Experience

Sestra Systems

• United States
• Food & Beverages
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Financial Officer

  • Jan 2018 - Mar 2023

  High-growth tech, SaaS company building smart beverage dispensing software, IoT hardware, and analytics platforms for hospitality customers including hotels, major live event venues, airline lounges, stadiums, and arenas. Recruited to establish scalable operational infrastructure and start the rapid digital transformation of the Finance and Accounting functions, driving automation for efficiency. Led Finance and additional functions during a period of significant growth where the… Show more High-growth tech, SaaS company building smart beverage dispensing software, IoT hardware, and analytics platforms for hospitality customers including hotels, major live event venues, airline lounges, stadiums, and arenas. Recruited to establish scalable operational infrastructure and start the rapid digital transformation of the Finance and Accounting functions, driving automation for efficiency. Led Finance and additional functions during a period of significant growth where the company added premiere clients Marriott, Virgin Voyages & multiple major sports league stadiums. • Developed and influenced company-wide alignment around key metrics to bridge the gap between enterprise vision and downstream strategies. Results: Met or exceeded all forecasted plan goals, including cash, every month in 2022. • Replaced and revamped finance function for scale. Recruited and trained new team, implemented new systems. Built internal controls and streamlined processes to mitigate risk and provide holistic views of the business. - Shortened close cycle from 30+ days to 10, while improving the quality and scope of financial operations and reporting. • Created financial models, dashboards, and reporting that illuminated drivers of revenue and growth providing insights for business decisions and strategic planning. • Initiated and managed monthly financial review process, presenting financial statements to Executives, Board Members, and Investors. Prepared and presented materials for quarterly and ad hoc Board meetings. • Led and implemented Strategic Pricing initiative stabilizing pricing variability and increasing client retention. Reduced cost recovery of new customers by six to nine months and landed the largest contract to date under the new model. Show less High-growth tech, SaaS company building smart beverage dispensing software, IoT hardware, and analytics platforms for hospitality customers including hotels, major live event venues, airline lounges, stadiums, and arenas. Recruited to establish scalable operational infrastructure and start the rapid digital transformation of the Finance and Accounting functions, driving automation for efficiency. Led Finance and additional functions during a period of significant growth where the… Show more High-growth tech, SaaS company building smart beverage dispensing software, IoT hardware, and analytics platforms for hospitality customers including hotels, major live event venues, airline lounges, stadiums, and arenas. Recruited to establish scalable operational infrastructure and start the rapid digital transformation of the Finance and Accounting functions, driving automation for efficiency. Led Finance and additional functions during a period of significant growth where the company added premiere clients Marriott, Virgin Voyages & multiple major sports league stadiums. • Developed and influenced company-wide alignment around key metrics to bridge the gap between enterprise vision and downstream strategies. Results: Met or exceeded all forecasted plan goals, including cash, every month in 2022. • Replaced and revamped finance function for scale. Recruited and trained new team, implemented new systems. Built internal controls and streamlined processes to mitigate risk and provide holistic views of the business. - Shortened close cycle from 30+ days to 10, while improving the quality and scope of financial operations and reporting. • Created financial models, dashboards, and reporting that illuminated drivers of revenue and growth providing insights for business decisions and strategic planning. • Initiated and managed monthly financial review process, presenting financial statements to Executives, Board Members, and Investors. Prepared and presented materials for quarterly and ad hoc Board meetings. • Led and implemented Strategic Pricing initiative stabilizing pricing variability and increasing client retention. Reduced cost recovery of new customers by six to nine months and landed the largest contract to date under the new model. Show less



Cricket Media

• United States
• E-Learning Providers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Operating Officer

  • Aug 2016 - Dec 2017

  Cricket Media is an education media company that provides award-winning content on a safe and secure learning network for children, families and teachers across the world. Recruited to complete restructuring and turnaround of the company following transaction to take Cricket Media private. Led the Finance, Operations, Engineering, Analytics, Admin, and HR functions with an extended team of 60. • Improved business operations by eliminating poor performing revenue lines… Show more Cricket Media is an education media company that provides award-winning content on a safe and secure learning network for children, families and teachers across the world. Recruited to complete restructuring and turnaround of the company following transaction to take Cricket Media private. Led the Finance, Operations, Engineering, Analytics, Admin, and HR functions with an extended team of 60. • Improved business operations by eliminating poor performing revenue lines, optimizing processes, cutting costs, and renegotiating vendor agreements. • Reduced operating expenses by more than 22% YOY, while growing sales 10%, exceeding targets. Cut cash requirements by more than 33%. • Reorganized and improved the Finance & Accounting team and processes, decreasing costs 45% YOY. • Hired more efficient talent aligned to business need enabling smart reduction of overall FTEs on team. • Upgraded MS Dynamics accounting system to a cloud-based environment and implemented new digital systems improving resource productivity. • Revamped technology development process and engineering team. Sourced and completed an acquisition targeted at bringing in key talent. Resulted in saving 60% on an annualized basis while improving quality and speed of deliverables. • Launched SaaS corporate mentoring platform that paired adult employees with children in schools. - Won “Best of Show” at the ISTE Ed Tech conference after introducing product. Completed deals for pilot partners. • Launched new mobile apps for 10 publications and created the first digital-only subscription product, transforming an underperforming publication into a potential growth vehicle and template for new products. • Managed Board of Directors communications and investor and debt holder relations. Provided regular updates and presented operational and financial results and plans during Board meetings and investor calls. Show less Cricket Media is an education media company that provides award-winning content on a safe and secure learning network for children, families and teachers across the world. Recruited to complete restructuring and turnaround of the company following transaction to take Cricket Media private. Led the Finance, Operations, Engineering, Analytics, Admin, and HR functions with an extended team of 60. • Improved business operations by eliminating poor performing revenue lines… Show more Cricket Media is an education media company that provides award-winning content on a safe and secure learning network for children, families and teachers across the world. Recruited to complete restructuring and turnaround of the company following transaction to take Cricket Media private. Led the Finance, Operations, Engineering, Analytics, Admin, and HR functions with an extended team of 60. • Improved business operations by eliminating poor performing revenue lines, optimizing processes, cutting costs, and renegotiating vendor agreements. • Reduced operating expenses by more than 22% YOY, while growing sales 10%, exceeding targets. Cut cash requirements by more than 33%. • Reorganized and improved the Finance & Accounting team and processes, decreasing costs 45% YOY. • Hired more efficient talent aligned to business need enabling smart reduction of overall FTEs on team. • Upgraded MS Dynamics accounting system to a cloud-based environment and implemented new digital systems improving resource productivity. • Revamped technology development process and engineering team. Sourced and completed an acquisition targeted at bringing in key talent. Resulted in saving 60% on an annualized basis while improving quality and speed of deliverables. • Launched SaaS corporate mentoring platform that paired adult employees with children in schools. - Won “Best of Show” at the ISTE Ed Tech conference after introducing product. Completed deals for pilot partners. • Launched new mobile apps for 10 publications and created the first digital-only subscription product, transforming an underperforming publication into a potential growth vehicle and template for new products. • Managed Board of Directors communications and investor and debt holder relations. Provided regular updates and presented operational and financial results and plans during Board meetings and investor calls. Show less



ViewLift

• United States
• Software Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• EVP & Chief Financial Officer

  • Jun 2011 - Jul 2016

  SaaS video content distribution platform and operator of ad supported and subscription websites and OTT services. Led finance, strategy, corporate development, analytics, human resources and legal, as well as several strategic initiatives for the company. • Responsible for the financial, accounting, reporting and tax matters relating to the Company. As the first senior finance hire, built the team and accounting operations to support three offices and multiple business lines… Show more SaaS video content distribution platform and operator of ad supported and subscription websites and OTT services. Led finance, strategy, corporate development, analytics, human resources and legal, as well as several strategic initiatives for the company. • Responsible for the financial, accounting, reporting and tax matters relating to the Company. As the first senior finance hire, built the team and accounting operations to support three offices and multiple business lines. Completed multiyear inception to date financial audit and subsequent annual audits. • Evolved accounting system from QuickBooks to a cloud-based solution to support the company’s rapid growth from 15 FTEs to 80 FTEs domestically, plus an offshore development team of over 25 FTEs. Business process improvements implemented allowed for management of growth without corresponding scaling of the accounting team, allowing the company to focus resources on new business initiatives. • Conceived and led execution of strategy to market internally developed technology as a B2B SaaS solution leading to the creation of the ViewLift brand and driving a significant expansion of the business. Responsible for sourcing and negotiating initial multi-million-dollar customer agreements and developing the overall business plan. • Full P&L and operational responsibility for all owned and operated media properties. Encompassed sales, operations, marketing, product, and content. Improved the effective monetization across all advertising units increasing revenue yield 20% in first six months leading sales team. Completed sale of Indiewire to Penske Media for 300% return on capital invested. • Launched new advertising supported business line around content distribution. Drove $1.5MM of incremental profitable revenue within six months. • Maintained relationships with Board of Directors. Provided regular operating updates and presented quarterly operational and financial updates during Board meetings. Show less SaaS video content distribution platform and operator of ad supported and subscription websites and OTT services. Led finance, strategy, corporate development, analytics, human resources and legal, as well as several strategic initiatives for the company. • Responsible for the financial, accounting, reporting and tax matters relating to the Company. As the first senior finance hire, built the team and accounting operations to support three offices and multiple business lines… Show more SaaS video content distribution platform and operator of ad supported and subscription websites and OTT services. Led finance, strategy, corporate development, analytics, human resources and legal, as well as several strategic initiatives for the company. • Responsible for the financial, accounting, reporting and tax matters relating to the Company. As the first senior finance hire, built the team and accounting operations to support three offices and multiple business lines. Completed multiyear inception to date financial audit and subsequent annual audits. • Evolved accounting system from QuickBooks to a cloud-based solution to support the company’s rapid growth from 15 FTEs to 80 FTEs domestically, plus an offshore development team of over 25 FTEs. Business process improvements implemented allowed for management of growth without corresponding scaling of the accounting team, allowing the company to focus resources on new business initiatives. • Conceived and led execution of strategy to market internally developed technology as a B2B SaaS solution leading to the creation of the ViewLift brand and driving a significant expansion of the business. Responsible for sourcing and negotiating initial multi-million-dollar customer agreements and developing the overall business plan. • Full P&L and operational responsibility for all owned and operated media properties. Encompassed sales, operations, marketing, product, and content. Improved the effective monetization across all advertising units increasing revenue yield 20% in first six months leading sales team. Completed sale of Indiewire to Penske Media for 300% return on capital invested. • Launched new advertising supported business line around content distribution. Drove $1.5MM of incremental profitable revenue within six months. • Maintained relationships with Board of Directors. Provided regular operating updates and presented quarterly operational and financial updates during Board meetings. Show less



STB Lifesaving Technologies

• CFO

  • Jan 2010 - Jun 2011

  Privately held, pre-clinical stage, biotechnology company developing a comprehensive suite of products to stop bleeding in trauma and surgical settings. Recruited as part of a team to restructure business operations and develop strategic alternatives for the company. Privately held, pre-clinical stage, biotechnology company developing a comprehensive suite of products to stop bleeding in trauma and surgical settings. Recruited as part of a team to restructure business operations and develop strategic alternatives for the company.



Revolution LLC

• IT Services and IT Consulting

• Senior Finance Advisor

  • Jun 2009 - Jan 2010

  Revolution is an investment firm founded by Steve Case focused on building significant and innovative, consumer-driven businesses. Managed the company’s annual audit process and performed various financial analysis projects. Revolution is an investment firm founded by Steve Case focused on building significant and innovative, consumer-driven businesses. Managed the company’s annual audit process and performed various financial analysis projects.



Revolution Health Group

• Wellness and Fitness Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President Finance

  • Apr 2006 - Jun 2009

  Revolution Health Group was a Steve Case led start-up comprised of a portfolio of companies and initiatives with the broad mission of helping people better manage their health. Worked in conjunction with the CFO and the senior operating team to create the business model, set expectations, create management reports and prepare presentations for the Board which included Case, Colin Powell, Frank Raines, Carly Fiorina and Jim Barksdale. Promoted from Director, Financial Planning &… Show more Revolution Health Group was a Steve Case led start-up comprised of a portfolio of companies and initiatives with the broad mission of helping people better manage their health. Worked in conjunction with the CFO and the senior operating team to create the business model, set expectations, create management reports and prepare presentations for the Board which included Case, Colin Powell, Frank Raines, Carly Fiorina and Jim Barksdale. Promoted from Director, Financial Planning & Analysis Show less Revolution Health Group was a Steve Case led start-up comprised of a portfolio of companies and initiatives with the broad mission of helping people better manage their health. Worked in conjunction with the CFO and the senior operating team to create the business model, set expectations, create management reports and prepare presentations for the Board which included Case, Colin Powell, Frank Raines, Carly Fiorina and Jim Barksdale. Promoted from Director, Financial Planning &… Show more Revolution Health Group was a Steve Case led start-up comprised of a portfolio of companies and initiatives with the broad mission of helping people better manage their health. Worked in conjunction with the CFO and the senior operating team to create the business model, set expectations, create management reports and prepare presentations for the Board which included Case, Colin Powell, Frank Raines, Carly Fiorina and Jim Barksdale. Promoted from Director, Financial Planning & Analysis Show less



Freddie Mac

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Manager

  • 2004 - 2006

  Directed the Management Reporting function for the company’s Operations Division. Required coordination of the reporting process across business areas internal and external to Operations, completion of deliverables on tight timelines and regular interaction with senior management. Developed and prepared recurring and ad-hoc financial and operational reports for senior management and the Board of Directors. Provided analysis of results and facilitated monthly review meeting with department… Show more Directed the Management Reporting function for the company’s Operations Division. Required coordination of the reporting process across business areas internal and external to Operations, completion of deliverables on tight timelines and regular interaction with senior management. Developed and prepared recurring and ad-hoc financial and operational reports for senior management and the Board of Directors. Provided analysis of results and facilitated monthly review meeting with department heads. Efforts recognized with a Freddie Mac Premier Achievement Award. Show less Directed the Management Reporting function for the company’s Operations Division. Required coordination of the reporting process across business areas internal and external to Operations, completion of deliverables on tight timelines and regular interaction with senior management. Developed and prepared recurring and ad-hoc financial and operational reports for senior management and the Board of Directors. Provided analysis of results and facilitated monthly review meeting with department… Show more Directed the Management Reporting function for the company’s Operations Division. Required coordination of the reporting process across business areas internal and external to Operations, completion of deliverables on tight timelines and regular interaction with senior management. Developed and prepared recurring and ad-hoc financial and operational reports for senior management and the Board of Directors. Provided analysis of results and facilitated monthly review meeting with department heads. Efforts recognized with a Freddie Mac Premier Achievement Award. Show less