Top CFOs is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Connecticut for 2024. Connecticut’s location at the epicenter of the northeastern U.S. economy makes it a prime choice for a wide range of businesses, from emerging startups to established Fortune 500 companies. The individuals being honored this year are a reflection of this bustling state, coming from a broad spectrum of industries, fields, and specialties that represent Connecticut’s diverse business landscape. The distinguished awardees, while experts in a variety of areas, all share the common goal of driving growth for their companies.
Among this year’s awardees, we’re pleased to feature Kurt Wiesel, CFO of Kinsley Power, who has over 20 years of financial leadership experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Mark Gibbens, CFO of GameChange Solar, has executed over $25 billion in capital markets financing and $40 billion in M&A transactions. Finally, Christine Antalik has closed over $1 billion in transactions throughout her 29-year career, currently working as CFO of EndoQuest Robotics.
The top CFOs on this year’s list have solidified themselves as true leaders, not only positively influencing their companies, but contributing to the state’s economy as a whole. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Connecticut for 2024.
1. Sal Lombardi
Chief Financial Officer, ConvergeOne
Sal Lombardi has over 20 years of experience as a global financial and operational leader, with an extensive background working with companies that develop and deliver platforms to provide client solutions. In his current role as CFO of ConvergeOne, he is responsible for the company’s financial and strategic functions, including accounting, audit, treasury, and planning, while also overseeing and managing technology, legal, and procurement activities. ConvergeOne is an information technology company that offers cloud computing, networking, program management, and security to its clients, collaborating with most of the Fortune 100 companies to deliver solutions in a variety of areas.
Previously, Lombardi was chief financial officer at cxLoyalty, where he led a finance organization of over 100 team members. Prior to that, he was an analyst at Bristol-Myers Squibb/Clairol. Lombardi holds a B.S. in finance from the University of Connecticut.
2. Adam Hasiba
Chief Financial Officer, Ideal Image
Adam Hasiba's career spans 17 years, and he is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Ideal Image, a leading medical aesthetics provider that delivers affordable and effective face and body treatments through the industry’s largest network of doctors and licensed professionals. With more than 20 million FDA-cleared treatments performed, Ideal Image is an industry trailblazer committed to offering an innovative and effective suite of products and services that are medically led and backed by science.
Hasiba has extensive experience working with high-growth consumer brands, with an emphasis in the beauty, wellness, consumer services, and specialty retail categories. His prior roles include principal at L Catterton, director of strategy at Ferrara Candy Company, and business analyst at McKinsey & Company. Hasiba graduated from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and from Loyola University Chicago with an undergraduate degree in physics, before receiving his MBA from Harvard Business School.
3. Kurt Wiesel
Chief Financial Officer, Kinsley Power
Kurt Wiesel is the Chief Financial Officer at Kinsley Group and is responsible for all financial and information technology matters for the company. For more than 50 years, Kinsley Power has been a leading distributor of Kohler Power Systems, one of the most respected names in power generation.
Wiesel has over 20 years of progressive financial leadership experience in Fortune 500 companies in the industrial and aerospace industries. Wiesel first got his start in 2002 in the UTC financial leadership program. From there he progressed through several finance roles ultimately ending his 15 year career with UTC as the Pratt & Whitney global supply chain controller. He moved on to Barnes Group holding director of finance roles in Barnes Aerospace and Engineered Components, prior to moving into his current position with Kinsley Group. He holds a B.S. in management and technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with concentrations in finance and MIS and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts.
4. Sandor Dizes
Chief Financial Officer, Phalcon
Sandor Dizes first joined Phalcon in 2018 as the director of corporate finance and currently serves as the company’s CFO. Phalcon, Ltd. is a regional leader in utility construction, electrical contracting, industrial and energy infrastructure, and facilities services, providing specialized combination engineering and installation expertise to their clients.
Previously, Dizes was a vice president of client reporting services at LAZ Parking and, before that, he served as chief financial officer at Precision Camera & Video Repair, Inc. Earlier in his career he worked with BlumShapiro as a CPA and supervisor. Dizes earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Bryant University.
5. Mark Harris
Chief Financial Officer, Heidrick & Struggles
Mark Harris is the Chief Financial Officer of Heidrick & Struggles and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Since joining the firm in 2018, Harris has been responsible for the company’s finance and accounting functions, including financial reporting, business development and strategy, investor relations, risk management, treasury, real estate, and financial planning and analysis. Heidrick & Struggles is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of top organizations. In the company’s role as a trusted leadership advisor, it partners with clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations.
Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Harris was the chief financial officer and chief accounting officer of Hercules Capital, a publicly traded business development company on the New York Stock Exchange. Before that, he was the senior managing director, head of asset management, and chief financial officer of Avenue Capital Group’s Asia Pacific platform. Harris previously served as the corporate financial controller of Hutchison Telecommunication International Limited, a public trade telecommunications company on the NYSE. He is an active certified public accountant in the state of California.
Harris graduated from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an MBA in business and from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
6. George Batton
Chief Financial Officer, Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy
George Batton joined Ivy Rehab in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 25 years of financial oversight experience in consumer-focused businesses. Ivy Rehab is a rapidly growing network of best-in-class outpatient physical, occupational, speech therapy, and ABA clinics throughout the United States, with a culture focused on being “all about the people.”
Batton has held many leadership roles, at the corporate level as well as in the field, both in the U.S. and internationally. He first got his start in 1999 as a senior manager of competitive strategy at PepsiCo. From there, he went on to CSM Bakery Supplies, before eventually rising to SVP and CFO at Fresh Direct, his most recent position before joining Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. Batton graduated from the University of Strathclyde with an undergraduate degree in technology and business studies.
7. Chad Gilchrist
Chief Financial Officer, The&Partnership
Chad Gilchrist is the Chief Financial Officer of The&Partnership North America, overseeing the agency’s financial management and operations. The&Partnership is a full-service independent creative agency bringing talent, data, and technology together to deliver creative solutions, as one of the world’s fastest growing marketing networks.
Gilchrist has 20 years of experience working in marketing and advertising agencies, previously holding positions as global chief financial officer for GroupSJR, partner at Colloquial, and chief financial officer for J. Walter Thompson, Chicago. Gilchrist earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.
8. Matt Yopchick
Chief Financial Officer, Precinmac
Matt Yopchick brings 29 years of experience to his current role as Chief Financial Officer of Precinmac, a leading diversified manufacturer of high tolerance precision machined and fabricated components and assemblies. They formulate cost-saving alternatives to current production and sourcing methods by offering a single source solution for precise, high-quality, flexible, and on-time manufacturing to top-tier customers globally.
Since beginning his career in 1996, Yopchick has held multiple roles in the financial sphere. Before joining Precinmac, Yopchick was a chief financial officer at BlumShapiro and before that a VP, controller & treasurer at Galata Chemicals. Earlier in his career, he worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior associate. Yopchick graduated from the University of Connecticut with an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
9. Michael Angerthal
Chief Financial Officer, Virtus Investment
Michael Angerthal began his professional career 35 years ago, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Virtus Investment. Virtus Investment Partners provides investment management products and services to individuals and institutions.
Angerthal has helped lead complex commercial business transactions, to increase revenue, profitability, and growth. Angerthal first got his start in 1989 as a business assurance manager at Coopers & Lybrand. From there, he went on to GE, before eventually rising to chief financial officer at CBRE Realty Finance, his most recent position prior to joining Virtus Investment.
Angerthal graduated from Columbia Business School with an MBA in corporate finance and from Pace University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
10. Miriam Kaggwa
Chief Financial Officer, WPP-Scangroup
Miriam Kaggwa is a finance executive with extensive experience in the marketing and communication field in North America, the United Kingdom, and emerging markets. She currently works for WPP-Scangroup, a full-service creative transformation company, and Africa’s leading marketing and communication group.
Before joining WPP Scangroup, Kaggwa was CFO, North America for BCW Global, a PR Agency owned by WPP, where she was responsible for the finance and operations function in nine U.S. markets. In that role, she supported the North American CEO and other leaders in driving growth, improving work processes to find efficiencies, and creating value through brainstorming alternate revenue streams for the business.
Previously, Kaggwa was a chief financial officer at Energy BBDO and before that a senior vice president and finance director at IPG Mediabrands. Earlier in her career she worked with Sheldahl as a process engineer. Kaggwa holds a BA in chemistry from Macalester College, a BSc, chemical engineering, from the University of Minnesota, and an MBA from the Johnson School of Management, Cornell University.
11. Michael Bishop
Chief Financial Officer, FuelCell Energy
Michael Bishop was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Treasurer of FuelCell Energy in June 2011. He has nearly 20 years of experience in financial operations and management with public high-growth technology companies, specializing in capital raising, project finance, debt and treasury management, acquisition integration, strategic planning, internal controls, and organizational development.
Since joining FuelCell Energy in 2003, Bishop has held a succession of financial leadership roles including assistant controller, corporate controller, and vice president and controller. FuelCell Energy is a global leader in sustainable clean energy technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy access, security, safety, and environmental stewardship. As a leading global manufacturer of proprietary fuel cell technology platforms, FuelCell Energy is uniquely positioned to serve customers worldwide with sustainable products and solutions for industrial and commercial businesses, utilities, governments, and municipalities.
Before joining FuelCell Energy, Inc., Bishop held finance and accounting positions at TranSwitch Corporation, Cyberian Outpost, Inc., and United Technologies, Inc. He is a certified public accountant and began his professional career at McGladrey and Pullen, LLP. Bishop also served four years in the United States Marine Corps. Bishop received his B.S. in accounting from Boston University and his MBA from the University of Connecticut.
12. Eric Johnson
Chief Financial Officer, NewRocket
Eric Johnson is the Chief Financial Officer at NewRocket, the go-to partner of ServiceNow, a platform that offers a wide range of business solutions that include streamlining IT processes, enhancing customer service, and improving company security and employee experience. NewRocket has delivered over 4000 successful projects through world-class implementations and integrated solutions across the entire ServiceNow platform.
Johnson has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, beginning his career in 1998, ultimately assuming the role of vice president, global business services at IBM. In 2016, he became CFO of Aricent, with other prior roles that include CFO of Altran Americas, and CFO of Capgemini Engineering. He is a highly experienced financial executive, with a proven track record of success in optimizing performance, achieving objectives, and providing guidance and direction to business leaders. He has a master's in business administration from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s in business administration and management from Rhodes College.
13. Michele Gaudet
Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Resources
Michele M. Gaudet, CPA, is an experienced financial professional with extensive nonprofit industry experience in both healthcare and government regulations. As Chief Financial Officer of Community Health Resources, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of CHR’s financial operations, facilities, and information technologies. She supports CHR’s strategic objectives and ensures financial stability through reporting, analysis, and budget development. She is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulations concerning the management and expenditure of federal and state funds. CHR is Connecticut’s most comprehensive, nonprofit behavioral healthcare agency, offering a broad range of services for people of all ages whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction, trauma, homelessness, and more.
Prior to CHR, Gaudet worked as a senior member of the 10th largest public accounting firm, specializing in audits of government-regulated nonprofit organizations. In this position, she frequently provided advice on financial results, forecasting, budgeting, best practices, and technical research related to government regulations. Additionally, she developed expertise in designing, developing, and training companies on implementing internal control policies and new software technologies.
Gaudet received her B.S. in business administration from the University of Hartford and became a certified public accountant in 1993.
14. Robert Gibney
Chief Financial Officer, SecurityScorecard
Robert Gibney is the Chief Financial Officer of SecurityScorecard. Founded in 2013 by security and risk experts Dr. Alex Yampolskiy and Sam Kassoumeh, SecurityScorecard’s patented rating technology is used by over 25,000 organizations for self-monitoring, third-party risk management, board reporting, and cyber insurance underwriting. SecurityScorecard is the only provider of instant cyber risk ratings that automatically map to vendor cybersecurity questionnaire responses - providing a true 360-degree view of risk. SecurityScorecard continues to make the world a safer place by transforming the way companies understand, improve, and communicate security risks to their boards, employees, and vendors.
Gibney brings 24 years of experience to his current role. His background is primarily concentrated in SaaS, global, high-growth transformation while ensuring tax, accounting, and SEC compliance. Before joining SecurityScorecard, Gibney was a chief financial officer of monster.com, and before that, he was SVP of finance at Cengage Learning. Earlier in his career, he worked with Thomson Learning as a VP corporate controller. Gibney graduated from the University of Connecticut with an MBA in finance and international business.
15. Sandy Dakofsky
Chief Financial Officer, Innovant
Sandy Dakofsky began his professional career 32 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Innovant, a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of office furniture for the open-plan work environment. Starting with their roots in the niche world of trading desk design and installation, Innovant has matured into a product and thought leader in collaborative furniture design, developing tailored workstation, conference, and private office solutions for some of the world's most prestigious corporate clients.
Dakofsky first got his start in 1992 with various positions at American Express, Shearson Lehman, and Coopers & Lybrand. From there, he went on to Citicorp Mortgage, the Processing arm of Citibank., before eventually rising to senior financial consultant at RestorixHealth, his most recent position prior to joining Innovant. Dakofsky graduated from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an MBA in statistics and from The Wharton School with an undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, and management science.
16. Niall Byrne
Chief Financial Officer, Qatar Investment Authority
Niall Byrne joined Qatar Investment Authority in 2022 and is currently the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, established in 2005 to protect and grow Qatar’s financial assets and diversify its economy. Diversification is key to their approach and their investments span many different markets, asset classes, sectors, and geographies.
Previously, Byrne was a COO & CFO, global fixed income, currency, and commodities at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and before that, a chief auditor - asset & wealth management, private equity, commercial banking & Latin America at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Earlier in his career he worked with Data Logic as a software engineer. Byrne earned an undergraduate degree in geography from The University of Manchester.
17. Mark Gibbens
Chief Financial Officer, GameChange Solar
Mark Gibbens is the Chief Financial Officer of GameChange Solar, a leading global provider of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. Their products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance.
Gibbens began his career at General Motors in the Treasurer's Office, completing his tenure there with the IPO of Delphi Automotive Systems and the founding investment in XM Satellite Radio, now Sirius XM. He then spent 12 years at Lucent Technologies as the treasurer, chief investment officer, and head of mergers & acquisitions, and at Alcatel-Lucent as the Deputy CFO. While at Lucent he supported the IPO and Spin Off of Agere Systems and later the merger with Alcatel to create Alcatel-Lucent. In his last role as CFO, head of HR and corporate development at Arysta LifeScience, he helped the company transition after it was sold to UPL of India for $4.2 billion. During his career, Gibbens has executed over $25 billion in capital markets financing and $40 billion in M&A transactions.
Gibbens also serves as the Chairman of the CFO Leadership Group, a network of 250 CFOs, and is a member of the Executive Forum. He graduated from Carleton College with a degree in economics. He then received his MBA from the University of Chicago with high honors where he was a Chicago Business and General Motors Fellow.
18. Patricia Nenninger
Chief Financial Officer, Plum Dental Group
Patricia Nenninger began her professional career 35 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer of Plum Dental Group, a dental partnership organization owned by its founder and partner dentists. With over 25 locations in RI and eastern CT, the group provides comprehensive and compassionate general, specialty, and cosmetic dental care to over 50,000 patients annually. Plum's model is centered around their dentist partners, empowering them to do what they are passionate about – practice quality dentistry and prioritize patient care.
Nenninger first got her start in 1989 as a senior accountant at Norieka, Rosenfeld, and Hupp, CPA. From there, she went on to Cigna, before eventually rising to managing director - business intelligence at Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, her most recent position before joining Plum Dental Group. Nenninger graduated from Quinnipiac University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
19. Richard Havighorst
Chief Financial Officer, NE-XT
Since 2022, Richard Havighorst has served as NE-XT’s Chief Financial Officer. At NE-XT, they manufacture complex, close-tolerance, and precision-machined components and assemblies for applications in aerospace, defense, and other industrial OEMs, using innovative processes.
Havighorst is an operationally-focused global finance executive who collaborates with company leadership to formulate and implement business strategies, financial processes, and controls that build corporate value for both privately and publicly held companies. He previously worked for Otis Elevator Company, where he spent 35 years. In his last seven years at the company, he was a VP of business and financial operations, his most recent position before joining NE-XT. Havighorst is a certified public accountant who earned an M.S. in accounting from SUNY Plattsburgh.
20. Peter Szemenyei
Chief Financial Officer, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits
Peter Szemenyei is the Chief Financial Officer of Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits. He first joined the company in 2012. In his role, he built out an infrastructure to support the business in Finance, IT, and Production.
Previously, Szemenyei was at Pernod Ricard USA, where he served as SVP of Commercial Planning and Analysis and, before that, CFO. Prior to this, he was at Seagram for over five years, where he held multiple roles, including Director of Finance for North America Manufacturing and Director of Financial Planning and Analytics for Europe and Africa. He joined the company in 1996 as Senior Manager of Payroll Services. Szemenyei earned an MBA from McGill University.
"At Deutsch Family, we believe that a career in finance, operations, or IT is not just a job—it's a pathway to shaping the future of our billion-dollar business. These departments are the bedrock of our company, driving our strategic vision and contributing significantly to our overarching goals."
21. Craig Ungaro
Chief Financial Officer, SSI Strategy
Craig Ungaro brings over 20 years of diverse experience across investment banking and corporate finance to his role as Chief Financial Officer for SSI Strategy, a boutique management consulting firm that combines business acumen with Medical Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, and Clinical Development functions to support operations within Life Science companies. The company’s teams consist of experienced ex-chief medical officers, former heads of medical affairs, clinical development, and safety, combined with skilled and seasoned business consultants who work together to solve the industry's most complex problems and maximize therapeutic value from pre-clinical development to product launch.
Ungaro is passionate about helping companies achieve their strategic and financial growth objectives and increasing operational effectiveness. His prior work experience includes both public and private companies. Prior to joining SSI, Ungaro was the North American finance leader for Gartner Consulting, where he helped scale the consulting business. Additionally, Ungaro has extensive experience in the Healthcare and Life Sciences industries. As a member of the finance team at IMS Health, he supported revenue and profitability expansion and ultimately took the company public through an IPO. Prior to IMS, he worked at Thomson Healthcare, now part of IBM Watson Health, where he was focused on Mergers & Acquisitions. He holds a master’s in business administration from Duke University and a B.S. degree in finance from the University of Virginia.
22. Jonathan Burleigh
Chief Financial Officer, PebblePost
Jonathan Burleigh began his professional career 37 years ago and currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of PebblePost, the leading digital to direct mail marketing platform. PebblePost captures online interest and intent data to send relevant direct mail that activates buying decisions at home and drives conversions everywhere. They invented Programmatic Direct Mail® to help brands convert more shoppers into buyers using advanced targeting, algorithmic optimization, attribution, and quantitative analysis.
Burleigh first got his start in 1987 as a vice president at Morgan Stanley. From there, he went on to Goldman Sachs, before eventually rising to chief financial officer at Columbia Care LLC, his most recent position prior to joining PebblePost. Burleigh graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA and from Middlebury College with an undergraduate degree in economics and German.
23. James Harper
Chief Financial Officer, Goodroot
James Harper is the Chief Financial Officer of Goodroot, an interconnected community of companies making interactions between human and health accessible, affordable, and seamless. As a proven healthcare innovation partner, Goodroot delivers transformative tech and proactive services that enable clients, partners, and patients to reap more value from the money spent on health, to improve affordability and accessibility for patients.
Harper’s passion for continuous strategic improvement and ability to focus priorities has grown through his experience in helping organizations from a broad spectrum of industries change processes, talent, and technology to enable their vision and strategies. In addition to his role at Goodroot, Harper was the former acting President of Goodroot affiliate Penstock from 2020 – 2021, where he focused on growth, scale, and building out the experience of Goodroot’s new brand.
Previously, Harper led the development of client-centered strategies as CFO of RemedyOne, where he designed and implemented the infrastructure needed to scale. Harper has also acted as North American controller at Stanley Black and Decker, where he led BPO efforts and acquisition integration of accounting processes, including Stanley’s integration with Black & Decker, and as Partner in BlumShapiro’s CFO Advisory practice and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) group. Harper earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and Spanish from Boise State University.
24. Irene Eddy
Chief Financial Officer, Accord Financial
Irene Eddy is the Chief Financial Officer of Accord Financial. Accord Financial Corp., founded in 1978 and traded on the TSX, is one of North America’s leading independent commercial finance companies. Serving clients throughout the U.S. and Canada, Accord helps businesses manage cash flow and maximize opportunities with a broad range of asset-based lending solutions, including accounts receivable financing, inventory finance, equipment leasing, trade finance, and film/media finance. Eddy is a member of the executive leadership team at Accord, focusing on all aspects of capital markets, including sourcing, closing, and managing financing relationships. She is responsible for planning and securing Accord’s financing requirements by diversifying its sources of capital.
Eddy’s most recent experience was as senior vice president at DBRS, and prior to that at GE Capital. Eddy has her law degree from Fordham University and is a certified public accountant.
25. Susan O'Donovan
Chief Financial Officer, Santa Energy
Susan O'Donovan currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Santa Energy, a company that delivers fuel services, from heating oil and propane delivery to HVAC installation and repairs, to homes and businesses throughout southwest Connecticut.
O’Donovan’s career began 41 years ago when she started as a manager at Price Waterhouse in 1983. From there, she went on to ContiFinancial Corporation/Continental Grain Company, before eventually rising to chief financial officer at Nations Equipment Finance, her most recent position prior to joining Santa Energy. O'Donovan graduated from the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
