SPEAKERS

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Ryan is a principal on the digital practice team and is based in California. He is an experienced financial consultant specializing in business analytics and digital transformation. Ryan is backgrounded in fraud and misconduct investigations, forensic data analysis, litigation consulting, and fraud risk management. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified in Financial Forensics, Certified Information Technology Professional and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

CFO/Partner, J. Raymond Construction Corp

Thomas Borgia is CFO and Shareholder for Florida-based J. Raymond Construction Corp, a general contractor specializing in commercial construction throughout the Southeast. J. Raymond Construction’s portfolio includes retail, grocery, office, healthcare, and warehouse facilities.

Tom joined JRCC in 2007 after almost 10 years of accounting experience with an ENR Top 20 firm. Nationally, Tom currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of CFMA and has previously served as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. Prior to this, he served on the Executive Committee and has also been a member of several others including the Finance Committee, Investment Subcommittee, Conference Planning Committee, and Education Steering Committee. Tom is also an alumnus of CFMA at Spring Creek and CFMA’s Mentoring Program. He has also participated in CFMA’s Peer Groups for the past four years. Locally, Tom has been a member of CFMA’s Central Florida Chapter since 2003, where he has served in several different roles including President. In his spare time enjoys spending time with his family, at the beach, and snow skiing.

Regional President, IOA

Nathan Brainard joined Insurance Office of America in 2005 and quickly became interested in alternative risk placement and strategies that could benefit his clients. Nathan believes alternative risk management options, specifically captives and other loss sensitive program structures are the future of insurance. Nathan became the Regional President of IOA’s Central Florida region in January 2022.

Nathan is actively engaged in CFMA, the National Demolition Association and the National Waste & Recycling Association where he serves on various committees working for the betterment of each association and member’s experience.

President and Founder, Burger Consulting Group

As the President and Founder, Christian Burger started Burger Consulting Group just over 20 years ago. As a recognized leader in the industry, Christian brings significant value to clients in the construction industry through effective IT strategy development, technology awareness and business process management. Christian specializes in organizational assessments assisting clients with gaining a broader understanding of complex business processes and the technologies that can be used to augment the processes. He works directly with the firm’s clients in setting and achieving high priority initiatives.

During his career, Christian has developed a unique skill set that leads organizations to enact change through education and an understanding of construction’s unique business processes. Christian’s depth of knowledge on the industry’s practices, solutions and processes makes him a valuable resource in leading clients through software selections, in advising on contract language and leading effective implementation strategy planning. His drive to achieve results and commitment to the process brings significant value to his clients.

Christian has dedicated his career to the betterment of the construction industry. He is an influential speaker at industry events, a regular contributor to publications, and regularly teaches a course on technology at Northwestern University.

Partner, CohnReznick’s

Scott E. Damiecki, CPA, CCIFP, is a partner in CohnReznick’s Bethesda office and the firm’s Construction Industry Practice Leader. Scott has more than 25 years of experience in financial reporting. He currently oversees a range of clients, including general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, real estate developers and property owners. He manages all types of assurance engagements, including compilations, reviews, audits, and employee benefit plan audits.

Scott uses his knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and his experience in the construction industry to provide clients with accounting, attest and consulting services that are tailored to each client. Scott has assisted both publicly and privately held clients by serving on an outsourced basis as controller and other similar positions.

In addition to client responsibilities, Scott has spoken at numerous organization events such as CFMA Chapter, Mid-Atlantic, and national events, and the Greater Washington Society of CPAs Real Estate & Construction Conference.

Education

• State University of New York at Fredonia: Bachelor of Science, Accounting

Professional Affiliations

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants

• Construction Financial Management Association, National Conference Program Committee Chair

• Construction Financial Management Association of Greater Washington, Board Member

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington, Legislative Committee – Montgomery County

• ACE Mentor Program of the Greater Washington Area, Board Member

Community Involvement

• Darnestown Civic Association, Trustee

• Youth SAM Soccer, Volunteer Coach

Vice President, Lockton

Ryan oversees teams of insurance and risk professionals responsible for delivering strategic, consultative and transactional services to Lockton clients’ whose exposure and needs are complex and dynamic.

Ryan has 18+ years of real estate development and construction experience, consulting on various projects in the private sector. Clients segments include residential/ multifamily developers, home builders, general contractors, large trade contractors, condominium associations, and commercial real estate owners and developers.

Areas of expertise within real estate development and construction include OCIP/CCIP, builder’s risk, deposit bonds, complex casualty programs, large property schedules, contractual risk transfer, claim advocacy, environmental liability, and association risk support.

CFO, Mills & Nebraska

JASON KEEN, CPA, CCIFP, CRIS, is CFO of Mills & Nebraska, a specialty door manufacturer and installation company (www.millsnebraska.com) in Orlando, FL. He has been a construction financial professional for over 15 years and has worked in the heavy civil and site contractor markets. Through his education and experience, Jason has built expertise in technology, change management, forecasting/analysis, and leadership development. Within CFMA, Jason has been a member for over a decade, and he has been a part of and led many different committees and task forces. He has degrees in both technology and finance.

Vice President/Share Holder, IOA

30+ years of Risk Management Experience including Product Related Expert Witness Work and Litigation Management

30 years of Construction Industry focus on Risk Management and Alternative Risk Programs

Previously with 2 of the Top 5 Broker Agencies in the world and continues to represent IOA and clients in the area of Traditional Risk Transfer Programs as well as Captives, Large Deductible, Organizational Consolidations and Wraps and CIP’s.

Mills & Nebraska

Second generation Orlando native and third generation family member responsible for management and operation of a commercial architectural building material supplier and subcontractor, Mills & Nebraska. Revenues are generated through local market building owners, business and maintenance professional clients, negotiated design build and contracted regional projects and national accounts. The company has 65 employees, is a certified Woman-Owned Business through WBENC and celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023.

President, Ranger Construction Industries, Inc

Bob Schafer is the President of Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and has been in the roadbuilding and asphalt production/paving industry for over 30 years. He has been a Florida resident since 1992.

Since graduating from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Bob progressed through various roles in estimating and project management, along with several executive level positions. He has been the President of Ranger since 2013. While most projects built during Bob’s career have been for the Florida Department of Transportation, other work continues to include projects for local municipalities, turnkey projects for site developers, the occasional specialty project like beach renourishment, and even road and runway construction in the Bahamas.

Bob volunteers his time with several industry associations and community organizations: Florida Transportation Builders Association (Past Chairman, Specification Committee, Scholarship Committee), Associated General Contractors of America (Board of Governors, Florida East Coast Chapter Past President and Government Affairs Committee, Political Action Committee Chairman), National Asphalt Pavement Association (Legislative Committee Vice-Chairman), St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce (Past Board Member), Business Political Action Committee of Palm Beach County (Executive Board Member), and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (Past Board Member).

In 1984, at age 16, Tim Smith joined Wharton-Smith, starting at the bottom and learning his way up the ladder through college, earning full-time employment in 1991. During nearly 40 years of incredible growth and change, Tim has served the company in many roles — Cleaning Crew, Field Engineer, Estimator, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Project Executive, Quality Control Director, Vice President, and President. He has advanced the company’s goal of being the Construction Group of Choice in each of these roles. As President and CEO, Tim aids the company’s growth through his servant leadership abilities, robust engineering and operations background, and dedication to Wharton-Smith’s core value of continuous improvement. His responsibilities include oversight of the overall performance of each division. He is involved with projects from estimating through operations, assuring in-depth knowledge of all functions within the organization. He is also responsible for the financial aspects of the business, including banking, bonding, and insurance. Tim also oversees the execution of strategic business plans and infrastructure management by leveraging technology to yield efficient and effective growth management methods. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Tim is a Professional Engineer and a licensed General Contractor. Tim is committed to the Central Florida community. He actively supports Kids House, Leadership Seminole, Habitat for Humanity, Seminole State College, the University of Central Florida, and the Central Florida Zoo. In addition, Tim has been recognized with a Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering achievement award from the University of Central Florida. Tim enjoys off-road motorcycle racing and supporting his wife Shelia’s dance studio, Destination Dance of Oviedo, in his free time. He is the father of three talented daughters, Abigail, Ashley, and Rita. Tim’s Business Philosophy: When providing leadership to the team, my most important job is to get them what they need to do their jobs and get out of their way!

President & Co-Founder, Insurance Management Consultancy

Christopher began his insurance career in 1992 focusing on property and casualty, while attending the University of Florida. From there, he held various positions with State Farm Insurance. He was named a top regional producer of life insurance products in 1995.

In 1998, Christopher joined Prudential. One year later, he was honored as national "Rookie of the Year" for Prudential's PruPac division. Christopher joined Insurance and Risk Management Services in 2000 and began to focus on commercial property and casualty in Southwest Florida.

After four years, he joined an insurance management company, delivering a consultative approach to the marketplace and held various leadership positions in sales through multiple acquisitions.

Christopher became president and co-founder of Insurance Management Consultancy. He specializes in loss­ sensitive workers' compensation, captive solutions, product recall and food contamination solutions for his partners. Christopher's primary responsibilities include new partnerships, sales strategy and training. He and his wife Betty have three children. His oldest daughter Olivia attends the University of Florida.

Partner, CohnReznick

Scott Walters is a partner in CohnReznick’s Sunrise office and is a member of the firm’s National Assurance practice.  He provides guidance to engagement teams and clients on technical matters related to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, corporate governance and transparent financial reporting.  Scott has spent more than 35 years in public accounting, and has specialized in U.S. GAAP compliance and SEC rules and regulations since 1990 when he worked at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.

Education
MBA, Accounting, University of Miami

BS, Finance & International Business, New York University

Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants