Meet our speakers

Director of Rehmann Technology Solutions
Rehmann

A principal in the technology solutions department, Jim’s primary focus is on serving business professionals by applying technology to business needs to improve efficiency and create value. As the Director of Rehmann Technology Services, he leads the business growth, service delivery and profitability of the technology solutions department.

Principal, Risk Advisory Services
Rehmann

As a leader in Rehmann’s Technology Solutions Group, Jessica oversees cybersecurity assessments, information security assessments, vulnerability and penetration testing, social engineering testing, information security training and Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) 404 consulting engagements for publicly-traded companies. 

Jessica provides information technology (IT) consulting and security services to a wide range of clients. She is a member of the firm’s financial institutions leadership group. 

CEO
BasBlue

Ellen Gilchrist is the CEO of BasBlue and a dedicated leader with a lifelong commitment to empowering communities through education and transformative initiatives.

Known for her visionary leadership, Ellen has driven initiatives that expand educational access, support at-risk youth, and foster community resilience. With her extensive experience in program development and strategic partnerships, she has shaped transformative programs reaching thousands of students and community members.

As senior director of education and community initiatives at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Ellen led impactful programs for thousands of students, including the $47 million Summer Discovery initiative, which provided summer programming to over 100 schools and 22,000 students.

Passionate about advancing opportunities for all, Ellen’s work embodies her dedication to creating inclusive pathways for learning and growth. She believes in fostering supportive networks, empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential, and advocating for sustainable change in communities.

Principal, Advisory and Tax Services
Rehmann

Sejla is a strategic business advisor dedicated to helping businesses and their shareholders or partners navigate complex tax matters. She provides comprehensive guidance on corporate and flow-through tax, personal tax, and estate tax planning, ensuring alignment between business and personal financial goals. Sejla also advises clients on entity structuring and foreign investment strategies, particularly in U.S. real estate. 

Vice President for Economic Development
Wayne State University

President and CEO
TechTown

Ned Staebler is President and CEO of TechTown Detroit and Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University. He focuses on equitable community wealth through innovation, talent retention, and mobility. Staebler also serves on boards for MoGo Detroit, NextEnergy, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. With a background in public service, including the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council, Staebler holds degrees from Harvard and the London School of Economics, positioning him as a leader in regional economic development.

Senior Manager, Finance and Accounting Solutions
Rehmann

Melissa’s focus is on the manufacturing industry where she has experience with automotive, plastics, paper and steel products clients, in addition to experience with private equity clients.  

Melissa’s positive client interactions are rooted in her desire to always be a hands-on leader, passionate about empowering others to succeed. 

Principal and Advisor, Wealth Management
Rehmann

Gerald develops creative strategies that help clients work toward meeting their financial and succession planning goals, integrating retirement plan design, consulting, administration and investment advisory services with overall business and financial plans. He works with a cross-functional Rehmann team to proactively guide each client, considering tax law and efficiencies, estate planning, and accounting needs along the way. 

Principal and Advisor, Wealth Management
Rehmann

Tom develops creative strategies that help clients work toward meeting their 
financial goals, integrating asset management, retirement planning, family CFO and succession planning services with overall business and financial plans. He works with a cross-functional Rehmann team to proactively guide each client, considering tax law and efficiencies, estate planning and accounting needs along the way.

Director of HR Solutions
Rehmann

As a strategist and thought leader, Elizabeth collaborates with Rehmann leaders, drives the growth of the HR solutions practice, leads Rehmann’s team of consultants and impacts her client organizations through progressive human capital strategies.

Principal, Human Resources Solutions
Rehmann

Amy specializes in driving strategic HR initiatives that enhance workforce efficiency, improve talent management, and foster organizational growth. From succession planning and leadership development to cultivating high-performance teams, Amy’s expertise helps to shape the HR landscape for the businesses she serves. She works collaboratively with executive leadership to integrate HR programs with core business objectives. 

Principal, Advisory and Tax Services
Rehmann

Mandy is a strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding ultra-high-net-worth families through the complexities of wealth, planning and legacy. She specializes in aligning financial strategies with family values to help clients design structures that support long-term sustainability and purpose. 

Director of Tax Consulting
Rehmann

As director of Rehmann’s Tax Consulting practice, Anthony leads a team of experts in providing strategic tax planning and consulting services. As a trusted advisor, Anthony is passionate about demystifying tax complexities for clients, empowering them to make informed decisions. 

Anthony also leads the Advisory and Tax Innovation Group, helping to develop proactive ideas and tools to assist advisors and bring value to clients. 

Senior Manager, Advisory & Tax Services
Rehmann

Paul is a Research and Development (“R&D”) specialist with a focus on federal and state research tax credits. He has extensive expertise in performing R&D tax credit analysis for qualifying companies of all sizes and in various industries to identify R&D activities and expenses that qualify for these tax credits on their federal income tax returns.

Principal, Assurance and Financial Reporting
Rehmann

Kristy provides external audit and advisory services to financial institutions and manufacturing clients. She works closely with business advisors and clients to plan engagement fieldwork, timing and scheduling, and is involved in the day-to-day oversight of the team. An engaged liaison, she actively identifies efficiencies and improvements, presents issues to management, and resolves client concerns.  

Additionally, Kristy assists clients with accounting standard implementation, system conversion and validation, and compliance projects. 

Principal, Director of Corporate Investigative Services
Rehmann

Chuck manages complex fraud investigations for public and private sector entities and leads Rehmann’s background, fire investigation and digital forensics divisions, providing a suite of professional investigative tools to help clients identify and prosecute fraud.  

Chuck’s investigations of financial misappropriation have resulted in successful prosecutions of C-suite leadership, bank employees, public and school officials, and financial and legal professionals. He has been retained to advise key state agencies in fraud prevention strategies.