Northern California

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NETWORKING EVENTS
Norcal crew

CHAPTER TEAM:

Nadine Francyzk, FGE (Chapter Leader)

Tim Gow, Morgan Stanley
Taylor Slayton, Brex
Jeff Bauman, Baker McKenzie
Brian Kirkpatrick, Marvell
Carrie Kovak, Elastic
Madeline VanHoorickx, UBS
Cory Anderson, KPMG
Alisha Hom, Lyft

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network

 

WELCOME TO THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

This local chapter community is dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to help members develop their skills, expand their networks, and make a positive impact in their communities. You will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities including educational sessions and networking events. 

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER SPONSORS

VISIT SPONSOR PAGE
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REGIONAL RESOURCES

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LIVE WEBCAST
9 October 2025, 11am - 1pm EDT
SHARE PLAN EXCEL ESSENTIALS
BOOTCAMP

Virtual

Operational effectiveness
All plan types
Global

EXCEL ESSENTIALS FOR SHARE PLANS

Join us for a comprehensive hands-on session that takes you through the Excel essentials tailored for managing and optimizing share plan data. This stand-alone course provides attendees with a practical, interactive experience designed to enhance your proficiency in working with common functions and real-world scenarios.

In this course, you will: 

  • Learn essential Excel tools tailored for share plan management
  • Solve common share plan challenges through interactive exercises
  • Use Excel to analyze, interpret, and make informed decisions

COST
Please refer to our Event Attendee Terms and Conditions for information.

Members: 129.00
Non-Members:159.00

ATTN: Bootcamp registrants!  If you have enrolled (or are planning to enroll) for the October 2025 Virtual Bootcamp program, this course is included in your registration. You do not have to sign up for this course.

ANY QUESTIONS? 
Please contact GEO's Program Services.

 

VIRTUAL COURSE
8 October 2025, 7 - 9:30am PDT
GLOBAL SHARE PLAN BASICS BOOTCAMP - DAY 2
Bootcamp

Virtual

All plan types
Global

A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL SHARE PLANS

Tailored for newcomers to the equity compensation industry, this comprehensive four-part educational program features experts from accounting, tax, legal, and administrative fields collaborating with issuer colleagues. Together, they deliver a globally-focused starter pack comprising core concepts and real-life case studies.

Ideal candidates are taking their first steps into their equity compensation career or those in related fields who are interested a ‘big picture’ basic overview of our industry.

Online classes are intentionally kept small to encourage interactive dialogues, allowing you to learn from both your peers and expert tutors.

Get ready — the next Bootcamp will be held on 8 October! Register today

VIRTUAL COURSE
7 October 2025, 7 - 9:30am PDT
GLOBAL SHARE PLAN BASICS BOOTCAMP - DAY 1
Bootcamp

Virtual

All plan types
Global

A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL SHARE PLANS

Tailored for newcomers to the equity compensation industry, this comprehensive four-part educational program features experts from accounting, tax, legal, and administrative fields collaborating with issuer colleagues. Together, they deliver a globally-focused starter pack comprising core concepts and real-life case studies.

Ideal candidates are taking their first steps into their equity compensation career or those in related fields who are interested a ‘big picture’ basic overview of our industry.

Online classes are intentionally kept small to encourage interactive dialogues, allowing you to learn from both your peers and expert tutors.


Get ready — the next Bootcamp will be held on 7 October! Register today

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
16 October 2025, 2:30 - 4:30pm EDT
GEO BOSTON CHAPTER MEETING
BOSTON THUMB

Boston, MA

USA

Equity Excellence: Strategic Equity Plan Design and Year-End Execution 
presented by Stock and Options Solutions

SPEAKERS: Marc Tipton, Stock and Options Solutions | Jacqueline Read, Stock and Option Solutions

Year-end can be one of the most challenging times for equity plan professionals, requiring careful coordination of design, administration, compliance, and communication.

Join us to share best practices for designing effective equity compensation plans that align with organizational goals and attract top talent, while also addressing the practical realities of year-end execution.

Topics will include plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, participant communication, and the administration of timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and reporting.

Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to optimize their equity programs and ensure a smooth and efficient year-end close.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Best practices for designing equity compensation plans that balance organizational goals and employee needs.
  • Key year-end administration considerations including compliance, tax, and reporting requirements.
  • Practical strategies to streamline timelines, communication, and execution for a successful year-end close.

LOCATION:
BDO Boston Office 
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110

There is no cost to attend this chapter meeting, and GEO members and non-members are welcome, but registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
17 September 2025, 10am - 5pm PDT
15TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM
NORCAL

San Mateo, CA 

USA

Join your Bay Area equity compensation peers on 17 September at Pinstripes in San Mateo, CA! 

We're bringing you the latest insights on current industry trends and challenges. This is your golden opportunity to stay at the forefront of your field. But it's not just about learning; it's about connecting.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Brandi Chastain to the Forum—proudly sponsored by Bank of America—as our keynote speaker, presenting Motivation, Performance, and Ownership: From Athletics to Business.

Meet us there to engage with your local NorCal chapter friends and other GEO members. Exchange ideas, build valuable relationships, and fuel your professional growth. 

It's more than an event; it's a vibrant community coming together to inspire, learn, and grow.

LIVE WEBCAST
9 September 2025, 10 - 11am PDT
NO SURPRISES: BUILDING A CAP TABLE INVESTORS CAN TRUST
Webcast

Gracie Arnold, Carta
Chris Hoffmann, Equity Admin
Jason Mann, The Players Company
 

All plan types
Global

Your cap table is more than rows and columns — it’s the single source of truth that drives investor trust, internal alignment, and your company’s long-term success.

In this essential session, equity experts break down why maintaining a clean, compliant, and up-to-date cap table is critical at every stage of growth. From due diligence and fundraising to expansion into new markets, you will uncover the most common mistakes that can stall momentum — and learn how to avoid them.

Hear real-world cautionary tales of cap table missteps that derailed deals, diluted founders, or caused unnecessary complexity. Then walk away with practical tools and proven best practices to get — and keep — your cap table in top shape.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Why transparency, ownership clarity, and consistency inspire investor confidence and streamline fundraising.
  • How to identify and fix common red flags — from founder over-dilution to “dead equity” and undocumented equity promises.
  • Actionable insights to clean up and future-proof your cap table before it costs you time, capital, or opportunity.



CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

 Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
 Levels: O
 Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
 Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

ARTICLE
29 August 2025
MUSK FILES TO DISMISS LAWSUIT OVER HIS PURCHASE OF TWITTER SHARES
External News

BBC NEWS 

USA

Elon Musk is asking a US court to dismiss an SEC lawsuit accusing him of saving $150 million by disclosing his Twitter stake late in 2022, in violation of rules requiring disclosure within 10 days of surpassing 5% ownership. His lawyers argue the case is baseless, saying he corrected the filing quickly, caused no harm to investors, and is being unfairly targeted due to his public criticism of the regulator. The SEC maintains Musk’s delay caused economic harm and is seeking unusually large monetary penalties compared to similar cases.

ARTICLE
26 August 2025
ESOPS ARE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT— WHAT ADVISORS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025
External News

Forbes

USA

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are experiencing a resurgence in 2025, moving beyond manufacturing into mainstream industries as regulators and lawmakers push for broader employee ownership and new financing options. ESOPs offer powerful tax advantages and succession planning benefits, but they come with costs, complexity, and long-term obligations, prompting some businesses to consider Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) as a simpler alternative focused on legacy and cultural continuity. For business owners, the choice between ESOPs, EOTs, or other succession strategies ultimately depends on priorities such as liquidity, tax efficiency, employee retention, and preserving company values.

LIVE WEBCAST
20 August 2025, 10 - 11am PDT
DEMYSTIFYING AI: OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND THE PATH FORWARD
WEBCAST

Matt McKittrick, Baker Tilly
Loren Den Herder, Baker Tilly

Operational effectiveness
Trending now
All plan types
Global

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work—but what does that really mean for today’s business landscape? This session provides a clear, accessible overview of AI, including the current state of the technology, real-world examples of generative AI and machine learning in action, and the challenges organizations face in adopting it. We'll also explore internal roadblocks, such as resistance to change and data concerns, and take a realistic look at AI’s current limitations. Whether you’re new to the conversation or navigating AI integration within your organization, this session will leave you better equipped to evaluate its potential and prepare for what’s next.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain a foundational understanding of the current AI landscape and how it’s evolving.
  • Explore practical examples of generative AI and machine learning use cases in business.
  • Identify common internal challenges and limitations when implementing AI-driven solutions.

 
CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits 
*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

GEO members in your area can come together to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow members who share similar interests via GEOconnect. Whether you're a long-time member or a newcomer, we encourage you to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions happening here.

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Access details of past local events and their materials. Whether you missed an event or want to revisit the content, our community discussion board provides a platform to access event information, including presentations, videos, and discussions.

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Explore the GEO Insights area, where you can filter by region to access the latest events, articles, survey findings, and reports. Stay updated with the latest information and insights specific to your region, and gain valuable knowledge from our curated content. 

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY
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