2025 Cypress Summit - Webcast: Medical, Not-for-Profit Human Resources, Estate and Fin.Planning & Financial Institutions

Overview

**Get ready for something new** The Cypress Summit Workshop is your one-stop destination for impactful learning, fresh connections, and a full day packed with value!

For the first time ever, we’re bringing together five top workshops under one roof:

• Medical & Healthcare
• Financial Institutions
• Not-for-Profit
• Human Resources
• Estate & Financial Planning

With multiple specialized tracks, you can customize your experience based on your interests and goals. Whether you're diving deeper into your area of expertise or exploring something completely new, this all-in-one event offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with professionals across industries.

Don’t miss this exciting new way to earn CPE, expand your network, and gain fresh insights—all in just one day!

Click the agenda tab at the top of this page or see below to review session options, speakers, and times. When registering, you’ll select sessions to help us estimate room sizes, but you can attend any session you choose on the day of the event.

8:00am - 9:30am
Looking into Crystal Ball Clouded by Tariff Changes
Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA
Why do forecasts for the national economy change radically every month?  Is the word "tariff" a beautiful word or an ugly one?  Billions in industrial investments have been awaiting a change in administrations---will they issue FIDs now?  Louisiana now has 10 MSAs instead of 9.  Who is the new player on the block? How do things look in each area of the State?

9:30-9:50 Break

9:50am - 10:50am Breakout Sessions

Unleashing the Power of Collaborative AI in HR Dynamics: Leading the Future of Work (HRW)
Craig Broome • Highflyer HR • Baton Rouge, LA
In this engaging session, we will explore the transformative potential of Collaborative AI in enhancing HR dynamics and driving organizational success. Designed for HR professionals in leadership and strategy roles, this presentation will cover the fundamentals of Collaborative AI, its benefits, and practical steps for successful implementation. Through real-world case studies and best practices, attendees will learn how to leverage AI tools to foster communication, boost productivity, and foster innovation within their teams. Additionally, we will address the ethical considerations and the importance of fostering a collaborative culture that embraces AI technologies. 

Balance Sheet Management, Banking Economic Update (FIC)
T. Jefferson “Jeff” Fair, CVA • American Planning Corporation • Shreveport, LA
This session will cover a range of current banking topics, including changes in the banking landscape over the last year, recent regulatory perspectives and areas where accountants and auditors can assist their bank clients.

Louisiana Impacts of What Was In, and Missing From, the OBBBA (MED)
Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA

Unlocking Financial Efficiency: Reporting, Cash Management & Budgeting (NFP)
Melissa Carollo • Louisiana Association of Public School Charters • Metairie, LA
Joe Keeney • 4th Sector Solutions • Greenwich, CT
With many organizations facing financial uncertainty with the end of several federal programs and other upcoming changes, join us for practical insights on managing cash flow, building financial resilience, and strategic budgeting in this evolving landscape.

Tax Update (EFP)
Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA

10:50 – 10:55  Change Break

10:55am - 11:55am Breakout Sessions

Not for Profit Tax Compliance. Form 990 and related schedules - what you should know (NFP)
Gina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA

Mental Health is Physical Health: Unlock the Keys to Access  (MED)
Shondra Williams, DNP • InclusivCare • Marrero, LA

Legal Update (HRW)
Alexandra Hains, JD • Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP • Baton Rouge, LA
This legal update presentation will focus on recent developments in employment law that impact CPA firms and their clients. Topics will include updates on wage and hour laws, employee classification, non-compete agreements, and workplace discrimination. Attendees will gain practical guidance to help clients navigate compliance and reduce employment-related risks.

Mergers & Acquisitions, Succession Planning (FIC)
Johnny Bond • Performance Trust Capital Partners • Atlanta, GA

Social Security, Medicare, Retirement Planning (EFP)
Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP • Oestriecher Financial Management Services • Alexandria, LA

11:55 – 12:55  Lunch

12:55pm - 1:55pm Breakout Sessions

Charitable Planning Opportunities under OBBA (EFP)
John C. Schmidt, CPA • Pelican CPAs & Advisors • Shreveport, LA

Fraud and Cybersecurity (MED)

Internal Controls: Policies and Procedures (NFP)
Layne McDaniel, CPA • Layne R. McDaniel, CPA, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA
 
Leadership Starts with Awareness (HRW)
Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA
Good leaders are stable and consistent, keenly focused on attracting and building up others. Good leaders attract leaders and bad leaders attract followers. Pinpoint the tools and habits you need to control your triggers and effectively lead with confidence. 

What Happened?  A Review of the 2025 Legislative Session (FIC)
Steven Procopio, Ph.D. • PAR Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Steven Procopio will offer a broad update on state legislative and policy activity, focusing on developments that may have downstream effects for banks, financial institutions, and the CPAs who support them.

1:55 – 2:00  Change Break

2:00pm - 3:20pm Breakout Sessions

From Main Street to Ultra High Net Worth: Estate Planning Strategies and Tax Court Insights (EFP)
Vanessa Brown Claiborne, CPA, ABV, ASA, AEP • Chaffe & Associates, Inc. • New Orleans, LA
Miriam Henry, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA
This session will cover the spectrum of estate planning—from foundational strategies every client needs to advanced techniques for the top 0.1%. We’ll explore practical planning frameworks, dissect recent Tax Court decisions, and examine their real-world implications for high-net-worth families. Attendees will gain the tools to identify planning opportunities and advise clients across the wealth continuum. Whether you're guiding everyday households or generational wealth, this session delivers the latest thinking every CPA should know.

M&A in Healthcare, Ownership Structure (MED)
Kendall Johnson, CPA • General Health System / Baton Rouge General Medical Center • Baton Rouge, LA
Shunn Phillips, CPA • The Baton Rouge Clinic • Baton Rouge, LA
Andrew Lofaso, CPA • Legacy Hospice • Baton Rouge, LA
Jason MacMorran, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, MS • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA

The Top 5 Things Every Leader Should Know About Employee Engagement (HRW)
Melissa Thompson, PhD • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA
In a world of quiet quitting, burnout, and competing priorities, employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. This fast-paced session will walk you through five research-backed truths about what really drives engagement (hint: it's not just pizza parties). Whether you're an HR professional or a leader managing people, you’ll walk away with practical tools to create a culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to give their best.

Non-Profit Industry Update (NFP)
Jeremy Thibodeaux, CPA, CFE • Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits • Baton Rouge, LA

AI and CPAs: the Future is NOW (FIC)
Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA

3:20 – 3:50  Break/Prize Giveaway


3:50pm - 4:40pm
DC Update

Notice

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.