State and Local Government Accounting Conference "Best of" Replay

David Jang

David Jang is a Managing Partner/CEO of Deep Blue Investment Advisors and directs the firm's strategic growth in business development and client advisory services. David's investment advisory experience, client-focused approach and understanding of the multiple components affecting local governments enables him to provide valuable insight to treasury management, investment management and consulting clients. David routinely speaks at Florida's Government associations, chapters, conferences and CPE seminars which address local, current economic conditions and challenges facing Florida's entities.

Prior to joining Deep Blue Investment Advisors, David spent 12 years working with Florida local government clients and 34 years overall in investment advisory services.
David earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He earned the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP) designation of Certified Treasury Professional (CTP). David is a Registered Investment Advisor with the Florida Department of Financial Regulation.

Thomas Skelton

Alan Skelton was named director of research and technical activities of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), effective April 1, 2021. In his role as GASB director, he leads the staff and serves as the principal advisor to the chair and Board.

Immediately prior to joining the GASB, Mr. Skelton was the state accounting officer for the state of Georgia, a position he was initially appointed to by the governor in 2012. He was reappointed to the role in 2019. As state accounting officer, Mr. Skelton provided accounting leadership for the state of Georgia, including oversight of statewide financial reporting, issuing accounting policy and application interpretations of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and implementing business process improvements. He served as deputy state accounting officer from 2009 to 2012. Previously, Mr. Skelton had more than a decade of experience in public accounting, primarily with Ernst & Young.

Mr. Skelton served on the GASB's advisory council—the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council—from 2015 to 2021, including as its vice chair since 2018. He is a graduate of Florida State University and a certified public accountant.

Thomas Skelton

Alan Skelton was named director of research and technical activities of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), effective April 1, 2021. In his role as GASB director, he leads the staff and serves as the principal advisor to the chair and Board.

Immediately prior to joining the GASB, Mr. Skelton was the state accounting officer for the state of Georgia, a position he was initially appointed to by the governor in 2012. He was reappointed to the role in 2019. As state accounting officer, Mr. Skelton provided accounting leadership for the state of Georgia, including oversight of statewide financial reporting, issuing accounting policy and application interpretations of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and implementing business process improvements. He served as deputy state accounting officer from 2009 to 2012. Previously, Mr. Skelton had more than a decade of experience in public accounting, primarily with Ernst & Young.

Mr. Skelton served on the GASB's advisory council—the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council—from 2015 to 2021, including as its vice chair since 2018. He is a graduate of Florida State University and a certified public accountant.

Bruce Nunnally

Bruce Nunnally has over 30 years of public accounting experience, including 9 years with the international public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, LLP. Bruce is also a national instructor of accounting and auditing issues. He has presented accounting and auditing continuing education classes for a quarter of the top 30 CPA firms in the U.S.

In 2016 and 2022, Bruce was recognized as an “Outstanding Discussion Leader” by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Bruce was a founding partner of CRI and continues with the Firm in a Partner Emeritus role.

Paul Brown

Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the Director of Technical Services for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul's main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program.  The program administers approximately 350 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 90 peer reviewers.  Paul also assists members in the areas of professional ethics and professional standards. As part of his role in the peer review program Paul has previously been an instructor and author of continuing education programs for the AICPA and FICPA, for which he had received several outstanding discussion leader and author awards.  Paul serves on the AICPA's Peer Review Standards Task Force, Technical Reviewers Advisory Task Force to the Peer Review Board and serves as staff liaison to two committees of the FICPA.

Jason Harrell

Jason Harrell is the FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for leading all aspects of the Institute’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory affairs. He serves as the liaison to the DBPR and Board of Accountancy and is responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns to increase the value of the CPA license. Jason brings numerous years of experience to this role, previously serving as director of government relations for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and budget and communications director for the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, serving in key roles under two Speakers in the Florida House, and serving in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget and Chief Inspector General’s Office.

Lauren Henderson

Lauren Henderson is the FICPA’s Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs supporting the execution of its strategic advocacy goals. She works to promote and advance FICPA’s legislative priorities and strengthen its relationship with legislators and their staff. In addition to her work at the Capitol, she generates timely legislation and political communications aspects, supports the development of the CPA/PAC, and enhances the FICPA’s connections with key stakeholders and state agencies. Previously she was a Senior Legislative Director for the political consulting firm Cynergy Consulting, LLC, for more than 10 years, worked on political campaigns for high-profile candidates, and was named one of Florida Politics 30-under-30 list of rising stars. 

Gail Gray

Gail Gray is the Technology Partner at LSL CPS's 
While Gail holds a strong foundation in traditional accounting practices, she also shows a keen interest in integrating modern technology into her field. Her journey into technological innovations started in 2003 with the creation of a unique GASB reporting tool, a testament to her ability to adapt and innovate. 
From 2019, Gail has been exploring the realm of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and overall process modernization. She invests considerable time in researching and working with these emerging technologies, including AI solutions such as ChatGPT, showing her openness to continual learning and advancement. 
This blend of deep-rooted accounting knowledge, coupled with an enthusiastic adoption of cutting-edge technologies, illustrates Gail's balanced and holistic approach to her profession. She gracefully bridges the gap between traditional practices and technological advancements, making her a valuable contributor to the evolving landscape of the industry.