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Mike Dawson
Retired Senior Special Agent With U.S. Secret Service and Private Sector
Michael Dawson is a retired Senior Special agent with twenty-six years of professional investigative and fraud experience with the US Secret Service and private sector. Mr. Dawson has led multiple complex investigations into transnational & domestic organized crime, cyber enabled fraud, money laundering, cryptocurrency money laundering and elder fraud resulting in numerous prosecutions and seizures. Currently, Mr. Dawson is assigned to the Tyler, Texas Secret Service Office and is the recipient of the 2019 & 2024 Homeland Security Secretary’s Exceptional Service Gold Medal.
Tim Pike, CPA, CFE
Regional Managing Partner at The Bonadio Group
Tim has 26 years of public accounting experience, specializing in assurance and forensic services. He has served as Regional Managing Partner for Bonadio Group, conducts peer reviews for other accounting practices, and is known for simplifying complex issues in assurance and litigation support. A frequent presenter at TXCPA CPE events and guest lecturer, Tim shares his expertise with both professionals and students.
Dr. Leigh Richardson
Principal Founder and CEO at The Brain Performance Center
Dr. Leigh Richardson is a brain health expert with a PhD in psychology, board certification in neurotherapy, and licensure as a professional counselor. She is the founder of The Brain Performance Center, where she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations improve performance by training the brain to think clearly, manage stress, and make better decisions under pressure. Her work translates neuroscience into measurable outcomes, enhancing focus, executive function, resilience, leadership, and productivity while reducing burnout.
Jana Simons, J.D., LL.M., M.S.
Estate and Tax Planning Attorney at Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman, L.L.P.
Ms. Simons advises individuals and multi-generational families, focusing on tax planning, drafting complex wills and trusts, implementing wealth preservation strategies, and charitable giving. She is committed to helping clients achieve their goals through creative, practical solutions tailored to each unique situation—whether establishing or reorganizing a business, or managing the administration of a trust or estate. Drawing on a diverse professional background, Ms. Simons combines legal expertise with real-world business experience. Before joining the firm, she managed a large horse ranch and built successful real estate and insurance practices. This business-focused perspective allows her to understand clients’ concerns and apply a practical approach to tax, estate, and business planning challenges. Ms. Simons holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center with a concentration in Estate Planning. While at Georgetown, she served as an extern for the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division. She also earned her J.D. while completing a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning, represented pro bono clients in IRS tax controversies, served as a Peer Financial Counselor, and clerked for the Honorable Robert L. Jones at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas. She is admitted to practice in Texas, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Kimberly Spinks, CFA, CFP®
Chief Investment Officer at Texas Bank and Trust.
Kimberly Spinks brings 37 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy. She has extensive expertise in managing portfolios for individuals, institutions, trusts, and foundations, as well as advising clients on divorce-related financial planning. She holds a Master of Science in Finance from The University of Houston and is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®). Kimberly is an active member of the CFA Institute, CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth, and the CFP® Board, reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and fiduciary responsibility. Her career is defined by combining deep analytical expertise with practical, tailored solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals.