Artificial Intelligence / Blockchain Technology (E1809379)

Brian Crowley is a senior manager within the Audit and Assurance practice of Deloitte, currently working in Audit Innovation, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and is currently based in Stamford, CT. His role involves identifying, evaluating, and leading the development of machine learning solutions and capabilities that elevate audit quality, enhance operational excellence, and energize our professionals.

Prior to his current role, Brian spent most of the past 11 years working in the Stamford office, serving audit clients in the diversified manufacturing and commodity trading space.

In the middle of those 11 years, Brian spent three years in the Audit & Assurance Services Group within the firm’s Professional Practice Network (National Office) in Wilton, CT, specializing in internal controls, inventory, and management representation letters. In that role, he aided the broader Audit and Assurance practice by assisting in the development of various guides, tools, and training materials. Other duties included serving as an audit consultation resource for engagement teams.

As a life-long Connecticut resident, Brian currently lives in Norwalk, Connecticut. He received both his bachelors of science and masters of science in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Jessica Gotthold, president and CEO of Critical Elements, Inc., retired as a Senior Special Agent, Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and Certified Explosives Specialist (CES) from ATF in December of 2015 with 28.5 years of distinguished service. She was a member of ATF’s National Response Team (NRT) for 10 years, responding to large-scale bombings and fires. Notable cases include the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the Birmingham, AL abortion clinic bombing and the Unabomber investigation in NJ. Ms. Gotthold has a wealth of both general and financial investigative experience, holds specialized certifications and is an expert witness in fire origin and cause as well as post-blast investigation. Her expertise encompasses the investigation of youth firesetting and bomb-making, as well as providing training in this specialized area, for which Ms. Gotthold has received awards and accolades. Prior to her ATF career, she was an Investigator with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, working primarily undercover drug cases. Ms. Gotthold holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Production for Electronic Media from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Jessica launched Critical Elements, Inc., post-retirement. Partnering with her former ATF colleague, Rich Vera, CPA, her multi-faceted firm specializes in cyber security, digital forensics, training in the areas of fire, explosives and testimony, as well as providing expert testimony services and litigation support.

Rich Vera, Director of Digital and Financial Forensics, worked as a Senior Forensic Auditor with 14 years of distinguished service. He served on ATF digital evidence recovery teams (DERTs), investigated an array of criminal cases, including arson for profit, tax fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, money laundering, identity theft, bankruptcy fraud and murder for hire. He has testified as an expert witness at criminal and civil trials as well as during Grand Jury proceedings. Mr. Vera has owned 2 CPA firms as well as a private investigative firm focusing on the investigation of fraud and financial crimes. His education and certifications include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE), Certified Cyber Crime Examiner (CCCE), Certified Economic Crime Forensic Examiner (CECFE), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Accredited Quality Assessor (AQA), Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Financial and Accounting Professionals, and Cybersecurity Advisory Services, SOC for Cybersecurity.

Rich has partnered with his former ATF colleague, retired Senior Special Agent CFI/CES Jessica F. Gotthold, to work at Critical Elements, Inc., a multi-faceted firm that specializes in cyber security, digital forensics, financial forensics/fraud examination, and training in the areas of fire, explosives, financial investigation, as well as providing expert testimony services and litigation support.