Joseph Damiano

CEO and managing partner
SAX Advisory Group

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Receiving Iona University’s Lifetime Achievement Award is my proudest professional moment because it encapsulates the leadership, progressive vision, and team effort behind SAX’s transformation. Since I became CEO in 2015, SAX has grown from a $25 million firm to $175 million, expanding the infrastructure, capabilities, and integrated services needed to serve businesses and high-net-worth individuals as a one-stop advisory firm and our clients’ number one advisor.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

The most disruptive change will be AI. It is already transforming how we work day-to-day, automating routine tasks and freeing up significant time across every practice area. The real challenge, and opportunity, is how we evolve to use those reclaimed hours. The firms that win will reinvest that time into higher-value advisory work, deeper client relationships and the kind of strategic thinking that AI cannot replicate.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

Building relationships is the most important skill I’ve learned for building business revenue. For the next generation, I’d say invest early in real relationships.

Luis De La Hoz

Senior vice president, New Jersey market; manager – community development banking
PNC

As a community development banking professional at PNC, De La Hoz – who is also chairman and board member at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and sits on the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) board – has been a driving force. He leads multiple initiatives that have significantly benefited underserved communities and the bank’s clients.

De La Hoz has spearheaded programs aimed at educating communities about financial management, helping individuals improve their personal financial credit reports and budgeting skills, empowering them to build a more secure future. He also works closely with micro- and small minority business owners, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. His efforts include offering financial education and access to capital, which are crucial for the growth and sustainability of Main Street businesses.

Among his other activities, De La Hoz has been involved in promoting affordable housing through a variety programs, such as incorporating innovative tax credit equity financing solutions for qualifying Low Income Housing Tax Credit developers, while offering homebuyer education. De La Hoz has developed strong relationships with nonprofits and other organizations, participating in conferences and industry-specific events.

Enrico Della Corna

Regional president
PNC

As regional president of PNC Bank, Della Corna is responsible for providing executive leadership, supporting client relationships and business development across the institution’s lines of business, as well as supporting community-based activities in central and northern New Jersey, New York City and Connecticut.

Della Corna was appointed to the post in 2021 following the retirement of longtime regional president Linda Bowden, bringing two decades of management and leadership experience in commercial banking to the executive team. Just prior to his promotion, Della Corna was regional executive for commercial banking in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, based in Washington. Della Corna’s background with PNC goes back to 1989 when he joined the bank’s management training program.

He also served on PNC’s corporate & institutional banking diversity council, leading the group’s talent management and recruiting efforts.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Della Corna went on to earn a master’s in international management degree with honors from Thunderbird (the American Graduate School of International Management). He’s also involved with the boards at Choose New Jersey, New Jersey Performing Arts Center and New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

Alfa Demmellash

Co-founder, Rising Tide Capital
CEO, Future Tide Partners

Since its founding, Rising Tide Capital has graduated thousands of individuals from its Community Business Academy, 70% of whom are women and 90% of whom are minorities.

“We named it Rising Tide Capital because there is the saying that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’” said Demmellash. “While there is truth in this statement, there is also a critical need to recognize that this only works for people who already have ‘boats.’ At Rising Tide Capital, we work with a talented team and community of partners to make sure this vision is an inclusive and regenerative one.”

“While we recognized that access to capital was critical, we learned early on that gaining access to know-how, to training, and to the social networks that help a business owner meet the challenges that show up on any journey to building a new enterprise was even more fundamental to the success of our entrepreneurs, and the resiliency of the businesses that sustain their households,” Demmellash added.

Black and Latina women, many of them mothers and caregivers, make up the majority of Rising Tide Capital program participants.
Demmellash drew on her experience with her own mother, an immigrant, and seamstress who worked a day job as a waitress and sewed gowns in the evenings.

Mike DePrisco

President and CEO
Institute of Management Accountants

In April 2023, DePrisco began work as president and CEO of the Institute of Management Accountants, a global association for accounting and finance professionals. Based in Montvale, the enterprise has a network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 200-plus professional and student chapters.

DePrisco oversees all of IMA’s strategies, initiatives and operations, as well as works with senior staff and the board of directors to advance the organization’s mission to serve the global management accounting profession.

Before IMA, DePrisco was chief operating officer of Project Management Institute, a nonprofit professional organization for project management with more than 2 million certification holders, 680,000 members and 300 chapters from over 200 countries. He initially joined PMI in 2013 as vice president of academic and educational programs before expanding his scope and responsibility to vice president of global membership & chapters and vice president of global solutions. Before PMI, DePrisco spent 20 years in various leadership and executive roles in higher education in the U.S.

In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, DePrisco holds a certificate in company direction from the Institute of Directors.

Nicole DeRosa

Director of tax
SKC & Co. CPAs

A director of tax at Boonton-based full-service accounting firm SKC & Co. CPAs, DeRosa has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in taxation for closely held businesses and individuals.

Because of her extensive tax knowledge, DeRosa is considered a valuable resource for all things tax and regularly speaks at industry events on various tax and non-tax topics.

She also wants to inspire the next generation. In hopes of spreading awareness of the CPA designation to aspiring accountants, DeRosa is a brand ambassador for UWorld, a comprehensive platform known for its CPA exam prep materials. Additionally, she’s a discussion leader for Surgent CPE, an online continuing professional education offering for CPAs, tax professionals and financial experts, and presents various courses.

DeRosa’s honors include five consecutive years on NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 and being named as one of its Forty Under 40 award winners. On a national level, DeRosa has been recognized as a Forbes Top 200 CPA in America as well as an Outstanding Young CPA Award recipient by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Andrea Diaz

Partner
SKC & Co. CPAs LLC

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Winning the No. 1 spot on NJ’s best places to work for companies between 15-49 employees. We, the partners of SKC, coined 2024 the year of our employees and it paid off!

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

Technology! Of course, how AI will play into all things financial. It’s a disrupter but also a huge benefit if used right.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

Show up, learn how to solve problems, figure it out, and take action. Be the problem solver of things you genuinely care about and success will follow!

Paula Ferreira

NY Metro Area – assistant managing partner, NJ market leader
Forvis Mazars

What is your proudest professional achievement?

I’m most proud of facilitating growth within my clients, my team, and myself. I’ve spent my career helping clients build lasting, multigenerational success while also mentoring team members into leadership roles. My own path to partner reflects that same commitment to creating impactful relationships and bringing value to every interaction.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

The biggest disruption is the convergence of AI, economic volatility, and shifting workforce expectations. While technology is accelerating change, we’re also returning to fundamentals — strengthening relationships, collaboration, and a more integrated One Firm mindset. Those who balance innovation with a people-first approach and consistent client experience will be best positioned for growth.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

The best advice I’ve been given is to give your best every day while keeping your priorities grounded. Work with integrity, continue to be the best version of yourself with your clients, teams, and families – not necessarily in that order. That perspective has shaped how I lead and grow.

John Fitzgerald

President and CEO
Magyar Bank

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Leading a high performing bank over a number of years. Consistent performance is a result of hiring good and smart people and listening to their input. I know I’m not the smartest person in the room so listening to people with expertise in their specialty areas and using this information to build a process or find a solution works best for me. Also, we have built Magyar Bank by focusing on the communities we serve, whether that be working at a not for profit or teaching financial literacy.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

Keeping up with what fintechs are doing and the changes in technologies that impact how our customers want to access their financial services.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

Have a positive attitude and make yourself available to help your organization in any way possible, whether it be participating in community events or not for profit organizations or taking on extra work. Hard work pays off.

Gilles Gade

CEO
Cross River Bank

Gade is the founder and CEO of Cross River Bank, a Fort Lee-based financial technology institution, which launched in 2008 during the financial crisis. With a mission to increase financial inclusion and modernize banking infrastructure, Gade built Cross River into a leading provider of embedded financial solutions, serving fintechs, enterprises, and millions of consumers globally.

Cross River boasts more than $8.5 billion in assets, over $6.5 billion in deposits, and more than $1 billion in equity. The bank has originated over 100 million loans, processed nearly 1 billion payment transactions, and partnered with more than 120 technology platforms. Recent highlights include the launch of a Request-for-Payment solution with Plaid, a new International Payments platform, and over $1 billion in commercial real estate financing within 12 months.

In March, it announced a $50 million common equity raise to launch new products, enrich partnerships and expand its international footprint. The investment drew participation from certain existing Cross River investors, accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc.

Alberto Garofalo

President, Bank of America New Jersey
Bank of America

What is your proudest professional achievement?

It’s leading nearly 11,000 teammates in New Jersey. Together, we are making a real difference on the ground, from growing our presence in Jersey City to tackling urgent issues like food insecurity. Seeing how our team shows up every day with genuine empathy to support our clients and community is incredibly rewarding, and it reminds me of what is possible when we lead with purpose.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity for New Jersey businesses. The focus is on how N.J. businesses can capture this one-time surge and expand their client base. The biggest risk is not being ready to handle the rush, missing a golden opportunity to create lifelong customer relationships. Businesses that are prepared will be set up for long-term success.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

“Don’t try, DO!”

Victor Garrido

Managing member
GG CPA Services

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My proudest achievement is the long-term relationships my partners and I have built with our clients. In one meaningful example, after achieving an extremely positive outcome in a complex IRS audit, I was honored to become the godfather to a client’s daughter. Every day, we face different challenges, and we approach each client’s situation with the same care and commitment we would want for ourselves. Our role goes far beyond being CPAs, and our clients know we have their backs.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

AI will be the most disruptive force in finance, improving OCR [optical character recognition], data entry, research, recommendations, and system integrations. But expectations must remain realistic. Recent erroneous tax notices show that automation without proper prompts, review, and professional judgment can create problems.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

I believe the best advice often comes at the exact moment you need it. What I would tell my younger self is to keep putting in the work every day: read, learn, reach out to people, and always do your best.

Timothy Gearty

National instructor and editor in chief
Becker Gearty Continuing Professional Education

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Having trained and helped prepare over 500,000 individuals improve their professional skills. I have been presenting Continuing Professional Education and training to pass professional licensing exams, such as the CPA Exam and CMA Exam, since 1981. I take tremendous pride in having helped professionals upgrade their financial, tax and accounting skills. I am currently presenting CPE in Finance, Tax and Accounting for over 50 of the Fortune 500 companies.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

The obvious answer is AI. The concern to me is two fold: 1. Professionals that do not embrace AI will be left behind and not be as attractive to employers. 2. Companies that adopt AI will reduce headcount. The newest job opportunities will be “insight” and “foresight” skills. They are going to replace the “hindsight” and “oversight” skills that young professionals had been expected to perform.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

The best career advice I ever received was: Always have ETHICS as your north star. The second-best practical advice was: “Never bring me a problem, always bring me a solution”

Dan Geltrude

Founder and CEO
Geltrude & Co.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My proudest professional achievement has been serving as a national voice for the accounting profession. As “America’s Accountant,” I have built a platform that allows me to educate millions of Americans while advocating for the critical role accountants play in our economy. Representing our profession on the national stage and highlighting its impact on businesses, families, and communities is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take for granted.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

[T]he rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to fundamentally transform how financial professionals analyze data, manage risk, serve clients, and make decisions. I view this disruption as overwhelmingly positive. By automating routine tasks and enhancing accuracy, AI will enable professionals to focus more on strategy, judgment, and building stronger client relationships.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

[M]aster your craft, embrace change, and build meaningful relationships.

Phillip Goldstein

CEO
Goldstein Lieberman & Co. LLC

What is your proudest professional achievement?

As the CEO of a firm that’s now counted among the nation’s top 1%, I’d say with complete certainty that catapulting the firm to this position is certainly one of my proudest professional achievements. While achieving this recognition has certainly been a team effort, I recognize that I was the one responsible for building that team — one that our clients could always turn to and trust.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

I believe AI will be the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the upcoming year. But why not ask AI itself for its answers and have those answers delivered to me in minutes? I believe that AI will change and is changing the very fabric of this industry. I also believe it can strengthen the very fabric it now challenges if it is harnessed and utilized to the benefit of the industry rather than its detriment.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

Never give up. If you have a dream, follow it, but understand that there may be obstacles that you will have to overcome. Meeting these obstacles won’t be easy, you’ll likely experience a setback or two … or more. Remember that they’ll only be considered failures if they cause you to give up.

Dipti Gulati

CEO, US Audit & Assurance
Deloitte & Touche LLP

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My journey from a Deloitte intern to becoming the first woman of South Asian descent to lead a Big 4 Audit & Assurance business is my proudest achievement. It is a privilege to now lead a $1 billion investment in AI-powered innovation to help transform our profession, while fostering a culture of trust and quality and opening doors for the next generation of leaders to shape the future of finance.

What do you foresee as the most disruptive change in the finance industry in the coming year?

The most disruptive change is the rapid integration of generative and agentic AI, which is reshaping the tasks and skills needed to do work. This means reimagining roles and workflows to blend human and machine capabilities. The key challenge and opportunity for the finance industry lies in embracing AI to enhance insights, accuracy, and client service, while upholding our core principles of integrity and trust in an evolving regulatory landscape.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever received (or what’s your best advice for the next generation)?

[E]mbrace the journey, not just the destination. … Don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from every experience.

2026 NJBIZ Finance Power List Index:
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