Management Conference Speakers
Chris Kuehl
Karl Egnatoff is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has worked as a consultant, trainer and programmer related to financial and business technology projects since 1994. Prior to this, Karl worked in public accounting as well as in private sector accounting for a period of approximately six years. He has been teaching group live and web-based continuing education since 2006. In addition to being a CPA, he is also a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and has achieved a number of technology certifications including Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Certified Software Engineer (CSE), and Certified Integration Developer (CID). Karl graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. During his time in college, he participated in division I Cross County competing on the varsity squad. He was also on Marshall’s Track team. Karl and his wife Lana, live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and have been married since 1990. They have two grown sons, Jordan and Steven. In addition to his efforts creating and delivering education, Mr. Egnatoff has completed work on his first book, "Stories to Build a Business On". In this writing he compiles a wonderful array of insightful stories that come from his time serving as an educator and as a consultant. The business narratives along with a look at important operating concepts provide helpful information to anyone starting or running a business.
Karl Egnatoff
Dr. Michael Kraten
Dr. Michael Kraten specializes in the analysis of business opportunities and risks with complex factors and highly uncertain outcomes.
Dr. Kraten the Director of Accounting Program Initiatives at the University of Houston, where he designs and teaches Sustainability / ESG content. In this role, he also designs and supports programs that address the “pipeline” challenge of attracting students to the Accounting profession.
Dr. Kraten began his career in the assurance and consulting practices of Deloitte. After serving as a Consulting Partner at BDO, then the sixth largest global accounting firm, he co-founded a series of boutique management consulting practices. He maintains functional specialties in valuation, enterprise risk management, business modeling, decision analysis, forensic analysis, educational gaming, and strategic planning.
His innovative approach to ESG / Sustainability, as codified in his award-winning business case and educational game “Save The Blue Frog,” involves the integration of strategic, operating, and financial practices while balancing economic outcomes with social and environmental considerations. He continues to develop customized versions of “Save The Blue Frog,” including a Texan version called “Save The Bats.”
Dr. Kraten previously served as Professor of Accounting at Houston Baptist University, where he designed and taught courses in entrepreneurship, ESG accounting, and other advanced accounting topics. I also served as Chair of Accounting, Economics, and Finance programs there.
Earlier in Dr. Kraten’s career, he taught at Providence College, Sacred Heart University, Suffolk University, and the Universities of Connecticut and Massachusetts in the U.S. and at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He have also presented his work at Dartmouth College, Harvard Law School, Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, and other institutions.
Dr. Weiss joined the University of North Dakota faculty in 2021 as a Clinical Associate Professor, is currently the Clinic Director of the UND Nistler College Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, and also administers Nistler’s Financial Wellness program. Dr. Weiss earned a BBA in Accounting from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Georgia, and her Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison. After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Weiss has taught at universities including Arizona State University, Washington & Lee University, University of Idaho, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Weiss earned her CPA license from Wisconsin and worked first as an external auditor and then Director of Operations for a large physician network in Wisconsin.
Jane Weiss
Erik Skie
Erik is a principal with CLA’s manufacturing and distribution group. CLA serves approximately 10,000 manufacturers and distributors across the country, with a focus on privately-held enterprises and their owners. The firm is focused on helping these organizations improve profitability, reduce business and ownership risk, build business value and plan for transition. Erik has been providing assurance, tax and advisory services to the manufacturing community and related businesses for more than 30 years. Erik is passionate about the industry and a frequent author and speaker to industry associations and business leaders across the country on topics ranging from continuous improvement to business succession.
Aaron provides assurance, tax and consulting services to closely-held companies including manufacturing, distribution, technology and retail entities. He has extensive experience assisting ownership and leadership with strategic and operational matters including business succession and transition, transaction advisory, and a variety of other areas including operational and process improvement.
Aaron Traut
Sherre Sattler
Sherre Sattler serves as Executive Director of the North Dakota CPA Society (NDCPAS). She works closely with the NDCPAS Board of Directors, oversees a small but mighty staff, and manages the day-to-day operations of the organization. She also leads the North Dakota CPA Society Foundation which awards scholarships to accounting students enrolled in eight area universities.
Sherre has been with the Society for over 30 years. She began her career in continuing education. Over the years she has worked with nearly all aspects of the organization including information management, finance, marketing and membership. In addition, she also worked for the ND Board of Accountancy which shared staff with the Society until 2018. Sattler became Executive Director of the Society in November 2018.
Sherre holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Dakota with majors in Marketing and Management and a minor in Communication.
Outside of her professional life, Sherre loves spending time at the lake and traveling with family and friends. She has two sons: Gunnar (25) and Garrin (21).
Michelle Schumacher is the Chief Financial Officer at Stoneridge Software, a fast-growing Microsoft partner that sells and implements Microsoft business solutions. In addition to her role on the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, she oversees the company’s Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, IT, Continuous Improvement and Legal functions. Over Michelle’s tenure at Stoneridge, the company has tripled in size and grown from regionally based to operating internationally as one of Microsoft’s 10 largest partners. Prior to Stoneridge, Michelle worked in both Corporate Accounting and the Cloud + Artificial Intelligence groups within Microsoft. She started her career in public accounting, at PwC and Eide Bailly.
Michelle is actively involved in the CPA profession both locally and globally, currently serving as a board member for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (Association). The Association board is comprised of American Institution of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) members and directs the strategic vision of both organizations, serving around 700k members, students and professionals. The combined effort of these two groups empowers the world’s most highly-skilled accountants – CPAs and CGMA designation holders – with the knowledge, insight and forethought to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges. In her role, Michelle works alongside other leaders in the accounting profession to execute and influence initiatives designed to advance both management and public accounting globally.
Michelle has been involved with the AICPA since 2018 when she was selected to attend the AICPA Leadership Academy. She served as the North Dakota designated Representative of Governing Council in 2022. She was also selected to the Board of Examiners which is a senior committee of the AICPA responsible for setting policy for the Uniform CPA Exam as well as the Board of Examiners Financial Oversight Group which is responsible for financial oversight of the Uniform CPA Exam.
She is also active in the local community, having served on Boards for the North Dakota CPA Society (past President), Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation Growth Initiative Fund (past Board Chair), YWCA Cass Clay, Junior Achievement, the Fargo Moorhead CPA Society, along with the University of North Dakota Department of Accountancy Advisory Board. She has also volunteered on the Finance Committees of the United Way and YWCA.
Michelle is also a graduate of United Way’s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program, and a North Dakota CPA Exam Award winner, given to the top 3 scores in the state.
Michelle Schumacher
Clarence Sitter
Coming soon.
Since founding the Leadership Difference in 1995, over 450,000 people have attended Dave’s “enter-TRAIN-ment” seminars on topics that include leadership, customer service, selling skills, and personal performance enhancement. His clients include Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Universal Studios, Hilton Worldwide, Janssen/Johnson and Johnson, Novartis, Sub-Zero Wolf Appliances, Electrolux Appliances, Trek Bikes, Walt Disney World and the CIA. In July 2013, Meeting Professionals International selected Best Speaker of the Year at their World Education Congress in Las Vegas. In September 2015, Meetings and Conventions Magazine named Dave one of the Best Speakers of the Year.
Dave is the author of four books. Live and Learn or Die Stupid! focuses on personal contentment and performance excellence. The Power of Understanding People, was released in December 2013 by acclaimed publisher Wiley and was immediately named Best Business Book of the Month by Amazon. The Power of Understanding Yourself, was released on January 7, 2019 also by Wiley and was an Editor’s Pick by getAbstract and named Top Read by Training Magazine. His fourth book, Peak Performance Culture: The Five Metrics of Organizational Excellence, was released in September 2020 on Wiley and is used as a textbook for organizational development in colleges around the country. Dave has a Master’s of Education degree from the University of Illinois and is a certified Advanced Wine Sommelier. After failing to achieve his dream of playing professional baseball, Dave went on to a successful four year career as a coach at the Tee Ball level.
Dave Mitchell
Abby Hanson
Abby Hanson is the Vice President of Microsoft and AI at ABM Technology Group in Fargo, North Dakota. With over 20 years of experience with the Microsoft product line, she has mastered the suite of tools and solutions, driving impactful and customer-centric technological advancements.
Throughout her career, Abby has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand and address the unique needs of her clients, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. As a recognized Microsoft Copilot Expert, she supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Abby recently was recognized by Prairie Business as one of the top 25 Woman in Business for 2025. Outside of her professional life, Abby is a devoted mother of three, enjoying the joys of attending their sporting events. She also has a passion for travel and photography, capturing moments from her adventures around the world.
Abby Hanson’s legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication, expertise, and leadership in the tech industry, as well as her commitment to balancing a fulfilling personal life.
Tommy Stephens
Alex Parker
Alex provides on-the-ground coverage and analysis of tax developments in our nation's capital, ensuring that Eide Bailly clients are well-informed about legal or regulatory changes that could affect them. He also closely follows the fast-changing and complex international tax sphere, including new projects at the United Nations, the G-20, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
An experienced and award-winning journalist, Alex worked in local newspaper reporting in Ohio before coming to Washington to cover the federal government and Congress for publications including Atlantic Media and U.S. News and World Report. He turned to tax reporting in 2012, first at Bloomberg Tax and then Law360. At both outlets he covered corporate and individual taxation with a focus on international and cross-jurisdictional issues.
Melissa Marshall doesn’t just talk about transformation—she lives it. As the owner of Dale Carnegie of North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota, she’s spent 20 years helping leaders and teams break through barriers and unleash their genius. A student of business, life, and the school of hard knocks, she brings raw authenticity, humor, and an unshakable belief in human potential. She meets people where they are, helping them sharpen communication, lead with confidence, and create real, lasting impact.
Melissa Marshall
Frank Ryan
Frank Ryan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a graduate of Mt. St. Mary’s College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1973. He received his MBA from the University of Maryland in 1977. He served three terms as a member of the PA House of Representatives and retired in 2022.
Prior to his election, Frank Ryan’s practice included serving as an expert in corporate restructurings and management. His book called “Revolutionizing Accounting for Decision Making” was published in 2016 which focused on lean systems and process controls.
A retired Marine Reserve Colonel, he was recalled to active duty in December 2004 and served with Multi-National Force-Iraq until June 2005. Prior to his initial retirement in 2002, Frank served as the Central Command Special Operations Officer during Operation Enduring Freedom.
He believes strongly in volunteerism and public service. Frank’s volunteerism is not relegated to meeting rooms. He walked 2806 miles across America in 2014 to raise awareness of the needs of children with emotional and behavior issues and for developmentally disabled children. He has written a book called “Life Lessons Learned – Amazing Stories of my Walk Across America for Children”.
His personal military decorations include three Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the U. S. Army Commendation Medal.
Carl Seidman is a trusted business advisor specializing in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 corporations and middle-market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams. At the same time, he supports financial professionals, positioning them for greater control over their careers by helping build their competence and confidence while eliminating time-wasting activities and mistakes.
Carl is a Microsoft MVP whose FP&A development methodologies and curriculums have been implemented by leading organizations as part of their financial leadership development programs (FLDPs) for top talent and emerging leaders. More than 13,000 corporate finance professionals globally have attended his training programs, workshops, and seminars.
Carl serves as an adjunct professor in data analytics at Rice University and as an FP&A advisor, fractional CFO, and management consultant to entrepreneurial businesses throughout North America and Europe, assisting them with strategic financial planning, value enhancement, and revitalization.
Carl is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA); has earned other professional credentials including the CIRA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, AM (Accredited Member in Business Valuation), CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), Certified Anaplan Model Builder; and was a National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) 40 Under Forty honoree. He holds a BA in finance and economics and an MS in managerial accounting.
Carl Seidman
Beverley Adams
Through her private practice and in-house experience, Bev understands the importance of providing practical advice to companies navigating employment challenges.
Bev represents employers and executives in the full range of employment-related matters, providing guidance on items such as employment investigations, disciplinary matters, employment contracts and union labor negotiations. She litigates in federal and state trial courts in North Dakota and Minnesota. Bev advises corporations on legal employment issues such as FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, workers’ compensation and workforce safety, wage and hour, ADA, Title VII—Civil Rights, whistleblower claims, retaliation claims, non-compete and non-disclosure matters. She also represents clients in union negotiations and grievance procedures under the National Labor Relations Act, including binding arbitration and investigations by the NLRB. She has been the lead union negotiator on behalf of management in numerous collective bargaining negotiations and assisted Companies in responding to union organizing campaigns.
In addition to employment law, Bev brings a depth of health care law experience. She regularly advises health care providers, clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care organizations on patient care/HIPAA, physician employment contracts and compensation, medical staff bylaws and malpractice litigation management. She has expertise in health care management and compliance.
Prior to joining Fredrikson, Bev was the Senior Issues Management Advisor and served as General Counsel at Sanford Health.
Sabrina is dedicated to facilitating and connecting opportunities for personal and professional development. She was raised with her three sisters on a small, family-owned farm near Volga, South Dakota, and later attended Minnesota State University Moorhead in Fargo.
Sabrina has 12 years of experience in HR, Talent Development, Operations, and Sales and Marketing. At Dale Carnegie of ND and NW MN, she helps businesses, teams, and individuals achieve their full potential. She is dedicated to nurturing workplace culture and leadership development within businesses, team members, and communities.
Sabrina Olsen
Courtney Clark
Courtney Clark is the luckiest unlucky person in the world. After witnessing the terrorist attacks of September 11th from her office just 18 blocks north, she thought she had escaped unscathed. Little did she know the events of 9/11 would cause her to develop cancer just a few years later. Her experiences caused her to become a researcher and author on resilience and adaptability, to help people achieve their goals even when everything changes.
Courtney has built two successful businesses and is the author of three books, including her most recent book ReVisionary Thinking™. She works with people who want to adapt faster and achieve more, and has spoken worldwide to organizations like Nike, Dell, Google, and Amazon. Courtney’s resilience work has been called “practical,” “powerful,” and “empowering” by industry leaders, and she’s been featured on CNN, CBS, ABC, Forbes, and USA Today. If she wasn’t writing and speaking about resilience, Courtney would have wanted to be a tap dancer. Thankfully for her audiences, she wasn't very good at it.
