Join Us In

Kansas City, MO

May 5-6, 2025

Pointing Towards an Extraordinary Educational and Networking Experience

NSAC is excited to announce The Cooperative COMPASS taking place May 5-6, 2025 in vibrant Kansas City, MO.

This hybrid event is tailored specifically for professionals dedicated to the financial management and strategic planning of cooperatives. COMPASS provides invaluable opportunities to connect with industry peers while gaining proven strategies, tools, and resources to strengthen your co-op’s financial management, enhance compliance, and navigate complex transactions with confidence.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • CFOs/COOs/Managers/Directors/Vice Presidents of Finance and Administration
  • CPAs/Controllers/Accountants
  • Other cooperative/company staff with accounting responsibilities

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from top industry experts and engage with a dynamic network of peers. 

Keynote Speakers

Andy Fastow Photo

Andy Fastow

Corporate Culture Speaker, Former CFO of Enron

Bethmara Kessler, CFE Photo

Bethmara Kessler, CFE

Award Winning Speaker and Fraud Expert

James Robilotta Photo

James Robilotta

Author, Culture Speaker, and Comedian

John Suter Photo

John Suter

Vice President, Economic Research, CFC

Agenda

Sunday, May 4, 2025

5:30 PM
5:30PM - 6:30PM CST

Welcome Reception Sponsored by the NSAC Electric Cooperative Chapter

Monday, May 5, 2025

7:30 AM
7:30AM - 8:00AM CST

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM
8:00AM - 9:00AM CST

Unbiased: How to Manage Risk in the Gray Zone

Andy Fastow, Corporate Culture Speaker, Former CFO of Enron
9:05 AM
9:05AM - 10:00AM CST

Developing an Effective Internal Audit Plan

Jeffrey McCall, CIA, CPA, Senior Manager, Internal Audit, Forvis Mazars
9:05AM - 10:00AM CST

Specifics of the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)

Pat Cooper, CPA, Utility Tax Director, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP
Bill Miller, CPA, Utility Tax Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP
10:10 AM
10:10AM - 11:05AM CST

Boost Efficiency with Co-Pilot

Software Specialist, Co-Pilot, Microsoft
William Jones, Manager – Modern Work, RSM US
11:15 AM
11:15AM - 12:10PM CST

Risk Assessment: More Than Insurance

Juanita Schwartzkopf, CPA, CFE, Senior Managing Director, Focus Management Group
11:15AM - 12:10PM CST

Managing Financial Risks of Emerging Power Demands in Data Centers

Brent Bishop, CPA, Sr. VP & CFO, CoServ
12:15 PM
12:15PM - 1:45PM CST

Lead Imperfectly and Silver Bowl Lunch Sponsored by CFC

James Robilotta, Author, Culture Speaker, and Comedian
1:50 PM
1:50PM - 2:45PM CST

Best Practices Internal Controls

Mark Wischmeier, Senior Manager, Blue & Co., LLC
1:50PM - 2:45PM CST

Talent Quest- Navigating Hiring Trends and Building an Accounting Pipeline

Chad Reed, CPA, Instructor | Asst. Director of Accounting Master's, Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas
2:55 PM
2:55PM - 3:50PM CST

Merger Study

Josie Taylor, Business Development & Strategic Planning Director, Land O’Lakes Inc.
Jim Wyvell, VP Finance, Land O’Lakes Inc.
2:55PM - 3:50PM CST

CFO Strategies for Electric Co-ops

Kacey Gast, CPA, Audit Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP
Brent Bishop, CPA, Sr. VP & CFO, CoServ
Melissa Felty, MBA, CPA, CFPC, Chief Financial Officer, First Electric Cooperative Corporation
4:00 PM
4:00PM - 5:15PM CST

Collaborative Tax + A&A Conversation

Eric Krienert, CPA, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
Nick L. Mueting, CPA, Managing Shareholder, Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris, Chtd.
Rebecca Thoune, CPA, Signing Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)
Jim Halvorsen, CPA, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (CLA)
David Antoni, CPA, Managing Director, Moss Adams
Erik Gillam, CPA, Partner, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP
4:00PM - 5:15PM CST

Managing the Debt Portfolio

Trevor Barnett, MBA, Regional Vice President, CFC

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

7:30 AM
7:30AM - 8:00AM CST

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM
8:00AM - 8:55AM CST

Economic Update

John Suter, Vice President, Economic Research, CFC
9:05 AM
9:05AM - 10:00AM CST

Post Election Impact: Tax update and Extenders

Josh Bakke, CPA, Senior Manager, Moss Adams LLP
Eric Krienert, CPA, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
9:05AM - 10:00AM CST

Election Impacts on Electric Coops

10:10 AM
10:10AM - 11:05AM CST

FASB: New Standards and Updates

Michael Cheng, CPA, National Professional Practice Partner, Frazier & Deeter
10:10AM - 11:05AM CST

Cybersecurity Risks and Trends

David Anderson, Principal Cybersecurity Consultant, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
11:15 AM
11:15AM - 12:10PM CST

Patronage: Book vs Tax Basis

Brian Maple, CPA, Shareholder
Josh Bakke, CPA, Senior Manager, Moss Adams LLP
11:15AM - 12:10PM CST

Managing Inactive Capital Credits

Bill Miller, CPA, Utility Tax Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP
Melissa Felty, MBA, CPA, CFPC, Chief Financial Officer, First Electric Cooperative Corporation
James Santivanez, President & CEO, JMS Advisory Group
Rebecca Fuller, CPA, Director of Treasury Services and Affiliate Accounting, CoServ Electric
12:10 PM
12:10PM - 1:10PM CST

Networking Lunch Sponsored by CoBank

1:15 PM
1:15PM - 2:10PM CST

CFOs on Strategic Leadership

Rebecca Thoune, CPA, Signing Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)
Jeff Raetz, Chief Financial Officer, MFA Oil Company
William (Billy) W. Wickham II, Chief Financial Officer, Frontier AG Inc.
1:15PM - 2:10PM CST

Federated Insurance Update

Andrew Reed, CPCU, ARe, Director of Underwriting Services, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange
2:20 PM
2:20PM - 3:15PM CST

Inflation Reduction Act Credits - How Co-Ops Are Utilizing or Generating Credits

Rebecca Thoune, CPA, Signing Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)
Brandon M. Hill, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
2:20PM - 3:15PM CST

Grant Compliance and Single Audit Requirements for Utility Cooperatives

Kacey Gast, CPA, Audit Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP
3:20 PM
3:20PM - 4:10PM CST

Hidden in Plain Sight: Fighting Fraud with Data Analytics

Bethmara Kessler, CFE, Award Winning Speaker and Fraud Expert

Experience

The Cooperative COMPASS is the premier conference of the year for cooperative tax, accounting, and finance professionals. Here, you’ll not only gain access to exceptional educational sessions but also immerse yourself in unparalleled opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the cooperative spirit.

Welcome Reception
Sunday, May 4, 2025

Kick off your conference experience in style! All attendees are invited to join us for a lively happy hour on Sunday evening. Reconnect with familiar faces, forge new friendships, and ease into the conference atmosphere in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This is your chance to meet others who share your passion for the cooperative industry.

Sponsored by the NSAC ECC Chapter


Leading Imperfectly & Silver Bowl Lunch
Monday, May 5, 2025

Prepare to be inspired and entertained as comedian and culture speaker James Robilotta takes the stage for an interactive session on Leading Imperfectly: The Value of Being Authentic for Leaders, Professionals, and Human Beings. You’ll leave this session with fresh perspectives on leadership and authenticity. Following this, we’ll gather to honor excellence within our community at the Silver Bowl Lunch, celebrating the 2025 Silver Bowl Recipient—NSAC’s highest honor. It’s a moment to connect, reflect, and celebrate together.

Sponsored by CFC.


Networking Lunch
Tuesday, May 6, 2025

This isn’t just lunch—it’s your gateway to expanding your professional network. Whether you’re catching up with friends, deepening connections with colleagues, or meeting new industry peers, this midday break is the perfect setting to foster relationships that will last a lifetime.

Sponsored by CoBank.


Optional Activity
Stay tuned for details on exciting optional activities designed to enhance your conference experience. These experiences will offer unique opportunities to engage with the local area and fellow attendees.


Hybrid Option
Can’t make it to Kansas City? No problem! Virtual attendees can enjoy the same top-tier sessions. We encourage you to actively participate by submitting questions in advance or engaging during the live program. We’re committed to ensuring every attendee feels connected and involved, no matter where they are.


This isn’t just another conference—it’s an experience designed to inspire, connect, and empower you in your professional journey. We can’t wait to see you there!

Registration

Member Registration $795
Non-Member Registration $1095
Guest/Spouse $250

 

Registration includes all education sessions, CPE, Sunday Welcome Reception, and all scheduled meals.
Guest/Spouse registration includes Sunday Welcome Reception, Monday Breakfast, and Tuesday Breakfast.

Register Now  

Hotel Information

Hotel Kansas City
1228 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
Single Room: $199 plus tax and fees.
Tel: (816) 685-1228

Reservation Deadline: April 4, 2025
Discounted conference group rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Centrally located in the historic Kansas City Club Building, the hotel is only steps away from the city’s best nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Named one of the “Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure, guests can indulge in Victorian-inspired guest rooms merged with modern twists, preserved touches like hand-hewn walnut and stained glass windows, and multiple show-stopping food and beverage outlets.

Hotel Reservation  

Sponsors

Annual Sponsors


Compass Sponsors

Interested In Sponsoring

Annual 365 Sponsorship
Compass Sponsorship
Email us at info@nsacoop.org