Thomas Kester
Chief Financial Officer at Kester Search Group, LLC ®- Claim this Profile
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Bio
LinkedIn User
Tom lead the effort to secure funds for the preservation of Lake Conestee and surrounding property. He was able to leverage $500,000 in Community Foundation of Greenville grant awards to secure three times as much in funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and other financial resources. Tom is a bright, committed volunteer who understands the big picture. He and his board were able to work with a wide variety of public officials and private citizens to create a fabulous nature park which today serves as the Southern terminus for the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Carlton Owen
Whether a non-profit or for-profit Board, anyone would be blessed to have Tom on the team. He is an engaged, dedicated and highly professional participant. During my time as Chairman of the Board of Upstate Forever, Tom took it upon himself to bring our small but complex organization into full compliance with all financial accounting and auditing standards. His understanding of financial practices along with his ability to meet the needs of a wide range of different organizations, makes him a pleasure to work with. Carlton Owen
LinkedIn User
Tom lead the effort to secure funds for the preservation of Lake Conestee and surrounding property. He was able to leverage $500,000 in Community Foundation of Greenville grant awards to secure three times as much in funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and other financial resources. Tom is a bright, committed volunteer who understands the big picture. He and his board were able to work with a wide variety of public officials and private citizens to create a fabulous nature park which today serves as the Southern terminus for the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Carlton Owen
Whether a non-profit or for-profit Board, anyone would be blessed to have Tom on the team. He is an engaged, dedicated and highly professional participant. During my time as Chairman of the Board of Upstate Forever, Tom took it upon himself to bring our small but complex organization into full compliance with all financial accounting and auditing standards. His understanding of financial practices along with his ability to meet the needs of a wide range of different organizations, makes him a pleasure to work with. Carlton Owen
LinkedIn User
Tom lead the effort to secure funds for the preservation of Lake Conestee and surrounding property. He was able to leverage $500,000 in Community Foundation of Greenville grant awards to secure three times as much in funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and other financial resources. Tom is a bright, committed volunteer who understands the big picture. He and his board were able to work with a wide variety of public officials and private citizens to create a fabulous nature park which today serves as the Southern terminus for the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Carlton Owen
Whether a non-profit or for-profit Board, anyone would be blessed to have Tom on the team. He is an engaged, dedicated and highly professional participant. During my time as Chairman of the Board of Upstate Forever, Tom took it upon himself to bring our small but complex organization into full compliance with all financial accounting and auditing standards. His understanding of financial practices along with his ability to meet the needs of a wide range of different organizations, makes him a pleasure to work with. Carlton Owen
LinkedIn User
Tom lead the effort to secure funds for the preservation of Lake Conestee and surrounding property. He was able to leverage $500,000 in Community Foundation of Greenville grant awards to secure three times as much in funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and other financial resources. Tom is a bright, committed volunteer who understands the big picture. He and his board were able to work with a wide variety of public officials and private citizens to create a fabulous nature park which today serves as the Southern terminus for the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Carlton Owen
Whether a non-profit or for-profit Board, anyone would be blessed to have Tom on the team. He is an engaged, dedicated and highly professional participant. During my time as Chairman of the Board of Upstate Forever, Tom took it upon himself to bring our small but complex organization into full compliance with all financial accounting and auditing standards. His understanding of financial practices along with his ability to meet the needs of a wide range of different organizations, makes him a pleasure to work with. Carlton Owen
Credentials
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Certified Public Accountant, Emeritus
South Carolina Board of AccountancyDec, 2012- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Kester Search Group, LLC ®
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United States
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Staffing and Recruiting
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Financial Officer
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Oct 2014 - Present
As CFO, I drive the strategy and implementation for Process Improvements in Financial Accounting, Cash Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Legal. Prior to assuming the CFO role, I advised the company's President and CEO since its inception. The Company has significantly grown and added 14 employees. I am excited about the future. Kester Search Group is an executive recruiting firm that specializes in the permanent placement of senior level management positions… Show more As CFO, I drive the strategy and implementation for Process Improvements in Financial Accounting, Cash Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Legal. Prior to assuming the CFO role, I advised the company's President and CEO since its inception. The Company has significantly grown and added 14 employees. I am excited about the future. Kester Search Group is an executive recruiting firm that specializes in the permanent placement of senior level management positions (Executive VP, VPS, NSM, DOS, RSM) as well as rapid expansion of sales force (5 to 25 reps) into Biotech, Diagnostics, Dental Equipment, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, and Healthcare Technology throughout the United States. We excel in helping our clients with national sales force expansions, upgrading the talent of a current sales team, and quickly filling open replacement positions. Kester Search Group takes a consultative approach to talent acquisition by truly partnering with our clients to fully understand their personnel needs. We prefer to work with our clients on an exclusive basis as a value added business partner. www.kestersearch.com Show less As CFO, I drive the strategy and implementation for Process Improvements in Financial Accounting, Cash Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Legal. Prior to assuming the CFO role, I advised the company's President and CEO since its inception. The Company has significantly grown and added 14 employees. I am excited about the future. Kester Search Group is an executive recruiting firm that specializes in the permanent placement of senior level management positions… Show more As CFO, I drive the strategy and implementation for Process Improvements in Financial Accounting, Cash Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Legal. Prior to assuming the CFO role, I advised the company's President and CEO since its inception. The Company has significantly grown and added 14 employees. I am excited about the future. Kester Search Group is an executive recruiting firm that specializes in the permanent placement of senior level management positions (Executive VP, VPS, NSM, DOS, RSM) as well as rapid expansion of sales force (5 to 25 reps) into Biotech, Diagnostics, Dental Equipment, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, and Healthcare Technology throughout the United States. We excel in helping our clients with national sales force expansions, upgrading the talent of a current sales team, and quickly filling open replacement positions. Kester Search Group takes a consultative approach to talent acquisition by truly partnering with our clients to fully understand their personnel needs. We prefer to work with our clients on an exclusive basis as a value added business partner. www.kestersearch.com Show less
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InspireMD
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Medical Device
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1 - 100 Employee
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Member of the Board of Directors
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Sep 2016 - Present
Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Compensation Committee for this innovative medical device company. InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNet® technology to make its products the industry standard for Carotid Stenting by providing outstanding acute results and durable stroke free long-term outcomes. InspireMD’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NASDAQ under… Show more Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Compensation Committee for this innovative medical device company. InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNet® technology to make its products the industry standard for Carotid Stenting by providing outstanding acute results and durable stroke free long-term outcomes. InspireMD’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR.WS and NSPR.WSB. Show less Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Compensation Committee for this innovative medical device company. InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNet® technology to make its products the industry standard for Carotid Stenting by providing outstanding acute results and durable stroke free long-term outcomes. InspireMD’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NASDAQ under… Show more Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Compensation Committee for this innovative medical device company. InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNet® technology to make its products the industry standard for Carotid Stenting by providing outstanding acute results and durable stroke free long-term outcomes. InspireMD’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NSPR.WS and NSPR.WSB. Show less
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Orthofix
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United States
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Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Member of the Board of Directors
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Aug 2004 - Dec 2010
As Chairman of the Compensation Committee I led the transformation of an informal committee to one that was organized and responsive to the Company’s needs. The company grew from $120 million to $550 million in sales during this period. The accomplishments included negotiating employment agreements of existing and newly hired top management, amending the Long Term Incentive Plan, amending the Stock Purchase Plan, redesigning the annual cash bonus plan, creating a Deferred Compensation Plan… Show more As Chairman of the Compensation Committee I led the transformation of an informal committee to one that was organized and responsive to the Company’s needs. The company grew from $120 million to $550 million in sales during this period. The accomplishments included negotiating employment agreements of existing and newly hired top management, amending the Long Term Incentive Plan, amending the Stock Purchase Plan, redesigning the annual cash bonus plan, creating a Deferred Compensation Plan, editing the first CD&A and coordinating with both outside counsel and compensation consultants. As a member of the Audit Committee, I brought great technical expertise to the financial reporting and financial press releases. I was able to add valuable oversight and control over the internal and external auditors and the Chief Compliance Officer. I voluntarily resigned from this board in December 2010. Orthofix International, N.V. is a global medical device company offering a broad line of minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical products for the spine, orthopedic, and sports medicine market sectors, that address the lifelong bone-and-joint health needs of patients of all ages - helping them achieve a more active and mobile lifestyle. Orthofix's products are widely distributed around the world to orthopedic surgeons and patients via Orthofix's sales representatives and its subsidiaries, and via collaborations with other leading orthopedic product companies. Show less As Chairman of the Compensation Committee I led the transformation of an informal committee to one that was organized and responsive to the Company’s needs. The company grew from $120 million to $550 million in sales during this period. The accomplishments included negotiating employment agreements of existing and newly hired top management, amending the Long Term Incentive Plan, amending the Stock Purchase Plan, redesigning the annual cash bonus plan, creating a Deferred Compensation Plan… Show more As Chairman of the Compensation Committee I led the transformation of an informal committee to one that was organized and responsive to the Company’s needs. The company grew from $120 million to $550 million in sales during this period. The accomplishments included negotiating employment agreements of existing and newly hired top management, amending the Long Term Incentive Plan, amending the Stock Purchase Plan, redesigning the annual cash bonus plan, creating a Deferred Compensation Plan, editing the first CD&A and coordinating with both outside counsel and compensation consultants. As a member of the Audit Committee, I brought great technical expertise to the financial reporting and financial press releases. I was able to add valuable oversight and control over the internal and external auditors and the Chief Compliance Officer. I voluntarily resigned from this board in December 2010. Orthofix International, N.V. is a global medical device company offering a broad line of minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical products for the spine, orthopedic, and sports medicine market sectors, that address the lifelong bone-and-joint health needs of patients of all ages - helping them achieve a more active and mobile lifestyle. Orthofix's products are widely distributed around the world to orthopedic surgeons and patients via Orthofix's sales representatives and its subsidiaries, and via collaborations with other leading orthopedic product companies. Show less
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KPMG US
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United States
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Financial Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Audit Partner
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Aug 1974 - Aug 2002
I spent 28 years with KPMG LLP (18 as an audit partner), in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dublin Ireland and Greenville, SC. I completed my career as the Managing Partner of the South Carolina practice of over 70 personnel prior to my retirement on August 31, 2002. I also served 4 years on KPMG’s National Continuous Improvement Committee, which was responsible for the Firm’s Malcolm Baldridge application and was designated as a computer audit specialist and instructed courses in this area I… Show more I spent 28 years with KPMG LLP (18 as an audit partner), in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dublin Ireland and Greenville, SC. I completed my career as the Managing Partner of the South Carolina practice of over 70 personnel prior to my retirement on August 31, 2002. I also served 4 years on KPMG’s National Continuous Improvement Committee, which was responsible for the Firm’s Malcolm Baldridge application and was designated as a computer audit specialist and instructed courses in this area I served as the lead engagement partner on the following public companies, responsible for the annual audit and numerous filings to raise equity or debt: Bowater, Inc. – forest products Delta Woodside Industries, Inc. – textiles Dial Page, Inc. and its subsidiary Dial Call, Inc. – paging and cell phone (acquired by Nextel) Devcon International, Inc. – construction Kemet Corporation - capacitors Multimedia, Inc. – newspapers, TV, cable, and production, including Phil Donahue (acquired by Gannett) Ryans Family Steakhouse, Inc. – restaurants Other major audit clients include: BMW Manufacturing Corp - automobiles Cryovac, a division of Sealed Air Corp. – food packaging Fuji Photo Film, Inc. – film, cameras, photographic plates Siebe Inc. - controls, safety products Sonopress, a division of Bertelsmann AG – compact disc replication Lockwood Greene – a major design and engineering firm The State of South Carolina – state government and all of its agencies Additionally I served many small privately held companies and US subsidiaries of foreign companies. Show less I spent 28 years with KPMG LLP (18 as an audit partner), in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dublin Ireland and Greenville, SC. I completed my career as the Managing Partner of the South Carolina practice of over 70 personnel prior to my retirement on August 31, 2002. I also served 4 years on KPMG’s National Continuous Improvement Committee, which was responsible for the Firm’s Malcolm Baldridge application and was designated as a computer audit specialist and instructed courses in this area I… Show more I spent 28 years with KPMG LLP (18 as an audit partner), in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dublin Ireland and Greenville, SC. I completed my career as the Managing Partner of the South Carolina practice of over 70 personnel prior to my retirement on August 31, 2002. I also served 4 years on KPMG’s National Continuous Improvement Committee, which was responsible for the Firm’s Malcolm Baldridge application and was designated as a computer audit specialist and instructed courses in this area I served as the lead engagement partner on the following public companies, responsible for the annual audit and numerous filings to raise equity or debt: Bowater, Inc. – forest products Delta Woodside Industries, Inc. – textiles Dial Page, Inc. and its subsidiary Dial Call, Inc. – paging and cell phone (acquired by Nextel) Devcon International, Inc. – construction Kemet Corporation - capacitors Multimedia, Inc. – newspapers, TV, cable, and production, including Phil Donahue (acquired by Gannett) Ryans Family Steakhouse, Inc. – restaurants Other major audit clients include: BMW Manufacturing Corp - automobiles Cryovac, a division of Sealed Air Corp. – food packaging Fuji Photo Film, Inc. – film, cameras, photographic plates Siebe Inc. - controls, safety products Sonopress, a division of Bertelsmann AG – compact disc replication Lockwood Greene – a major design and engineering firm The State of South Carolina – state government and all of its agencies Additionally I served many small privately held companies and US subsidiaries of foreign companies. Show less
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U.S. Navy Reserve
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United States
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Lieutenant
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May 1969 - Aug 1972
I served in the US Navy as the Main Propulsion Assistant on a destroyer and later in the Philadelphia Naval ship yard as a ship repair officer. I served in the US Navy as the Main Propulsion Assistant on a destroyer and later in the Philadelphia Naval ship yard as a ship repair officer.
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Education
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1972 - 1974
Harvard Business School
MBA, Accounting and Finance -
1964 - 1968
Cornell University
BS, Mechanical Engineering
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