Forward Together: Annual Meeting & Recognition

May 12th, 2026 - May 12th, 2026 @ 8:30 AM-12:30PM

Member Price $100
Non-Member Price $125
If you are a member, please login to activate member pricing.

Credits

2

Description

FORWARD. TOGETHER. Annual Meeting & Recognition!

We have a great morning planned for you!  AI- the topic on everyone's mind- will be the focus of a presentation and panel, both designed to provide insights on how this tool can be safely incorporated into work culture to maximiize efficiencies, humanity and innovation.  Bring your questions!  Our panel of experts, all PhD's with educational and consulting backgrounds in the AI space, look forward to engaging with you. A  brief Economic Outlook will also be presented. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the presumed incoming CEO of the New England Society of CPAs prior to voting on a proposal to merge with CPA Societies in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont to form this new entity. You will come away with tips and insights on how to identify opportunity amidst challenge and create pathways to success.

Breakfast refreshments will be served providing a great opportunity to catch up with friends, colleagues and clients. Event concludes with recognition of newly licensed CPAs, Mentor Program participants and 2026 Forward Together Award winners!

Location: Harraseeket Inn, Freeport

Objectives

Kick off a new membership year with  informative sessions on timely topics (qualifying for CPE credits). Award presentations, networking opportunities, vote on merger proposal.  

Leader Bios

Zachary Donah

Zach Donah, CAE, is president and CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs) where he leads state’s professional association of 11,500 certified public accountants (CPAs) and professionals working in their firms and organizations. Prior to his current role, Donah was Deputy CEO at MassCPAs where he worked with the Society’s leadership team on the overall management and oversight of the Society and its Educational Foundation, including advancing the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. He has been a member of the Society’s staff since 2013, serving in various role in the organization’s government affairs team, including vice president of advocacy, where he oversaw the Society’s government relations and the academic and career development programs and the MassCPAs Educational Foundation. Prior to joining the Society, Donah served as a legislative director and chief of staff in the Massachusetts State Senate.


Susan Martore-Baker

President, Cambridge Trust of New Hampshire

With over 40 years of trust and investment experience, Ms. Martore-Baker is recognized for her work with individuals, corporations, charitable organizations and municipalities to help them identify and achieve their financial goals. Her client-first approach to investing is delivered through strategy, planning and execution that draws upon the expansive resources available at Cambridge Trust. Prior to joining Cambridge Trust, Ms. Martore-Baker was a Senior Vice President at Citizens Bank where she provided comprehensive wealth management solutions to high-net worth individuals and families. She previously held administrative and business development positions at Shawmut Bank, First NH Investment Services, U.S. Trust (formerly State Street Global Advisors). Ms. Martore-Baker earned a BA in Business from Furman University in South Carolina and received an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. She currently serves as a board member for the Mayhew Program for At-Risk Boys, the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and Easterseals NH/VT.


Conor Laver

Conor Laver, Data Scientist, AI Builder and Leader
Conor Laver is an AI and Data Science with 17+ years of experience leading technology teams across startups and established organizations. With a PhD in Astrophysics from UC Berkeley, he focuses on applying advanced technology to challenges in climate, politics, and civic engagement. He began his career at BrightPower, a New York city based ClimateTech startup iConor then took his finance and strategic talents to Murmuration, a 501c3/c4 non-profit where he led a team building state-of-the-art campaign and advocacy platform. Recently, he founded AtomicPE, an AI focused analytics firm that helps businesses plan for AI and technology transformations. He recently co-authored an academic paper on the use of LLMs in Political Science, and is mentoring and leading AI training sessions at the Roux Institute, Portland.


Jeremy Pare

Jeremy Pare, PhD, Professor & Consultant
Dr. Pare is a Professor at UNE and Duke where he teaches Change Leadership, Sustainable Business Strategy, and Environmental Law and Policy with a focus on sustainability management. He has worked with many industries including healthcare, biotech, food manufacturing, boat builders, hospitality, textiles, government, and nonprofits. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and provides training and coaching to organizations from B Corps to Fortune 500 Firms. He is a certified behavioral specialist on DISC, scrum leader, lean greenbelt, and leadership challenge facilitator and is a member of B Academics and the National Association of Environmental Managers.


Matt Graham

Dr. C. Matt Graham is an Associate Professor of Information Systems and Security Management at the University of Maine. His primary research is focused on various aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications and implications for businesses. These include interactive marketing; sentiment analysis; data protection, confidentiality and integrity, and optimization of operational efficiencies. His expertise extends to database design and development, where he focuses on creating scalable and efficient data storage solutions. His research has been published in the Journal of Computer Information Systems (IF: 3.317), the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing (IF: 8.4), and several other high-quality peer-reviewed journals.


Major Subjects

Checkin, Breakfast & Conversation

Economic Outlook; meet & greet with incoming CEO of NE Society of CPAs (pending merger vote)

Business Meeting: Merger Vote, Interim Board of Governors

Presentation: Human Behavior as the Engine of Innovation: Creative Vigilance in the Age of AI

11-11:50 a.m. – Intelligent Innovation: Merging Minds & Machines:

Panel: Intelligent Innovation: Merging Minds with Machines

Awards Presentation:New CPAs; Mentor Program; Forward Together Awards

Prerequisites

None