Top CFOs is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Dallas for 2024. Dallas is the fourth-largest metro area in the United States, resulting in both a diversified and growing economic landscape that has seen an increase in the rate of startup growth and the number of Fortune 500 companies that have settled in the city. This year’s awardees are part of the large pool of top-tier talent drawn to Dallas’ robust business sector, driving growth and profitability as influential financial leaders in the community.
Among this year’s awardees, we recognize Norm Burke, CFO of Tellabs, whose extensive financial background helps guide the company toward its goal of reshaping the future of networking. We are also honoring the CFO of Urban Strategies, Laura Whitley, who plays an integral role in this organization that has given $150 million in programming to support families in need. Lastly, John Carradine, CFO of Surgical Notes, has held numerous executive-level positions in both domestic and international businesses throughout his impressive 30-year career.
The CFOs on this year’s list, while coming from a wide array of backgrounds and specialties, all showcase the required skills to lead complex financial departments, from strategy and cost management to organizational structure and investor relations. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Dallas for 2024.
1. Jay Patel
Chief Financial Officer, Randa Apparel & Accessories
Jay Patel is the Chief Financial Officer of Randa Apparel & Accessories, one of the world’s leading apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, with a portfolio of over 30 brands across all channels of distribution. Patel first joined the company in 2020 as senior vice president of finance. Previously, Patel was a chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Haggar Clothing Co. and before that a director of finance and strategic development analysis at Brinker International.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Burger King Corporation as an analyst in corporate finance & treasury. Patel earned an MBA in accounting and financial consulting from SMU Cox School of Business, a master's degree in finance from Florida International University - College of Business, and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Florida.
2. Norm Burke
Chief Financial Officer, Tellabs
Norm Burke is a seasoned financial professional with experience in both private equity-owned and publicly-held companies. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Tellabs, a provider of carrier-class access solutions for service providers that is pioneering the future of networking across the enterprise, government, and telecom sectors.
Burke brings 32 years of experience to his current role, with proven success in liquidity management, strategy, and M&A that includes a carveout, sale, integration, and preparation for a public offering. Before joining Tellabs, Burke was a senior director of financial planning and analysis at MoneyGram International, and before that a director of financial planning and analysis at Dresser, Inc. Earlier in his career he worked with Fannie Mae as a manager in accounting. Burke graduated from Wilkes University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
3. Scott Scaff
Chief Financial Officer, AST
Scott Scaff began his professional career 36 years ago, and today he is the Chief Financial Officer of AST, a full-service enterprise systems integrator that serves clients in both the public and commercial sectors. As CFO, Scaff is responsible for the company’s business operations, finance, accounting, treasury, IT, and contract administration functions.
Scaff first got his start in 1988 as a controller at Electronic Data Systems. From there, he went on to Aurum Technology Inc., before eventually rising to VP of global operations and delivery at Information Services Group, his most recent position prior to joining AST. Scaff graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an undergraduate degree in finance.
4. Chris Abbott
Chief Financial Officer, Revolution Foods
Chris Abbott is the Chief Financial Officer of Revolution Foods. He first joined the company in 2022. Revolution Foods takes pride in delivering kid-inspired, chef-crafted food nationwide.
Abbott brings over 20 years of experience in driving results in finance and operations roles at Fortune 500 and middle-market companies.
Previously, Abbott was a division chief financial officer at DFA Dairy Brands, a Division of DFA Cooperative, and before that a president at Organic Valley Fresh. Earlier in his career, he worked with AlixPartners as a vice president. Abbott earned an MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and an undergraduate degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin.
5. Stephanie Callihan
Chief Financial Officer, Cotton Patch Cafe
Stephanie Callihan is the Chief Financial Officer of Cotton Patch Cafe. Cotton Patch Cafe traces its roots back to Nacogdoches, TX, where it was established in 1989, inspired by the state’s diverse culinary landscape, currently boasting locations in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Callihan worked with Cotton Patch Cafe for nearly a decade before her promotion to CFO.
Before joining Cotton Patch Cafe, Callihan was a senior financial analyst, FP&A at GoDaddy and before that a senior financial analyst, FP&A at P.F. Chang's China Bistro. Earlier in her career she worked with Mister Car Wash as a financial analyst and accountant. Callihan graduated from the University of Arizona - Eller College of Management with a Master of Business Administration in management information systems and from the University of Phoenix with an undergraduate degree in accounting and business management.
6. Brian Baubach
Chief Financial Officer, Pilot Thomas Logistics
Brian Baubach began his professional career 26 years ago and has more than 15 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles. Today he serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Pilot Thomas Logistics, a leading provider of fuel, lubricants, and chemicals for the Energy, Marine, Mining, and Industrial sectors headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
Baubach first got his start in 1998 as an accountant at Chattanooga Group before eventually rising to senior vice president of corporate finance at U.S. Xpress, Inc., a company with more than $2 billion in revenue and his most recent position before joining Pilot Thomas Logistics. Baubach graduated from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
7. Jenna Hardy
Chief Financial Officer, Gearbox
Jenna Hardy brings her extensive finance experience to her current role as CFO of Gearbox Software, an award-winning creator and distributor of transmedia entertainment for people around the world. Gearbox Entertainment develops and publishes products through its subsidiaries, Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing. Previously Hardy served as the vice president of finance at Gearbox Entertainment, where she was responsible for transforming the finance function from a start-up business to a high-growth modern mid-cap business, including forecasting and reporting capabilities for multiple lines of business and external partners. Notably, Hardy led the company through its first operational budgets, including extensive cost management, expanded organizational structure, and global projects.
After this, Hardy served as the interim chief financial officer at Gearbox Software, where she was responsible for converting the company from cash to accrual accounting and developing new accounting for business expansions into Canada, Publishing and eSports. Hardy also led the maturation to consolidated GAAP Financial Reporting by implementing a new General Ledger system, creating a global chart of accounts, restructuring departments and projects, establishing intercompany elimination processes, and restating the prior year. Hardy has an MBA from Rice Business - Jones Graduate School of Business and a B.S. from Georgetown University. Hardy also spent a year abroad in the MBA Program at Emlyon Business School.
8. Robert Kirkwood
Chief Financial Officer, Lument
As Chief Financial Officer of Lument, Robert Kirkwood takes part in planning the company’s strategic direction. Lument provides a suite of proprietary commercial lending, investment banking, and investment management solutions to guide investors in multifamily, affordable housing, and senior housing real estate toward optimal financial solutions tailored to their goals. Kirkwood is responsible for directing the firm’s accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, administration, administration, and RE technology departments, in addition to overseeing the company’s sales and trading desk.
Kirkwood brings 25 years of experience to his current role. Before joining Lument, Kirkwood was a CFO and senior managing director at Red Capital Group and before that a senior associate at KPMG U.S. Earlier in his career, he worked with Davidson Caldwell Group, Inc. as an accountant. Kirkwood graduated from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
9. Neal Shah
Chief Financial Officer, Kosmos Energy
Neal Shah began his professional career 18 years ago, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Kosmos Energy, a prominent deepwater exploration and production company with assets located in established basins offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Shah first joined Kosmos Energy in 2010, serving in a series of roles of increasing responsibility in finance, treasury, investor relations, and international operations as head of the Equatorial Guinea business unit. Before joining Kosmos Energy, Shah was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley, assisting oil and gas companies. Shah earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.
10. Laura Whitley
Chief Financial Officer, Urban Strategies
Laura Whitley began her professional career 41 years ago and today serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Urban Strategies. Urban Strategies is an organization that equips, resources and connects faith- and community-based organizations so that children and families in need receive support.
Whitley first got her start in 1983 as an executive vice president at Bank of America, her most recent position before joining Urban Strategies. Whitley graduated from Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business with an undergraduate degree in accounting & finance.
11. Tanner Vick
Chief Financial Officer, WebTPA
Tanner Vick Joined WebTPA in 2003. He currently serves as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. WebTPA is a seasoned third-party administrator with more than 30 years of expertise in crafting tailored health plans.
Previously, Vick was a CFO at Precision Business Solutions and before that a vice president of private equity at Ardenton Capital. Earlier in his career, he worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as an assurance senior associate. Vick earned an MSA in accounting from Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business.
12. Rodrigo Oliveira
Chief Financial Officer, Sencinet
Rodrigo Oliveira is the Chief Financial Officer of Sencinet and brings 29 years of experience to this role. Sencinet offers integrated and secure communication solutions, enhancing the speed, security, and reliability of corporate networks and specializes in delivering cost-effective, groundbreaking, automated, personalized, and competitively priced solutions. Throughout his career, Oliveira has built and led high-performing finance, accounting, and procurement operations for global firms in telecommunications, B2B services, and audit.
Before joining Sencinet, Oliveira was a CFO and corporate finance officer at BT and before that a CFO at Gazit Globe. Earlier in his career, he worked with RSM McGladrey Boucinhas & Campos as a supervisor. Oliveira earned an MBA in finance from Ibmec’s executive program, an undergraduate degree in economics from Universidade de São Paulo as well as an undergraduate degree in accounting from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo.
13. Cody Helm
Chief Financial Officer, Peoples
Cody Helm serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Peoples, a telecommunications company with a broad product offering, from residential broadband to commercial Ethernet services. Helm is a strategic CFO and possesses a remarkable blend of skills that make him an effective leader in the financial realm.
Helm began his professional career 8 years ago, first getting his start in 2016 as a certified public accountant at Rutheford Taylor & Co. From there, he went on to Greenville Independent School District, before eventually rising to controller and CFO at Paris Junior College, his most recent position prior to joining Peoples. Helm graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with an MSA and he is a licensed Texas CPA.
14. Joe Harvey
Chief Financial Officer, KPS Global
Joe Harvey is the Chief Financial Officer of KPS Global, an industry-leading manufacturer of insulated panel systems for convenience and grocery stores, food service, and big box retailers, as well as, warehouse and industrial enclosures with five manufacturing facilities. He joined KPS Global in 2021. Harvey has worked with numerous management consultancies and has led several companies as CFO, CSO, and COO. His experiences partnering with senior executives and investor-owned, multi-site manufacturing companies give him a broad perspective on leadership and a wide appreciation for employees’ contributions.
Harvey was previously CFO of Balfour & Co. Before that role, he served as CFO & COO at Envirocon Technologies, Inc. Earlier in his career he was a Captain in the United States Air Force. Harvey earned an MBA in management from Texas McCombs School of Business and an undergraduate degree in economics and international trade from the University of Washington.
15. Bob Weinrich
Chief Financial Officer, Zavation Medical Products
Bob Weinrich brings 31 years of experience to his role as the Chief Financial Officer of Zavation Medical Products, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes medical device products and innovative spinal solutions. Weinrichs’ career background includes progressive leadership experience directing turnaround and growth situations focusing on corporate finance and accounting, financial planning, M&A, IPOs, investor relations, and organizational restructuring initiatives for multiple private equity and public companies in diverse industries.
Before joining Zavation Medical Products, Weinrich was a chief financial officer at Hobbs Bonded Fibers LLC, and before that a vice president of corporate development and interim Chief Financial Officer at BG Staffing, Inc. Earlier in his career, he worked with EY as a manager - assurance & advisory business services. Weinrich graduated from the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business with an MBA and from The University of Texas at San Antonio with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
16. Monika Flood
Chief Financial Officer, Istation
Monika Flood is the Chief Financial Officer of Istation, a company that, for 25 years, has provided educators with solutions for online assessment, personalized learning, and instruction. Flood joined Istation with almost 20 years of experience spanning finance, planning, strategy, and corporate development. Most recently, she served as SVP of finance and strategy for a restaurant chain holding company. Before that, Flood held roles in finance at The Match Group, the leader in online dating for brands such as Tinder and Match.com, and worked in strategy at Dean Foods, the largest producer of dairy-based products in the United States.
Flood began her career as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company, where she spent twelve years serving Fortune 50 organizations across various consumer, industrial, and technology sectors. Flood’s education includes an undergraduate degree in business honors and finance from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.
17. Alan Imberman
Chief Financial Officer, Wealthfront
Alan Imberman is the Chief Financial Officer of Wealthfront, having joined the company in 2015 as assistant controller. Wealthfront combines investing and saving products to assist young professionals in building long-term wealth. Leveraging software, the company provides high-yield savings via partner banks, diversified ETF and bond ETF investing, zero-commission stock investing, and low-cost loans.
Previously, Imberman was a senior manager at Crowe Horwath LLP and before that a senior manager at KPMG US. Earlier in his career, he worked with Rockwood Investment Partners LP as an equity analyst. Imberman earned an MBA from Texas McCombs School of Business and an undergraduate degree in finance from Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas, Dallas.
18. Kelly Roberts
Chief Financial Officer, Moss Utilities
Kelly Roberts is the Chief Financial Officer of Moss Utilities, a company specializing in underground utility installation, including water, sewer, storm drainage, duct bank, and fire lines for commercial, single-family residential, multi-family residential, and public works infrastructure projects.
Roberts joined Moss Utilities in 2018, and before this role, she was a CFO at Moss Mechanical. Earlier in her career she worked with Crawford Services Inc. as a residential service supervisor. Roberts graduated from West Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in general business.
19. Christi Bellon
Chief Financial Officer, Sendero
Christi Bellon began her professional career 27 years ago and today serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Sendero, a management consulting firm offering guidance in strategic planning, digital transformation, and organizational effectiveness across diverse industries. Bellon is responsible for providing financial results and reporting.
Bellon first got her start in 1997 as a manager at EmCare. From there, she went on to Sourcecorp, before eventually rising to SOX contractor at DynCorp, International, her most recent position before joining Sendero. Bellon graduated from Baylor University with her BBA in accounting, and an MBA in general business and information systems.
20. Caroline Burton
Chief Financial Officer, Iris Telehealth
Caroline Burton is the Chief Financial Officer of Iris Telehealth, a rapidly growing company providing access to clinicians in many states through customized telemedicine programs. She first joined the company in 2022 as senior director, FP&A, and interim CFO.
Previously, Burton was an executive director of corporate FP&A at Hillrom, and before that a senior manager of commercial finance at Abbott. Burton earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Texas McCombs School of Business.
21. Chris Dierks
Chief Financial Officer, Talus Pay
Chris Dierks is the Chief Financial Officer of Talus Pay, a leader in small business payment processing, serving clients in diverse sectors. Dierks brings 31 years of experience in the financial sector to this role, with expertise in a variety of areas, including accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and acquisition due diligence and integration.
He previously served as CFO at Future Payment Technologies and CFO at Atlantic Aviation. Earlier in his career, he worked with Smith Alarm Systems as a controller. Dierks graduated from SMU Cox School of Business with an MBA and from Regis University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
22. Ross Kamm
Chief Financial Officer, AIS Healthcare
Ross Kamm began his professional career 21 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of AIS Healthcare, a leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care that reaches more than 1,500 patients nationwide. Kamm is a financial executive with experience in M&A, accounting, corporate finance, and financial planning and analysis within publicly traded and privately held companies.
He got his start in 2003 as an associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. From there, he went on to KPMG, LLP, before eventually rising to VP of corporate development at BioScrip, Inc., his most recent position before joining AIS Healthcare. Kamm graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder - Leeds School of Business with an M.S. in accounting and an undergraduate degree in business administration.
23. John Carradine
Chief Financial Officer, Surgical Notes
John Carradine is the Chief Financial Officer for Surgical Notes, an ASC revenue cycle management and billing services company, offering services encompassing scalable billing, transcription, coding, and document management. Carradine’s extensive operating and financial experience spans over 30 years and includes managerial roles in data services, software development, and IT services organizations for both privately held and publicly traded corporations. Carradine has held positions as CFO, COO, CEO, and Treasurer in organizations with both domestic and international operations.
Immediately before joining Surgical Notes, Carradine was the CFO and COO of A-LIGN Compliance and Security, Inc., a technology-enabled security and compliance company that helps organizations around the world take a strategic approach to managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks. Prior to A-LIGN, Carradine was the CFO and COO for HealthAxis, LLC, an IT solutions and BPO company in the U.S. healthcare industry. Carradine holds a Master of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and a bachelor's of business administration from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University.
24. Rene Gonzalez
Chief Financial Officer, Netsurion
Rene Gonzalez is the Chief Financial Officer of Netsurion. Netsurion provides an adaptive managed security solution, seamlessly integrating its XDR platform with clients' existing security investments and technology stack. Gonzalez is a senior finance executive with over 25 years of progressive experience in all aspects of finance and accounting in both private and public company settings in a wide array of industries that include network security, e-commerce, retail, software/technology, and consumer goods.
Before joining Netsurion, Gonzalez was a VP of finance & operations at Joinem and before that a CFO at Woot, an Amazon.com Company. Earlier in his career, he worked with Bimbo Bakeries USA as a manager and general accountant. Gonzalez graduated from SMU Cox School of Business with an executive MBA and from St. Mary's University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
25. Tim Latiolais
Chief Financial Officer, Lucchese Bootmaker
Tim Latiolais began his professional career 22 years ago and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Lucchese Bootmaker, a Texas-based manufacturer and retailer of luxury-level, western-inspired footwear and cowboy boots established in 1883.
Latiolais has worked in a broad range of industries, including distribution, manufacturing, B2B service, hospitality, and entertainment. He first got his start in 2002 as a VP of special projects at Winslow Marine Products. From there, he went on to Dakota Capital, before eventually rising to SVP of finance at Escalante Golf, his most recent position before joining Lucchese Bootmaker. Latiolais graduated from Texas Christian University - M.J. Neeley School of Business with an MBA in finance and from Texas Christian University with an undergraduate degree in economics
