2026 COCPA Accounting Educators Conference

Crystal leads and manages strategic initiatives for the Education Foundation of the Colorado CPA Society.

A proud graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder (Go Buffs!), she earned degrees in both Business Administration and Psychology while competing on the Women’s Basketball Team.

She brings purpose and heart to every project she leads and is committed to delivering programs that benefit accounting students, institutions, professionals and employers.

Outside of work, Crystal’s world revolves around her family—she’s a devoted mom of four children (two by blood and two by love), two fur babies, and one grandchild. When she’s not cheering on her Buffs, you can find her on the golf course, traveling to new destinations, or volunteering in her community.

Jan Taylor, Ph.D., MBA, CPA, CGMA, serves as the Academic in Residence and Senior Director of Academic and Student Engagement at AICPA & CIMA (Together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants). In this role, Jan oversees the Association’s relationships with academics and academic institutions and supports both the CPA licensure and the CGMA certification pathways for students. Jan speaks regularly at CPA state societies’ events, at academic and practitioner conferences, and appears often on various webinars and podcasts, including the AICPA & CIMA monthly Faculty Hour. Jan works to produce whitepapers and other resources for the Association, including the biannual Trends Report, the Accounting is STEM whitepaper submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the AICPA Foundational Competencies Framework for Aspiring CPAs.

She retired in 2021 from her position as an Associate Professor of Accounting at Sam Houston State University (Texas). Jan has also previously taught and served in leadership roles at University of San Diego and University of Houston-Clear Lake and spent several years in public practice and served as Controller/CFO of a wealth management firm. Jan taught financial (from Principles to Graduate Research) and managerial courses as well as auditing, accounting information systems, ethics, and leadership courses. Her primary research interests relate to accounting pedagogy, auditing, and accounting ethics and leadership. She has published in journals such as Issues in Accounting Education, Journal of Accountancy, Journal of Business Ethics Education, Business Studies Journal, Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting, Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business, Strategic Finance, Management Accounting Quarterly, Journal of Accounting and Free Enterprise, Journal of Health Management, and Journal of Healthcare Finance.

Jan has been active in service to academia and the profession as well as her community. In addition to several other service roles, she is a past-President of the International Board of Directors of Beta Alpha Psi and, prior to employment with AICPA, served on the AICPA Board of Examiners, AICPA Academic Executive Committee, the joint AICPA/NASBA CPA Evolution Education Advisory Group, the AICPA Women’s Executive Initiative Task Force, and the AICPA ENGAGE Academic / Practitioner Program (chair 2019-2020). Additionally, Jan has provided service to several committees with the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA) and the Houston Chapter of TXCPA and has served as a trustee with the TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation. Jan served as an external professor with KPMG from 2005-2019, training new auditors and senior associates. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in protective services.

Jan has received numerous awards for teaching and research as well as service to the profession of accountancy and accountancy education including the Beta Alpha Psi Lifetime Service Award, the Beta Alpha Psi President’s Award, the Significant Contribution by a Member in Education award from TXCPA-Houston, the TXCPA Educator of the Year Award, and the ASWCPA Educator of the Year award.

Jan is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas and is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

Personal Bio – Alexis Hulsebos, CPA

Alexis began her public accounting career in 2018 after completing multiple tax internships while earning her accounting degrees. She specializes in tax planning, compliance, and consulting services for individuals, estate, trust, and gift taxation, as well as their related entities. She spent the last 8 years of her career at Forvis Mazars before embarking on her next professional step.

Alexis earned both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy with an emphasis in Taxation from Metropolitan State University of Denver and is an active CPA. Alexis is passionate about helping clients navigate complex tax matters and

providing practical, strategic solutions to support their financial goals.

Dr. Ed Lindoo is a Professor in the Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis University, where he bridges the gap between complex technical infrastructure and strategic business leadership. With a career spanning over three decades in the media industry, Dr. Lindoo previously served as the Director of Enterprise Networks and Telecommunications for Gannett. His extensive industry tenure includes 15 years with the E.W. Scripps Company and 15 years with the Tribune Corporation, providing him with a unique, front-row perspective on the digital transformation of major American newspapers.

In addition to his role at Regis, Dr. Lindoo serves as a member of the online faculty at Nova Southeastern University. A lifelong learner and dedicated academic, he holds a Doctorate in Management Information Systems (MIS), a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, and an MBA. His multi-disciplinary foundation is further supported by a Bachelor of Science in Business and several Associate degrees in Accounting, Management, Computer Science, and Business Administration. Dr. Lindoo currently resides in Jensen Beach, Florida, where he continues to research and teach at the intersection of emerging technology and organizational strategy.

Jeff is a tax partner in his 32nd year with Deloitte, based in Silicon Valley. Jeff works with both large multinational corporations as well as technology

start-ups. Jeff spent two years in Deloitte’s National Tax Office in Washington, D.C. where he was a member of the Subchapter C group. He served for ten years an adjunct professor of the San Jose State University Masters in Taxation Income Tax Accounting course. Jeff earned his undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has a Masters in Taxation from USC.

Lindsay has thirteen years of public accounting experience with a focus on corporate income taxes, primarily serving the SaaS and Technology industry sectors. Lindsay has substantial experience working with large multi-national corporations and has been involved with consulting opportunities for a range of clients on tax methods, ASC740, overall tax planning, compliance processes, income tax audits, and software implementations. Lindsay earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

Richard L. Wobbekind is Associate Dean for Business and Government Relations, Associate Professor of Business Economics and Finance, and Faculty Director of the Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

He participates annually in the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Regional Economic Roundtable and is a contributor to the Western Blue Chip forecast newsletter and the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) economic outlook and policy surveys. He is a member of the Boulder Economic Council. He serves as a board member for the Western Regional Science Association. Rich is past President of the NABE.

He is frequently interviewed by local and national broadcast and print media. He has received numerous awards for his teaching research and service including the University of Colorado Community Outreach Award (1997); member of Distinction by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce (2002); the Robert L. Stearns Award from the University of Colorado Alumni Association for career achievement in teaching, research and service(2006); the Thayne Robsen award from the Association for University Business and Economics Research for career achievement in applied regional economic analysis (2008); key contributor by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce(2010); and named a fellow by the National Association for Business Economics. (2011). In 2022 and 2023 he was been named to the top 50 list of influential business leaders in Northern Colorado by Bizwest.

Dr. Wobbekind teaches MBA students in macroeconomics and public policy. He has received four awards for teaching excellence from the students of the Leeds School of Business. Richard Wobbekind has lived in Colorado for over 43 years and has spent much of his time studying the development of Colorado and regional economies. Dr. Wobbekind received a BA in Economics from Bucknell University and an MA and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Cole Buerger is a strategic policy, communications, and advocacy professional with 15 years of experience shaping public affairs across government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Before joining COCPA as the Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, he operated a small consulting practice advising clients on government affairs, communication strategy, and policy.

In addition to his professional work, Cole is deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on local nonprofit boards, the Colorado advisory board of the U.S. Global Leadership Council, and as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner for Garfield County. Cole holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University. Cole and his partner live in Glenwood Springs with their coonhound Ellie Mae.

Rebekah Stewart is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 30, which covers the Lakewood area. She assumed office in January 2025 after winning the November 2024 general election, succeeding Christopher Kennedy. Stewart is notably the first board-certified music therapist elected to office in Colorado. Before joining the legislature, she served on the Lakewood City Council and worked as a therapist and as director of finance and operations for a nonprofit. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her policy priorities include housing affordability, mental healthcare access, and early childhood education.

Cole Buerger is a strategic policy, communications, and advocacy professional with 15 years of experience shaping public affairs across government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Before joining COCPA as the Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, he operated a small consulting practice advising clients on government affairs, communication strategy, and policy.

In addition to his professional work, Cole is deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on local nonprofit boards, the Colorado advisory board of the U.S. Global Leadership Council, and as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner for Garfield County. Cole holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University. Cole and his partner live in Glenwood Springs with their coonhound Ellie Mae.

A self-proclaimed recovering accountant, Neema transitioned into recruiting in 2014 after starting her career in accounting and audit. She brings a people-centric mindset and a deep understanding of the finance and accounting landscape to her role as Recruiting Manager at Topel Forman. With a talent for identifying both expertise and potential, Neema leads the firm’s professional hiring and internship recruiting efforts—playing a key role in the growth and development of our team.

Prior to joining Topel Forman, Neema worked for a national staffing agency focused on finance and accounting professionals, and later led corporate hiring at a renewable energy company. Her experience on both the agency and in-house sides of recruiting gives her a well-rounded approach to talent acquisition and talent brand management.

Neema is passionate about highlighting what makes Topel Forman a preferred firm. She’s committed to sharing our story, celebrating our people, and genuinely connecting with candidates by listening to their career journeys and goals.

Outside of work, Neema enjoys spending time with her husband and energetic three-year-old, exploring new restaurants, catching up with friends, and traveling.

Best career advice: Don’t be afraid to pivot. The skills you build in one role often prepare you for something even better—even if it’s not where you expected to go.

Lisa Kutcher, Ph.D., CPA is a Professor of Accounting at Colorado State University and serves as Chair of the Department of Accounting. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Accounting, playing a pivotal role in shaping their direction, quality, and continued relevance. She actively influences curriculum development to ensure programs remain rigorous, forward-looking, and aligned with evolving industry standards.

Dr. Kutcher is deeply committed to student success and professional readiness. She advises students on academic planning and career pathways, including guidance on obtaining professional certifications such as the CPA and other industry-recognized credentials, equipping students with the tools and confidence to achieve their career goals.

In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Kutcher serves as a board member of the COCPA, a role that strengthens her connection to the profession and informs both her curriculum oversight and student advising. By integrating current industry insights and professional expectations into the academic environment, she ensures that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the field. Through this work, Dr. Kutcher enhances the alignment between education and practice, ultimately advancing student preparedness and contributing to the strength of the accounting profession.

Rebekah Stewart is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 30, which covers the Lakewood area. She assumed office in January 2025 after winning the November 2024 general election, succeeding Christopher Kennedy. Stewart is notably the first board-certified music therapist elected to office in Colorado. Before joining the legislature, she served on the Lakewood City Council and worked as a therapist and as director of finance and operations for a nonprofit. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her policy priorities include housing affordability, mental healthcare access, and early childhood education.

Cherish Morris is a summa cum laude graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, where she developed a solid foundation in financial reporting, GAAP principles, and tax preparation support through strong academic performance and hands-on financial analysis projects. She has accepted an upcoming Accounting Internship with Topel Forman, where she will gain experience in tax accounting and client-focused public accounting services. Cherish brings several years of professional experience in client-focused roles, having developed strong organization, time management, and communication skills, and is particularly interested in building a career in tax accounting and small business accounting.

Crystal leads and manages strategic initiatives for the Education Foundation of the Colorado CPA Society.

A proud graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder (Go Buffs!), she earned degrees in both Business Administration and Psychology while competing on the Women’s Basketball Team.

She brings purpose and heart to every project she leads and is committed to delivering programs that benefit accounting students, institutions, professionals and employers.

Outside of work, Crystal’s world revolves around her family—she’s a devoted mom of four children (two by blood and two by love), two fur babies, and one grandchild. When she’s not cheering on her Buffs, you can find her on the golf course, traveling to new destinations, or volunteering in her community.