2026 Conference Speakers

Amy Downs

In 1995, Amy Downs was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble following the Oklahoma City bombing which killed 168 people including 18 of her 33 co-workers at the Federal Employees Credit Union.

Embracing her second chance at life, Amy launched a campaign of self- improvement and empowerment. She went from a 355-pound couch potato to completing a Full Ironman Triathlon. From flunking out of math class to earning her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. From a teller to CEO of the same credit union nearly destroyed in the bombing.

Amy is now a full-time speaker and author of Hope is a Verb, which is available on Amazon. Most recently, Amy was featured in two documentaries; one produced by Netflix and one, nominated for an Emmy, produced by National Geographic.

Debbie Pickle

Debbie Pickle is Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility at Williams. She brings more than 25 years of human resources leadership experience and has served in key roles supporting organizational growth across major companies. Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration (HR emphasis) from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in organizational dynamics and human resources from the University of Oklahoma. She holds SHRM-CP and PHR certifications and previously served as Global Vice President of Human Resources at Koch Chemical Technology Group, a division of Koch Industries. Debbie joined Williams as SVP & CHRO in 2018 and oversees talent, compensation and benefits, M&A, diversity and inclusion, corporate communications, and charitable giving.

Nathan Mueller

Nathan holds a B.A. in Accounting from Gustavus Adolphus College and was a licensed CPA from 2002-2010. He has over 13 years of public accounting experience and 15 years of corporate accounting experience with a focus on financial reporting, cash processing, and accounting controls.

After the reinsurance company Nathan worked for was purchased by ING for $6 billion, he played a key role in transitioning its operations into ING’s enterprise resource planning system. Enabled by lax controls and unchecked authority to distribute funds, Nathan began embezzling money to pay off personal debt. What started as a $1,100 check to a credit card, spiraled into an $8.5 million fraud over the next four years. It was only a co-worker’s suspicions that brought the fraud to an end. After being caught, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison. He was released in September of 2014.

While serving his sentence, Nathan delivered over 60 speeches to a broad spectrum of groups & organizations including college classes, businesses, business organizations, and non-profits. Since his release from prison in 2014 he has become a sought-after speaker for Fraud and Ethics presentations for diverse and notable organizations across the United States. His most noteworthy presentation to date was the keynote speech at the ACFE Global Fraud Conference 2015 in Baltimore with upwards of 3,000 attendees. Nathan has spoken to several governmental agencies including the FBI, the FDIC, the FFIEC and the Federal Reserve Bank. Nathan has done fraud awareness presentations for Best Buy, General Mills, and Nationwide Insurance to name a few. He also speaks frequently for many organizations including the IIA, ACFE, IMA, HFMA, IASA, ISACA, ACAMS and state CPA societies.

Mary Spears

Mary Spears is Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, finance, and tax, of ONEOK. She is responsible for ONEOK’s accounting operations and financial reporting functions, from segment accounting through corporate consolidation and reporting, and treasury and tax activities.

Before joining ONEOK in 2008, she held leadership roles at Deloitte & Touche and Latham & Watkins. Spears is a certified public accountant and an FSA (Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting) credential-holder. Active in the community, Spears serves on the executive committee of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. 

A native of Helena, Montana, Spears graduated magna cum laude from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 2001. When not reading new ASU's, she loves to spend time (especially outdoors) with her husband, Bret, three teenagers and two dogs.

Mary Hausman

Reece Morrel Jr

Growing up around my father's law office, he never told me that I had to be a lawyer. Instead, he introduced me to a potpourri of bank presidents, big business executives, bookies, brain surgeons, car dealers, chiropractors, circus owners, doctors, dentists, farmers, Harlem Globetrotters, horse breeders, house wives, judges, machine shop owners, ministers, movie producers, oil and gas executives, orthodontists, petroleum engineers, plumbers, ranchers, restaurant owners, rocket scientists, salesmen, small business owners, video game developers, welders, winemakers, and zookeepers - just to name a few. But I soon understood the most important thing of all - they were people that just needed help.

For me, I realized that I enjoyed the variety of the challenges - "eating at the buffet" - since no two days were ever the same. And since I was really good at math and enjoyed puzzles, I decided to prepare myself for a such a career. I decided to become a lawyer.

After graduating from law school in 1991, I joined my father's firm. I did take a brief sabbatical in 1992-1993 to work for the Office of the Governor for the State of Oklahoma. While serving as the Director of Planning & Management Analysis, I designed the very first PC network implemented in the Governor's office. Our efforts also include the installation of Lotus Notes which was featured in a USA Today article in 1993.

As my father neared retirement, I decided to take my own advice and use a limited liability company. So, I started my own law firm and founded Morrel Law PLLC in August 2016.

So, how can I help you and your family today?

P.S. I love my job

Jennifer Pinder

Jennifer Pinder, CMA, MBA is an experienced accounting leader known for blending financial expertise with authenticity and practical insight. She has led transformations in finance functions, guided process improvements, and supported organizations through growth and change, drawing on experience across corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Jennifer is deeply engaged with the IMA, serving on the Global Volunteer Engagement Committee, the Small Business SIG, and the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. She is passionate about mentoring early-career professionals, building community, and helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed. Jennifer’s ability to connect through relatable stories, clear frameworks, and actionable tools makes her a trusted voice in the profession.

Eric Pulse

Eric has over 25 years of experience in public accounting and consulting. He leads Eide Bailly’s Risk Advisory Services practice and specializes in providing information technology, risk advisory, and cybersecurity consulting services to a variety of industries, including banking, credit unions, retail, insurance, healthcare, insurance manufacturing, and governments. He advises Eide Bailly clients on how to keep their valuable data secure in a world of increasingly sophisticated risks and threats. Eric uses a forward-thinking, big-picture approach to assisting organizations with securing and protecting data, assessing risk, and implementing controls. With his many years of experience, Eric has become a valued thought leader in the culture of controls and risk mitigation.

Daniel White

Daniel White assists organizations with their organizational development needs, including strategic and operational planning, family business advising, succession and exit planning, leadership development, and board/governance. He has worked with a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, banking, not-for-profits, and government organizations. He has also worked internationally as an organizational development consultant, serving organizations in Bolivia, Guatemala, and Ghana.

Prior to advising organizations, Daniel worked in not-for-profit leadership and operations, directing projects with clients such as the US Department of State and the United Nations Population Fund. He has been published in multiple national publications, including Fast Company and several academic journals, and he has presented at a number of national conferences.

Daniel is the Assistant Director of the Forum for Family Enterprise at Wichita State University. He has an Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising, is a Certified Exit Planner, and a facilitator of Appreciation at Work™.

A Wichita native, Daniel, received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wheaton College in Chicago and a master’s degree in organizational development from Friends University. He has taught organizational development at Friends University, is a Wichita Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree, and recipient of the Thomas Stanley Legacy Award from W/ A Community of Young Professionals.

Bryan Sinclair

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 began his accounting career with the Big Four, spending nine years between KPMG and PwC, and is a Certified Public Accountant (State of Texas).

Dr David Burkus

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are changing how companies approach leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.

A skilled researcher and inspiring communicator, Dr. David Burkus is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of five books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. Since 2017, David has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS Mornings.

A former business school professor, David now works with leaders from organizations across all industries, including PepsiCo, Fidelity, Adobe, and NASA. David’s keynotes aren’t just entertaining and enlightening, they’re evidence-based an immensely practical–offering leaders at all levels a set of actionable takeaways they can implement immediately.

Pattye Moore

Pattye Moore is an accomplished corporate director, business leader, and entrepreneur with decades of executive and board experience across the energy, retail, restaurant, and consumer sectors. She currently serves on the boards of ONE Gas and QuikTrip Corporation and previously served on the board of ONEOK for more than two decades, including leadership roles as Chair of Compensation and Nominating & Governance Committees. Moore also served as Board Chair and Interim CEO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and spent 12 years as a senior executive at Sonic Corp., helping lead the company through a period of significant national growth.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Moore is a franchise owner of Donatos Pizza in Oklahoma, an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma, and a published author and speaker on leadership and management. She has been widely recognized for her board leadership and service, including honors from the National Association of Corporate Directors and Women, Inc. magazine. Moore is also deeply involved in community and nonprofit leadership, with past and current services supporting education, healthcare, ministry, and charitable organizations.

Chip McElroy

A.H. "Chip" McElroy II, P.E. is a prominent Tulsa engineer and business executive who serves as the President, CEO, and Chairman of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc., a global leader in designing and manufacturing plastic pipe fusion machinery. A Tulsa native, McElroy grew up working part-time in the family business—originally founded by his parents, Art and Frances, in a small garage in 1954—before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tulsa (TU) in 1985. Following his father’s passing in 1988, he formally took the helm as president, scaling the local operation into an international enterprise that drives critical projects across infrastructure, potable water networks, and data center developments.

Beyond his primary manufacturing executive role, McElroy is deeply integrated into Oklahoma’s corporate governance, healthcare, and philanthropic sectors. He serves as the Independent Chairman of the Board for AAON, Chairman of Southern Specialties Co., and is a board member for both Pryer Aerospace and the Ascension St. John Health System. An Eagle Scout and dedicated civic leader, McElroy has funneled his success back into the Tulsa community through multi-million dollar endowments to A Gathering Place for Tulsa park and extensive campus funding for his alma mater. His local leadership has earned him inductions into both the TU College of Engineering Hall of Fame and the regional Tulsa History Hall of Fame.

Kevin Vann

Kevin is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Helmerich & Payne. Prior to this role, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WPX Energy from 2014 until the company merged with Devon Energy in 2021. He started in 2012 as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at WPX when the company completed its spinoff from the Williams Companies. During his tenure, he played a leading role in helping transform WPX through in excess of $10 billion in transactions that resulted in an organization with more than $2 billion in annual revenue, approximately 600 employees and a market capitalization in excess of $5 billion. Prior to his tenure at WPX Energy, Mr. Vann had multiple roles of increasing responsibility at The Williams Companies from 1998 to 2011. He began his career in 1993 with Arthur Anderson & Co., where he oversaw public and private client audits in the oil and gas exploration and services, pipeline, and banking industries. Mr. Vann graduated from Oklahoma State University and is an active supporter of the Tulsa community, including previously serving as a Board Member for APCO Argentina, Tulsa Area United Way, and Family & Children Services. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Empire Petroleum Company and Gateway Bank. He is also a proud member of the Cherokee Nation.

Bill Jelen

Bill Jelen, better known worldwide as “MrExcel,” is one of the leading voices in the Excel community and the founder of MrExcel.com, one of the internet’s largest and longest-running Excel resources. A Microsoft MVP for more than two decades, Bill has spent his career helping professionals work smarter with data through live seminars, online training, books, and video content. Since launching MrExcel.com in 1998, he has built a global following through his engaging teaching style, practical problem-solving approach, and passion for sharing time-saving Excel techniques. He has also produced thousands of Excel tutorial videos and frequently speaks at conferences, corporate events, and training seminars around the world.

Bill is the author of more than 65 books on Microsoft Excel, including best-selling titles such as Pivot Table Data Crunching, Excel Gurus Gone Wild, Microsoft Excel Inside Out, and VBA and Macros. Known for blending humor with real-world Excel expertise, Bill’s seminars are highly interactive and focused on helping users at every skill level discover faster, more efficient ways to analyze and present data. Before founding MrExcel.com, Bill spent 12 years working as a financial analyst in accounting, finance, marketing, and operations, giving him firsthand insight into the spreadsheet challenges faced by business professionals every day.

Matt Stephani

Matthew Stephani serves as the President of Cavanal Hill Investment Management, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Appointed to this position in 2020, Matt is responsible for the fixed income, cash, and equity management teams of Cavanal Hill.  In addition, he is responsible for all other aspects of the firm including trading, risk management, marketing, client servicing and compliance.

Prior to being named President of Cavanal Hill, Matt joined the Cavanal Hill family as an equity portfolio manager in 2006. He was promoted to lead the fundamental equity research team for Cavanal Hill in 2012. In that position, he developed several new equity strategies, won multiple performance awards, and established a strong track record of performance.

Matt concurrently earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Accountancy Degree from Brigham Young University. Matt holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Jason Oelrich

Jason Oelrich serves as Head of the Tax Department for Eide Bailly’s Tulsa office, where he brings more than 30 years of experience as a CPA in both public accounting and private industry. He specializes in federal and state tax credits and incentives and advises clients on tax planning considerations related to mergers and acquisitions. Jason works with both public companies and closely held businesses across a diverse range of industries, including renewable energy, real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, construction, Opportunity Zone businesses, and automobile dealerships, helping clients navigate complex tax matters and maximize long-term success.

A respected leader in the accounting profession, Jason was recognized as the recipient of the 2021 Rick Kells Outstanding Tax Professional Award from the Taxation Committee of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs. He is a frequent presenter on taxation updates and investment tax credits and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Tulsa Tax Club. Jason serves on the OSCPA Taxation Committee and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Oklahoma and Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Montana and completed the Tax Credits and Incentives School through the Institute of Professionals in Taxation in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kara Vincent

Mrs. Vincent, a Shareholder at Barber & Bartz, P.C., boasts 30 years of experience in financial and legal fields and is both a CPA and attorney. She holds a B.B.A. in Finance from Northeastern State University, a B.B.A. in Accounting from Langston University, and a J.D. from the University of Tulsa, College of Law. Her practice focuses on estate and trust matters, covering design, administration, special-needs planning, and litigation as well as business transactions and corporate planning. She holds certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner, a CPA with a specialization in Financial Forensics, and as a Chartered Global Management Accountant through the AICPA. Mrs. Vincent has been extensively involved with the Tulsa County Bar Association and Oklahoma Bar Association. For the Oklahoma Bar Association, serving in various roles including Mid-Year Coordinator, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairperson of the OBA’s Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Section Board. In the Tulsa County Bar Association, she has held leadership positions at all levels and in all executive roles, culminating in her term as President in 2022. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the ADR Committee for the Real Property Trusts and Estates Section of the American Bar Association. Currently, Mrs. Vincent serves as President of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation and volunteers with the Street Law program which was started by the TCBA during her presidency. In her community involvement, she has volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for various organizations including the CASA program of Muskogee and Wagoner counties, Tulsa Artists’ Coalition, Oaks Indian Mission, Inc., and the Asbury Development Center which serves seven non-profits in the community. She is currently serving as Chairperson of the Board for the Asbury Foundation.

Dr Tyler Moore

Tyler Moore is the Tandy Professor of Cyber Security in the School of Cyber Studies and the Tandy School of Computer Science at The University of Tulsa. He is the inaugural department head of the School of Cyber Studies, an interdisciplinary department that offers cyber degrees at the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. levels. His research focuses on security economics, cybercrime measurement, and cybersecurity policy. He is a founding editor in chief of the Journal of Cybersecurity, an interdisciplinary journal published by Oxford University Press. Prior to joining The University of Tulsa, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Research on Computation and Society (CRCS) at Harvard University, the Hess Visiting assistant professor of computer science at Wellesley College, and an assistant professor at Southern Methodist University. A British Marshall Scholar, Moore completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, while he holds B.S. degrees in computer science and applied mathematics from The University of Tulsa.

Natalie Parker