the los angeles business journal presents 2013 cfos of theyear · equity research analysts. as a...

The Los Angeles Business Journal presents

This special advertising supplement did not involve the reportingor editing staff of the Los Angeles Business Journal.

September 16, 2013 Advertising Supplement

CFOs of the Year

2013

Presenting

Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors:

CohnReznick

Marcum LLP

Randstad Finance & Accounting

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:43 PM Page 23

24 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Letter from the Publisher

CFOs OF THE YEAR 2013

W ELCOME to our seventh annual LosAngeles Business Journal CFOAwards special supplement, inwhich we celebrate the efforts and

achievements of those too often unsung heroes ofthe corporate space.

This issue sheds some additional light on thenominees and honorees we celebrated at our 2013CFO of the Year Awards luncheon on Tuesday,September 10th at the Millennium Biltmore Hoteldowntown.

Every successful company in Los Angeles owes atremendous debt of gratitude to the Chief FinancialOfficers of their respective businesses, each of whomplays a key role, not only in the success of theircompanies, but in the success of the Los Angelesfinancial community as a whole. So to all the greatCFOs profiled in this volume we say thank you!

The list of prestige finalists – each an exampleof excellence in the field of financial businessstewardship – made it particularly challenging thisyear to single out the honorees. Five honorees areannounced in this section in five categories:

“Public Company CFO,” “Large Private CompanyCFO (revenue more than $100 million),” “SmallPrivate Company CFO (revenue less than $100million),” “Non-Profit CFO,”” and “Government/Public Sector CFO.” We applaud each of the final-ists and honorees – all of whom are described inthese pages.

We hope you enjoy this special section, whichcontains some insights on what exactly it meansto be a corporate financial steward in today’s busi-ness climate, as well as profiles of each of ouresteemed CFO Award finalists and honorees.

And again, congratulations to all the greatCFOs in Los Angeles who tirelessly contribute tothe bottom line of your businesses, and ultimate-ly, our business community as a whole.

Best regards,

Matthew A. ToledoPublisher & CEO

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:45 PM 4

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WHEN Mark Stolper joined RadNet as CFO in 2004, he entered astruggling company facing numerous challenges. First, RadNet wassignificantly overleveraged with debt representing over seven timesits EBITDA. At the time, RadNet's free cash flow was insufficient to

meet its interest and principal obligations. Additionally, much of its debt wasmaturing and required refinancing. Further, the company had negative netincome for the vast majority of its recent history, and was a penny stock tradingon the OTC Bulletin Board.

Stolper helped direct both an operational and financial turnaround of thecompany. He first helped to arrange a financial restructuring with RadNet's twolargest creditors and raised a new revolving line of credit. Operational changes heimplemented significantly lowered RadNet's cost structure and enhanced imag-ing center-level efficiencies, and led the company to deleverage the balance sheetand substantially grow its business.

By late 2006, Stolper helped architect a transforming acquisition ofRadiologix, Inc., which changed RadNet from a California-only company to onethat has a strong presence on the East Coast. In 2007, he moved the company tothe NASDAQ Global Market and was successful in securing numerous Wall Streetequity research analysts. As a public company, RadNet became highly visible andis now considered the medical imaging category leader in the capital markets.

Thanks in large part to Stolper's financial stewardship; RadNet today isapproximately a $725 million revenue company with approximately 248 loca-tions in seven states. RadNet has over $100 million of EBITDA, 6,300 employeesand is ubiquitously known within the investment circles.

Seventh AnnualCFO of the Year

SUE Collyns is the Chief Financial Officer and a Senior Vice Presidentof the successful 2010 start-up, Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corp.She joined the company in July of last year and is responsible forleading, directing and managing all financial operations of the busi-

ness. As a business executive first, her goals reach beyond the responsibilitiesinherent in a traditional, corporate CFO role and include partnering with theCEO to build the strategic and financial roadmap that optimizes shareholdervalue.

Collyns has a clear business philosophy, embodied by her belief in devel-oping people, processes and systems and will take them from "Good toGreat." To achieve the list of accomplishments she has already compiled inher relatively short time at the company, she has built a world-class team,having a solid plan and clear communication.

Since then, she has had a major impact Dun and Bradstreet CredibilityCorp's organization, its culture and shareholders. She has achieved in 12months what typically takes 2-3 years to achieve, including the formation ofa professional and experienced finance team, saving the company $915,000.She also oversaw a Capital Structure Improvement program, resulting in $1.2million in annual interest saving, among many other achievements.

Collyns' diverse experience across business disciplines and industries setsher apart as not only as a "Swiss-army knife" within both Accounting,Strategic Planning and Finance areas but also as a professional who has devel-oped solid operational skills with the reputation to lead businesses from"Good to Great!"

HonoreesCFO OF THE YEAR: PUBLIC COMPANY

MARK STOLPEREXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT &CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERRADNET, INC.

CFO OF THE YEAR: LARGE PRIVATE COMPANY (2012 Revenue More than $100M)

SUE COLLYNSCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDUN AND BRADSTREET CREDIBILITY CORP.

➼

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CalCPA is proud to sponsor the Los Angeles Business Journal

2013 CFO of the Year Awards.

CalCPA state and local leaders serving the profession and you.

Join them...

...and CalCPA today!

Behind all the numbers,people are the bottom line.

CalCPA Members. Trusted. Objective.At the core of sound decision making.

www.calcpa.org800-922-5272

Jennifer E. Ziegler, CPAPartner, Berkeley Research Group LLC

CalCPA Treasurer

Cory Stigile, Esq., CPAPartner, Hockman Salkin Rettig Toscher & Perez

CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter President

Rochelle N. Nakajima, CPADirector, gish Seiden LLP

CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter Treasurer

Jillian N. Phan, CPAPartner, Meloni Hribal Tratner LLP

CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter First Vice Chair

Richard Simitian, CPAPartner, Grant Thornton LLP

CalCPA Chair

Timothy J. Good, CPAPartner, Windes & McClaughry AC

CalCPA First Vice Chair

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/10/2013 12:00 PM Page 27


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JIM Stephenson is CFO of Juanita's Foods, a role he has performed now formore than seven years. The third-generation, family owned business inWilmington was founded in 1946. Though Juanita's Foods grew to be atremendously successful enterprise, it has always strived to maintain the

values and work ethic of its founders. With this in mind, Stephenson has workedto maintain the company's legendary reputation and traditions while helping itmove forward with state-of-the-art technology and operational systems.

Stephenson has a long list of financial and systems-related accomplishmentsunder his belt on behalf of Juanita's, but perhaps one of his greatest achieve-ments has been spearheading the company's Enterprise resource planning (ERP) -- a cross-functional enterprise system driven by an integrated suite of softwaremodules that supports the basic internal business processes of Juanita's. Thanksto Stephenson's initiative, Juanita's Foods now has a solution that allows them todiversify the way they use IT systems within their business. Also, the companycan now harness the ERP benefits to foster change management, cultural driversand process efficiencies.

Part of the efficiency drive, under Stephenson's stewardship, was to give own-ership and accountability of certain core processes to specific individuals. Thisrequired cross-functionality, something the new Oracle EBS system Stephensonimplemented now provides. The system allows disparate groups of people towork together and have the same visibility.

Thanks to Stephenson's implementation of a modern ERP solution, Juanita'sFoods has been able to respond to their own objectives to provide exceptionalcustomer services and quality of product.

Seventh AnnualCFO of the Year Honoree

CFO OF THE YEAR: SMALL PRIVATE COMPANY(2012 Revenue Less than $100M)

JIM STEPHENSONCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERJUANITA'S FOODS

➼

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:45 PM Page 28


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At Grant Thornton we understand the many challengesthat dynamic organizations like yours are up against. Webring a real, competitive advantage of senior staff time, shortdecision-making chains and sound processes that our clientstruly value. To help unlock your potential for growth, visitGrantThornton.com/Growth.

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[email protected] 310.948.0861

Congratulations to

uSamp and

John Woolard

From Stuart L. Pardau Law Offi ces of Stuart L. Pardau & Associates

on John’s nomination as a fi nalist for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Award

SCOTT Ota understands how recycled water and imported water are blendedand put in the Water Replenishment District of Southern California. Healso understands how storm water is captured to become part of the replen-ishment process and how the water percolates into the ground between

rocks and gravel and goes into the aquifers. He even knows the mechanics behindhow the injector wells work by the ocean areas. Perhaps most importantly, he hasalways made sure that these essential projects are fully funded.

Going well above and beyond the typical CFO's job description, Ota works close-ly with the Water Replenishment District of Southern California's engineers andhydrologists, learning from them how the projects and engineering process works.He has also assisted the grant writers on applying for grants for the expansion ofthe Leo J. Van Der Lans Water Treatment Plant. He also assisted with providing theinformation for grant to expand the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter plant.

Significantly, Ota completed a comprehensive overhaul of the WRD's budgetdevelopment and rate setting process - a process that has received the Award forExcellence for Operating Budgeting from the California Society of MunicipalFinance Officers (CSMFO) for eight consecutive years.

Ota led the WRD's efforts in its 2004, 2008 and 2011 issuance of Certificates ofParticipation. He was responsible for leading the financing team; bond counsel,financial advisors, underwriters and underwriter's counsel through the process. Hehas also manages and maintains the District's long-term, tax-exempt $80+ milliondebt portfolio as well as its 100+ professional services contracts.


CFO OF THE YEAR: GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC SECTOR

SCOTT OTACHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERWATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICTOF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

➼

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 5:20 PM Page 30


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CohnReznick is an independentmember of Nexia International

ALISON Sowden has worked in the not-for-profit arena for 28 years. Since1990, she has served as Vice President for Financial Affairs at TheHuntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in SanMarino. Sowden received her B.B.A. from Temple University, where she

was a President's Scholar. After working as a C.P.A. for a couple of years, she pur-sued an educational dream-to get an advanced degree in English literature.

Sowden credits her business training plus the rigor of an advanced humanitiesdegree with giving her the skills she needs to be an effective financial leader whocan translate and interpret financial data for different constituencies and whoprides herself on financial transparency.

When she arrived at The Huntington in 1990, Sowden found a cultural treas-ure on the brink of financial disaster. For two of every three years since 1958, theinstitution had generated deficits, wiping out its invested reserves, spending toohigh a percentage from its endowment, and accumulating decades' worth ofdeferred maintenance. Fast-forward to the present day, and thanks in large partto Sowden's financial stewardship, The Huntington now enjoys financial healththat it has not experienced since the 1950s. Sowden's focus on building TheHuntington's financial foundations has created a more secure platform launch-ing new programs, expanding collections, and extending the reach of the mis-sion of Mr. Huntington.

Her long tenure has also given her the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of hersuccesses, and even serve as the institutional financial historian!


CFO OF THE YEAR: NON-PROFIT

ALISON SOWDENVICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRSTHE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ARTCOLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

➼

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 5:21 PM Page 32


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23 48_cfos.qxp 9/10/2013 1:56 PM Page 33


it policies,

payment terms, quanti-

tative analyses, financial relation-

ships, acquisition strategies, investments,

controls, calculated risks, capital structures,

payment terms, finances, forecasts, acquisition strate-

gies, quantitative analyses, economic models, cash flows,

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nances, forecasts, economic models,

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ital structures, finances, forecasts, economic models,

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titative analyses, financial relationships,

acquisition strategies, investments, con-

trols, calculated risks, capital structures, finances, fore-

casts, economic models, cash flows, credit policies,

payment terms, quantitative analyses, financial

relationships, acquisition strategies, invest-

ments, controls, calculated risks,

capital structures,

finances, forecasts, economic models, cash flows, cred-

it policies, payment terms, quantitative analyses, financial

relationships, acquisition strategies, investments, controls,

calculated risks, capital structures, finances, forecasts,

economic models, cash flows, credit policies, payment

terms, quantitative analyses, financial relationships, acqui-

sition strategies, investments, controls, calculated risks,

capital structures,

finances, forecasts,

economic models,

cash flows, cred-

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relationships, acquisition strategies, investments,

controls, calculated risks, capital structures, financ-

es, forecasts, economic models, cash flows, credit

policies, payment terms, quantitative analyses, finan-

cial relationships, acquisition strategies, investments,

controls, calculated risks, capital structures, financ-

es, forecasts, eco-

nomic models, cash

flows, credit poli-

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quantitative analy-

ses, financial rela-

tionships, acquisition

strategies, invest-

ments, controls, cal-

culated risks, capital

structures, finances,forecasts, economic mod-

els, cash flows, cred-

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/11/2013 10:45 AM Page 34


Los Angeles Business Journal

Assurance

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This year’s esteemed CFO of the Yearfinalists are arranged below alphabeti-cally by last name. Congratulations toall of the finalists!

SOPHIA AMORUSOFOUNDER & CFONASTY GAL INC.

In a predominantlymale tech industry,Nasty Gal’s founderSophia Amoruso isgaining a lot ofattention as a youngfemale CEO andCFO who is doingthings her way. At

the age of 22 years old, Amoruso cre-ated a vintage women’s clothingbusiness on eBay as a small projectwhile working for just $13 per hourat a local college where she checkedthe ID’s of college students.

After receiving a number of mes-sages on Myspace from vintageclothing eBay sellers, she wasinspired to learn the ways of sellingonline and decided to start her owneBay store.

Fast forward to the present, whereAmoruso, now 28 years old, hasamassed an online following of550,000. Business revenue last yearwas almost $100 million. On theCFO front, she has she received $40Million in venture funding for hercompany, that, behind her impecca-ble fiscal stewardship, has remaineddebt-free and has been profitablefrom the start.

DANIELA ANTONCONTROLLER UNITED OIL CO.

Immigrating in 1996from Romania, anda true “AmericanDream” successstory, DanielaAnton, not speakinga word of Englishupon arrival here,learned the language

by watching cartoons and movieswith her then 3 ½ year old daughter.Being a quick learner by nature, shegained enough confidence in herEnglish to take courses in 1997 atCerritos College in accounting,which was her college major inBucharest as well as her professionthere, having worked as a CPA there.After learning that double-entryaccounting was the norm in theU.S., as it was in Bucharest, Antongained even more confidence andwas ready to launch her successfulcareer.

Today, Anton is the highest rank-ing financial executive at United Oil.Her invaluable contributions andachievements have been instrumen-tal in elavating United Oil to be the

6th largest privately held companyin Los Angeles County today.

DAVID J. AYERSCFO & VP OF FINANCE &ADMINISTRATIONBARCO UNIFORMS, INC.

The apparel industryis fast paced, oftenchallenged bydemanding dead-lines, to put it mild-ly. Prior to DavidAyers joining BarcoUniforms, Inc. inMarch of last year, it

did not have a CFO for several years.Instead, the outside CPA firm andthe controller were doing their bestto manage the company’s existingand forecasted double-digit salesgrowth, but small rips in the seamwere occurring frequently. True tocompany owner Michael Donner’sphilosophy of “a stitch in time savesnine,” he hired Ayers to shore upand improve the finance and admin-istrative areas of the company, afamily owned business since 1929and currently in its fourth genera-tion.

Ayers has fast established himselfa leader within the company thanksto his excellent communicationskills, proven track record of improv-ing and maximizing financial per-formance, enhancing internal con-trols and increasing productivity. AsCFO, he has spearheaded numerousinitiatives to meet the company’sneeds, both immediate and over thelonger term.

MARC AZIZUDDINCFOSEIU LOCAL 721

Marc Azizuddin hasplayed a key role inestablishing budget-ing, administration,logistics, finance,accounting, and sys-tems functions forSEIU Local 721. Hecurrently has twelve

direct reports within the financedepartment of the company and isresponsible for overseeing tax, treas-ury, accounting, SOX compliance, &financial resource allocations withinthe company. Over the past threeyears in this role, Azizuddin has cap-italized on private sector experienceand strong technology backgroundto improve external functions.

As a member of the SeniorManagement Team and ex-officiomember of the Executive Board andmember of various committees,Azizuddin has also completed fund-ing and acquisition for SEIU organi-zation’s two new buildings by effi-ciently lead strategic negotiations,

operation support, equipment pro-curement and facilities.

GLEN BALESCFOPROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPHMEDICAL CENTER

In January of 2011, Glen Bales wasasked to step into the role of CFO forProvidence Holy Cross, in additionto his already laborious duties overProvidence Saint Joseph. Colleagueschalk it up to Bales’ dedication to hiswork and his love of Providence thathave driven him into his additionalduties.

Bales goes above and beyond toensure that all managers in the min-istry who have fiscal responsibilitiesare well educated. He frequently willhold budget education sessions aswell as always being available forone on one education. He is tena-cious in presenting detail but pres-ents it at levels that is understoodand helps to encourage positivechanges. Bales puts together a budg-et report that he presents monthly atthe organization’s OperationsCouncil that is often times humor-ous but very easy for everyone tounderstand. And at times of fiscalconcerns he reminds everyone oftheir mission of serving the poor andthe vulnerable.

CHARLES BESTCFOBLACKLINE SYSTEMS

Charles Best is aCertified PublicAccountant withmore than 20 yearsof experience as afinance and opera-tional executive spe-cializing in helpingcompanies build and

grow their businesses. He is a provenleader who excels at managing inter-nal controls and processes that sup-port rapidly growing organizations.

Best came on board as BlackLineSystems’ first-ever Chief FinancialOfficer in June of 2011 to overseeAccounting, Finance, Treasury, RiskManagement and Human Resourcesfor the company. In just his first yearon the job, Best spearheaded a num-ber of initiatives designed toimprove operating efficiencies andhelp build a solid foundation forgrowth at the industry leading finan-cial software company, includingimplementing several Cloud-basedsoftware tools. Best plays a key rolein the company’s internationalgrowth strategy, including setting upsubsidiaries in new markets.BlackLine has grown from 70 tomore than 170 employees in just thepast two years since Best joined thecompany.

STEVE BUHRCFO, VICE PRESIDENT OFFINANCEBERGELECTRIC CORP.

Over 25 years ago, Steve Buhr’s loveof technology brought him toBergelectric as a computer program-mer and naturally grown into hisrole as CFO. From writing propri-etary cost-estimating software pro-grams and overseeing implementa-tion of other innovative in-housetechnologies, Buhr has never lost hispassion for ensuring that Bergremains on the industry’s cuttingedge. This dedication was recognizedin Buhr’s recent election toBergelectric’s Board of Directors.

Buhr’s unique and well-suited-to-his-company blend of technical andfinancial talents led to increasinglyresponsible positions such asaccounting manager and controller.In his current role as VP of Finance,he directs accounting functions andprovides executive oversight of IT.Under his leadership, majoradvancements in imaging andautomation of workflow have beenachieved, including “paperless” pur-chasing and accounts payable. Evenwhen discussing his own individualachievements, his love for his com-pany comes through – he is quotedas saying, “My progression here epit-omizes the world of opportunitiesand potential at Bergelectric,” statedBuhr.

KEVIN COMBSCFOSHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTERAND HAMPTON LLP

In 1996 KevinCombs joinedSheppard Mullin asCFO. At the firm, hehas developed prof-itability analysis sys-tems, systematicways to analyze alter-native fee structures

for its clients and aided in its domes-tic growth as well as internationalexpansion.

The doubling of SheppardMullin’s size since Comb’s arrivalhas been accomplished whilemaintaining low overhead costsrelative to competitors. In fact,Sheppard Mullin consisted of fouroffices all located in California,with approximately 210 attorneysat the time Combs joined the Firm.During his sixteen year tenure, hehas been instrumental in growingthe firm to fifteen offices with 600attorneys. Thanks to Combs’ finan-cial stewardship, the firm hasweathered the economic downturnand continues to grow and prosper.In large part this is due to conser-

CFO of the Year Finalists

Continued on page 38

23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:46 PM Page 36


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23 48_cfos.qxp 9/11/2013 11:18 AM Page 37


vative and realistic budgeting thatthe partners and potential newpartners trust; his role in keepingexpenses in check to ensure prof-itability; and incurring no long-term debt through the firm’sexpansion.

HEIDI DIANATYVICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCEIMPERIAL TOY

Heidi Dianaty is alead executivebehind Imperial Toy,a leading maker oflicensed and non-licensed kids’ bub-bles, seasonal prod-ucts and noveltytoys. Dianaty has

been with Imperial Toy for five yearsand she is responsible for managingand overseeing all areas in theaccounting, human resources, and ITdepartments.

Dianaty is in many ways the heartand glue of Imperial Toy. She is pas-sionate about the company and hasfast become the right hand to bothPresidents - Peter Tiger and ArtHirsch, and despite her manyresponsibilities, she always makesthe time to listen to an employee’sproblems, whether the issue is pro-fessional or personal - and will goout of her way to make a situationcorrect. Dianaty directs the prepara-tion of annual budgets, monthlyfinancials, and management reports.She analyzes the financial perform-ance of the business and main-tains/upgrades of the internalaccounting, operating systems andcontrols with a winning blend ofpassion and professionalism.

CHUCK EALLONARDOVICE PRESIDENT FINANCE/CFOBRISTOL FARMS

Chuck Eallonardohas been withBristol Farms formore than twelveyears, serving in thecapacities ofAssistant Controller,Controller, and cur-rently, Vice-

President of Finance & ChiefFinancial Officer. During this time,he has made it his highest priorityto continually increase the qualityand timeliness of the department’swork product, as well as to providefinancial leadership for the specialtygrocer as its industry was rapidlyevolving.

Eallonardo has headed the finan-cial function of the companythrough three ownership changes,most recently in a management-ledbuyout with private equity partner

Endeavour Capital, in a transactionthat was recognized as the MiddleMarket Deal of the Year by the LosAngeles-based Association forCorporate Growth. Thanks in largepart to his efforts, the company hasnever been in a better position.During his time at Bristol Farms, heeven returned to school, earning hisMBA from Pepperdine University in2003. He is also a Certified PublicAccountant.

CAROL ELLISONCFOPEARLMAN, BORSKA & WAX

As Pearlman, Borska& Wax’s CFO forover 12 years, CarolEllison has largelybeen responsible foroverseeing everyfinancial aspect ofthe firm. She is alsointimately involved

in every aspect of operations. Herduties include financial planning,monitoring the cash flow as well asmanaging the firm’s financialstrengths and weaknesses. Shealways offers her input for improve-ment, from purchasing to advertis-ing, from budgeting to humanresources, from insurance to pensionplans. The job duties that she hasare unlimited. She works directly ona day-to-day basis with the firm’smanagement team, as well as themanaging partner. In addition,Ellison has been the point personfor opening up all five of the firm’soffice locations.

Even though Ellison is not a“partner” in the firm, she managesthe firm’s finances as if the businesswere her own. She always offers tohelp but knows when to give thoseemployees that she works closelywith the appropriate autonomy.

DOUG EVANSCFOHIRSCH PIPE & SUPPLYCOMPANY

Doug Evans is a vet-eran executive withexperience infinance, M&A, busi-ness development,strategy and market-ing. He is currentlyCFO of Hirsch Pipe& Supply, the largest

independent wholesaler/distributorof plumbing and industrial suppliesin Southern California. In that role,he manages finance, accounting,pricing, corporate strategy and busi-ness development, including acquisi-tions, new store openings and newlines of business.

In his tenure as CFO for Hirsch,

Evans has presided over a dramaticimprovement in the company’s prof-itability. Much of this improvementcan be attributed to judicious costcutting measures coupled with newcost accounting procedures thathave driven strategic decision mak-ing toward profitable businessopportunities across the enterprise.In addition, Evans has developed asophisticated GIS-based site selectionmodel has been used to position suc-cessful stores in a number of newgeographies for the company. Evansalso successfully engineered Hirsch’sacquisition of Leif Ball Pipe &Supply, Inc. of Canoga Park in 2011.

STEPHEN GARCIACFOMRV COMMUNICATIONS

Stephen Garcia has served as MRVCommunications’ Chief FinancialOfficer since April of last year.Already making fiscal inroads atMRV, Garcia has been able to drawfrom his diverse CFO experience.Previous to his current tenure, hewas a consultant with AvantAdvisory Group, LLC starting inNovember of 2010. Garcia temporar-ily left Avant from April to July of2011 to be the Chief FinancialOfficer at Capario, a medical claimsclearing house. From November of2008 to April of 2010, he had servedas the Chief Financial Officer atGlenmount Global Solutions, anautomation, energy managementand information solutions profes-sional services company. From July2003 to July 2008, he was the ChiefFinancial Officer at Obagi MedicalProducts, Inc., a global specialtypharmaceutical company specializ-ing in skin care systems, where heled the company’s IPO in 2006 andsecondary offering in 2007.

MONA C. HEFFERNANCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERBIONESS INC.

Mona Heffernanjoined Bioness in thesummer of 2011 andwas immediatelypressed into serviceregarding a host offinancial issues inone of the compa-ny’s OUS plants. Not

only did she resolve the issue thatwas rather complicated due to thatcountry’s tax laws, she began toassess the business and financialprocesses in an extremely well pre-pared and detailed report to theBoard not more than one week uponher return. Since that time,Heffernan has reconstructed theentire financial reporting processesat the company, establishing global

policies and upgrading the financialteam in the US and the company’sEuropean and Israeli business units.She has relentlessly optimizedBioness’ ERP system and elevated itsIT department’s value far beyond itsoriginal charter.Heffernan has also reconstructedhow the company captures costsacross three business units. Her relia-bility, attention to detail, and will-ingness to go the extra yard sets avery high standard for everyone atBioness.

ALAN HOFFMANCFO & SVPCENTURY HOUSINGCORPORATION

Alan Hoffman isSenior Vice Presidentand Chief FinancialOfficer for CenturyHousing and its 24affiliates. With 23years of experiencein management andfinance, Hoffman is

currently responsible for all corpo-rate finance, risk management,investments, financial planning, tax,and IT functions.

Hoffman raised $100 million ofcapital/secured credit facilities forCentury Housing to re-leverage fourtimes for a total of close to $400 mil-lion of available credit for the afford-able housing community. Theaffordable housing market knowsfew options of available funds at thistime, keeping many projects inlimbo. This is the reason why thedollars available through CenturyHousing to assist developers tofinance their affordable housingprojects are so critical to the LosAngeles community. Banks havebeen particularly strict about lendingout credit after the 2008 downturn.Consequently, the hard work thatthat Hoffman has performed duringthe year to raise money has been agenuine difference-maker for thecommunity.

RACHEL HOWITTPRESIDENT AND CFONAI CAPITAL, INC.

Rachel Howitt hashad a notable careerin real estate that istied together by 34years of wide-rangeexperience includingmetallurgical engi-neering, finance,and business devel-

opment. As the current Presidentand CFO of NAI Capital, Inc., shehas assisted in the strategy ofexpanding the company from one tofourteen offices with tremendous


Continued from page 36


23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:47 PM Page 38


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23 48_cfos.qxp 9/11/2013 11:20 AM Page 39


market penetration in SouthernCalifornia. An exceptional problemsolver, Howitt has come up with cre-ative solutions to meet the chal-lenges the industry has faced overthe last few years. She has embracedthe notion that for the company tobe successful, her people need to besuccessful. So over the years Howitthas taken under her wing youngprofessionals and assisted them inelevating their skill sets to go on andexpand their careers.

Howitt has also succeeded inkeeping the company’s revenues sta-ble and its credit position firmthroughout the recession in such away that the last three years haveshown to incrementally increase inprofitability.

RONETTE KITECOO/CFOADLY INC.

Ronette Kite is theCOO/CFO of AdlyInc., a leading socialadvertising technol-ogy platform thatworks with celebri-ties. Kite managesTalent & Non-ProfitRelations, Sales

Operations, Marketing, Finance &Accounting and HR &Administration responsibilities ofthe Company. She has been withAdly for almost three years,involved with raising almost $3million in additional funding,brought on hundreds of keycelebrities (such as Kevin Hart,Gabrielle Union, Dwight Howardand Mariah Carey) on the platform,and assisted in the repositioningand rebranding of Adly earlier thisyear. She led the company inlaunching an ecommerce site,Looksy.com, that was sold late lastyear.

Kite is mindful of costs, ensuringthat every dollar spent has a director indirect correlation to revenue orsaving of costs, has negotiated manycontracts and was able to successful-ly identify a sub-tenant to take overtheir current lease, re-locating theCompany to a smaller more afford-able office space.

BILLY KUCFOKOOS MANUFACTURING

Established in 1985, KoosManufacturing, Inc. is the premierdenim jeans manufacturer in LosAngeles. With its finances handledby CFO Billy Ku, the company hasremained the only vertically inte-grated jeans factory on the WestCoast. Every step — from design,cutting, sewing, washing, and finish-

ing are performed in one facility. In 2000, company founder Yul

Ku began exploring a new directionby developing his own brand ofjeans in partnership with industrylegend Adriano Goldschmied, co-creator of brands such as Diesel andReplay. Goldschmied’s design talentblended with the unique manufac-turing experience and capabilities ofKoos Manufacturing – all overseenfrom the financial perspective byBilly Ku, proved an instant formulafor success.

BERNIE LAFIANZADIRECTOR OF FINANCEPENNY LANE CENTERS

In early 2009, BernieLaFianza started anMBA program atCalifornia StateUniversityNorthridge whilecontinuing full timeemployment atPenny Lane Centers

as the company’s CFO. He receivedhis MBA in 2011.

LaFianza has taken his MBAknowledge and applied businessprinciples to the overall manage-ment of Penny Lane Centers to helpstrengthen an already thriving non-profit company. Through his tenureas CFO, Penny Lane Centers hascontinued to grow in terms of serv-ices provided and the size of thebudget and staff. In addition tooverseeing all the fiscal operationsof Penny Lane Centers, he alsodirectly supervises the InformationTechnology Department and twonewer ventures for Penny Lane:Abbey Road, a supporting organiza-tion to Penny Lane, which is aproperty development companybuilding affordable housing and theBusiness DevelopmentManager/Department tasked withresearching and developing newnonprofit and for-profit extensionsand support to existing Penny LaneCenters’ programs.

PAOLA MACCHIAVELLOCOO AND CFOSO CAL CDC

Paola Macchiavello works as theCFO in conjunctions with beingthe COO at So Cal CDC. She man-ages the day-to-day finances of thecompany with precise detail. Fromthe regular banking and account-ing, to management of the lendingrequirements and AR/APs, amongother tasks, she handles all herduties expertly. She is very muchinvolved in making sure the com-pany operates at a healthy standardand reviews company finances foraccuracy.

So Cal CDC is a non-profit organi-zation that is guided by U.S. SmallBusiness Administration (SBA) strictregulations and policies.Macchiavello has managed to allowthe company to improve profitabili-ty in order to hire additional staff,apply for financing and grow. So CalCDC made the top 30 list of SBALenders in the Los Angeles area for2011, its first year of operation. Thiswas made possible by Macchiavello’sdedication to making sure the com-pany financials were as up-to-dateand organized as possible.

MARTY MCDERMUTCFO/SVP, FINANCEVITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.

Marty McDermut, aCertified PublicAccountant,Certified Merger &Acquisitions Advisor,and Certified FraudSpecialist, joinedVitesseSemiconductor

Corporation, a leading provider ofadvanced IC solutions for Carrierand Enterprise networks, in July of2011 as Senior Vice President ofFinance and Chief Financial Officer.McDermut has more than 25 yearsof financial management experienceincluding finance, accounting,auditing, general management, capi-tal markets and investor relations.His background ranges from workwith private enterprises to large,public, multinational corporationsin a variety of industries includinghigh technology and medical-tech-nology.

“Marty is an outstanding additionto Vitesse’s senior leadership team,”said Chris Gardner, CEO of Vitesse.“He brings a wealth of experienceand a solid financial skill set to theCompany. I look forward to partner-ing with Marty to achieve our finan-cial and strategic objectives as weembark on our next phase ofgrowth.”

SELAM MEHARENACFO/VP ADMIN.PROJECT GRAD LOS ANGELESINC.

A methodical andstrategic thinker,Selam Meharena is ateam oriented, goaland results drivenfinancial executivewith over 15 yearsnon-profit financialmanagement,

human resource and risk manage-ment experience. Meharena hasrepeatedly proven to be a values-driven, excellent organizational and

administratively skilled CFO withsuperior business acumen. Skilled inassessing requirements and deter-mining priorities, Meharena analyzesevery course of action and is alsoexperienced in many aspects offinancial management includingfinancial statements analysis, budg-eting, internal control, internal andexternal reporting, as well as, processimprovements that resulted in quan-tifiable bottom line cost savings.

For Project GRAD, Meharenaserves as primary staff liaison withthe Finance Committee of the Boardof Directors and is responsible forstrategic management of all financialand administrative aspects of theorganization. Meharena also worksclosely in conjunction with theProject GRAD Los Angeles President& CEO, Board of Directors, and staff.

MATTHEW MITCHELLPRESIDENT, CFOMEDIAPASS LLC

Matthew Mitchell co-foundedMediaPass and serves as the compa-ny’s President as well as CFO. He isresponsible for MediaPass’ vision forhelping online publishers prosper inan environment where most can’tsucceed with advertising alone.

He also has a remarkable trackrecord as a financial executive.Prior to founding MediaPass,Mitchell served as vice president offinance for Like.com, the onlineleader in comparison-shopping forsoft goods that was acquired byGoogle in 2010. During his time atLike.com, he oversaw all financialresponsibilities, helped raise a $32million in venture capital funding,and was instrumental in growingrevenue threefold. Before Like.com,he spent more than four years asdirector of finance forReunion.com, where he developedthe process and algorithms forReunion’s distribution and sub-scription strategy that enabled thecompany to grow from $3 millionin annual subscription revenue tomore than $100 million.

STEVEN NAUGLECFOMEGATRAX PRODUCTIONMUSIC, INC.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, expe-rienced CFO Steven Naugle beganwork with a local CPA firm, Leslie,Engell and Associates, where heworked with a variety of clientsincluding real estate, magazine, filmproduction, restaurant franchise,automotive repair and non-profits.The services ranged from traditionalattest services to litigation support,SEC filing, business plans, immigra-tion support, Controller services




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and M&A support. Several years into his work with

Leslie, Engell and Associates,Naugle was offered the Controller(now CFO) position with MegatraxProduction Music, Inc. In additionto taking over HR oversight shortlyafter his arrival, he has also takenover management of the technolo-gy team. During his tenure atMegatrax, he has become particu-larly proud of his roles in the com-pany’s organizational conversion toSalesforce, the development ofgreatly improved HR systemsthrough a strategic partnershipwith a local HR services firm, andthe implementation of a new web-site and search system.

ROBERT NEWMANVICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE &ACCOUNTINGINDEPENDENT FILM &TELEVISION ALLIANCE (IFTA)

Robert Newman is an exemplaryexecutive who rose from temporaryemployment to the rank of VicePresident at the Independent Film &

Television Alliance (IFTA). His 23-yearcareer with the organization began inlate 1990 working in a temporarycapacity for IFTA’s annual trade show– the American Film Market. Over

the next few years,he held various posi-tions within theFinance &Accounting depart-ment approachingeach role with pas-sion and a tremen-dous sense of knowl-

edge and commitment. Robert waspromoted to Vice President, Finance& Accounting in 1999.

While managing all of the organi-zation’s funds and budgets under theunique rules that apply to non-prof-its, Robert has also played a majorrole in the organization’s annualeight-day American Film Market(AFM). His keen sense of know-howin implementing new strategies andsignificantly cutting costs, especiallyin an economic downturn, has beencrucial to effective financial over-sight of AFM – one of NorthAmerica’s top 150 Trade Shows.

MOHAMED NOOHUCFOMSN ASSOCIATES INC.

A qualified andexperienced profes-sional focused onearning an adequateprofit by instillingfinancial disciplineand implementing arelevant businessplan, Mohamed

Noohu has over 20 years of workexperience for medium and largemultinational companies. He creditsmuch of his success to the fact thathe routinely takes an entrepreneurialapproach to understanding underly-ing factors that impact business per-formance. He also has a solid trackrecord of making order out of chaosby prioritizing short and long-termissues, which impact a company.

Noohu has successfully estab-lished cash controls and detaileddaily reporting to manage funds incash strapped companies. He cannegotiate with lenders and establishclose relationships by providing

timely and relevant information toincrease their confidence in trou-bled companies. He also plays ahands on role in growing anddeveloping the management teamand has repeatedly establishedstrategic planning practices withemphasis on implementation.

RAUL PAVIACFOALLIANCE FOR HOUSING ANDHEALING

Raul Pavia is theCFO of Alliance forHousing andHealing, an inde-pendent nonprofitthat provides hous-ing and supportiveservices to men,women, children,

and families suffering with HIV/AIDSand poverty in Los Angeles. As theCFO, Pavia directly manages threestaffers and serves as a member ofthe Senior Executive Team that over-sees an annual budget of $7.7 mil-lion, 70 employees, and amazing



23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:47 PM Page 42


programs that serve 1,500 peopleeach year.

In the last ten years, Pavia hasbeen a vital part of several remark-able achievements, including merg-ing The Serra Project and Aid forAIDS to create Alliance for Housingand Healing, a more robust nonprof-it that offers a full spectrum of hous-ing services. Under his fiscal steward-ship the Alliance has also increasedthe number of independent housingunits from 34 to 132 – an increase of388%! Pavia also played a key role inthe acquisition of Casa de Corazonfrom a faltering nonprofit to ensurethat this much-needed facility wouldcontinue to operate.

STEVEN RAFTCFOALFRED MUSIC

On the job at Alfred Music for onlyeight months, Steve Raft has jumpedin to this new position with bothfeet. He has reorganized the financ-ing for the company, restructured itsstaff, developed (alongside AlfredMusic’s CEO) a long-term strategic

plan, and has made himself invalu-able to the management team.

Presently, Raft is handling AlfredMusic’s off-site strategic planningsessions as well as top-level person-nel issues. To get everything done atthe level of quality he insists upon,he is putting in 100-plus hour weeksfor months at a time. Additionally,he has spent considerable time onthe road, traveling all around theworld to meet with new vendors andsupply chain professionals. He hasimmersed himself in the businessand is attending every trade show hecan find to further help him comeup to speed on the specific nuancesof the music publishing business.

GERHARD RENNERCFOLUSIVE DECOR

As Lusive Decor’s CFO, GerhardRenner has been instrumental in thecompany’s extraordinary growthand continued development. Withhis thoughtful leadership, genuineintegrity and tireless work ethic hehas guided our team towards each of

its key goals and accomplishments. During Gerhard Renner’s tenure,

Lusive has shown year-over-yeargrowth in everymeasurable salescategory includingnew customers,repeat customersand projects com-pleted. This finan-cial feat was accom-plished during the

height of the nation’s recent reces-sion, and all while maintainingLusive’s consistent record of strongcompany profitability each andevery year to date. Gerhard hasalso improved and establishedLusive’s accounting processes tomeet GAAP standards. He estab-lished a new business banking rela-tionship to serve both Lusive’sdomestic and foreign bankingneeds. This year will mark fouryears that Gerhard Renner has ledLusive Decor’s financial team. Inthat short time he has systemati-cally implemented strategic busi-ness improvements that, by year’send, will have more than doubled

the company’s annual revenue andprofits.

BRUCE ROSSCFOROBBINS BROTHERS JEWELRY,INC.

Bruce Ross, CFO ofRobbins BrothersJewelry, Inc., bringsthe company exten-sive senior-level expe-rience gained direct-ing business andfinancial operationsfor category-leading

companies in multiple industries.Ross’ strong background in publicofferings, startups, turnaround andrapid growth situations has providedhim with a strong reputation. He hasmanaged complete financial opera-tions using state-of-the-times automat-ed systems and has directed majornational and international financialand marketing programs while over-seeing multi-million dollar productionand distribution operations.

Marty Albertson, Chairman and



23 48_cfos.qxp 9/12/2013 4:48 PM Page 43


For advertising information,please call 323.549.5225

Enhance your positioning andvisibility as a leader in the

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Reprinted from the March 12, 2012 issue

LAW FIRMS Ranked by number of attorneys in L.A. County offices

150 THE LISTS 2013 • LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL

LOS ANGELES

BUSINESS JOURNAL THE LIST

For the first time in 20

years, L.A. has a new

largest law firm: Gibson

Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Gibson Dunn had held

the top spot back in the

late 1980s, the heyday

of the “L.A. Law” TV

phenomenon. Then

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

surpassed Gibson Dunn

in 1991 and maintained

the top ranking for the

next 20 years. But this

year, O’Melveny reported

a drop of 36 attorneys

to 259 at its two L.A.

offices as the firm has

been transitioning to a

more national focus. That

allowed Gibson Dunn,

which only dropped

six attorneys, to slip

back into the No. 1 slot,

with 262 attorneys at

its downtown L.A. and

Century City offices.

1

PROFITS: At O’Melveny,

profits per partner

increased by $195,000

to $1.72 million for the

fiscal year ended Jan.

31. The firm saw total

revenue fall slightly from

$782 million in 2010 to

$779 million last year.

2

Atlanta | Brussels | Charlotte | Dallas | Los Angeles | New York | Research Triangle | Silicon Valley | Ventura County | Washington, D.C. www.alston.com

Human Rights Campaign

“Who Represents America’s

Biggest Companies”

Corporate Counsel#2 |

The Best Lawyers in America147 |

Chambers USA:

America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 89 | Top 25 IP Firm

– Silicon Valley Business Journal

FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies

to Work For”

Paragons of Prosecution

Intellectual Asset Management Magazine

“Awesome Opponent”

BTI Litigation Outlook

BTI Client Service 30

#5 | ient Servi e 30

2012


TOP BILLING: Quinn

Emanuel Urquhart &

Sullivan LLP had the

highest profits-per-

partner among local

firms. The Los Angeles

litigation firm reported

an increase in profits-per

partner from $3.6 million

in 2010 to $4.1 million

in 2011.

6

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL • THE LISTS 2013 151

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Chief Executive Officer of GuitarCenter, where Ross used to work,describes him well: “Bruce joinedGuitar Center in 1994 when thecompany was still private and hasplayed an integral role in mile-stones including our leveraged buy-out, our initial public offering, theexpansion of the Guitar Center con-cept from 17 to 165 stores, and ouracquisitions of direct response andeducational operating divisions. Hewas instrumental to Guitar Center’sgrowth and success over the years,and he has helped strengthen thecompany’s financial position.”

BRADLEY S. SATENBERGCFO1ST CENTURY BANK

Since Brad Satenberg joined 1stCentury Bank in 2009, he has man-aged a happy and healthy financeteam with no turnover, and hasbeen a key strategic executive help-ing to navigate the bank through achallenging time in the financialmarkets. Satenberg also has one ofthe strongest work ethics at the

Bank — always thefirst one to arriveand usually the lastto leave. While he isconstantly underthe pressure of a fil-ing deadline, he hascalmness in hisapproach to work

and is analytical but decisive. Perhaps most importantly,

Satenberg leads by example and isconstantly mentoring his team andothers in the bank. He has helpedthe Bank reach record levels ofassets and earnings over the pastseveral quarters. His input and expe-rience in implementing change hasgreatly improved the efficiency ofthe organization and has been inte-gral to instilling a discipline andfocus to the bank that has enabled itto achieve its goals and objectives.

WES SCHAEFERCFOAMERICAN BUSINESS BANK

Wes Schaefer started his financialcareer in 1974 at Union Bank in

Los Angeles as an operation trainee.He rose to SVP and head of thebond department in 1980.Following that, he served in a num-ber of progressively senior positions

at other banks.Today, at AmericanBusiness Bank,Schaefer overseesapproximately 66employees andmanages the banksportfolio. He over-sees directly 65% of

the bank’s assets and over 70% ofthe bank’s employees. He is a keyexecutive overseeing the executivemanagement meeting where thedirection of the bank is set.

Schaefer also chairs the executivemanagement team and runs the twice amonth management meeting. He alsoholds the corporate title of Secretaryand is a vice chairman as well. In thisarea, he oversees the capital composi-tion as well as stockholder relations andthe stockholder meetings. He is alsoresponsible for operations of the bank,interest rate risk management, IT andmost policies and procedures.

TIMOTHY M. SCHOENEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,CFOHCP, INC.

Timothy Schoenjoined HCP in 2006and currently serves asits Executive VicePresident and ChiefFinancial Officer. Heand his team at HCPare responsible formaintaining, develop-

ing and implementing capital marketsstrategies, investor relations, businessplanning, financial planning and analy-sis, financial reporting, risk managementand the IT infrastructure supporting thelargest healthcare real estate investmenttrust (“REIT”) in the country.

Schoen has served in a progres-sion of roles with increasingresponsibility during his six yearsat HCP, and has helped the compa-ny grow its healthcare real estateportfolio from representing 502properties in early 2006 to a com-pany that today represents 1,012properties. Schoen initially served



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Randstad Finance & AccountingCongratulates the 2013 CFOof the Year Award Nominees

Century City: 310.277.7900Glendale: 818.299.9300www.randstadfinance.com

Our focus matches your focusAs the second-largest finance & accountingstaffing firm in the country, we focusexclusively on placing professionals infinance and accounting positions. For morethan 25 years, our executive recruiters havesuccessfully delivered the top talent thatorganizations need to impact their bottomline and drive financial success.

We applaud this year’s nominees and awardwinners for serving as exemplary leaderswithin the Los Angeles business communityand as an inspiration for the finance &accounting industry.

in an acquisitions capacity, thenmoving on to establish scale to thecompany’s InvestmentManagement platform, and mostrecently headed its Life Sciencesegment prior to being namedHCP’s Chief Financial Officer. Hewas also responsible for managingand expanding relationships withinstitutional investors that includ-ed U.S. pension funds and dedicat-ed European real estate funds.

KERRY SHIBA CFO/SVPSUPERIOR INDUSTRIESINTERNATIONAL INC.

Kerry A. Shiba has been the ChiefFinancial Officer of SuperiorIndustries International, Inc. sinceOctober 2010 and has been itsExecutive Vice President sinceMarch 1, 2012. Shiba served asSenior Vice President of SuperiorIndustries International, Inc. sinceMarch 1, 2012. He has approxi-mately 30 years of experience incomplex manufacturing environ-ments. Shiba was named to the

Superior Industries board of direc-tors in April 2013.

Prior to joining Superior in 2010as senior vice president and chieffinancial officer, he was senior vicepresident/chief financial & restructur-ing officer and president of the origi-nal equipment business unit of RemyInternational, Inc., a supplier of com-ponents to automobile and truckmanufacturers. Mr. Shiba previouslyheld senior management positionswith Kaiser Aluminum Corporation,including vice president and chieffinancial officer, and served in seniorfinancial management roles with TheBF Goodrich Company.

DREW SKARUPACFOREALD

Drew Skarupa brings 20 years offinancial leadership and expertise tohis position as Chief FinancialOfficer for RealD. He has extensiveexperience in accounting and SECreporting, financial analysis, creditmanagement, mergers and acquisi-tions, capital acquisition, and more.

Prior to joining RealD, he servedas Vice President for Finance atWaterMark Sports, a leader in thedesign and production of productsfor outdoor enthusiasts, where hesuccessfully guided the company’sfinancial operations through the saleof its personal flotation device busi-ness to K2.

Before WaterMark, Skarupa hadserved as Chief Financial Officer forAlliant Protection Services, an elec-tronics security company. Under hisguidance, the company completedsix major acquisitions, raised $14.4million in equity financing roundsand $13 million in senior debt. Healso played an integral role in thesuccessful sale of Alliant ProtectionServices to the publicly tradedIntegrated Alarm Services Group.

RANDALL STOTTCFONATIONAL DIVERSIFIED SALES

Randall Stott is a CFO who contin-ually impresses his colleagues withhis detailed knowledge of NationalDiversified Sales’ business – above

and beyond the financial issues. Heis a consummate executive wholeads his team to effectively man-age every area of finance, account-ing and information technologyorganization.

Stott has been with NDS for manyyears and helped the company main-tain financial stability during difficult

economic times.During the buildingindustry downturnin 2008 and 2009,Stott was proactivein recommendingorganizationalchanges to keep NDSsolvent. Also, he is

always focused on growing the busi-ness and increasing the company’sEBITDA and profitability. He hasbeen a strong proponent of makingacquisitions that fit into NDS’ corebusiness and adds “synergies” to theexisting product mix. He is not onlycompetent at understanding thefinancial impact and ramifications ofan acquisition; he fully comprehendsthe strategic effect that an acquisitionmay have on the company.



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TODD SWEATCFO AND SVP OFADMINISTRATIONVACO LOS ANGELES, LLC

Todd Sweat is theChief FinancialOfficer and SeniorVice President ofAdministration forVaco Los Angeles, aconsulting and exec-utive placement firmthat specializes in

finance, accounting and technologyprofessionals for contract/consultingpositions and permanent direct-hirepositions.

Sweat is considered to be one ofthe most valuable resources at theVaco Los Angeles office as he worksclosely with founder and managingpartner Frances Moreno on growthstrategy, key business initiatives andimproved profitability programs. Heprovides guidance and assistance toaccomplish Vaco’s financial goalsand objectives. He works directlywith a team of Vaco partners todevelop financial and operatingstrategies to help enhance Vaco’sposition and leadership in LosAngeles. In addition, he developsand executes strategies to help pro-mote the Vaco brand and marketposition on a national level.

He has a dynamic skill set thatgives him the ability to motivateVaco’s team of recruiters with hisoutgoing personality and to givedirection toward maximizing Vacos’business results.

MANEL SWEETMORECFOVERENGO, INC.

In 2009, Manel Sweetmore joinedVerengo Solar Plus and built thefinance and operational infrastruc-ture to help seize a leadership posi-tion in California’s market for resi-dential solar installations. Sweetmoreprovided the financial leadership toenable one of the industry’s best cap-ital and operational efficiencies.Today, thanks in large part toSweetmore’s financial stewardship,Verengo Solar Plus is number one inSouthern California for solar systemsinstalled.

Among the many roles Sweetmorehas played for Verengo, include rais-ing money for capital funding; over-seeing pricing and strategy to drivegrowth resulting in Verengo becom-ing an industry leader in manyaspects; establishing profitability(Verengo is the only company of its

kind at scale to be EBITDA positive);customer financing partnershipdevelopment and implementation;and management of efficientaccounts payable operations whichdrive improved payment terms. Hewas also charged with rapidly build-ing an effective and talented financeteam from the ground up.

CHAD TEWCFOVIEWPOINT SCHOOL

Reed Chandler “Chad” Tew is theChief Financial Officer of ViewpointSchool in Calabasas. During Tew’sthirteen year tenure as CFO, theSchool’s operating budget has tripledto nearly $40 million and its assetshave increased five-fold to over $90million. Tew also oversees mainte-nance and building projects on the25-acre campus, all auxiliary services,and a human resource departmentfor the thriving nonprofit organiza-tion that employs 275 faculty, staff,and administrators. In 2008, theViewpoint Board of Trustees electedTew to the additional post ofTreasurer of the School’s corporateentity, the Viewpoint EducationalFoundation, and starting this schoolyear, he assumed the additional titleof COO.

Tew orchestrated three millionmunicipal bond issues and refinanc-ings totaling $76 million, mostrecently cutting the School’s interestrate and bringing down outstandingdebt to half that total amount. Underhis financial leadership the Schoolhas enjoyed a strong and securefinancial foundation, with a debt-to-asset ratio now less than 35%, downfrom 50% in 2000.

JOHN THEUERCFOINTERNATIONAL COFFEE & TEADBA COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF

The Coffee Bean &Tea Leaf recentlynamed John Theueras its Chief FinancialOfficer, reportingdirectly to Presidentand CEO Mel Elias.In this role, Theueroversees the

accounting, finance, treasury and ITdepartments for the Los Angeles-based, and oldest and largest private-ly-held, specialty coffee and tearetailer, famed for its iconic OriginalIce Blended drinks and Tea Lattes.He is responsible for all aspects ofthe company’s financial plans, poli-

cies, general accounting, budgetingand growth planning.

Theuer joined The Coffee Bean &Tea Leaf after spending 16 years withthe Panda Restaurant Group, whichoperates Panda Express and sisterconcepts Panda Inn and HibachiSun. His most recent role there wasChief Financial Officer and he wasan instrumental part of the SeniorManagement Team that spearheadedthe expansion of Panda Express from90 units to over 1,300 company-owned stores across the UnitedStates with annual revenue of over$1.4 billion.

DENISE M. TYSONEVP, CFO AND COOWORKMEN’S AUTO INSURANCECOMPANY

Denise M. Tyson is afinancial executivewith extensive expe-rience in financialservice companymergers, reorganiza-tions and financiallychallenging situa-tions. She is present-

ly the Executive Vice President andChief Financial Officer/ChiefOperating Officer of Workmen’sInsurance Group in Los Angeles.Workmen’s is a member of theShammas Group, which also ownsDowntown LA Motors.

In addition to being the CFO,Tyson holds the title and responsi-bilities of Executive Vice Presidentreporting to the President, whoalso happens to be a Companyowner. Therefore not only is sheresponsible for strategic vision andfinancial management of the com-pany, she is also responsible forday-to-day management of thecompany and all aspects of itsoperations. A motivational power-house, Tyson developed a mantrato motivate employees to want tobe successful. She ends all of herstandup meetings and company-wide communications with thank-ing everyone for and encouragingthem to “get in her boat and rowin the same direction.”

PERRY WALLACKCFOCORNERSTONE ONDEMAND

Perry Wallack co-founded CornerstoneOnDemand (previously known asCyberU) in November of 1999, alongwith the company’s president andCEO, Adam Miller, and EVP ofStrategic Accounts, Steven Seymour.

Wallack has helped bring thecompany from being one of the orig-inal Silicon Beach startups to beingone of the fastest growing publicly

traded softwarecompanies in theworld. Pivotalmoments inWallack’sCornerstone historyinclude survivingthe dot-com bust in2000 and, more

than a year later, 9/11. At that time,most, if not all, of Cornerstone’sclients were large financial firmsbased in New York. The companywas bootstrapped for its first 8 years.It received its first round of VCfunding in fall of 2007, followed bya second round in early 2009.Wallack helped take Cornerstonepublic two years ago and the com-pany now has a nearly $2 billionmarket cap and over 11 millionglobal users. From the start, Wallackhas brought an entrepreneurial spiritand knowledge to his work.

JOHN WOOLARDCFOUSAMP

When John Woolardwalked in the door,uSamp was foreverchanged. He immedi-ately took charge andrestructured the com-pany’s finance andaccounting teams. Hetook ownership over

the operations of the business, whichwas complex considering the businesswas spread geographically between theUS and the UK.

Woolard takes great pride in hiswork and treats uSamp as thoughit’s his own company, and aggres-sively protects the business fromoutsiders that attempt to harm it.Under his stewardship and mentor-ing, uSamp’s internal finance andaccounting teams now run likeclockwork under John’s leadershipand mentoring. He actively teachesand guides employees in their dailyroles and they appreciate hisinsight. He also almost single hand-edly organized and developeduSamp’s New Delhi office in Indiafrom the ground up. On the homefront, with the revamping and con-solidating of the growing Encinoheadquarters, he played a key rolein everything from construction tobudgeting and ensuring that allemployees were comfortable andaccommodated for.


For information on how to sponsor theCFOs of the Year 2014, call 323.549.5225


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M<M

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Luncheon & Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, October 15, 201311:00am – 1:30pm | Omni Los Angeles Hotel

251 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Individual Seats: $100 | Corporate Tables of 10: $900

The role of in-house counsel has never been more important or morevisible as companies face increasingly complex legal and regulatorychallenges. The Los Angeles Business Journal would like to acknowl-edge the significant role that in-house counsel plays in the success ofa business enterprise and recognize the accomplishments of leadingin-house attorneys within the Los Angeles business community.

Candidates in each category will be recognized for exceptional legalskill and achievement across the full spectrum of in-house responsi-bility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professionaland ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles com-munity at large.

To nominate for this event please visit www.labusinessjournal.com/bizevents, or contact Amy Khudoyan at 323.549.5225 ext. 213email: [email protected]

PRESENTING SPONSORS:Moss Adams

Polsinelli

GOLD SPONSORS:

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