XPX Tri-State Summit 2025

New York City: Deal! or No Deal!

Location

The Offices of Citrin Cooperman - 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Date

Wednesday, March 26th, 1:30 - 7:00 pm EST

One Day. Content Rich. Actionable Insights

Exit Planning Exchange Summit 2025

Dear Tri-State XPX Members and Friends, 

On behalf of the Chapter Presidents and the Leadership Team we wanted to tell you how excited we are for The Summit on March 26th!  

We have not had a Summit since 2023 and this year’s Summit we are ushering in a dynamic and laser focused few hours of conversation, connection, coffee, and cocktails with our area’s elite thought leaders in Private Equity, Policy, plus conversations with Business Owner clients.  Gone are the days of dull conferences! 

We will be setting the stage at the top of The Summit and threading the thematic throughout all sessions- is 2025 the pivot point for the deal space? 

We intend not only to learn together, but to drive forward the power of a well-run deal team by forging our relationships and sharing in a few laughs as well. 

I am particularly excited to hear our Sponsors’ “why” and take on Deal or No Deal in 2025.  As well as to be witness to the arc of the PE Panel’s expert discussion ranging from KKR’s Chief Investment Strategist through to Family Office investors they will all have a view on what they are keen on in 2025 and beyond. 

Proudly, at the end of the day we will have added to our bar service premium single malt scotches and a new Vodka from a music producer: it will all be enjoyed in Citrin Cooperman’s very on-trend and gorgeous Rockefeller Center space.   

Registration is capped at 80 people; once we hit 80, we will start a waitlist.  So, please be sure to register if you have not.   If you are interested in sponsoring – we’ve made it very accessible and fun this year, so please reach out for details. 

We look forward to seeing you in a handful of weeks, and cheers to reaching The Summit! 

Diane O’Bryan Johnston, CIMA (she/her)
XPX Tri-State Chair

Summit Program

Explore our speakers, sponsors, and more!

Tickets & Registration​

Early Registration Fees (through 3/26/25):
  • All Tri-State & Local Chapter Members (Expires 3/26/25) $150.00
  • XPX Chapter Network Members (Expires 3/26/25) $175.00
  • Non-Member (Expires 3/26/25) $215.00
Regular Registration Fees:
  • All Tri-State & Local Chapter Members (Day of Event) $175.00
  • XPX Chapter Network Members (Day of Event) $200.00
  • Non-Member (Day of Event) $240.00

Program Agenda

Check-in | Networking

1:45pm

Light Refreshments

Opening Remarks
Diane Johnston of UBS Financial Services, Inc. is a member of XPX Tri-State
Diane Johnston
Senior Vice President – Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Setting the Stage... Where Are We Going in 2025?

2:00pm
Paul Hsiao of CIO Americas, UBS Financial Services Inc. is a contact of XPX
Featured Speaker
Paul Hsiao
CIO Americas, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Private Equity Panel

2:45pm
Deal Making in Uncertain Times

Break | Networking

3:30pm

Panel Policy

4:00pm
Navigating the Economic and Tax Landscape in 2025 and Beyond

Business Owners Panel

4:45pm
Lessons from the Deal Cycle: Successes, Failures, and What I Wish I’d Known

Closing Remarks

5:15pm
Closing Remarks
Terence Hannafin of Carter Morse & Goodrich is a member of XPX Tri-State
Panelist
Terence Hannafin
Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich

Networking & Cocktail Reception

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Moderators & Panelists

David Barral

Speaker
Vice President, Wealth Management, The Northern Trust Company

David Barral, VP at Northern Trust, crafts tailored financial plans to help clients achieve their goals. A CPA and CFP® with extensive tax advisory experience, David also teaches financial courses at NYU. He holds degrees from St. John’s and Villanova and actively contributes to financial planning committees and journals.

Nichol Chiarella

Panelist
Partner – M&A Practice Leader, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC

Nichol Chiarella, M&A Tax Practice Leader at Citrin Cooperman, has 20+ years of expertise in transaction advisory, tax structuring, and compliance. She leads diversity initiatives and specializes in buy-side and sell-side tax planning. Nichol supports industries ranging from technology to real estate, fostering client success in private equity transactions.

Brian Ciszczon

Moderator
Partner – National Tax Office Practice Leader, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC

Brian Ciszczon, Citrin Cooperman’s National Tax Office Leader, specializes in complex tax advisory with 25+ years’ experience. Focused on equity, debt, real estate, and international tax matters, Brian also authors articles and teaches tax strategy courses. Previously a partner at PwC and RSM, he brings deep expertise across industries.

Carrie DiLauro of Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners is a member of XPX Fairfield County

Carrie DiLauro

Panelist
Director, Operations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners

Carrie DiLauro, Director of Operations at HRCP, oversees investor relations, marketing, and operational management. With 20+ years in manufacturing and fund administration, she drives efficiency through system improvements. A Cornell and Harvard alum, Carrie excels in fiscal responsibility and global process optimization.

Daniel Eisemann of Fairfield-Maxwell Ltd is a contact of XPX

Daniel Eisemann

Panelist
Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Fairfield-Maxwell Ltd

Daniel Eisemann, SVP of Corporate Development at Fairfield-Maxwell, leads deal execution, portfolio management, and restructuring. With 15+ years in M&A and performance improvement, he has held key roles at Asgaard Capital, FTI Consulting, and Alvarez & Marsal. Daniel holds degrees from Johns Hopkins and UVA Darden, serving on boards like SpeedPro Imaging and UBS.

Terence Hannafin of Carter Morse & Goodrich is a member of XPX Tri-State

Terry Hannafin

Presenter
Partner, Carter Morse & Goodrich

Terry Hannafin, Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich, advises family-owned businesses on M&A transactions. With 15+ years in deal execution across industries, he serves on boards for Exit Planning Exchange and AM&AA. A Boston College alum and former NCAA athlete, Terry is deeply involved in youth sports and resides in Connecticut with his family.

Paul Hsiao of CIO Americas, UBS Financial Services Inc. is a contact of XPX

Paul Hsiao

Featured Speaker
Executive Director - Asset Allocation, Chief Investment Office (CIO), UBS Wealth Management

Paul Hsiao, Executive Director in UBS's Asset Allocation team, crafts portfolio recommendations for $1.7 trillion in assets, leveraging a decade of financial services expertise. Specializing in economics, macro research, and advisory, he identifies trends and risks to drive investor success. Paul collaborates with media and executives to simplify finance, empowering clients to achieve their goals.

Diane Johnston

Presenter
Senior Vice President - Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Diane Johnston, XPX Tri-State Chairperson and SVP of Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, navigates complex financial landscapes to assist business owners and small institutional plans (ERISA/E&F) in wealth management. With over two decades of expertise, she provides tailored financial strategies, tackling regulatory, tax, and investment challenges. Diane's passion lies in empowering clients to connect with their wealth and optimize outcomes, especially for endowments and foundations. A Long Island resident, Diane enjoys sailing, exploring new sports, and indulging her artistic pursuits through writing, painting, and sketching.

Alex Lirtsman of CorralData is a member of XPX

Alex Lirtsman

Panelist
Co-Founder and CEO, CorralData

Alex has over 20 years of experience in data, innovation, and digital strategy. He founded and scaled Ready Set Rocket into a top digital transformation consultancy, working with major brands like BlackRock, JPMorganChase, NBA, and ACLU. Now, as CEO of CorralData, he leverages AI to help regulated industries securely democratize data without traditional BI complexity or LLM risks. CorralData integrates with hundreds of platforms for instant insights. Alex also teaches Digital Strategy and AI at NYU and Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business, focusing on MBA/MS programs.

Matthew Rappaport

Panelist
Co-Chair Tax Group, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman, LLP

Matthew Rappaport, Co-Chair of Tax at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman, specializes in tax planning for real estate, private equity, and closely held businesses. Known for innovative solutions in 1031 Exchanges and Opportunity Zones, Matthew guides clients in structuring and compliance. He serves ultra-high-net-worth families and collaborates across financial disciplines.

Paula Campbell Roberts

Panelist
Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist for Global WealthGlobal Client Solutions, Global Macro, Balance Sheet & Risk, KKR

Paula Roberts, KKR’s Chief Investment Strategist for Global Wealth, advises on macroeconomics and private asset allocation. With two decades in investment strategy and economics, Paula chairs KKR’s Global Wealth Investment Council and drives inclusion initiatives. A Yale and Harvard alum, she serves on prominent boards like the NYC Ballet and advises the Federal Reserve.

Richard Rudolph

Panelist
Founder and Managing Director, Rudolph Capital, LLC

Rich Rudolph, Founder of Rudolph Capital, brings 25+ years of experience acquiring and managing family businesses. Formerly with Bradford Equities, he has overseen $400M+ in acquisitions, building trusted relationships with business owners. Rich holds degrees from St. Bonaventure and Boston College and resides in Connecticut with his family.

Andrew Wenger of Standton Capital is a contact of XPX

Andrew Wenger

Principal, Standon Capital

Andrew is principal at Sandton Capital Partners where he focuses on investments in distressed debt, special situations, private credit, and structured asset backed opportunities. Prior to Sandton, he was a Senior Associate at Obsidian Point Partners where he focused on industrial platform acquisitions in the lower middle market. Before finance, he was a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer. Andrew is a graduate of Columbia Business School and Duke University where he majored in history.

 

David Barral

Speaker
Vice President, Wealth Management, The Northern Trust Company

David Barral, VP at Northern Trust, crafts tailored financial plans to help clients achieve their goals. A CPA and CFP® with extensive tax advisory experience, David also teaches financial courses at NYU. He holds degrees from St. John’s and Villanova and actively contributes to financial planning committees and journals.

Nichol Chiarella

Panelist
Partner – M&A Practice Leader, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC

Nichol Chiarella, M&A Tax Practice Leader at Citrin Cooperman, has 20+ years of expertise in transaction advisory, tax structuring, and compliance. She leads diversity initiatives and specializes in buy-side and sell-side tax planning. Nichol supports industries ranging from technology to real estate, fostering client success in private equity transactions.

Brian Ciszczon

Moderator
Partner – National Tax Office Practice Leader, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC

Brian Ciszczon, Citrin Cooperman’s National Tax Office Leader, specializes in complex tax advisory with 25+ years’ experience. Focused on equity, debt, real estate, and international tax matters, Brian also authors articles and teaches tax strategy courses. Previously a partner at PwC and RSM, he brings deep expertise across industries.

Carrie DiLauro of Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners is a member of XPX Fairfield County

Carrie DiLauro

Panelist
Director, Operations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners

Carrie DiLauro, Director of Operations at HRCP, oversees investor relations, marketing, and operational management. With 20+ years in manufacturing and fund administration, she drives efficiency through system improvements. A Cornell and Harvard alum, Carrie excels in fiscal responsibility and global process optimization.

Daniel Eisemann of Fairfield-Maxwell Ltd is a contact of XPX

Daniel Eisemann

Panelist
Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Fairfield-Maxwell Ltd

Daniel Eisemann, SVP of Corporate Development at Fairfield-Maxwell, leads deal execution, portfolio management, and restructuring. With 15+ years in M&A and performance improvement, he has held key roles at Asgaard Capital, FTI Consulting, and Alvarez & Marsal. Daniel holds degrees from Johns Hopkins and UVA Darden, serving on boards like SpeedPro Imaging and UBS.

Terence Hannafin of Carter Morse & Goodrich is a member of XPX Tri-State

Terry Hannafin

Presenter
Partner, Carter Morse & Goodrich

Terry Hannafin, Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich, advises family-owned businesses on M&A transactions. With 15+ years in deal execution across industries, he serves on boards for Exit Planning Exchange and AM&AA. A Boston College alum and former NCAA athlete, Terry is deeply involved in youth sports and resides in Connecticut with his family.

Paul Hsiao of CIO Americas, UBS Financial Services Inc. is a contact of XPX

Paul Hsiao

Featured Speaker
Executive Director - Asset Allocation, Chief Investment Office (CIO), UBS Wealth Management

Paul Hsiao, Executive Director in UBS's Asset Allocation team, crafts portfolio recommendations for $1.7 trillion in assets, leveraging a decade of financial services expertise. Specializing in economics, macro research, and advisory, he identifies trends and risks to drive investor success. Paul collaborates with media and executives to simplify finance, empowering clients to achieve their goals.

Diane Johnston

Presenter
Senior Vice President - Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Diane Johnston, XPX Tri-State Chairperson and SVP of Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, navigates complex financial landscapes to assist business owners and small institutional plans (ERISA/E&F) in wealth management. With over two decades of expertise, she provides tailored financial strategies, tackling regulatory, tax, and investment challenges. Diane's passion lies in empowering clients to connect with their wealth and optimize outcomes, especially for endowments and foundations. A Long Island resident, Diane enjoys sailing, exploring new sports, and indulging her artistic pursuits through writing, painting, and sketching.

Alex Lirtsman of CorralData is a member of XPX

Alex Lirtsman

Panelist
Co-Founder and CEO, CorralData

Alex has over 20 years of experience in data, innovation, and digital strategy. He founded and scaled Ready Set Rocket into a top digital transformation consultancy, working with major brands like BlackRock, JPMorganChase, NBA, and ACLU. Now, as CEO of CorralData, he leverages AI to help regulated industries securely democratize data without traditional BI complexity or LLM risks. CorralData integrates with hundreds of platforms for instant insights. Alex also teaches Digital Strategy and AI at NYU and Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business, focusing on MBA/MS programs.

Matthew Rappaport

Panelist
Co-Chair Tax Group, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman, LLP

Matthew Rappaport, Co-Chair of Tax at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman, specializes in tax planning for real estate, private equity, and closely held businesses. Known for innovative solutions in 1031 Exchanges and Opportunity Zones, Matthew guides clients in structuring and compliance. He serves ultra-high-net-worth families and collaborates across financial disciplines.

Paula Campbell Roberts

Panelist
Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist for Global WealthGlobal Client Solutions, Global Macro, Balance Sheet & Risk, KKR

Paula Roberts, KKR’s Chief Investment Strategist for Global Wealth, advises on macroeconomics and private asset allocation. With two decades in investment strategy and economics, Paula chairs KKR’s Global Wealth Investment Council and drives inclusion initiatives. A Yale and Harvard alum, she serves on prominent boards like the NYC Ballet and advises the Federal Reserve.

Richard Rudolph

Panelist
Founder and Managing Director, Rudolph Capital, LLC

Rich Rudolph, Founder of Rudolph Capital, brings 25+ years of experience acquiring and managing family businesses. Formerly with Bradford Equities, he has overseen $400M+ in acquisitions, building trusted relationships with business owners. Rich holds degrees from St. Bonaventure and Boston College and resides in Connecticut with his family.

Andrew Wenger of Standton Capital is a contact of XPX

Andrew Wenger

Principal, Standon Capital

Andrew is principal at Sandton Capital Partners where he focuses on investments in distressed debt, special situations, private credit, and structured asset backed opportunities. Prior to Sandton, he was a Senior Associate at Obsidian Point Partners where he focused on industrial platform acquisitions in the lower middle market. Before finance, he was a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer. Andrew is a graduate of Columbia Business School and Duke University where he majored in history.

 

Summit Committee

Deborah Agrafojo of Touchstone Advisors, LLC is a member of XPX Hartford

Deborah Agrafojo

Partner, Managing Partner, Touchstone Advisors
Jeffrey Berkman of Falcon Rappaport & Berkman PLLC is a member of XPX Long Island

Jeffrey Berkman

Founding Partner, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman, LLP

Jill Braunstein

Partner, Abrams Fensterman, LLP
Jason Correia of CLA is a member of XPX Tri-State

Jason Correia

Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsenAllen LLP)
Terence Hannafin of Carter Morse & Goodrich is a member of XPX Tri-State

Terry Hannafin

Partner, Carter Morse & Goodrich

Terry Hannafin, Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich, advises family-owned businesses on M&A transactions. With 15+ years in deal execution across industries, he serves on boards for Exit Planning Exchange and AM&AA. A Boston College alum and former NCAA athlete, Terry is deeply involved in youth sports and resides in Connecticut with his family.

Diane Johnston

Senior Vice President-Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Diane Johnston, XPX Tri-State Chairperson and SVP of Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, navigates complex financial landscapes to assist business owners and small institutional plans (ERISA/E&F) in wealth management. With over two decades of expertise, she provides tailored financial strategies, tackling regulatory, tax, and investment challenges. Diane's passion lies in empowering clients to connect with their wealth and optimize outcomes, especially for endowments and foundations. A Long Island resident, Diane enjoys sailing, exploring new sports, and indulging her artistic pursuits through writing, painting, and sketching.

Jeanette Jordan of Withum is a member of XPX Tri-State

Jeanette Jordan

Partner|Transaction Advisory, Withum
Danielle Kelly of Fidelity Charitable is a member of XPX Tri-State

Danielle Kelly

Vice President, Charitable Planning Consultant, FIDELITY Charitable

James Knoebel

Senior, Citrin Cooperman

Dawn Needelman

Marketing Manager, Citrin Cooperman