6. Carrie Ferroukhi Contact Information 713.589.5052 [email_address] Areas of Practice Sarbanes Oxley Internal Audit Energy Trading Risk Control Regulatory Compliance Financial Reporting Technical Accounting General Accounting Enterprise Risk Management IFRS Industry Lines Energy Trading Oil & Gas Manufacturing Energy Services Education/Qualifications Texas A&M University – BBA, Accounting, with Honors Certified Public Accountant Associations AICPA Past Member – Committee of Chief Risk Officers Past Member – Energy Markets Forum (UK) Past Member – Texas A&M Finance Advisory Board Nick is the Co-Founder and CEO of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines. Nick’s leadership guides strategic direction and sets the cultural tone for the entire company. His broad and diverse background gives him unique perspective in driving AXIA to deliver on the multitude of challenges presented by its clients. Throughout his experience, Nick has developed and implemented high level, comprehensive business risk and control assessments for several, large and mid-cap public companies. His strength lies in facilitating interactive working sessions with the senior leadership teams to communicate results and build consensus. Nick provides hands on risk consulting services to top energy companies in response to new and changing business conditions, including business restructuring, new business strategies and outdated or poorly performing business processes. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Nick was Managing Director and Co-Founder of Sirius Solutions. He served as Chief Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Officer at Shell Trading in London, England where he was responsible for managing risk control, internal audit, and the regulatory and compliance function for Shell’s worldwide energy trading businesses. Nick was the Chief Accounting Officer for Coral Energy/Tejas Gas, the U.S. energy trading and natural gas pipeline division of Shell Oil. He also has had roles in corporate development and group controllership for Quanex Corporation, a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. He began his career in the audit practice at Deloitte & Touche, managing financial audits and special projects for public companies in the energy and manufacturing sector, leaving as a Senior Manager. Nick earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, with Honors, in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a past member of the Committee of Chief Risk Officers, the Energy Markets Forum (UK) and the Texas A&M Finance Advisory Board. Nick Bednorz, CPA CEO & Managing Director
7. Carrie Ferroukhi Contact Information 713.589.5050 [email_address] Industry Lines Energy Manufacturing Construction Service Education/Qualifications Stephen F. Austin University – B.B.A Accounting and Management, Magna Cum Laude Certified Public Accountant Associations American Institute of CPAs The Texas Society of CPAs Institute of Internal Auditors Deanna is the Co-Founder and President of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines. Deanna is responsible for ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service. Her responsibilities include understanding client needs and providing them with the appropriate resources. Deanna monitors client requests and resource availability to maintain a readily available staff. Prior to establishing AXIA Resources, Deanna served as a Partner with Sirius Solutions where she played a significant leadership role in the successful growth of that practice from its inception. Deanna started her career at Deloitte & Touche in Houston. While at Deloitte, she focused in the areas of energy, manufacturing, construction and service and was selected to perform an international rotation with a major energy company in Russia. She expanded her international experience by accepting an internal audit position with Keystone, where she focused on the operational control structure of various manufacturing plants located in Scotland, China and Mexico. Deanna then spent five years with The Tinsley Group where she recruited exceptional talent for several of Houston’s top companies. In the process, she developed strong relationships with candidates that ranked in the top of their peer groups, establishing her as a key advisor to them for both their career development and their future business resource requirements. Deanna earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Accounting and Management from Stephen F. Austin University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of CPAs and the Institute of Internal Auditors. . Deanna Young, CPA President & Managing Director
8. Carrie Ferroukhi Maryam Cooley is a Managing Director of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines. Maryam is a growth focused Business Development Executive with over 20 years of domestic and international experience in diverse industries including Oil & Gas, Petroleum, Specialty Chemicals, Water Treatment, Reverse Osmosis, Specialty Gases and Capital Goods. Maryam has been instrumental in building an expansive network of business for AXIA by focusing on strategic development based on current market conditions. Maryam has executed initiatives that include planning, sourcing, evaluating and marketing all service lines at AXIA Resources. She serves as a partner with her clients to help solve critical business issues. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Maryam successfully led global teams and secured long-term contracts by creating global strategic alliances for multiple companies including Shell Oil, Air Products and Argo Scientific resulting in an over 50% increase of sales and securing business for five years. She has established business joint ventures with billion dollar companies to secure significantly larger contracts with companies such as Shell Oil, Motiva, Valero, Huntsman and Tesoro. Maryam has also led sales teams and business development efforts to successfully turnaround profit declining businesses to achieve both company profits and sales goals. Maryam earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Sul Ross State University and a Post-Graduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. Maryam Z. Cooley Managing Director Contact Information 713.589.5050 [email_address] Industry Lines Oil & Gas, Petroleum Specialty Chemicals Water Treatment Reverse Osmosis Specialty Gases Capital Goods Education/Qualifications Sul Ross State University – B.S. Biology and Chemistry University of Houston – Clear Lake – Post-Graduate degree in Biochemistry
9. Carrie Ferroukhi Service Line Technical Advisory Services Contact Information 713.589.5525 [email_address] Areas of Practice Technical Accounting Research and Implementation Risk Assessment Derivatives and Mark-to-market Accounting Risk Control SEC Reporting and Application Big Four Audit Services SOX Implementation Industry Lines Energy Trading and Marketing Oilfield Services Technology Manufacturing Financial institutions Education/Qualifications Texas State University – B.B.A., Accounting, Summa Cum Laude Certified Public Accountant Associations Texas Society of CPAs Candus Hinderer is a Vice President of Business Development as well as a Director in our Technical Accounting practice. With over 14 years experience in Energy, Risk, Audit and Accounting, Candus is uniquely qualified to understand the needs of our clients and ensure project success. Candus specializes in technical accounting research and implementation, derivatives and mark-to-market accounting, hedge accounting, risk control and deal structuring as well as SEC reporting and application. Since joining AXIA in 2006, Candus has provided technical advice on complex topics including the assessment and implementation of SFAS 157/159 and Hedging and Derivatives under SFAS 133/138. She has also designed and implemented hedge effectiveness testing tools and programs for her energy clients. Further, Candus has managed the annual goodwill impairment testing process pursuant to SFAS 142 as well as performed all aspects of purchase accounting for newly acquired companies. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Candus served as a Finance Manager for Shell Trading Gas & Power where she was responsible for the power accounting and risk control functions in the New York trading office. Previously, Candus was the SEC Reporting Director for Grey Wolf Drilling as well as an audit senior with Deloitte & Touche. Candus earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Accounting from Texas State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs as well as the Women’s Energy Network. Candus Hinderer, CPA Vice President & Director
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11. Carrie Ferroukhi Service Line Compliance & Reporting Contact Information 713.589.8881 [email_address] Areas of Practice Internal Audit Services Regulatory Compliance Financial Reporting Industry Lines Oil & Gas Manufacturing Power Generation Gaming/ Racing Education/Qualifications Texas A&M University – B.B.A., Accounting, with Honors Certified Public Accountant Associations Institute of Internal Auditors The Texas Society of CPAs Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Lifetime Member and Committeeman Junior League of Houston Trinity Episcopal Church – Endowment Board Elizabeth Epler is a Director at AXIA Resources with over 15 years experience in internal controls, financial statement auditing, internal auditing and financial consulting. She has extensive industry knowledge in Energy (emphasis on exploration and production), Manufacturing, Gaming and Racing. Elizabeth has provided a wide range of services to clients that include SOX implementations (design, documentation and testing) and project management, internal audit, enterprise risk management implementation and financial reporting. Elizabeth joined AXIA in 2005 and is accountable for the execution and management of AXIA’s Sarbanes Oxley practice which includes building and maintaining client relationships and development of AXIA’s SOX methodology, accompanying templates and management reporting tools. She interfaces with executive management and Audit Committees from project set-up to final Audit Committee reporting. Elizabeth liaises with external auditors as client advocate, reviews and delivers final product with analysis of results and creation of action plans. Additionally, Elizabeth has facilitated and managed an enterprise risk management risk assessment for a $500 million manufacturing client. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Elizabeth worked as a Internal Audit Manager at Jefferson Wells and a Manger at Arthur Andersen, where she gained experience planning, managing and performing internal audits and SOX implementations, preparing financial statements and filings with the SEC and managing the overall audit. Some of Elizabeth’s responsibilities included coordination and preparation of quarterly and annual report, preparing financial statements, drafting footnotes, overall project management and overall document review. Elizabeth earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, with Honors, in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Texas Society of CPAs, is a Lifetime Member and Committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a member of the Junior League of Houston and serves on the Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Board. Elizabeth A. Epler, CPA Director
12. Carrie Ferroukhi Service Line Compliance Contact Information Mobile: 713.705.0646 [email_address] Areas of Practice Technology Risk Services Internal Audit Services Regulatory Compliance Industry Lines Oil & Gas Manufacturing Health Care Government Gaming/Racing Banking Education/Qualifications Texas A&M University – B.B.A Management Information Systems CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) Associations Information Systems audit and Control Association (ISACA) Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Junior League of Houston Jessica Getz is a Director at AXIA Resources with over 10 years experience in Energy, Oil & Gas, Health Care, Banking, Manufacturing and Racing/Gaming. Jessica has provided a wide range of Technology Risk/Internal Audit services to clients that include IT SOX implementations (design, documentation and testing) and project management, as well as internal audit, general IT consulting and risk management. Since joining AXIA in 2005, Jessica has been accountable for the execution and management of AXIA’s Sarbanes Oxley IT practice and client relationships, which includes the development of AXIA’s SOX IT methodology, accompanying templates and management reporting tools. She has led several Sarbanes-Oxley compliance initiatives. Her responsibilities in these roles have included: documentation, testing, interfacing with executive management and Audit Committees from project set-up to final Audit Committee reporting, project planning and management, liaising with external auditors as client advocate, review and delivery of final product with analysis of results and creation of action plans. In addition, Jessica has implemented and managed a self assessment for Sarbanes-Oxley IT controls. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Jessica worked at Continental Airlines, Stewart & Stevenson and Deloitte, where she gained broad and diverse experience in IT auditing and consulting. She led teams that provided IT control assessments and process improvements. Her work included identifying processes, analyzing areas of potential risk and identifying mitigating controls. Jessica has also supervised and performed operational process and internal control reviews within multiple business cycles. Finally, Jessica’s experience in the Banking industry included reviewing FIDICIA procedures and deposit, loan, commercial lending and personal lending cycles. Jessica earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University and has earned certifications as a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a Certified Fraud Examiner. She is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Junior League of Houston. Jessica Getz, CISA, CFE Director
13. Carrie Ferroukhi Service Line Professional Recruitment Contact Information 713.589.3799 [email_address] Industry Lines Oil & Gas Power Generation Manufacturing Health Care Entertainment Real Estate Services Energy Trading Education/Qualifications LeTourneau University – B.B.A Rice University – Professional HR Development Program Associations Women’s Energy Network of Houston The Houston CPA Society The Internal Audit Society Lisa Brantley is a Vice President of Business Development at AXIA Resources with over 15 years experience devoted to client relationship management, general accounting, human resources and corporate training. Lisa is responsible for establishing, building and maintaining client, candidate and partner relationships to produce sales growth in multiple lines of business. Lisa has executed operational and strategic initiatives that include planning, sourcing, recruiting, interviewing, evaluating and marketing talent for the Financial Recruitment service line at AXIA Resources . She has been instrumental in building an expansive network of business for AXIA. She serves as a partner with her clients to help solve critical business issues while providing a tailored approach to each search, identifying the right blend of chemistry and credentials for her clients. Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Lisa worked as an Account Manager at Donovan and Watkins, a boutique search firm, where she expanded market share by identifying and developing in excess of 50 accounts within a variety of industries. Lisa built and nurtured long-term client and candidate relationships, recruited accounting and finance professionals at staff, management, director and executive levels. Some of Lisa’s responsibilities also included representing the company at recruiting and networking events, expanding the accounting and finance division and training new associates. Prior to that, Lisa was a Trainer and Management Consultant organizing and presenting educational seminars for Fortune 500 companies. Lisa also served as a Controller for Moody National Companies where she managed the company’s financial activities and human resource functions. Lisa earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from LeTourneau University and has completed the Professional HR Development Program at Rice University. She is a member of the Women’s Energy Network of Houston and is involved in The Houston CPA Society and The Internal Audit Society. Lisa Brantley VP Business Development
14. Carrie Ferroukhi Contact Information 713.589.5050 [email_address] Industry Lines Commercial Real Estate Investment Banking Oil & Gas Engineering & Construction Architecture Advertising/Marketing Education/Qualifications University of Houston CPC, Certified Personnel Consultant Associations NAPS, National Association of Personnel Services Board Member, Houston Shakespeare Festival Board Member, Children’s Theatre Festival René is one of the state’s top-ranked administrative staffing professionals, ranking in both Houston’s and Texas’ Top 10 lists multiple times since joining the profession in 2000. She has assisted clients in a variety of industries including energy, commercial real estate, investment banking, environmental consulting and technical services. René has managed the Admin Connection division at AXIA Resources and has been instrumental in building a new service line from the ground up. René has focused on strategic development based on current market conditions. She is recognized for her commitment to finding and screening top talent, as well as her honesty and integrity. René has developed a reputation for being a true staffing consultant, not simply a recruiter. Because of this, she has built an extensive network with a strong candidate referral base Prior to joining AXIA Resources, René served as vice president and senior consultant for MK Personnel, Ltd. where she was responsible for business development and recruiting, as well as training and developing new consultants. In this role, she was instrumental in establishing a broad client and candidate base, through networking and marketing. René has had a service oriented career from the beginning, where she worked in retail and spent several years in the administrative field. She has also held multiple roles in sales and marketing and account management. René is a Certified Personnel Consultant, is a member the National Association of Personnel Services and sits on the Boards of the Houston Shakespeare Festival and The Children’s Theatre Festival. René Nunnallee VP – Admin Connection
15. Nick Bednorz CEO and Managing Director 713-589-5052 [email_address] Maryam Cooley Managing Director 713-589-3791 [email_address] Candus Hinderer Vice President and Director 713-589-5525 [email_address] Deanna Young President and Managing Director 713-589-5053 [email_address] Lisa Brantley VP Business Development 713-589-3799 [email_address] Axia Resources Williams Tower 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 3650 Houston, Texas 77056 www.axiaresources.com Contact Us