Accounting Advisory Board

Members of the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology Accounting Advisory Board support the accounting department by sharing their professional expertise, leadership experience, and industry knowledge. Working closely with faculty and program leadership, the board members help strengthen curricula, identify trends in the profession, support student career development, and build connections between the classroom and the accounting industry.

Board Members

Nicholas Petro

Director, Tax Services, PwC

Nicholas Petro is a Tax Director in PwC’s Private Company Services practice. He advises privately held businesses on tax compliance, planning, and reporting. With more than 15 years of public accounting experience, he has strong expertise in partnership and corporate taxation, including federal and state tax reporting, tax provision services, and partner reporting requirements. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to create effective tax strategies that support business growth while complying with changing regulations.

Over the course of his career, Nicholas has worked with clients in a variety of industries, helping them address complex tax issues and improve their financial and operational performance. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, he shares his experience and industry knowledge with students, helping connect classroom learning to real-world accounting and tax careers.

Kevin Lauretti

Partner, Vialto Partners

Kevin Lauretti is a Partner at Vialto Partners, a global professional services firm that focuses on workforce mobility, international tax, and cross-border employment solutions. He works with multinational companies to address complex global mobility and tax issues, helping them meet compliance requirements and manage workforce challenges across different countries. His expertise includes developing practical strategies that support both business goals and employee mobility needs.

Throughout his career, Kevin has partnered with corporate leaders to navigate changing regulations and global workforce trends. He is recognized for his client-focused approach and for building strong professional relationships. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, he shares valuable knowledge about international business, global taxation, and current trends in the accounting profession, helping students prepare for careers in today’s global business environment.

Derick Horn

Senior Manager, RSM US LLP

Derick Horn is a Senior Manager in the audit and assurance practice at RSM US LLP. He works with financial institutions, banks, and specialty finance lenders. With over 10 years of experience in public accounting, including positions at RSM, Deloitte, and UHY, he has expertise in SEC reporting, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and complex accounting issues. He oversees all stages of the audit process and works closely with clients and teams across the country to provide high-quality service.

Derick graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a degree in accounting and later earned a Master of Science in accountancy. While at Sacred Heart, he was a four-year starting catcher and team captain of the Division I baseball team. Through his leadership experience and professional background, he shares valuable insights with students about careers in accounting and professional growth.

Jennifer S. Bull

Partner, PKF O'Connor Davies

Jennifer S. Bull is a Partner at PKF O'Connor Davies and has extensive experience providing accounting, tax, assurance, and advisory services to organizations across a variety of industries. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with clients to strengthen financial reporting processes, improve governance practices, and address complex accounting and tax challenges. Her client-focused approach has helped organizations achieve their financial and operational objectives while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.

A Certified Public Accountant and Sacred Heart University alumna, Bull is committed to professional excellence and community engagement. Her experience in public accounting provides valuable perspectives on leadership, client service, and professional development. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, she helps connect students with industry expectations and emerging opportunities within the accounting profession.

Matthew Nunnink

Senior Tax Manager, KPMG

Matthew Nunnink is a Senior Tax Manager at KPMG with experience serving clients in the financial services, biotechnology, and corporate sectors. He advises a wide range of organizations, from hedge funds and startup companies to Fortune 100 corporations, on tax consulting, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, regulatory compliance, and technology-related business solutions. His diverse background helps clients navigate complex tax and business issues while supporting their long-term growth goals.

Matthew combines technical knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach. He joined Sacred Heart University’s Board of Visitors in 2024 and is actively involved in recruiting and networking events. Through his commitment to student engagement and professional development, he helps prepare future accounting and business leaders. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, he shares valuable real-world experiences and industry insights with students exploring careers in accounting and business.

Christopher R. Veno

Special Agent, IRS Criminal Investigation

Christopher R. Veno is a Special Agent with IRS Criminal Investigation, the law enforcement branch of the Internal Revenue Service. He investigates financial crimes, including tax fraud, money laundering, and related offenses. In his role, he conducts detailed financial investigations and works with federal, state, and local agencies to help protect the integrity of the nation’s tax system. His work demonstrates the key role accounting professionals play in promoting transparency, ethics, and compliance.

A graduate of Sacred Heart University’s Class of 2020, Christopher earned his undergraduate degree before completing a Master of Science in taxation from the University of New Haven. In addition to his work in law enforcement, he serves as an adjunct professor in Sacred Heart University’s accounting department. His combination of professional and teaching experience gives students valuable insight into taxation, ethics, and financial investigations.

George W. McArthur

Former Vice President of Tax, Frontier Communications

George W. McArthur is an experienced tax executive who has spent his career leading corporate tax functions for large organizations. Most recently, he served as vice president of tax at Frontier Communications, where he was responsible for tax planning, compliance, reporting, and other strategic tax initiatives. He worked closely with executive leadership teams to manage complex tax matters and support business growth in highly regulated industries.

Throughout his career, George has developed extensive expertise in corporate taxation, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. His leadership helped organizations adapt to changing tax laws while maintaining strong governance and risk management practices. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, he shares valuable insights into the role of accounting professionals in large corporations and the importance of tax strategy in business decision-making.

Bill DeFazio

Senior Vice President, Tax & Treasury, Okta

Bill DeFazio serves as senior vice president of tax and treasury at Okta, where he oversees global tax strategy, treasury operations, financial risk management, and compliance functions. Throughout his career, he has held senior financial leadership positions and developed extensive expertise in corporate taxation, treasury management, international business operations, and strategic financial planning. His experience spans both public accounting and corporate leadership roles.

DeFazio is recognized for helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments while supporting growth, innovation, and operational excellence. His broad perspective on finance and accounting provides valuable insight into the evolving role of accounting professionals in today’s global business environment. As a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, he helps students understand the skills, leadership qualities, and professional competencies needed for success in modern accounting and finance careers.

Duties of Members

• Meet with the faculty each year to review curriculum and share expertise with the accounting department chair and faculty relative to academic initiatives and vision of the accounting & information systems department
• Participate in an annual event hosted by the department
• Facilitate networking opportunities for mentorship, internship, and career opportunities for accounting students