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.

Alexis L. Hulsebos, CPA,  began her career in 2018 with Forvis Mazars (formerly BKD) after completing two additional taxation internships while finishing school. As a manager on the tax team, Alexis provides tax preparation services, tax review services, and planning to a variety of clients and industries. Alexis is part of the Private Client team where she specializes in the planning and preparation of individual, estate, trust, and gift tax returns as well as their related entities.

Alexis graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with both her undergraduate, and graduate degrees. She has a B.S. degree in Accounting as well as a Master of Professional Accountancy degree with an emphasis in taxation. She graduated with academic honors in both programs and was an active member of the Accounting Students Organization. She is an ongoing member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the Colorado Society of CPA’s.

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 Sokol is a veteran tax professional and former adjunct professor at San José State University. For over a decade, he shared his real-world expertise with graduate students in the Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program, teaching advanced corporate tax courses. Outside academia, Sokol has spent over 30 years as a Tax Partner at Deloitte, specializing in corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, and state taxation. A recognized industry expert, he frequently presents at major events like the SJSU Tax Institute, bridging the gap between complex tax regulations and practical business applications for the next generation of professionals.

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 the 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.

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.