October Newsletter 
Monthly Meeting
Please join AFWA for our October 2026 Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 27th
11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Walden Club
Happy Early Halloween! Dress up for our meeting this month and for a chance to win a prize for best costume!
Presenter: Will Clegg, Partner with HHM CPA's
Topic: Tax Update: Yearend Tax Planning, Do’s & Don’ts - Are You ready?
Field of Study: Tax
CPE Credit: 1 Hour
About Our Presenter: Will Clegg is a partner at HHM with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in tax and advisory services. He works closely with business owners and high-net-worth individuals, providing strategic guidance in areas such as year-end tax planning, succession strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and estate and trust consulting. His ability to simplify complex financial matters and deliver clear, actionable advice makes him a trusted resource for clients across various industries. Known for his responsiveness and dedication, Will is more than just an accountant — he becomes a dependable part of his clients’ inner circle. Clients value his availability, insight, and genuine investment in their success, often seeing him as an extension of their leadership team and support system. In addition to his tax and advisory work, Will advises clients in the construction and real estate sectors—leveraging his family background in the industry. He also contributes to the firm’s dealership services group and assists businesses with strategic transactions and securing financing, helping them plan confidently for the future. Will plays an active role in HHM’s marketing and recruiting efforts, driven by a passion for connecting with people and making a meaningful impact on his firm. Will earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance, along with a Master of Business Administration, from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Beyond the office, Will is deeply committed to the Chattanooga community. He currently serves as Chair of the CHI Memorial Foundation Board and sits on the boards of the Just One More Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. His past leadership includes roles with the Memorial Health Foundation, the Hospice Foundation of Chattanooga (Board Chair Elect, Treasurer, and Board Member), the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball (Past Auction Chair), and the March of Dimes (Past Treasurer). He is a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Chattanooga class and has also served on the Ronald McDonald House Autumn Children’s Festival Board and the Junior Achievement committee. In 2022, he placed in the top 10 nationwide in the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign, raising over $100,000 to fight breast cancer. Will’s focus on community leadership and fundraising reflects his belief in giving back and building a thriving, connected city. He applies the same energy and work ethic to his volunteer efforts as he does to his client relationships. Will and his wife Sarah have three young children—Mary Kathleen, William, and Jamie. When he’s not working or volunteering, Will enjoys playing golf and, during football season, never misses a Tennessee Vols game.
AFWA is registered with the National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have final authority in the acceptance of individual courses of CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.
Tickets
$30.00 Member Reservation
$35.00 Non Member Reservation
$0.00 First Time Guest Reservation
$15.00 Student Member Ticket
Calendar of Events
October 27th - October Monthly Meeting with Will Clegg, Partner with HHM CPA's
November 12th - Fall CPE Seminar, Chattanooga Marriott
November 17th - Monthly Meeting with Tena Keith, VP of Finance & Administration Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority
December 5th - Annual Christmas Party
January 26th - Monthly Meeting with Emily Horn, Partner with Bradley Law
February 23rd - Monthly Meeting
March 23rd - Monthly Meeting
April 27th PR Luncheon
May 25th - Monthly Meeting with Laura Von Wahlde, Professional Coach
June 22nd - Monthly Meeting
Keep an eye out for dates on our CPE Seminars and updates to the calendar!
Open Board Meetings held via Zoom the second Wednesday of every month.
We are always looking for topics and speakers of interest to our members. Any topic and/or speaker recommendations are welcome.
Any questions, suggestions or topics can be emailed to our general email address [email protected].
Upcoming Event
2026 AFWA Fall Seminar
Thursday, November 12, 2026
The Chattanooga Marriott Hotel
Up to 8 hours CPE Credit
We hope you will join us on November 12th for a full day of CPE with local speakers and quality CPE!
The schedule below will give you a snapshot of everything you need to know.
Any questions or issues with registration, please email us at [email protected]
SCHEDULE:
7:30 am - 8:00 am Morning Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00 am - 9:40 am PROGRAM 1 (2 hours CPE)
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPACT ON ACCOUNTING"
Field of Study: Technology - Technical
Learning Objective: Artificial Intelligence is changing the way CPA's, accountants, and businesses perform their daily work. This presentation will help you understand how AI tools work and how they will impact those working in accounting and finance professions.
Presented by Charlie Apigian, AI Practice Leader for LBMC
10:00 am - 11:40 am PROGRAM 2 (2 hours CPE)
“ECONOMIC UPDATE - FUNDAMENTALS MATTER”
Field of Study: Economics - Technical
Learning Objective: This presentation provides an overview of the current state of the economy and why fundamentals still matter.
Presented by Mark Fleck, Principal with Patten & Patten
11:40 am - 12:40 pm Lunch included on-site
12:40 pm - 2:20 pm PROGRAM 3 (2 hours CPE)
"POWERFUL LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM THE 2026 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT"
Field of Study: Personal Development - Leadership
Learning Objective: Build practical tools and powerful leadership skills so you will be equipped and inspired to lead where you are, because everyone has influence.
Presented by Dr. Edna Varner, Interim President of Public Education Forward
2:40 pm - 3:20 pm PROGRAM 4 (1 hour CPE)
“QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY & OTHER EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS”
Field of Study: Technology - Technical
Learning Objective: This presentation discusses exciting new developments in quantum computing and other technology capability, and how this will impact the way we work and the region's economic development.
Presented by Janet Rehberg, President & CEO of Electric Power Board
3:40 pm - 4:20 pm PROGRAM 5 (1 hour CPE)
“WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNAL FRAUD”
Field of Study: Accounting - Technical
Learning Objective: Understanding how fraud is perpetrated and concealed is key to managing fraud risks and proactively detecting fraud. We will discuss the most popular fraud schemes, how they are perpetrated, & how to use data analytics to look for red flags of fraud.
Presented by Bill Acuff of Forensic & Fraud Investigations
REGISTRATION FEES:
AFWA Members - $100 for Full Day (8 hours CPE) / $100 for Half Day (4 hours CPE)
Non-Members - $200 for Full Day (8 hours CPE) / $150 for Half Day (4 hours CPE)
Discounts for companies with more than 5 attendees*:
- $20 per person discount for Full Day / $10 per person for Half Day
Discounts for companies with more than 10 attendees*:
- $20 per person discount for Full Day PLUS one free registration.
* Multi-discount applies to non-member rates only.
AFWA is registered with the National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have final authority in the acceptance of individual courses of CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.
Level: Basic Prerequisites: None
GROUP RATES AVAILABLE AS LISTED ABOVE - CLICK REGISTER NOW!
RSVP & Payment Deadline: November 6th, 2026
Tickets
$100.00 Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE
$100.00 Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE
$200.00 Non-Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE
$150.00 Non-Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE
Annual Holiday Party!
AFWA CHRISTMAS PARTY
AT BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE TEAROOM
INSIDE MERCANTILE AT THE RIDGE
SATURDAY, DEC 5TH 11AM TO 1PM
It’s time for the most joyous meeting of the year - the AFWA Christmas Party! Please join us on Saturday, December 5th from 11am to 1pm at Beyond the Garden Gate Tea Room.
Celebrate the holiday season, enjoy the mimosa bar, and network with our AFWA community! Quiche, salad, and high tea will be served.
We anticipate lots of fun again this year with the gift exchange! The gift exchange is voluntary. If you choose to participate, we ask that you bring a wrapped gift with a minimum value of $20 (no gag gifts, please). The gift exchange fun starts immediately following our meal.
All are welcome, including non-AFWA members. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to attend and join in the fun! Please make your reservation by November 28th.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Tickets
$30.00 Member Reservation
$35.00 Non Member Reservation
Did You Know?
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our most recent networking event. Keep an eye out for our next opportunity!
Student Information
AFWA Meet and Mentor Program 2026
Chattanooga AFWA's mission is to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession.
Chattanooga AFWA is made up of all different types of professionals (you do not have to be a woman to be a member!) in the Chattanooga area involved in Accounting and Finance fields.
If you are a student that would be interested in meeting with a local AFWA Member over coffee (or a snack!) to discuss their experiences in the workforce and build a relationship in a relaxed atmosphere, check out some of the available members here!
We hope this is a valuable experience for both the students and mentors who participate. Feedback is welcome throughout this process!
If you are a member that would be interested in participating in this program, please email us at [email protected] with a brief bio to add to our list.
Hey Members!
Welcome to our new 2026-2027 Board. We are so excited for what the upcoming year will hold!
President - Jennifer Sabados
President Elect - Suzanne Beaty, Scholarship Committee
Vice President - Christie Jordan, Education/Legislation Committee
Treasurer - Kim Pace, Finance Committee
Secretary - Jennifer Lamb, Program Committee
Director Ex-Officio - Sandra Hogan, Public Relations Committee
Director - Morgen Rose, Publicity/Newsletter Committee
Director - Claire Ornsbee, Membership/Member Relations Committee
Director - Baylie Jones, Student Activities Committee
Director - Taylor Weaver, Bylaws Committee
Director - Taylor Chattin, Yearbook Committee
Off Board Committee Appointment - Melinda Askew, Chapter Development
Committee News
Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you'd like to be involved!
Chapter Development Committee
Education/Legislation
Finance Committee
Membership/Member Relations Committee
Program
Public Relations Committee
Publicity/Newsletter/Website
Scholarship
Student Activities
Yearbook