Join Forge Search + Consulting for a complimentary, three-credit Continuing Professional Education (CPE) event designed for accounting, finance, and business leaders navigating an increasingly complex business environment.
Through candid conversations and practical examples, we'll explore how to evaluate automation investments, use AI to strengthen everyday decisions, and improve cash flow forecasting.
Attendees will walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections with fellow business leaders.
Agenda:
7:30 - 8:00 AM: Registration, breakfast and networking
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM: When is Automation Worth It? (Panel Discussion)
Panelists: Chris Burdette, MBA, Director of Operations, Takeuchi
Gerardo Cisneros, MBA, Global Finance Director, Nordson Corporation
Jörg Wolter, Chief Executive Officer, DATA AHEAD Inc.
CPE Credit: 1.0 in Finance
Automation and AI can drive efficiency, but not every investment delivers results. In this panel discussion, finance and operations leaders will explore how to evaluate opportunities, weigh ROI and implementation risks, and identify where automation can create measurable value.
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM: From Complex to Clear: Practical AI for Today’s Business Leaders
Speaker: Rhiannon Poore, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Forge Search
CPE Credit: 1.0 in Information Technology
AI is changing how business leaders analyze information, solve problems, and communicate. But getting meaningful value from AI requires more than knowing which tools to use--it requires knowing how to ask better questions and evaluate the answers.
In this interactive session, Rhiannon Poore, Founder and CEO of Forge Search + Consulting, will demonstrate practical ways to use AI as a thinking partner in everyday business situations. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how to structure effective prompts, identify hidden assumptions, simplify complex information, and challenge their own thinking, while recognizing AI's limitations and the importance of human judgment.
Participants will leave with practical techniques they can immediately apply to improve productivity, communication, and decision-making.
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: Beyond the P&L: Practical Cash Flow Forecasting
Speaker: Ben Popwell, CPA, Senior Manager, Elliott Davis
CPE Credit: 1.0 CPE in Finance
Even profitable companies face liquidity constraints. Learn how to build and maintain a cash flow forecast, stress-test assumptions, anticipate liquidity pressure, and deliver actionable insights that strengthen decision-making.
10:50 AM - 11:00 AM: Closing remarks
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Chris Burdette, MBA is the Director of Operations at Takeuchi’s compact track loader production facility in Moore, South Carolina. With more than two decades of manufacturing experience, Chris brings a diverse operational background spanning manufacturing operations, logistics, continuous improvement, and quality. His experience has focused heavily on complex, engineered and build-to-order environments where quality, efficiency, and adaptability are critical to success.
Chris is passionate about bringing clarity and alignment to complex organizations, removing barriers, developing people, and building sustainable processes that support long-term growth. His leadership philosophy centers on humility, transparency, and integrity, with a strong emphasis on empowering teams and developing future leaders. Chris holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Marshall University and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
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Gerardo Cisneros, MBA, is the Global Finance Director at Nordson Corporation, a global leader in precision manufacturing technology. An experienced finance executive, Gerardo brings a strong background in financial leadership, strategic planning, and driving value creation across global organizations. His expertise centers on aligning financial strategy with business operations, evaluating investment opportunities, and supporting informed decision-making.
Gerardo holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in Finance from Universidad Panamericana. He has also completed executive education in strategic leadership at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. His background in global finance and business strategy provides a strong foundation for navigating complex financial environments, evaluating business opportunities, and supporting long-term organizational growth.
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Rhiannon Poore is the founder and CEO of Forge Search + Consulting, where she partners with companies to build resilient teams that thrive in an evolving world. Since its inception, Forge has grown into a multi-million dollar professional recruiting firm headquartered in Greenville, SC serving a nationwide client base. An award-winning recruiting leader, Rhiannon brings 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, business development, and talent development—along with a unique blend of strategic insight and real-world expertise.
Entrepreneurial at heart, Rhiannon has been recognized for her distinct ability to lead change and drive results throughout her career, including honors such as Greenville’s “Best and Brightest” and FGP’s “Top Biller of the Year.” Previously, Rhiannon led talent acquisition at a large public accounting firm and began her career working for an executive search firm. A believer in the power of relationships, Rhiannon founded Forge to transform talent acquisition with a people-first approach that equips companies and candidates for lasting success.
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Ben Popwell, CPA, is a Senior Manager at Elliott Davis in the Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) practice. Based in Greenville, Ben works with business owners and leadership teams to strengthen their finance and accounting functions, improve financial visibility, and turn financial data into practical insights that support better decision-making.
His experience includes advising organizations on management reporting, accounting processes and systems, cash flow forecasting, and building scalable and effective finance functions. With a relational and advisory-focused approach, Ben helps leaders understand the key drivers of their businesses and make informed decisions around liquidity, working capital, and long-term financial performance.
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Jörg Wolter is the Chief Executive Officer of DATA AHEAD Inc., bringing more than 20 years of experience helping industrial companies improve and modernize their manufacturing operations. His expertise spans production digitalization, automation, manufacturing technology, and the development of intelligent production and testing systems designed to improve efficiency and performance.
Throughout his career, Jörg has focused on helping manufacturers navigate complex operational challenges and identify practical opportunities for improvement. He brings a results-oriented approach to technology and automation, with an emphasis on solutions that solve real production challenges, deliver measurable value, and support sustainable growth. His experience working with manufacturers in both Europe and the United States also brings a valuable global perspective to conversations around investment, automation, and the future of manufacturing.