CONTROLLERS EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE
Driving professional growth for accounting leaders
The Controllers Executive RoundTable (CERT) enhances the professional development of controllers of major private and public companies. This regional network of highly motivated professionals offers engaging, relevant quarterly forums and provides opportunities to connect with peers, network with member companies and learn critical and emerging information.
Membership
CERT membership is by invitation only and limited to controllers and equivalent professionals at major companies with significant operations in Virginia.
The annual fee is $2,300. Members receive access to VCU School of Business resources, including the VCU libraries and databases; help identifying articles and other references of interest; and priority consideration for outstanding prospective graduates, interns and part-time employees.
Each quarterly meeting is led by an industry expert and includes time for group discussion. Members may bring up to two guests and are eligible to receive four hours of continuing professional education credit per meeting.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Woodrow Anderson
Group Controller,
Indivior Inc.
Scott Bleicher
Vice President & Controller,
Universal Corporation
W. Thomas Didlake
Vice President & Controller,
Owens & Minor
C. Stephen Hunn
Vice President, Controller,
Apex Systems
Ashleigh McDermott
Vice President of Financial Reporting,
ARKO Corp.
Timothy Mulvaney
Vice President, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer,
RGC Resources, Inc.
Katie F. Patterson
Vice President & Controller,
Altria Group, Inc.
CERT Members
These distinguished finance and accounting leaders bring decades of executive experience, strengthening both the CERT network and the broader VCU Business community.
- Woodrow D. Anderson
Group Controller,
Indivior - Jordan Barbour
Controller,
Capital Square 1031 - Scott Bleicher
Vice President and Controller,
Universal Corporation - Frasier W. Brickhouse II
CFO, Treasurer and Vice President,
Tredegar Corporation - Allen Brobst
Chief Accounting Officer,
Smithfield Foods, Inc. - Chris Clark
Director, Finance,
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream - Scott Coppola
Senior Vice President and Controller,
Virginia Credit Union - Stephen Y. Dickinson*
Member and CFO,
Velocity Health & Fitness, LLC (Retired) - W. Thomas Didlake, Jr.
Vice President and Controller,
Owens & Minor - Wayne C. Drinkwater*
Controller,
NewMarket Corporation (Retired) - Lencia Ductan
Controller,
VPM Media Corp. and Va. Foundation for Public Media - Noah Frank
Financial Controller, Hamilton Select,
Hamilton - Matt Goyne
Operations Controller,
Carpenter Co. - Hart Hagen
Corporate Controller,
Luck Companies - Stephen Hunn
Vice President and Controller,
Apex Systems - Mike Jaeger
Managing Director and Controller, Insurance,
Markel - Mike Lee
U.S. Division Controller,
Swedish Match North America - Ann Marie Lobred
Senior Vice President / Chief Accounting Officer,
U.S. Foods - Tendai S. Mangwiro
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller,
Atlantic Union Bank - Ashleigh McDermott
Vice President, Financial Reporting,
ARKO Corp. - Christina Minton
Senior Director Corporate Controller,
Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. - Timothy J. Mulvaney
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,
RGC Resources, Inc. - Gary Ometer*
Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance,
Hampden-Sydney College - Leanne Parker
Chief Financial Officer,
AMF Bakery Systems - Katie Patterson
Vice President and Controller,
Altria Group, Inc. - Robert M. Peebles*
Vice President and Controller,
Universal Corporation (Retired) - John Phifer
Chief Financial Officer,
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA - Michelle T. Rader
(Retired) - Gary Ratliff
VP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer,
Dominion Energy - Gail Ridgeway
Treasurer,
NewMarket Corporation - Vivian Shields
Chief Financial Officer,
Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia529) - Alma Torres
Altria - Linda M. Warren*
Vice President and Controller,
Altria Group, Inc. (Retired) - Leslie B. Weldon
Chief Financial Officer,
Virginia Retirement System - Darren Woodell
Vice President and Controller,
Genworth - John Zehab
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Ukrop's Homestyle Foods, LLC
*Lifetime member
- Stephen Dickinson*
Member and CFO,
Velocity Health & Fitness, LLC - Wayne Drinkwater*
Controller (Retired),
New Market Corporation - Gary Ometer*
Vice President,
Hampden-Sydney College - Robert Peebles*
Vice President and Controller (Retired),
Universal Corporation - Michelle Rader
- Linda Warren*
Vice President and Controller (Retired),
Altria Group, Inc.
*Lifetime member
Meeting Highlights
Explore highlights from recent CERT meetings, featuring timely topics, expert speakers and meaningful peer discussion.
The Controllers Executive RoundTable met May 8 at the Virginia War Memorial, bringing together accounting and finance professionals for a program focused on leadership, legislative updates and emerging technologies impacting the profession.
Presentations by Ethan Betterton, Laura Tickner, Courtney Mancari, Damian Klute, Brad Johnson and Chris Hennessey explored developments from the Virginia General Assembly, leadership and work-life balance, cybersecurity and practical applications of A.I. in accounting and finance. The program also provided opportunities for peer networking and discussion on current issues facing accounting leaders.
The Controllers Executive RoundTable met Dec. 12 at VSCPA, bringing together accounting and finance professionals for a program focused on timely industry insights and peer connection.
The Accounting Ethics 2025 session was held Nov. 5 at Hardywood Brewery and presented by Dr. Alisa Brink, focusing on ethical standards and professional responsibilities in the accounting profession.
The Controllers Executive RoundTable met Sept. 12 at Maymont Park for a program exploring leadership and workplace dynamics.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CERT members have generously endowed scholarships awarded each year to exceptional accounting majors.
View past scholarship recipients below and see the talented students who have benefited from this support.
Marshall Cheatham
B.S. Accounting, 2026
The CERT scholarship could not have come at a better time for me. Entering my last year of college for my B.S. in accounting, saving money and expanding my network are paramount to my professional development and success. In the future, I will be on my way to a master’s degree and CPA certification, and doing so cost-effectively takes a large burden off my parents and me. Furthermore, having a vast network of individuals, especially in positions of seniority and prestige, is a resource that can set someone apart from a sea of others seeking a competitive and lucrative opportunity. As someone with entry into the workforce post-education at the forefront of my mind, the CERT scholarship gives me an invaluable edge among my peers. I am truly thankful for the generosity of the donors, and I am excited to connect with professionals.
Brianna Cook
B.S. Accounting, B.S. Management/Entrepreneurship, 2026
The CERT scholarship has played a significant role in supporting both my academic and professional journey. As a double major in accounting and business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship at VCU, I’ve been able to explore my passion for the accounting field while also gaining leadership experience through my involvement in Army ROTC and various student organizations. The scholarship has not only provided critical financial assistance but also opened doors to network with high-level professionals and engage in valuable learning opportunities. Thanks to this support, I have been able to stay focused on my studies, prepare for the CPA exam and pursue meaningful internships that align with my long-term goal of becoming a certified public accountant. I am truly grateful for the resources and opportunities made possible by the Controllers Executive Roundtable. I strive to lead with purpose and integrity while embracing every opportunity to grow, serve and contribute meaningfully to the accounting profession.
"I strive to lead with purpose and integrity while embracing every opportunity to grow, serve and contribute meaningfully to the accounting profession."
Mayah Kyereboah
B.S. Accounting, 2028
I am truly grateful to be one of the recipients of the Controllers Executive Roundtable scholarships. I am a first-generation sophomore at VCU in the business foundations program on track to accounting. This support will allow me to allocate more time to focus on my academics and the community service initiatives I’m involved in. I am deeply appreciative of this scholarship funding and the opportunities it provides to grow professionally and academically.
Penny Nantamu
B.S. Accounting, 2025
As I approach my senior year at VCU, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be awarded the CERT scholarship. This scholarship is more than financial support — it’s a source of motivation to finish strong, earn my degree and pursue my career goals with confidence. Winning this scholarship is a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put in during my years at VCU, and I’m proud that my efforts have been recognized. Knowing that a group of distinguished professionals supports my education encourages me to stay focused on becoming a CPA, advancing my professional development and expanding my network. College can be financially challenging, but this support eases that burden and allows me to focus on what matters most: learning, growing and preparing for the future. With this financial assistance, I’m able to stay enrolled, complete my degree, walk the stage and dedicate myself fully to my studies and career preparation. I’m sincerely grateful to be considered for this scholarship.
Bethany Peek
B.S. Accounting, B.S. Economics, 2025
I’m incredibly grateful to be awarded this scholarship. It will be a huge help in completing my degrees in accounting and economics. I will be graduating this December and am very appreciative of this opportunity to network with professionals and receive support in my studies. I’m excited to graduate and begin my work in the accounting field of auditing. The CERT scholarship means a great deal to me and will be very helpful as I move forward.
Abena Adu Newman
B.S. Accounting, 2025
The CERT scholarship has been a tremendous blessing in pursuing an accounting degree at VCU. The financial assistance has not only covered my tuition but also allowed me to focus fully on my academic and professional growth. With the scholarship's support, I’ve had the freedom to choose internships based on the learning opportunities they provide rather than financial necessity. This has enriched my educational experience and opened doors to invaluable professional connections. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities the CERT scholarship has afforded me and truly appreciate this support.
Kendal Burruss
B.S. Accounting, 2025
As a senior at VCU, I am on track to graduate in spring 2025 with 150 credits, fulfilling the requirements for the CPA exam within four years. The CERT scholarship has been instrumental in helping me achieve this goal, enabling me to take additional credits, complete CLEP exams and cover essential expenses such as books and transportation. This support has allowed me to avoid the extra costs of a master’s program while staying fully focused on my academic and career goals. I am deeply grateful for the CERT scholarship’s generosity, which has relieved financial pressures and given me the freedom to pursue my passion for accounting. With a strong foundation in the field, my goal is to become a CPA and work as an auditor for a small firm, applying my skills to serve clients effectively.
Jade Campbell
B.S. Accounting, 2025
I’m a senior at VCU studying accounting. After earning my degree, I plan to pursue my CPA. Originally from Appomattox, I moved to the Richmond area after high school and transferred to VCU from Brightpoint Community College, where I earned my associate degree. I’m a fully online student and currently an audit intern at Myers and Stauffer, gaining foundational skills in accounting. In the future, I hope to excel in my career and provide valuable expertise to those around me. Here’s a quote by Frederick Douglass that keeps me motivated: "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." The CERT scholarship has been an incredible aid in furthering my education. With this scholarship, I’ve been able to give my full attention to my classes. In addition to the financial assistance, the CERT scholarship has given me opportunities to network with experienced professionals in my future career field. I would like to thank those who contribute and make this scholarship possible. It has allowed me to focus on excelling in my classes and preparing for my future.
Ngan Dinh
B.S. Accounting, 2024
I was born and raised in Vietnam before moving to the U.S. at 16. I’m currently in my final semester majoring in accounting at VCU. I plan to take the CPA exam this spring and will be returning to KPMG as an audit associate in fall 2025. I love traveling, exploring different architectural styles and trying new cuisines. I believe "the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of my studies, allowing me to focus more on my coursework and less on financial stress. In addition, I’ll be able to pay for my school parking permit and not worry about finding a day pass. Thank you again for your kindness and support. I am truly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has provided, and I am committed to making the most of them.
Tyler Edge
B.S. Accounting, B.S. Finance, 2024
I grew up in Charlottesville where I began my career in restaurant management and food preparation. When restaurants and child care centers closed at the onset of the pandemic, I dedicated my time to completing my Associate of Science in business administration while balancing care for my two children. I transferred to VCU in fall 2022 to pursue dual bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance as a nontraditional, first-generation student. The CERT scholarship has allowed me to effectively balance my responsibilities as a father, student and active community member. It has empowered me to fully engage in my academic pursuits, cultivate meaningful relationships and show my children the importance of education. I’m truly grateful for this generous support and the opportunities it has provided during my time at VCU.
Jeffrey Kum
B.S. Accounting, B.S. Information Systems, 2023
The CERT scholarship has been a tremendous help in completing my degree in accounting and information systems. The scholarship not only provided financial assistance for tuition but also gave me opportunities to network with professionals in my field and access valuable resources and mentorship. It allowed me to focus more on my academics, pursue internships and gain practical experience, which ultimately led to the successful completion of my degree programs and a full-time job. The scholarship has been invaluable to my academic and professional development, and I’m grateful for the support it has provided.
Carla Quinteros
B.S. Accounting, 2023
The CERT scholarship has helped me continue my college career while connecting me with many wonderful professionals and opportunities at VCU. I’m not only pursuing my degree, but I’m also learning what it means to be a well-rounded accounting student and future professional. Thanks to this scholarship, I’m getting closer to my goal of becoming the first person in my family to earn a college degree.
*This is Carla’s second year receiving the CERT scholarship.
- 2001-02:
Michael P. Jones
Teanesha S. Rowe - 2002-03:
John W. Barbee
Khanh Dieu Le - 2003-04:
Albertine Jones
Khanh Dieu Le - 2004-05:
Matthew K. Wiggins
Desiree Beatty - 2005-06:
Seungho Choi
Kalani K. Udurawana - 2006-07:
Seungho Choi
Ramonda Pitt - 2007-08:
Ji-Hyun Moon
Frank Womble - 2008-09:
Ashley N. Andrews
Joshua D. Taylor - 2009-10:
Sara Ayaz
Lindsay Shacklette - 2010-11:
Sam Mattox
Lannine Fisher - 2011-12:
Rachel Marshall
Christopher Chin - 2012-13:
Francisco Coleto
Rachel Kilgore - 2013-14:
Shelika Buchanan
Nirali Vora - 2014-15:
Kira daVries
Carmen Clifford - 2015-16:
Johanna N. Armah
Sarah M. Wunschel - 2016-17:
Jecinta Gregory
Zikai Chen - 2017-18:
Payne Castro
Jennifer Nguyen - 2018-19:
Justin Elmore
Scott Bland Jewett - 2019-20:
Andrea Reyes Pineda
Ekaterina Klokova - 2020-21:
Megan Fisher
Adiyam Equbagzi - 2021-22:
Carla Quinteros
Reeves Surgner - 2022-23:
Jeffrey Kum
Carla Quinteros - 2023-24:
Ngan Dinh
Tyler Edge - 2024-25:
Abena Adu Newman
Kendal Burruss
Jade Campbell - 2025-26:
Marshall Cheatham
Brianna Cook
Mayah Kyereboah
Penny Nantamu
Bethany Peek
VCU CERT Team
Fengchun Tang, Ph.D.
CERT Professor
Associate Professor of Accounting
In 2011, the Controllers Executive Roundtable Steering Committee generously established the Controllers Executive Roundtable Professor of Accounting Fund, which provides an annual stipend to support the scholarly activities of the named recipient.
The inaugural recipient, Dr. Rasoul Tondkar, was instrumental in the founding and organization of the Controllers Roundtable in the late 1990s. From its inception until his retirement in 2017, Dr. Tondkar actively supported the Controllers Roundtable.
Following his retirement, Dr. Fengchun Tang became the second VCU professor to receive the honor of being named the Controllers Executive Roundtable Professor of Accounting.
Fengchun Tang, Ph.D., is an associate professor of accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business, where he teaches accounting information systems. He earned a Ph.D. in business administration from Washington State University in 2012.
His primary research interests include judgment and decision-making in accounting and information systems. His research has been published in several journals, including Behavioral Research in Accounting, Journal of Information Systems, International Journal of Accounting Information Systems and Behavior & Information Technology.
His latest research, titled "The Effects of Assurance and Construal Levels on Investment Decisions in Equity Crowdfunding," has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Information Systems.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude for CERT’s financial support. CERT’s generous contribution has had a major impact on my research. It encourages my continued commitment to high-quality research and greatly advances my research agenda.
Fengchun Tang, Ph.D.
Pavani Babu
CERT Assistant
As the CERT assistant, Pavani helps transform ideas into engaging experiences for Virginia's accounting and finance leaders. From coordinating executive programs and managing member engagement to analyzing feedback and supporting strategic initiatives, she works behind the scenes to ensure every event delivers lasting value.
A graduate of VCU's Master of Decision Analytics (Financial Analytics) program, with an M.B.A. in finance and a bachelor's degree in accounting and taxation, Pavani combines business insight with analytical thinking. Her interests include accounting, financial analytics, artificial intelligence and the evolving role of technology in the accounting profession.
As a CPA aspirant and lifetime member of Beta Alpha Psi, she is passionate about building stronger connections among students, faculty and industry while contributing to the continued growth of the CERT community.