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Hillary H. Salo ​
Vice Chair - Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)

Hillary H. Salo began her term as vice chair of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on July 1, 2024. Her first term on the Board concludes June 30, 2029, when she will be eligible to be considered for reappointment to a second term. Prior to joining the Board, Hillary spent four years on the FASB staff as technical director and chair of its Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF). As technical director, she was responsible for leading the Board’s standard-setting activities and staff, guiding its successful agenda reprioritization, and driving progress on stakeholder priorities. Ms. Salo joined the FASB in 2020 from the New York City office of KPMG LLP, where she was a partner in the audit practice and engagement partner for a large global financial services organization. She began her KPMG career in the Chicago office in the accounting advisory services group before joining the audit quality and professional practice group in the New York City office. Ms. Salo also served as a professional accounting fellow in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC. Ms. Salo began her career as a FASB postgraduate technical assistant after graduating with an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a certified public accountant in New York, Illinois, and North Carolina.​ 

David Silverman ​
Senior Manager - Somich & Associates

David brings over nine years of experience working with privately held businesses and individuals. Over those years, David provided tax and business strategies to several clients, effectively minimizing tax liabilities and optimizing cash flow. David engages with his clients to develop a deep understanding of their needs at any stage in the business life cycle. This includes tax planning and consulting regarding business formation, organization and entity selection, tax-efficient growth, and to help drive business value as part of an exit strategy through sale or transition to future generations. Working with high-net-worth families, David has also helped implement estate and income tax planning strategies. He understands the connection between family and business, and the complications that sometimes arise. Family wealth planning takes a delicate touch, and David handles the different stages of the family life cycle with expertise and grace. From setting up tax efficient savings plans for children through protecting assets for the next generation, to charitable and philanthropic giving, David can guide you on your family’s journey. David has spent his life in Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from 5X���� and going on to Ohio Northern University to earn his law degree, where he specialized in Tax. He went on to become a CPA and is a member of the Ohio Bar. In his spare time, David is part of the young professionals board for the UCP of Greater Cleveland, likes to cheer on the Cavs and Browns, and spend time with his wife Rachel and son Seth.  

Bryan Sinclair ​
Vice President, Technical Accounting Solution Leader​ - RGP

Bryan leads RGP’s Technical Accounting solution and is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with extensive knowledge in technical accounting matters, including US GAAP and IFRS, initial public offerings, internal controls and financial reporting functions within dynamic growth companies as well as mature organizations facing financial and operational challenges. Bryan has provided technical accounting analysis/guidance on significant transactions and events for clients, including initial public offerings, mergers & acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, and restructurings. Bryan began his accounting career with the Big Four, spending nearly nine years between KPMG and PwC, and is a Certified Public Accountant (State of Texas).​ 

James Skakun ​
Tax Partner - BMF

James Skakun is a Tax Partner at BMF with deep expertise in business taxation and transaction advisory services. Since joining the firm in 2011, James has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to closely held businesses, private equity firms, and strategic buyers navigating complex tax and transactional matters. James focuses primarily on business tax, with a significant specialization in mergers and acquisitions. He co-leads BMF’s Transaction Tax Services (TTS) practice and has authored over 175 tax diligence reports while playing a critical role in transaction structuring, risk identification, and post-deal tax planning. Over the past six years, the TTS practice has worked on over 20 sell-side transactions with an average equity value of $75M. Working closely with BMF’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group, James brings a collaborative, deal-oriented approach that aligns tax strategy with financial, operational, and commercial considerations. His experience spans acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, and restructurings, helping clients anticipate tax exposures, optimize deal economics, and achieve successful outcomes. James is known for his practical mindset, technical strength, and ability to communicate complex tax issues clearly to executives, investors, and deal teams. His hands-on approach and commitment to client service make him a key resource for clients navigating high-stakes transactions and long-term growth initiatives.​ 

Matt Soful ​
Account Director for Northern Ohio - OneStream

Account Director for Northern Ohio at OneStream Software, partnering with finance leaders to modernize planning, close, and reporting through a unified CPM platform. With a background in accounting, consulting, and technology, he brings a practitioner’s perspective to finance transformation initiatives focused on data quality, governance, and decision‑making.​ 

Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D. ​
Dean - Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at 5X����

Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D., has been Dean at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at 5X���� for 13 years. She has served on the Initial Accreditation Committee (IAC) for AACSB, as President of the MidAmerican Business Deans Association and past-Executive Director of the Society for Marketing Advances. She is a 2021 recipient of the American Marketing Association - Higher Education Special Interest Group – Lifetime Achievement Award. Prior to her academic career, she worked for consulting firms specializing in marketing research and strategic planning in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Lisa Stiffler ​
Managing Director, Risk Consulting - KPMG

Lisa is a managing director in KPMG’s Risk Consulting practice with over 23 year specializing in internal audit, SOX compliance, and enterprise risk management. She specializes in the Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Market industries, helping companies navigate risk considerations for new IPO’s, significant, complex transactions, and enterprise-wide transformational changes.

Robert “Cujo” Teschner ​
Founder, CEO, Chief Consultant - VMax Group Consulting

Robert “Cujo” Teschner is a retired F-15 / F-22 fighter pilot. He is also a former F-15 Weapons School Instructor, F-22 Squadron Commander, senior Joint Staff officer, and combat veteran. He holds advanced degrees in Operational Art and Science and National Security Strategy and has extensive experience in tactical planning and execution and organizational leadership. From 2004 to 2006, he served as the US Air Force’s expert in post-mission debriefing, the methodology used by high-performing military teams to self-correct and improve continuously. Cujo retired immediately after pinning-on full Colonel due to complications from cancer-related care and started an international business consulting practice based in St. Louis, MO. His company is called VMax Group. VMax Group’s mission is to teach, inspire and nurture teams on how to really “team”, making work more fulfilling and making teams much more effective.

Janis Thiedemann​
Vice President of Internal Audit – Quanex

Janis Thiedemann is Vice President of Internal Audit at Quanex, a public manufacturing company headquartered in Houston. She began her career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen and worked with clients in multiple industries at different firms before moving to industry roles. Her most recent positions included Director of Internal Audit at Parker Hannifin and North America Controller at DeNora. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. She holds a DBA in Global Business from Cleveland State University, an MBA from Lake Erie College, and a BS in Accounting and Finance from Miami University.

Rob Thompson​
Vice President Internal Audit – Lincoln Electric

Rob Thompson recently joined Lincoln Electric a few months ago – in mid-August 2025, as Vice President Internal Audit, responsible for both the Audit function and Enterprise Risk Management. Prior to joining Lincoln Electric, Rob spent his entire 26-year professional career at Ford Motor Company, in progressive Accounting, Audit, and Finance positions including seven years of international experience in Europe. Rob most recently served as CFO for North America at Lincoln Motor Company. Prior to that he held various senior positions including Associate Director of Internal Audit for Ford North America where he led the revitalization of Ford’s ERM process as well as the transition to risk-based auditing. Rob received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

Quo Vadis Cobb​
Senior Vice President, Global Internal Audit - Jacobs

Quo Vadis Cobb is Senior Vice President of Global Internal Audit at Jacobs, where she leads a worldwide team dedicated to providing assurance, insights, and value‑add consultative support to the business. Under her leadership, Internal Audit strengthens governance, enhances decision‑making, and partners with senior leaders across the enterprise. The function reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. A seasoned attorney and advisor, Quo Vadis brings extensive experience guiding global organizations through complex risk, operational, and transformational challenges. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Jacobs, directing global litigation strategy and advising the executive leadership team on risk and dispute resolution. Before joining Jacobs, Quo Vadis spent more than a decade at Rockwell Automation in senior legal and risk leadership roles, supporting global sales, market access, enterprise risk management, and major strategic initiatives. Committed to advancing women and underrepresented groups, Quo Vadis has led initiatives focused on mentorship, community building, and professional development. She is also deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on the boards of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, the Cleveland Play House, and the Cuyahoga County Library Foundation. Quo Vadis holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Carnegie Mellon University, and Syracuse University. She is passionate about global travel, the arts, and spending time with family and friends.

Mark van ‘t Hooft ​
Director of the Office Research Development in the Division of Research & Economic Development - 5X����

Mark van ‘t Hooft is the Director of the Office Research Development in the Division of Research & Economic Development at 5X����. He assists faculty, staff, and students in building interdisciplinary teams, finding funding opportunities, and preparing proposals for external funding. In addition, he coordinates proposal submissions for the Office of Sponsored Programs. Mark holds a PhD with a double major in Curriculum & Instruction and Evaluation & Measurement from 5X���� and has been a Certified Research Administrator since 2016.

Colin Wilkinson​
VP Audit & Compliance – Parker Hannifin Corporation

Colin is the VP Audit and Compliance at Parker Hannifin Corporation, a Fortune 500 Industrial and Aerospace manufacturer. He took the role in 2025 after 22 years as a financial controller at various levels of Parker’s global business. He is a Chartered Management Accountant (UK) and has been based in Cleveland, OH for the past 12 years.

Luke Wilson ​
Manager, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk - KPMG

Luke Wilson is a manager in KPMG's Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk practice based in Cleveland, with more than seven years of internal audit and accounting experience. His work involves leading the execution of internal audit, enterprise risk, SOX, and ESG engagements for clients across a variety of industries. With the increasing need for ESG guidance, Wilson has been focused on helping to develop KPMG's methodology and approach to ESG processes and controls to address emerging risks surrounding ESG reporting. Luke has presented to IIA chapters and other groups on ESG and Internal Audit's role. 

Jenelle Wolfe ​
Director, International Tax Strategy - Eaton Corp.

Jenelle Wolfe is a Director, International Tax Strategy, for Eaton Corp. where she is responsible for overseeing global tax policy and tax planning for the company. Jenelle has over 18 years of combined experience, including prior roles in M&A tax for Eaton Corp. and tax compliance in public accounting. She is a CPA and holds a Master of Taxation degree from the University of Denver and a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from 5X����. 

Sophie Yin ​
Tax Senior Manager | CPA | ASC 740 & Income Tax Accounting

Sophie Yin is a Tax Senior Manager with Ernst & Young LLP in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in income tax accounting under ASC 740 for public and private companies. She has more than a decade of experience advising Fortune 500 and multinational companies on tax provision, effective tax rate management, and SEC reporting. Sophie leads complex ASC 740 engagements involving acquisitions and divestitures, legal entity integrations, bankruptcies, IPO readiness, and cross-border transactions. She partners closely with companies to interpret technical accounting guidance, evaluate the impact of tax law changes, and clearly communicate tax positions to stakeholders. In addition to her technical leadership, Sophie drives process improvement through the use of tax technology and data analytics, helping organizations enhance controls and accelerate close timelines. Sophie holds a Master of Taxation from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The Ohio State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant in Ohio and is actively involved in professional and community organizations.