2026 AFWA Fall Seminar

Thursday, November 12, 2026

The Chattanooga Marriott Hotel

Up to 8 hours CPE Credit

 We hope you will join us on November 12th for a full day of CPE with local speakers and quality CPE!

The schedule below will give you a snapshot of everything you need to know. 

Any questions or issues with registration, please email us at [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

7:30 am - 8:00 am  Morning Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:40 am  PROGRAM 1 (2 hours CPE)

"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPACT ON ACCOUNTING"

 Field of Study:  Technology - Technical 

Learning Objective:  Artificial Intelligence is changing the way CPA's, accountants, and businesses perform their daily work.  This presentation will help you understand how AI tools work and how they will impact those working in accounting and finance professions.

Presented by Charlie Apigian, AI Practice Leader for LBMC 

Charlie Apigian, Ph.D., is a Shareholder and Leader of LBMC’s AI Practice. In this role, he leads LBMC’s Data & AI team in AI readiness assessment, data strategy, foundational data architecture, reporting, and intelligent AI applications.  Prior to joining LBMC, he served as Professor of Business Systems & Analytics at Belmont University, as Director of the Data Science Institute at MTSU, and 10 years in the automotive industry.  He obtained his B.S. degree in Management Information Systems from Bowling Green State University, his MBA from Wayne State University, and his Ph.D. from University of Toledo.

 10:00 am - 11:40 am   PROGRAM 2 (2 hours CPE)

“ECONOMIC UPDATE - EARNINGS TRUMP ALL” 

 Field of Study:  Economics - Technical 

Learning Objective:  This presentation provides an overview of the current market/economic trends and possible catalysts that could change these, including the AI investment cycle. 

Presented by Mark Fleck, Principal with Patten & Patten

Mark C. Fleck, CFA, is a Principal & Portfolio Manager of Patten and Patten, Inc.  The firm provides investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, foundations, institutional investment accounts, and others.  Mr. Fleck serves as Adjunct Professor of Finance at UTC, and is a past Board Member and past President of the CFA Society of East TN.  He graduated from Christian Brothers University in 1992 with a B.S. degree in Accounting,  & earned his MBA from the University of Memphis in 1993.  He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2000.

 11:40 am - 12:40 pm  Lunch included on-site

 12:40 pm - 2:20 pm   PROGRAM 3 (2 hours CPE)

  "POWERFUL LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM THE 2026 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT"

Field of Study:  Personal Development - Leadership

Learning Objective:  Build practical tools and powerful leadership skills so you will be equipped and inspired to lead where you are, because everyone has influence.

Presented by Dr. Edna Varner, Interim President of Public Education Forward    

Dr. Edna Varner serves as Interim President of Public Education Forward.  She is a Senior Advisor for Leading & Learning, Lead Coach for Teacher Residency, and works with her team to provide leadership that helps change school ecosystems so teachers can thrive.  She was previously a high school principal, assistant principal, teacher, and Director of Leadership Development for Cornerstone Literacy.  She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UTC and her EdD from Carson-Newman University.  Edna has served on numerous community boards and has received many community honors, including Chattanooga Woman of Distinction.

 2:40 pm - 3:30 pm   PROGRAM 4 (1 hour CPE)

 “QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY & OTHER EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS” 

Field of Study:  Technology - Technical 

Learning Objective:  This presentation discusses exciting new developments in quantum computing and other technology capability, and how this will impact the way we work and the region's economic development.

Presented by Janet Rehberg, President & CEO of Electric Power Board

Janet Rehberg, PMP, CEM, is the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Power Board.  She has more than 2 decades of engineering, operations, & strategic leadership in the electric industry.  Before becoming CEO, she served as EPB President of Strategic Initiatives, and as Interim CEO & VP of Engineering for Tri-County Electric Cooperative in Aledo TX.  She received her BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tulsa & her MBA from Capital University.  She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) & a Certified Energy Manager (CEM).  Janet has served in numerous nonprofit, community, & professional organizations.

 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm   PROGRAM 5 (1 hour CPE)

 “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNAL FRAUD”

Field of Study:  Accounting - Technical 

Learning Objective:  Understanding how fraud is perpetrated and concealed is key to managing fraud risks and proactively detecting fraud.  We will discuss the most popular fraud schemes, how they are perpetrated, & how to use data analytics to look for red flags of fraud.

Presented by Bill Acuff of Forensic & Fraud Investigations 

Bill Acuff, CPA, is managing Principal of Forensic and Fraud Investigations, PLLC. He has over 30 years experience in public accounting conducting forensic investigations and fraud audits using data analytics, providing assurance services, litigation support and internal audit services, including evaluating internal control systems, conducting fraud risk assessments, & providing fraud awareness training.  He previously worked as Director of Forensic Accounting & Internal Audit Services at Joseph Decosimo & Co.  Bill is a CPA, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and is Certified in Financial Forensics by the AICPA.

REGISTRATION FEES:

Tickets

$100.00 Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE

$150.00 Non-Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE

$200.00 Non-Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE

$100.00 Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE