Jeff has 17 years of experience in various accounting and auditing roles within the oil and gas industry. As the director of operational accounting at SM Energy, he focuses on fostering a highly engaged and rewarding work environment through effective communication, employee development, and establishing robust cross-functional relationships. He feels lucky to work for an industry-leading company in the oil and gas sector that has challenged him professionally and has provided opportunities to support the growth of others. As a recurring guest lecturer for master’s-level accounting courses at Colorado State University, Jeff knows the importance of maintaining a strong connection with those interested in pursuing a career in accounting. As a past member of the COCPA Audit Committee, he sees his role as an Educational Foundation Trustee as another opportunity to further advocate for the profession and to support those considering a career in accounting.

Todd, a Colorado native who graduated from Colorado State University, has been with McPherson, Goodrich, Paolucci & Mihelich, PC in Pueblo for the past 16 years. He was self-employed for many years prior, specializing in the commercial aviation maintenance and construction industries. He currently focuses on governmental consulting and audit, as well as tax and other consulting. A past treasurer of the COCPA Southeast Chapter, Todd serves on the CPE Board and the Governmental Issues Forum. Hailing from a smaller town and firm in southern Colorado, he looks forward to bringing to the Educational Foundation a unique perspective on the needs of students, firms, and clients in a more rural setting. In his free time, Todd enjoys getting out into Colorado’s beauty to travel, camp, hike, and ski. He has several classic cars that he enjoys maintaining, and he plays music with a group of local musicians.

As a Healthcare and Financial Services Leader with A-LIGN, Blaise manages the firm’s Denver office, where 25 employees serve more than 400 clients. He is excited to bring to his Educational Foundation leadership role his experience as a member of the COCPA Technology Users Group, alongside his understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning amidst the always-changing environment in which CPAs work. “CPAs should be constantly learning and becoming proficient with evolving technology such as automation and artificial intelligence,” he says. Blaise is a 2022 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy and serves on the board of the Denver Chapter of ISACA (formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association). Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, whether skiing, biking, hiking, or golfing.

Laurie Corradino is an assistant professor of accounting at Colorado State University – Pueblo, and previously held the same role at the University of Wyoming and Colorado Mesa University. She has won several awards throughout her career, including first prize in the long case category of the AICPA’s 2021 CPA Evolution Resource Competition (CERC) Awards, for her case, Fixed Assets – A Logical and Visual Analysis. A longtime member of the Accounting Educators Conference Planning Committee, Laurie has been attending the Society’s educator-focused events for more than a decade. She knows firsthand the important role that the COCPA Educational Foundation can play in the life of a student who is pursuing an accounting degree. She earned both her bachelor's and master’s degrees from CSU – Pueblo, along the way earning scholarships from the Educational Foundation. “Those scholarships helped put me on the path to achieving my academic and career goals, for which I’m extremely grateful,” she says. “I'm excited to be part of the group that helps make this possible for others.”

Stephanie joined CEI Constructors, a leader in Colorado's heavy civil industry, in July 2024 as its assistant controller. Her previous experience, after graduating with summa cum laude honors from the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s degree in accounting, includes two stints at RubinBrown, as well as accounting positions in various governmental and public organizations. While a student at UNC, her work as a co-author was published in two tax publications. Named a 2022 COCPA Everyday Heroine for her deep commitment to serving others, Stephanie says that her personal experience as a first-generation, nontraditional student helps her relate to those who don’t follow the traditional college path. She “hopes to be that person who inspires a shared vision” for other nontraditional students.

Karla has been with the Alamosa firm of Wall, Smith, Bateman, Inc. for an impressive 40 years – as a shareholder since 1996 and currently as the firm’s managing shareholder. She has devoted most of her career to providing assurance services to financial institutions; nonprofit entities; and governmental entities such as counties, cities, special districts, school districts, and higher education. As the profession continues to evolve, Karla sees the ability to embrace technology as critical. She has worked with several foundations over the years, as well as served on scholarship committees. Currently, Karla serves on Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo board of directors, as well as the Hospice del Valle, Inc. board. During her free time, you’ll find Karla spending time with her family at reining horse training and competitions, or enjoying the beauty of Colorado’s mountains.