Construction Industry Conference (CIC)

Michele Daugherty

Michele Daugherty is the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Florida Chapter. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction association representing more than 22,000 members nationwide. Michele helps members develop their people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work and live.

Michele has spent the past two decades focused on creating career & advancement pathways for others. Prior to leading ABC Central Florida, she spent 17 years as the President/CEO of the ABC Northern California and Nevada Chapters. Under her leadership ABC has continued to grow as a workforce development leader expanding state and federally approved Apprenticeship and Craft Training programs across the country.  Michele is committed to educating the current and future workforce and values the importance of educating today’s youth on the benefits of careers in construction.

Michele is a certified Master Trainer for the National Center for Construction Education and Research. She was formerly the Director of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Advising Center and was appointed for multiple terms to the State of Nevada Apprenticeship Council. Fun fact - Michele got her start working in a Gold Mine. Michele resides in Orlando with her husband of 18 years and is the proud mother of two boys Seventeen and Eleven. One of Michele’s favorite sayings is, “I put on my boots and broke concrete to break the glass ceiling!”

Cindy Blumenfeld

After receiving her BA from Farmingdale University in New York, Cindy went on to build a strong foundation in finance and real estate which compliments her role as Sales Director for Engineered Tax Services, a company that specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions. Ms. Blumenfeld is devoted to the conservation of resources and Green Building Environment and works closely with the dedicated team of ETS professionals skilled in engineering, architecture and accounting to deliver cost segregation studies, energy tac credits, Green Building and LEED building engineering services nationally. 
Cindy is committed and focused on educating the CPA, Financial advisor and Real Estate Investor Community on engineered accounting services and the related tax consequences of these services. As an expert in her field, she seeks to local AIA and FICPA chapters on cost segregation studies, green construction and the emerging energy tax programs and has produced articles for many CPA and Real Estate Investment Publications nationally.
 

Brett Cooper

C. Brett Cooper is the Managing Director of Valuation and Advisory Services.  He has nearly 25 years of experience performing valuation and forensic-related consulting services and has been a part of an investment banking firm, a CFO of a privately owned light manufacturing firm, and with public accounting firms over his 35-plus-year career.

Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. is the largest locally owned and operated CPA and Advisory firm in Tampa.  The Firm provides attest, tax, and advisory services.  The Valuation and Advisory Service Group assists clients with the valuation of businesses, business interests, and intangible property, litigation support in a wide variety of circumstances, financial forensic investigation, M&A transaction assistance, and ESOP implementation.

Stephanie Nissen

Professional Experience
• Seven years of experience in public accounting and auditing.
• Focuses on providing accounting and auditing services for an array of clients, specifically those in the not-for-profit, consumer products and construction industries.
• Experience and understanding of Federal, State and local funding for not-for-profit
• agencies, including single audit requirements.

Credentials/Education
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida
• BS, Accounting, University of Central Florida
• Memberships
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
• Graduate, 2019 Emerging Leaders Program

Not-for-Profit Clients
• onePULSE Foundation, Inc.
• FICPA
• U.S. Hunger
• Jessie Trice Community Health System
• Victim Service Center of Central Florida
• Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative,
• Hope and Help Center of Central Florida

Industry
• Not-For-Profit
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Construction

Service
• Accounting and Auditing
• Compliance Auditing
• Reviews and Compilations
• Agreed-upon Procedures
• Consulting

Afonso Guimaraes

A visionary in the Oil & Gas finance realm, Afonso Guimaraes stands at the forefront of global Record to Report leadership. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Afonso has carved a niche as a leading Advisor in Digital and Finance Transformation, specializing in bridging the gap between finance and technical teams to spearhead pivotal process and system enhancements. His efforts have been instrumental in scaling finance organizations worldwide, significantly boosting efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Afonso’s expertise extends deep into account management, stewardship planning, and the intricacies of global financial operations, with a particular focus on ERP systems like SAP and next-generation Finance Cloud solutions, including BlackLine. His proficiency in RPA, Automation, and AI technologies has set new benchmarks in the industry, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence. Renowned for his role in developing cutting-edge training programs and guidelines, Afonso has been pivotal in elevating Oil & Gas accounting practices to new heights. His ability to communicate complex digital strategies in multiple languages has made him a valued advisor to digital experts, executive staff, and stakeholders across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Afonso’s academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Master of Business Administration from Webster University, complemented by a Professional Certificate in Digital Transformation from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His commitment to advancing digital knowledge extends to his current role as the Project Coordinator for MIT’s Digital Transformation Professional Training program. Beyond his professional endeavors, Afonso contributes his expertise as a volunteer Project Advisor for the Blockchain For Energy consortium (B4E), leading innovative projects to develop blockchain solutions for AFE/Ballot processes and Joint Interest Bills. His work not only showcases his commitment to technological advancement but also his dedication to fostering sustainable and efficient practices within the Oil & Gas industry.

Daniel Levine

Dan is a Miami-native who practiced public accounting, private accounting and management consulting from 1989 to 2002. Since 2002, Dan has led several enterprises focused on land development, home building, residential construction contracting and property management. Dan is a Certified General Contractor and a Certified Public Accountant. Dan earned his Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and his Master degree in Accounting from Florida International University. Dan is an avid musician and a common sight in the South Florida music scene. 

Robert Nevill

Robert Nevill is a Partner in the Orlando office of Berman Hopkins and is in charge of the firm’s construction practice. He brings a wide variety 
of accounting experience in both public and private sectors to the firm.

Robert has been recognized for enhancing client business processes. His experience in the private sector includes being responsible for all 
accounting activity at a multi-tiered real estate development company with an international parent and helping a company raise capital through new equity and primary debt facilities. Robert has spent several years in public accounting where he has worked on a wide variety of engagements including numerous audits for construction, 
real estate, not-for-profit, government, healthcare, and SEC clients. He is also the author of several construction-related articles which have been 
published in national magazines.

Margie Morris

Margie is a Partner and Vice President of Guignard Company, an Independent Surety Bond only Agency based in Florida. At Guignard, she exclusively writes surety bonds and advises contractors throughout the US and Internationally. Margie grew up in the Surety business where her most notable experiences include managing a branch office for an MGA and landing an underwriting position at a leading surety company where she was the only female underwriter in her branch office.

Margie has underwritten all levels of contractors and publicly traded companies. As a leading external partner, she successfully assists her clients through business and continuity planning, consulting on Buying and Selling arrangements, establishing ESOP's, and the structuring of Private Equity arrangements.  Margie's strategic skills, analytical abilities, and adaptability to the overall needs of her clients has naturally propelled her to the top of her industry and raised the bar on what contractors should expect from their surety advisor.

Margie attended Florida Southern College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a Minor in Marketing; later followed by a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. Margie has volunteered on several CFMA National Committees and currently sits on the Executive Committee and is a mentor to CFO's throughout the country. She is a member of  ABC, GCBX, NASBP, to name a few, and has given many surety presentations to construction specific CPA's, Bankers, Attorneys and other affiliated groups.  She also has been a guest speaker for the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at University of Florida, Florida Department of Transportation, and National Association of Women in Construction.

Margie is a Native Floridian who enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and friends as well as reading, traveling, and health & fitness.  She is involved in community outreach programs and volunteers her time by leading and facilitating mission trips to both Jamaica and Cuba.