Title: VP of Finance
Company: In Transition
Length of FEI membership: More than three years
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
I have had an eclectic career spanning 30-plus years with roles in general accounting, finance and a mixture of the two. My career began with an accounting degree from Northern Illinois University, followed by earning my CPA license a year later. The most rewarding part of my education culminated in earning an MBA degree from DePaul University in Chicago.
I have worked in several industries such as eCommerce, commercial lending, wholesale distribution and professional consulting, to name a few. Additionally, I spent about 15 years working with start-up entities while helping the founders grow their businesses in the U.S. as well as overseas in the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore.
In June 2020, I returned to the Tampa Bay area to reconnect with family and identify another exciting professional opportunity. I truly look forward to strengthening my business network and making new friends along the way.
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
I really enjoy the daily challenge of solving the puzzle. As my career has morphed towards a role more focused on planning, forecasting and modeling, I have gained a thirst for solving the open question, whether it relates to cost savings, revenue enhancement or overall operational efficiency. I really enjoying sharing the solution with the management team and enhancing their overall ability to guide the business towards the preferred outcome.
What is your best networking tip?
When it comes to networking, I really struggled at the beginning. As many accounting and finance professionals can relate, I am an introvert at heart. The thought of introducing myself to a total stranger was scary and mentally draining for me. However, I decided one day to just get out there and give it a try. What I discovered is that many people had the same fears and anxieties when it came to networking. Knowing that I was not alone actually gave me comfort. So, I just kept plugging away until things felt more natural and comfortable. I now approach each introduction with a level of curiosity. I love to learn about the people that I meet. Their stories of successes and failures provide me with a rich source of information as I continue to chart a path for my future.
How did you discover your passion for finance?
My passion for accounting developed when I took an elective course in high school. I was so fascinated by the subject that I finished the material during the first half of the year and helped teach my fellow students during the second half. I’ve never regretted my choice of profession.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of finance?
I am an avid golfer with a handicap that hovers around 15. This love of golf has translated to volunteering in each of the past seven years at the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor. This has turned into a father/daughter ritual where my daughter and I really enjoy getting selfies with the players, walking inside the ropes with the players during their rounds and attending the Saturday night concerts on the driving range.