2025 Conference Speakers

Tyler Shultz

Tyler Shultz is a scientist at heart, a founder by nature, a whistleblower by accident, a speaker by day, a venture partner by night, and a dad 24/7. His professional life began by exposing unethical practices at Theranos, a revelation that led to the collapse of the $9 billion company and the criminal convictions of its CEO and COO. Since then, he has co-founded two diagnostics companies: a deep tech spinout from Stanford’s Center for Magnetic Nanotechnology and a direct-to-consumer diagnostics and telehealth company. Beyond building companies, Tyler advises startups and venture funds, helping them navigate the technical, commercial, and ethical challenges of scaling groundbreaking ideas. As a speaker, he shares his experiences with audiences worldwide, addressing founders, executives, employees, students, investors, board members, regulators, and finance experts. He explores themes of truth, courage, and integrity, demonstrating how ethical decision-making can be a competitive advantage.

Renee McKenney

With more than 30 years of experience, Renee McKenney is a destination industry professional. She started her career living and working on a Cruise Ship and has focused on customer service and innovation. 

Having served as President of Tulsa Regional Tourism for three years, Renee LOVES Tulsa! She arrived in Tulsa from her role as Chief Experience Officer for Visit Dallas. Her brand experience includes hospitality leadership, working for iconic brands such as Southwest Airlines and The Walt Disney Company–where she served globally in the Parks and Resorts Division. 

Renee has served on numerous Industry Boards, including PCMA, MPI, ASAE, and currently serving with U.S. Travel. She just received her CDME certification from Destinations International. 

Renee is a graduate of the Moody School of Communications at The University of Texas at Austin, and a native of Dallas. She lives in Tulsa with her husband of 27 years, Jeff, and is the mother of two adult sons.

Jackson Day

Jackson M. Day was appointed technical director of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on July 1, 2024. In this role, he is responsible for managing the FASB’s standard-setting activities and research and technical staff.

Prior to joining the FASB, Mr. Day was with Ernst & Young LLP (EY), the global accounting and professional services firm, where he was previously its chief accountant.

Mr. Day has spent most of his 38-year accounting career at EY, which he initially joined in 1986 on the audit staff in St. Louis, Missouri. Rising through the ranks of the EY network, his career path later took him to London, New York, and Munich serving in a variety of leadership roles in the United States and abroad including as global director for capital markets.

Mr. Day also served as the deputy chief accountant and, later, acting chief accountant, in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC, from 2000 to 2003. He was an FASB practice fellow from 1997 to 1999 and has been a member of the Emerging Issues Task Force. He also is a former member of numerous leadership and advisory groups in the accounting profession.

Mr. Day earned his undergraduate degree in business administration at Kansas State University.

Dr Dell Ann Janney

Justin Miller

Justin Miller is an Associate Professor of Practice of Cyber Studies and Director of the Cyber Security MS Online Program at the University of Tulsa. Before academia, he served 25 years as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, leading cyber fraud investigations, training law enforcement, and spearheading cybersecurity initiatives. His experience bridges real-world cybersecurity challenges with academic leadership, preparing the next generation of cyber professionals.

Al Marciante

Al Marciante is Oracle's Senior Director of Product Management for Oracle Enterprise Performance Management. Al has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial and enterprise performance management space, beginning his career as a Financial Information Technology professional for a leading electronics and communication company. He implemented applications for the accounting and finance organizations. In 1994, he spearheaded a project to produce consolidation financials, fully burdened profit and loss analysis, and budget reporting that was based on Oracle Financials, custom Oracle development and Arbor Essbase. In 1997, Al moved to a solution consultant role with Arbor, where he helped many customers in the Southern US states achieve significant value purchasing and implementing OLAP and Analytic Applications In 2000, after Arbor and Hyperion software merged to become Hyperion Solutions, Al moved to a Product Management role, and quickly moved to a leadership role in the Product Management organization, and through the decade participated in driving new solutions in the Enterprise Performance Management space. He has since led PM teams not only in the Essbase organization, but also in Hyperion Planning, Hyperion Profitability and Cost Management, Smart View, Financial Reports, Crystal Ball and Disclosure Management. Al is now responsible for Oracle EPM reporting tools and technologies. He had spearheaded new initiatives for Oracle EPM Cloud, including a service focused on collaborative narrative and cross cloud reporting called Oracle Enterprise Performance Reporting. He also leads the EPM infrastructure PM team.

Ellen Ourendnik

Ellen Ourednik is Vice President, Learning and Development at RGP, a global consulting firm helping executives with on-demand talent, consulting and outsourced services. RGP’s engagements leverage human connection and collaboration to deliver practical solutions and impactful results that power our clients, consultants, and partners’ success.  Ellen joined RGP in 2015 and has also served as a Regional Vice President for Talent Management and in Recruiting Manager and Director roles; prior to RGP, she worked in a high-growth healthcare IT consulting firm with a similar agile talent model.  She focuses on fostering learning and development for professionals in careers that offer flexibility, control, and meaningful project work—elements at the epicenter of the NOW of work.  She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology focused on Career Development from John Carroll University, a Master’s degree from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Mary Baldwin College.

Ashley Plyushko, CPA

Ashley Plyushko, CPA, as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board, has led legislative reforms, enhanced communication strategies, and improved operational efficiency. She played a key role in advancing CPA exam eligibility changes, firm mobility, and CPE modernization while streamlining administrative processes.

Previously, while serving at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Ashley held a variety of positions beginning with Finance Director and ending with State CFO. Her duties at various times included overseeing a $420 million budget, leading a team of 77 professionals, and managing statewide accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. Before OMES, she served as Finance Director and City Treasurer for Shawnee, managing an $80 million budget and modernizing financial systems including the implementation of OpenGov for increased transparency. 

Ashley frequently speaks on ethics, CPA regulations, and industry trends. Active in the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, she has served on the NASBA Communications and Uniform Accountancy Act Committees. 

Kathy Taylor

Kathy Taylor is a strategic businessperson, a captivating thought leader, a community builder and a steadfast advocate for women and entrepreneurism. She is a long-time promoter of equity in education and business.

From her early days as a lawyer and as an executive for Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental to her most recent post as the Dean of the Collins College of Business, at the University of Tulsa, Kathy focuses on mentoring others. She established precedent for including women in the highest ranks of decision making during her service as Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce, Tourism and Workforce and as a member of several national corporate boards. She is also the founder of Impact Tulsa, co-founder of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, and co-founder of VEST, a network for professional women. Most recently, Kathy has opened Anybody’s Guest, a retail store on Route 66 focused on community connection.

Katie Hoff

Katie brings the energy and charisma you associate with an elite athlete - coupled with the friendly charm and straight talk of a good friend.  She spent fifteen years relentlessly driving her own performance in competitive swimming from local str to national darling to international champion in her sport.  What does it take?  Katie will tell you.

How can you apply what she learned to the challenges you face in your life?  Katie will tell you.  She is an open book and her sincere mission in each appearance is to bring her 'A' game to the session, prepared to talk with candor about the good, the bad and the sometimes unbearable 'middle' place - in between accomplishments.

Katie is a 8x World Champion, 2x Olympian - in Athens Greece and Beijing China - and earned a silver and two bronze Olympic medals in swimming.  Hailed as teh 'female Michael Phelps', she withstood tremendous pressure and emerged from years of effort with valuable lessons learned on what it takes to succeed and power through bitter disappointment.

Steve McNally, CMA, CPA

J. Stephen McNally, CMA, CPA, is the Past Chair of IMA's Global Board of Directors and continues to serve on the Global Board, the Global Board’s Global Markets Committee, and the Small Business Shared Interest Group. Steve is CFO, treasurer, and secretary of the Plastic Technologies Inc. (PTI) Group of Companies. Based in Holland, Ohio, the PTI Group serves nearly every major consumer goods company and is recognized worldwide for sustainable packaging innovation. Prior to PTI, Steve spent a lifetime at Campbell Soup Company.

Dr Andrew Urich

Andrew L. Urich is an Associate Professor of Management and holds the Eastin Chair for Career Readiness in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. Professor Urich focuses on corporate training and executive coaching. Since 1993 he has presented over 2,000 corporate training programs in the areas of Influence, Negotiation, Ethics, Critical Thinking and Profitable Relationships. He has presented to clients such as Bank of Oklahoma, Phillips 66, CITGO, Lexus/ Toyota, QuikTrip, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tyson Foods, Halliburton, the United States Air Force and Volkswagen.  In addition, Professor Urich was an adjunct faculty member of the Executive MBA at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 2004 to 2012. Prior to joining the faculty at OSU, he practiced law with a major corporate law firm in Ohio.

Dr Chris Kuehl

Kuehl is pronounced Keel – like the bottom of a boat

Dr. Chris Kuehl is a Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world. He is the chief economist for several national and international organizations – Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, National Association of Credit Management, Finance, Credit and International Business and the Business Information Industry Association. He is also the economic analyst for several state accounting societies – Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas.

Prior to starting Armada in 1999 he was a professor of economics and finance for 15 years – teaching in the US, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Singapore and Taiwan. He holds advanced degrees in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies.

Chris is the author of Business Intelligence Briefs and Executive Intelligence Briefs - both publications from Armada. He is also responsible for the Credit Manager’s Index from NACM and Fabrinomics from the FMA.

Jim Still, CPA

Jim is a partner of Forvis Mazars, LP and serves clients out of the firm’s Kansas City office.  He serves as tax quality leader of Forvis Mazars’ Kansas City managing the tax practice and providing quality control, oversight, and consultation to assist other Forvis Mazars tax professionals. He has more than 25 years of experience providing tax compliance and consulting services to commercial products entities and professional service organizations as well as healthcare entities. As a tax specialist, he focuses on the area of partnership taxation. Jim is designated as one of the Subchapter K partnership experts for the firm and provides technical assistance to other Forvis Mazars tax personnel on complex partnership tax matters.

He previously served as a national tax assistant director in Forvis Mazars’ National Office in Springfield, Missouri, where he performed tax consultations with the firm’s offices and quality control reviews. He also contributed to various efficiency and quality control initiatives by developing standardized tax workpapers, engagement letters, and checklists.

Jim is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Missouri Society of CPAs. He serves on the board of the Boy Scouts Heart of America Council and is on the executive committee of the board serving as vice president of district operations. He is on the board of the FIRE Foundation, which is an organization providing funding to assist Catholic Schools in providing an inclusive education to students with special needs. Jim has coached several youth sports and is currently the head cross country coach for the Northland Catholic Schools for the Kansas City Parochial League.

He is a magna cum laude graduate of Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, with a B.S. degree in accounting, and a graduate of Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California, with an M.S. degree in taxation.

Summer Kirkland

Summer Kirkland is a seasoned Sales Executive at Microsoft with extensive experience in sales and leadership roles across various industries, including Energy, Media, and Medical Equipment Manufacturing. With over two decades of expertise, Summer excels in building strong client relationships and delivering tailored solutions that drive success.

At Microsoft, Summer leverages technology to solve complex business challenges and enhance customer satisfaction. Her strategic approach to account management aligns experts to assist customers in all aspects of the business, with a particular focus on IT, Finance and Operations using AI solutions. Summer's professional passion lies in creating win-win scenarios and coaching other executives, often sharing valuable insights through engaging storytelling.

Summer's diverse background includes pivotal roles at Capital One, Scripps TV, Cox Communications, and Zynex Medical. This extensive experience has prepared her to excel in her current role, where she serves as a trusted advisor to clients and peers, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. She has led the Copilot initiative across Oklahoma for Energy customers. She has focused on technology to find hard savings for customers, while uncovering revenue growth opportunities with AI. 

Outside of work, Summer is actively involved in youth sports and serves as a fundraising chair for several local non-profits. She resides in Bixby, Oklahoma with her husband and three sons. She is a native Oklahoman that graduated with a Communications degree from Northeastern State University.

Adam Larson

Adam Larson is the Senior Manager of Learning Technology Architect at the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), where he excels in driving innovation, leading educational program systems, and collaborating on enterprise-wide initiatives. He is also the host of IMA's "Count Me In" podcast, having produced over 300 episodes.
 
In addition to his role at IMA, Adam co-founded NAF Love Studio, where he helps young and upcoming artists reach their fullest potential by managing the production of audio and video self-tapes. He also serves on the board of the National Widowers Organization, contributing to their mission with his expertise and dedication.
 
Adam holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS in Music/Digital Recording from Greenville College. His certifications include Digital Event Strategist and Articulate Storyline Advanced.
 
Adam lives in New York with his wife and five children.

Allyson Carson

Allyson is a visionary leader and passionate advocate across multiple sectors. Her journey is marked by a commitment to forging new paths and serving others, from pioneering victim services at the state level to spearheading statewide nonprofits and launching her own successful consulting firm. At the heart of Allyson's approach lies a profound understanding of the power of connection.

As the executive director of ODIA, she channels her passion for the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors into ensuring the success of industry stakeholders. Her strategic vision and networking prowess have been instrumental in amplifying ODIA's presence and influence within the defense industry.

Leshia Pearson

Sandra Shelton

Sandra Shelton is the Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development, and Communications for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. In this role, she is responsible for marketing and communications, industry development, and legislative and congressional affairs for the agency. Shelton manages all communication materials, develops branding across various platforms, and cultivates relationships with media members, influencers, and community leaders. She also directs content, marketing, and design, manages events, and assists in creating digital, video, audio, and print messaging. Shelton reports to the Executive Director and leads legislative and policy research and development in collaboration with aerospace industry stakeholders, airports, municipalities, legislators, and congressional staff.

With nearly three decades of state service, Shelton has experience working with both the Democratic and Republican parties in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate throughout her 20-year career working for the Legislature. 

In addition to her public service, Shelton is a freelance writer and was a contributing columnist for the internet news outlet, Examiner.com. She serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary for the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., which administers various art projects at the Oklahoma State Capitol at no cost to the public. Shelton has also worked in the private sector as a social media manager, where she developed expertise in layout and design, film production, and digital media strategy.