46th Annual Nonprofit Conference (NYC)

John D'Amico, a Managing Director with CBIZ and Shareholder with CBIZ CPAs in the National Attest Office, has over 30 years of experience in providing audit, accounting, and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Prior to joining CBIZ, John worked at a Big 4 firm, as well as other regional accounting firms. His areas of expertise include not-for-profit accounting, GASB, Single Audits, government auditing standards, cost allocations, and internal controls.

John is the previous Chair of the NYCPA Not-for-profit committee. John is also an Instructor for the AICPA, a Subject Matter Expert for Single Audits for the AICPA Peer Review Oversight Program, and a member of the AICPA Peer Review Task Force. John was previously an executive committee memeber of the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center.

John has authored articles, conducted workshops and seminars, and presented them at various conferences on topics Including Not-for-profit Accounting, Single Audits, Government Auditing Standards and Uniform Guidance requirements.

XiXi Dong is a Shareholder within the Not-For-Profit & Government Practice at CBIZ CPAs, located in our New York City office. She brings 20 years of expertise in providing accounting and consulting services to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including large social service organizations, third party funded organizations, educational institutions, charitable, fundraising and membership organizations including those requiring audits pursuant to Uniform Guidance (Single Audit). She also has experience in conducting audits of employee benefit plans, including defined contribution, defined benefit and multi-employer plans. Ms. Dong has held several not-for-profit Board positions both past and present. Ms. Dong presents at various not-for-profit industry conferences and has published articles in the CPA Journal and firm newsletters. Ms. Dong was recognized as Notable Woman by Crain’s New York in 2020. As of 10/13/2026

 Patrick Yu is a Principal at Baker Tilly US, LLP, with more than 30 years of experience delivering audit, review, accounting, and consulting services. He specializes in the behavioral health and not-for-profit sectors. Patrick has worked with adiverse not-for-profit client base, such as international NGOs, behavioral health, special education, community and social services, community development and HUD-funded affordable housing organizations, membership and disease advocacy organizations.

Patrick’s professional involvement includes serving as past chair of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) Statewide Nonprofit Committee and past co-chair of the NYSSCPA Suffolk Chapter Not-for-Profit Committee.

His contributions have been recognized by Crain’s New York Business, which named him one of the Notable Leaders in Accounting and Consulting in 2022. He is also a recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award; The Responsible 100, City & State New York 2025; Long Island Business News, Hall of Fame, 2025 and Queens Power 100, City & State, 2024.

Patrick has served as board treasurer, board secretary, and Finance Committee chair for the Queens Chamber of Commerce, as well as board treasurer and Finance Committee chair for Easter Seals New York. As of 9/11/2025

Rick has more than 25 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations. He is the Northeast Regional Sector Leader for Nonprofit and Education and is a member of Forvis Mazars' Higher Education Center of Excellence, an internal committee focused on addressing issues important to the higher education industry. Rick focuses on audits and advisory services for nonprofit and higher education organizations.

Before joining the firm in 2019, he worked at FASB, where he served as a supervising project manager for almost six years. In that role, he was the project manager on Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities; ASU 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope and the Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made; and ASU 2019-03, Updating the Definition of Collections. He also was coordinator for FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC). Prior to joining FASB, Rick was vice president and controller at a large national museum in New York for seven years and a senior manager with a large international accounting firm, where he worked for 14 years and specialized in audits of higher education institutions and other nonprofit organizations.

Rick is a CPA in New York and New Jersey and is a member of the AICPA and NYSSCPA. He is a member of the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Entities Expert Panel and the FASB’s NAC. He is a lecturer at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, in their Nonprofit Management program. He also has been a frequent speaker with NACUBO, EACUBO, the AICPA, and various state CPA societies. He is a graduate of Montclair State University, New Jersey, with a B.S. degree and an M.B.A. degree. As of 10/13/2026

Vanessa Gordon is an Audit Principal at Grassi with 13 years of experience working with nonprofit clients. She has experience auditing a variety of industries, including healthcare and human services organizations, institutions of higher education, local and governmental units, and religious organizations.

Vanessa brings deep expertise to Grassi’s audit practice, with significant experience in financial reporting, financial statement preparation, and tax compliance. She specializes in OMB Single Audits and has extensive knowledge of New York State Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR) reporting requirements. Working closely with organizations that serve individuals with special needs, Vanessa has developed strong technical proficiency in CFR reporting and compliance. Her ability to translate complex requirements into practical guidance helps both clients and team members gain a clearer understanding of their operations and make more informed decisions.

Vanessa remains actively engaged in the nonprofit industry through participation in association conferences, meetings and networking events. She has most recently shared her experience and knowledge as a speaker for the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYCPA). Vanessa sits on the Board of Directors of the Family Service League, a social service agency that provides support and security to residents of Long Island. She is also a member of the NYCPA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Vanessa serves on the Grassi Women’s Council and presents many in-house CPE-based training sessions. She also frequently mentors other staff members at the firm.

Vanessa has been recognized for her leadership and professional accomplishments throughout her career. In 2026, she received the HERALD Premier Business Women of Long Island Award and the NYCPA Emerging Leaders Award and was named one of Long Island Business News’ Top 50 Women. She was also previously recognized as a Moore North America Emerging Leader and a recipient of LIBN’s “40 Under 40” award.

Vanessa is a licensed CPA in New York State and earned her degree from Stony Brook University.

As of 10/13/2026