Business and industry Conference (Manhattan/Bronx Chapter Satellite)

Gregory J. Altman currently serves as the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Nardin Academy, Buffalo, NY and as Treasurer/Secretary for American Coradius International, LLC, Amherst, NY. Prior to this role, Mr. Altman served as the Director of Finance and Operations at Health Sciences Charter School, Buffalo, NY and as Chief Financial Officer at Zone Oil & Gas LLC and Somerset Production Company, LLC, and as controller for Somerset Capital Partners, all affiliated companies in the investment and oil and gas industries. Prior to becoming affiliated with the Somerset companies, Mr. Altman worked for an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, a real estate syndicator with public and private partnerships, and in public accounting for ten years. Former affiliations include serving on the finance and audit committee for The Olmsted Conservancy in Buffalo, past-President for the Western New York Kidney Foundation, and the annual chairperson for the Kids Escaping Drugs dinner gala, Buffalo, NY.

Mr. Altman is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Altman earned his bachelor's degree from New York University and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo's graduate tax certificate program.

Tim focuses his practice in the state and local tax area. His work primarily involves New York State and New York City tax litigation and controversy. Over the past 25 years, he has handled more than 3,000 personal income tax, sales tax, corporate tax, or other New York State and City tax audits, and over 100 cases in New York’s Division of Tax Appeals. Tim is also a member of the Board of Directors of Hodgson Russ.

Tim leads the firm’s Tax Residency Practice and he is one of the leading practitioners in this area of the law. He has handled some of the most high-profile residency cases in New York, including a significant win in the Gaied case, one of the first New York residency cases to ever reach New York’s highest court. He is often quoted by media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Forbes, on residency and other state tax issues. Under his direction, the Tax Residency Practice authored What to Expect in a Residency Audit, a detailed guide to residency rules and audits in New York and other states. And over the past 25 years, he has guided literally thousands of taxpayers moving from high-tax states to low-tax states and successfully defended them in state residency audits.

As the “Noonan” in “Noonan's Notes,” a monthly column in Tax Notes State, Tim is a nationally recognized author and speaker on state tax issues. He co-authored the CCH Residency and Allocation Audit Handbook and Contesting New York State Tax Assessment- Fourth Edition, published by the New York State Bar Association. In addition, Tim has served as a contributing author or editor for several other tax publications and treatises, including the American Bar Association's Sales and Use Tax Deskbook, the "New York Sales Tax Guide" published by practicallaw.com, the corporate apportionment chapter in Thomson Reuters’ Checkpoint Analyst, the New York chapter of LexisNexis’s Practice Insights, and the New York Tax Litigation chapter in Thomson Reuters’ Commercial Litigation in New York State Courts treatise. He has also written more than 400 articles in state and local tax publications around the country over the past two decades, and he runs the award-winning Noonan's Notes Blog, where he and his colleagues offer regular commentary on developments in the world of New York and multistate tax law.

Tim also has extensive experience on New York City corporate and entity tax matters, and handled a significant number of residency and sales tax issues in other states, including work with many national and international clients on multistate compliance or voluntary disclosures. He has also appeared before the Connecticut Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals in litigated matters and is admitted to practice law in Connecticut.

Frank is responsible for advocacy on labor/HR, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation issues, and for providing human resources consulting services to Council members. Frank comes to The Business Council from the New York State Funeral Directors Association where he provided human resource and OSHA consulting services to employers of all sizes. Prior work experience includes human resources staff and leadership positions in the financial services and health care arenas. Frank is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations with nearly 36 years of experience in human resource management. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Certified Association Executive (CAE), and a frequent presenter of human resource topics across the state and nationally.

Paul brings the knowledge and unique insight of more than two decade’s worth of experience working both in key positions within the New York State Legislature and as a pivotal and successful advocate for such high-profile clients as Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, MGM, Resorts World, Total Wine and More, and the New York State Laborers. After Paul earned his JD from the University of Maryland, he joined the New York State Senate Majority Counsel/Program staff. During the next seven years, Paul became a highly respected advisor to the Majority Leader and key members of the Senate Conference. His particular issue areas covered a diverse range of key policy subjects such as transportation, racing and wagering, alcohol and beverage control as well as NYS fiscal policy as Paul represented the Senate in ongoing Budget negotiations with the Assembly and the Executive while in State service. In 2010 Paul joined Albany Strategic Advisors as a Vice President working with many of the firm’s top clients on a range of legislative issues. Over the years Paul has utilized many of the contacts and experience gained in the Senate to guide ASA’s clients through a multitude of complex issue areas relating to alcoholic beverage control, racing and wagering, MWBE compliance and enforcement, and labor relations. Before joining ASA, Paul spent seven years as the Director of Legislative Affairs for Powers & Company where he managed and provided strategic advice for all of the firm’s legislative and state procurement clients. Throughout his professional career, Paul has worked closely with members of the New York State Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus on such important issues as the NYS Minority and Women-Owned Business program and other caucus priorities. New and continuing clients benefit from the combination of Paul’s results-oriented approach and tremendous experience providing bi-partisan New York State government relations.

Anthony M. Bracco, CPA/CFF, CFE, CVA, CGMA, is Practice Leader of Anchin’s Litigation, Forensic and Valuation Services Group. As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Anthony has approximately 25 years of experience providing criminal and civil litigation support and investigative services to businesses, individuals and their attorneys across a wide range of industries including construction, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, professional services and not-for- profit organizations. Anthony specializes in investigative and forensic accounting services, and economic damage analysis in connection with internal corporate investigations, post-closing M&A disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, matrimonial, and accountants’ professional liability matters. Anthony also oversees all of Anchin’s valuation services including estate planning, financial reporting, tax compliance, M&A, and litigation related business valuations. In addition, Anthony has lectured to business owners, executives, attorneys and judges on fraud prevention and detection as well as forensic accounting techniques. During his career, Anthony has been appointed as a bankruptcy examiner by the U.S. Department of Justice. Anthony has also been approved as an integrity monitor by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Anthony also served 10 years on the NYS Board of Public Accountancy where he chaired the practice committee and served on the ethics committee. Anthony is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Anthony has testified as an expert at deposition, trial and other proceedings before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey (Law Division), the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, National Arbitration and Mediation, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, and Signature Resolution, LLC.

Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE, is the Principal and Leader of Regulatory Compliance and Investigations at Anchin. A Certified Inspector General and Certified Fraud Examiner, Brian has more than 30 years of experience advising on fraud, forensic investigations and providing litigation support to his many public and private sector clients. He specializes in highly-regulated industries including construction, transportation, infrastructure, retail, hospitality, not-for-profits, specialty health care and pharmaceuticals. Brian is qualified by the New York State Unified Court System to serve as a Court Appointed Forensic Accountant Pursuant to NYS Part 36. He is a recognized expert who knows how to uncover defensible information with skilled forensic accounting practices, including data analysis and computer forensic techniques. He is often called upon as an expert witness in fraud and financial crime cases before state and federal courts, as well as in dispute resolution cases. Brian has supported large-scale government monitorship cases, some valued at more than $1 billion. While Inspector General at the New York State Department of Labor for more than a decade, he supervised investigations resulting in criminal convictions and more than $250 million in civil restitution. He also led the investigation of $7 million in questionable costs for a Fortune Global 50 company In addition, clients benefit from Brian’s extensive knowledge and experience in labor-related matters in issues such as employee classifications, public work and wage and hour disputes. He is also an authority on business compliance issues, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses. Brian lectures nationally on labor law, business fraud, white collar crime and tax fraud, as well as regulatory compliance, government investigations and internal audits and controls. Brian is a member of the Association of Inspectors General, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), International Association of Independent Private Sector Inspectors General, American Society for Industrial Security, the Government Finance Officers Association and the Citizens Crime Commission’s Corporate Council. He is a Certified Financial Records Expert Witness in the National White Collar Crime Center, a Secure Member of the New York Metro InfraGard Alliance and a Trustee of the Citizens Budget Commission.

Barbara is a member of Fordham University’s accounting faculty for over twenty-five years and currently serves as the associate dean of the graduate school of business and managing director of the Responsible Business Center (RBC). She has been the recipient of several academic awards including the American Accounting Association Ethics in Accounting Excellence Award, Faculty Magis Award, the Dean’s Net Impact Award, and the Gabelli Teaching Innovation Award. Barbara has both a master’s degree in sustainability and environmental management and a certification in corporate sustainability and innovation from Harvard University as well as the Wharton ESG Executive Certificate for Senior Leaders. She proudly serves on the AICPA’s Sustainability Assurance and Advisory Task Force as the academic representative. Prior to her academic positions, she was a Tax Director and audit supervisor in the financial service group at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Leveraging her doctoral and post-doctoral studies, Barbara’s research and teaching focuses on sustainability reporting and disclosures and accounting ethics. She is the author of KPMG Ethical Compass: Integrity in Business, a multi-series package of interactive instructional material that enables college professors to present ethics-related topics in their classrooms including topics with sustainability dimensions. The Ethical Compass has won multiple awards and has been used at more than 150 universities across the country and is available on KPMG’s University Connection. Beyond being the multiple recipient of Fordham University’s Teacher of the Year Award, Barbara has also been recognized nationally. Her academic and professional awards include the Excellence in Accounting Ethics Education Award, National Innovation in Auditing & Assurance Education Award, the National Teaching Innovation Award from the American Accounting Association, NACE Excellence in Teaching Award for KPMG’s Ethical Compass, and National Outstanding Faculty Award by Beta Alpha Psi. She is also the former President of the Northeast Region of the American Accounting Association.

Beth van Bladel, CPA is a Director with CFO for Hire, a division of BST & Co. CPAs, LLP where she provides financial consulting, management, and accounting services to support her client’s mission and goals. Beth is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA) and serves on the AICPA Council.  She is also an active member of the New York State Society of CPA's, where she currently chairs the NYSSCPA Northeast Chapter CFO Committee and co-chairs the Annual Business & Industry Conference. Dedicated to the Northeast Chapter, serves on the Board of Directors and recently completed a five-year term as President with a focus on rebuilding chapter leadership. Beth previously served two terms on the NYSSCPA Board of Directors and served on the President’s Industry Task Force and Industry Oversight Committee. Beth is a current recipient of the NYSSCPA Distinguished Service Award and past recipient of the NYSSCPA Outstanding CPA in Industry Award. She also served a three-year term on the Private Company Council, the primary advisory body to the Financial Accounting Standards Board on private company matters.

Aditya Bhave is a Managing Director and Senior US Economist. He focuses on the US consumer and contributes to the widely-read "BofA on USA" report, as well as other thematic research. Bhave also helps formulate the team's views on inflation, growth and monetary policy. Previously, he was a US economist and rates strategist at Deutsche Bank. Bhave has a Ph.D in economics from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Amherst College. He is based in New York.

Edward Roske brings over 30 years of practical expertise in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Analytics to financial leaders seeking actionable insights. As founder of interRel Consulting and co-founder of Argano, he has helped organizations strengthen their financial decision-making processes. With a Master's in Data Science in Business Analytics from SMU and experience as an Oracle ACE Director, Edward combines technical knowledge with real-world applications. He has authored more than 10 books on EPM and Analytics and implemented solutions across 85 countries on all 7 continents. Edward's straightforward approach ensures finance executives gain valuable takeaways from his sessions that can be applied to improve financial performance. His commitment is simple: you'll leave knowing at least three new things that can make a difference in your organization.

Anthony Grono, CPA, CGMA, is Fordham’s Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller in the Office of Finance. He oversees financial and tax reporting and compliance, post-award grants management, accounts payable, and payroll at the University. A proud Fordham graduate from the sesquicentennial class, Anthony served over ten years in the public accounting field following graduation. His clients ranged from construction and manufacturing entities to financial institutions, including private equity funds and trading companies. After leaving public accounting, he returned to his alma mater, where he has completed over 20 years of service. Over these years, he has seen the University grow into an entity with $2.5 billion in net assets, and has helped along the way. He is a proud parent of a senior attending Fordham College Rose Hill.

Sandra Sicilia is currently the Chief Audit Executive at Jefferies Financial Group, a global full service investment banking and securities firm. Sandra has 30 years of financial services industry accounting and finance experience working in a variety of senior roles for major Wall Street banks. Sandra is also a CPA and started her career in public accounting at Ernst & Young LLP. Sandra also serves as an adjunct professor of accounting at the Gabelli School of Business.

Danny Ciampa is the Deputy Chief Auditor at Jefferies Financial Group, a global investment banking and securities firm. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with nearly three decades of experience in internal audit across the financial services industry, Danny has held leadership roles at several major Wall Street institutions. He began his career at Morgan Stanley and UBS, where he built a strong foundation in governance, risk, and control disciplines.