tax training for many small to mid-sized accounting firms in the Southeast, as well as nonprofit organizations. Over the past four years, McKinney and LIFT have partnered with The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to build an accelerator to support underrepresented micro-businesses in Alabama. University students are utilized in this capacity to provide accounting and other business services to both for-profit and non-profit businesses.
This workshop will cover recent legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect tax compliance and consulting. CPAs from all levels can benefit from the workshop.
Paul Perry has been with the firm since 2004 and is a Member and the practice leader of the Risk Advisory & Assurance Services Group. Paul and his team focus on cybersecurity, information technology-related projects, risk assessments, internal controls, internal audit and control-related projects, including SOC engagements. Paul is also the leader of the firm’s Data Analysis Group, a team of individuals within the firm who provide data analysis solutions to both internal and external clients. For more than 11 years, he specialized in auditing and assurance services, serving clients in the nonprofit, governmental, financial, insurance and healthcare facilities/hospital industries. Paul holds the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification, awarded to CPAs who possess both information technology and business expertise. Paul is a thought leader, published columnist and performs 20+ presentations a year on a wide variety of technology and control-related topics to groups including corporate clients, ASCPA, HFMA, IIA and ISACA. He also offers insight to business leaders as a co-host of Warren Averett's podcast, The Wrap.
As artificial intelligence quickly becomes part of our everyday lives, it brings with it more comprehension needs, risk, and capabilities. IT almost requires a daily refresh on what was and what will become. Simply, AI is a powerful tool and, at times, a crutch – but never a replacement for human judgment, context, or accountability. Participants will explore where AI adds real value (content creation, summarization, efficiency gains), where it creates new exposures (data leakage, false confidence, overreliance), and how accountants must apply professional skepticism, governance, and security controls to use AI safely. The session will explore every aspect of our professional life and the abilities that we can (and should) turn over to AI and those that should remain firmly human responsibilities.
Bob is a member of the AICPA and has been recognized by his peers and has served in several leadership roles in the niche forensic and valuation services (“FVS”) community at the AICPA. In his roles related to various duties at the AICPA, he assisted practitioners by providing guidance to CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting, consulting, damages analyses, business valuation and other specialized services.
This session will cover new standards issued by the FASB, Auditing Standards Board, and AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee. Hot topics in peer review will also be covered, along with emerging issues in the accounting and auditing field.
Steve Morgan is an investment director at Hancock Whitney, where he facilitates a team of investment professionals focused on delivering superior investment strategies and client outcomes. He participates in the firm’s Asset Allocation, Due Diligence and Oversight Committees and actively contributes to investment and economic commentary. Steve has been in the investment industry for over 25 years. He joined Hancock Whitney as part of the acquisition of Capital One Asset Management LLC. Prior to joining Capital One, Steve worked at Morgan Stanley, efolio.com, Hibernia Bank and Waterhouse Securities. He has a Bachelor of Mathematics from Carleton College and a Master of Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin.
Policymakers are reshaping global trade and upending international relations as the U.S. Federal Reserve enters a new era. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and other factors are rewriting labor force dynamics. We’ll examine the new economic and financial market landscape in light of these developments.
Forensic accounting is often treated as a single specialty, but it encompasses multiple distinct disciplines, each designed to address different client needs and situations. This session is designed for CPAs across all practice areas and focuses on helping attendees understand how forensic accounting differs from traditional CPA services and how to identify which type of forensic expertise best fits a client’s circumstances.
The session emphasizes the CPA’s role as a trusted advisor and connector. Attendees will learn how to recognize when matters move beyond traditional CPA services, what information is helpful to gather early, and how to manage client expectations before a forensic specialist is engaged. The goal is for CPAs to leave feeling more confident adding value by connecting clients with the right forensic expertise at the right time.