Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Indiana for 2023. Nestled in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, Indiana offers a rich tapestry of attractions for its residents. From a fervent love for basketball and the renowned Indianapolis 500 to expansive limestone reserves and vast stretches of fertile farmland tirelessly cultivated throughout the year, the area boasts a diverse array of interests. Agriculture holds a prominent position in the Hoosier State’s economy, with family-owned farms contributing a substantial $35 billion annually to the area’s impressive gross state product, which reached a staggering $355.9 billion in 2022.
The economic dynamism is further underscored by Indiana’s status as the largest producer of steel in the nation, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the entire U.S. steel output. Additionally, the state proudly claims the title of the second-largest hub for the automotive industry in the country, spearheading manufacturing job growth across the country. Renowned companies such as Eli Lilly and Mead Johnson Nutritionals have chosen Indiana as the base for their headquarters. Notably, this year's award recipients stand as key contributors to Indiana's thriving economy, employing effective financial strategies that foster the growth and stability needed to sustain the vibrant economic landscape that defines the Hoosier State.
One of this year's recipients is Laurie Schrader, the CFO at Faegre Drinker, where she is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations within the company. Schrader brings over 30 years of financial expertise to her role, including eight years with BKD, a prominent U.S. CPA and advisory firm. Another awardee, Andy Leake, holds the position of CFO at ElectriCom. With a career spanning more than 15 years, Leake has held various finance-related roles in the manufacturing and construction sectors, working with companies of diverse sizes, ranging from $20 million enterprises to multi-billion dollar publicly traded corporations.
Finally, we have Jack Gochenaur, serving as the CFO and Treasurer of Manchester University, one of six colleges nationwide deeply rooted in the values and traditions of the Church of the Brethren. With over a dozen years dedicated to Manchester, Gochenaur has played a pivotal role in fortifying the institution's financial foundation, contributing to enrollment growth, supervising the $9.1 million renovation and expansion of the Academic Center, and strategically managing the finances for the university's $19 million Fort Wayne campus.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Indiana for 2023
1. Matthew Hanselman
Chief Financial Officer, Ascension
Matthew Hanselman is the Chief Financial Officer of Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2018, Ascension provided nearly $2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 156,000 associates and 34,000 aligned providers.
Hanselman has 18 years of experience, having started his career in 2005. Before joining Ascension, he was a business financial consultant at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. Before that, he served as a financial consultant senior at WellPoint. Earlier in his career, he worked with DePuy Orthopaedics as a FLDP associate financial analyst. Hanselman graduated from Butler University’s Lacy School of Business with an MBA in finance and an undergraduate degree in finance.
3. Jeremy Schoettle
Chief Financial Officer, UnitedHealth Group
Jeremy Schoettle began his professional career 25 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of UnitedHealth Group, a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Notably, they are composed of 340,000 colleagues in two distinct and complementary businesses working to help build a modern, high-performing health system through improved access, affordability, outcomes and experiences.
Schoettle got his start in 1998 as a staff auditor at EY. From there, he went on to Duke Energy, before eventually rising to director II of finance, admin expense financial planning and analysis at Anthem, Inc., his most recent position prior to joining UnitedHealth Group. Schoettle graduated from Butler University with an MBA in finance and from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
4. Katie Koenig
Chief Financial Officer, Stanley Black & Decker
Katie Koenig is the Chief Financial Officer of Stanley Black & Decker, a U.S. company that provides the tools and innovative solutions people can trust to get the job done. Founded in 1843, the company is known for brands like: DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, Cub Cadet, Hustler and Troy-Bilt. As a global leader in industrial solutions, SBD provides the infrastructure systems that reinforce the roads people drive on, build the bridges people cross and even deliver the energy that powers life. Koenig, notably, has 17 years of experience.
Before joining Stanley Black & Decker, Koenig was a director of finance and analytics at ADT. Before that, she served as a manager of budget and business planning at Dean Health Plan, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Indiana University Bloomington as a lab manager in the chemistry department. Koenig graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with an MBA in corporate finance and strategic accounting and from Indiana University Bloomington with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
5. Cahlamer Paul
Chief Financial Officer, Sysco
Cahlamer Paul is the Chief Financial Officer of Sysco, the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 71,000 associates, the company operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 700,000 customer locations. Most recently, Paul served as SVP of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, also accountable for Sysco’s Investor Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Government Relations functions.
Paul began his Sysco career in 2007 as VP of Investor Relations, successfully managing relationships with equity markets and expanding Sysco’s shareholder base. In 2014, he served as SVP of Corporate Affairs at International Paper, where he led the company’s Investor Relations, Communications, CSR and Government Relations functions. Russell rejoined Sysco in 2015 as VP of Investor Relations, and while in that role, took on the additional responsibility of Treasurer. Prior to Sysco, Russell held roles in Strategic Planning, Revenue Management and Financial Auditing at America West Airlines; and Investor Relations, Financial Planning & Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategic Planning at Delta Air Lines.
6. Adam Horst
Chief Financial Officer, Mayo Clinic
Adam Horst is the Chief Financial Officer of Mayo Clinic. He first joined the company in 2020. Mayo Clinic has expanded and changed in many ways, but their values remain true to the vision of their founders. Their primary value – the needs of the patient come first – guides their plans and decisions as they create the future of healthcare. Notably, Mayo Clinic was founded in Rochester, Minnesota by brothers Dr. William James Mayo and Dr. Charles Horace Mayo.
Previously, Horst was a CFO in the adult academic health center at Indiana University Health. Earlier in his career, he worked with the State of Indiana as a director in government efficiency and financial planning. Horst earned a master’s in political science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in government and psychology from Dartmouth College.
7. Terry Metzger
Chief Financial Officer, ProMedica
Terry Metzger is Chief Financial Officer for ProMedica, directing and overseeing the organization's financial operations. He has served more than 14 years in the healthcare and insurance industry – and possesses a unique strategic and financial planning skill set.
Before joining the health care and insurance industry, Metzger spent eight years in international finance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
8. Steve May
Chief Financial Officer, Steak n Shake
Steve May began his professional career 41 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Steak n Shake, a classic American brand that intends to lead and dominate the premium burger and milkshake segment of the restaurant industry.
Steak n Shake is ready to serve their patrons the highest quality burgers and shakes along with extending great service at the lowest possible prices. Notably, May first got his start in 1982 as a senior manager at Ernst & Young, before eventually rising to CFO at Village Pantry, LLC, his most recent position prior to joining Steak n Shake.
9. Andy Roeder
Chief Financial Officer, Polaris
Andy Roeder is the Chief Financial Officer of Polaris. Since 1954, Polaris has proudly defined, re-defined and then raised the bar again for the powersports industry. At Polaris, they take great pride in their history as a category pioneer and current position as the global industry leader in powersports. Their strategy is to focus on staying ahead of their customers' needs. Notably, Roeder has 23 years of experience, having started his career in 2000.
Before joining Polaris, Roeder was a CFO at Bennington. Before that, he served as a manager of audit and advisory services at the University of Notre Dame. Earlier in his career, he worked with Ernst & Young as a staff accountant. Roeder graduated from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business with a master’s in accounting and from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
10. Weston Young
Chief Financial Officer, Indianapolis Public Schools
Weston Young began his professional career 22 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Indianapolis Public Schools. Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is the largest school district in Indiana with more than 29,000 students. IPS offers more educational choices than any other school system with magnet programs in medicine, performing arts, inquiry-based learning, multiple intelligences, and much more.
Young first got his start in 2001 as a staff accountant at Capin Crouse LLP. From there, he went on to Gimbal Financial, before eventually rising to tax accountant and investment operations at CenterPoint Wealth Management, his most recent position prior to joining Indianapolis Public Schools. Young graduated from Taylor University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and business.
11. Cheryl Wathen
Chief Financial Officer, Deaconess Health System
Cheryl Wathen is the Chief Financial Officer of Deaconess Health System. She first joined the company in 2003 as controller. Notably, Wathen earned an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Brescia University.
Deaconess Health System is the premier provider of health care services to 26 counties in three states (IN, IL, and KY). The system consists of 10 hospitals located in southern Indiana and western Kentucky: Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Deaconess Henderson Hospital, Deaconess Gibson Hospital, Deaconess Union County Hospital, The Women’s Hospital, and The Heart Hospital, among others.
12. Theresa Wagler
Chief Financial Officer, Steel Dynamics
At Steel Dynamics, Theresa Wagler has served as EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary since May 2007. She joined the company’s corporate finance team in 1998 – and has held various finance and accounting positions, including Chief Accounting Officer and Vice President and Corporate Controller. Today, she is responsible for and oversees accounting and taxation, treasury, risk management, legal, information technology and cyber security, human resources, sustainability strategy, and strategic business development functions; as well as financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and corporate communications.
Additionally, Wagler has various operational responsibilities, directly overseeing two operating joint ventures. Prior to joining Steel Dynamics, she was a CPA with Ernst & Young LLP. Wagler graduated cum laude from Taylor University with a bachelor’s in accounting and systems analysis. In addition, Wagler serves as a director, chair of the audit committee; and as a member of the environmental sustainability and community committee of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., a public company. She also serves as a director for Trine University and for the Metal Services Institute.
13. Laurie Schrader
Chief Financial Officer, Faegre Drinker
At Faegre Drinker, Laurie Schrader serves as the Chief Financial Officer and oversees all of the company’s accounting and financial operations. She is responsible for the management of the firm’s ongoing financial and tax transactions. Schrader leads a team that is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, pricing, profitability, and compensation support and analysis. Prior to the creation of Faegre Drinker in 2020, Schrader served as CFO at legacy firm Faegre Baker Daniels.
Earlier, she served as director of finance at Baker & Daniels from 2005-2011. During her 17 years with the Baker & Daniels financial team, she served as director of financial analysis, financial team project manager and controller. Schrader’s more than 30 years of financial experience includes: eight with BKD, a top 10 U.S. CPA and advisory firm, where she served clients as an auditor and financial advisor; and also as central region operations manager. Schrader graduated from Indiana State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
14. Laurie Mendez
Chief Financial Officer, Indiana Department of Health
Laurie Mendez is the Chief Financial Officer of Indiana Department of Health. She first joined the company in 2023. The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute.
That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories. Previously, Mendez was a VP Finance Manager at Fifth Third Bank. She holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Thomas More University.
15. Stephanie Peavler
Chief Financial Officer, BSA LifeStructures
Stephanie Peavler serves as the CFO of BSA LifeStructures, an integrated design firm creating facilities that support healing, learning and discovery. With over 20 years of experience in accounting, Stephanie plays a significant role in BSA’s growth strategy and leadership. She oversees both long-term financial management as well as day-to-day monitoring of expenses and revenue generation. As an ESOP, BSA strives to bring value to the employee owners. Stephanie advises the leadership team on and drives the activities that strengthen the return employees gain through their ownership.
Joining the BSA finance team in 2007 as the Assistant Director of Project Analysis and Control provided the opportunity to gain clarity on the variety of work the firm does and the keys necessary for profitability. In 2018, she was named CFO taking the knowledge she gained to a position of leadership. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from University of Indianapolis.
16. Jack Gochenaur
CFO and Treasurer, Manchester University
Jack Gochenaur is the CFO and Treasurer of Manchester University. Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, is one of six colleges across the nation grounded in the values and traditions of the Church of the Brethren. The University offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,500 students. In more than a dozen years at Manchester, Gochenaur strengthened the institution’s finances, helped increase enrollment, oversaw the $9.1 million renovation and expansion of the Academic Center and mapped the finances for Manchester’s $19 million Fort Wayne campus. Notably, Gochenaur graduated from Manchester in 1970 and then served in the Fort Wayne office of what is now Ernst & Young.
In 1975, Gochenaur went to work for Mutual Security Life Insurance Co. in Fort Wayne, where he reorganized and expanded the accounting, audit and financial services department – eventually serving as CEO. In 1990, Gochenaur accepted a position with national health insurance provider Fortis Health in Milwaukee, Wisc. As senior vice president of client services, he led more than 600 employees and saved the company $13.5 million a year. During his final three years at Fortis, he led a $70 million project acquiring and implementing vendor software to replace existing systems. In 2003, Gochenaur returned to his alma mater, where he led a team that encompasses physical, fiscal and human resources operations.
17. Shawn Burgess
Chief Financial Officer, Irving Materials
Shawn Burgess is the Chief Financial Officer of Irving Materials. Founded in 1946, imi (Irving Materials, Inc.) is a privately-held building materials supplier, producer, and construction services company with operations in the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. The company's foundation is built on two key principles: building long-lasting relationships and safely delivering high-quality custom solutions to customers. As a supplier and producer, the company is a leading provider of aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and asphalt.
Burgess has 26 years of experience, having started his career in 1997. Before joining Irving Materials, he was a controller at RG Logistics. Before that, he served as a controller at Aramark. Earlier in his career, he worked with Abbott Foods, Inc. as an accounting manager. Burgess graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
18. Brittney Turner
Chief Financial Officer, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company
At F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Brittney Turner’s dynamic personality enables her to serve as a motivated and passionate leader to the accounting department. With the Wilhelm team since 2016, Turner takes care of the financial health of the company. As CFO, she manages treasury and finance activities, insurance, bonding, and employee benefits. As a strong advocate for servant leadership, she works to engage her team ensuring they have what is needed to reach their full potential.
Turner is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS), Executive Women in Finance (EWF), the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC). Turner understands the importance of teamwork, recognizing that having a strong, engaged team helps expedite activities and connects and maintains the critical, dependent balance between firm accountability and project delivery success.
19. Jake Hollenbaugh
Chief Financial Officer, Brehob
Jake Hollenbaugh is the Chief Financial Officer of Brehob. He joined the company in 2022. Brehob is an industry leader in distribution, service and repair of electric motors, cranes, air compressors and hoists. Still family owned and operated, its three generations of employees are working around the clock 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to meet customers’ needs.
Previously, Hollenbaugh was a senior controller at Aramark Healthcare. Before that, he served as a senior supervising project accountant at WSP. Earlier in his career, he worked with BKD CPAs & Advisors as a staff accountant. Hollenbaugh earned an MBA in management and operations and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University.
20. Scott Scoville
Chief Financial Officer, American Structurepoint
Scott Scoville is the Chief Financial Officer of American Structurepoint. A registered certified public accountant in the state of Indiana, Scoville’s strong accounting and business administration background helps him excel at overseeing the financial reporting, risk management, cash and tax management, and strategic management planning initiatives of the multi-million dollar company. He manages all financial and tax information for American Structurepoint and its employees, helping to ensure all projects meet companywide, local, state, and federal regulations.
Scoville is part of the greater American Structurepoint family, which upholds the best project management skills, including collaborating with clients to build trust, creating innovative solutions, and removing obstacles where possible to engineer a great project. In addition, he and his fellow team members adapt and quickly assess new situations when working on existing projects. Scoville graduated from Butler University with an MBA and from Ball State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
21. Stuart Wood
Chief Financial Officer, Sycamore Behavioral Health
Stuart Wood is the Chief Financial Officer of Sycamore Behavioral Health. As CFO, he’s responsible for the day-to-day management of all aspects of Sycamore Behavioral Health's, including strategic planning, accounting, forecasting, and budget management. Wood also develops and manages the operating budget, oversees the coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the organization.
Notably, Wood reports to the CEO and Board of Directors in regards to assessing strategic growth opportunities as the company continues to scale. He started his career in public accounting before taking his current role. Wood is a certified public accountant and graduate from Indiana University Kokomo with a degree in accounting and finance.
22. Keith Deaton
Chief Financial Officer, 3SI Security
Keith Deaton is the Chief Financial Officer of 3SI Security. He first joined the company in 2023. Founded in 1971, 3SI is the market leader in pioneering advanced security solutions for asset protection and recovery. They are always ahead of the curve starting with the commercialization of dye and ink staining, to their ongoing development in GPS tracking and beyond. Their technology protects more than 250,000 locations worldwide, and they actively combat crime through innovative solutions.
Previously, Deaton was a CFO at Weaver Popcorn. Before that, he was a COO at Echo Engineering & Production Supplies, Inc. Earlier in his career, Deaton worked with Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies as a controller. He holds an MBA in finance and operations management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and an undergraduate degree in economics from Murray State University.
23. Todd Brown
Chief Financial Officer, Everwise Credit Union
Todd Brown is the Chief Financial Officer of Everwise Credit Union. He first joined the company in 1995 as a financial analyst. Everwise Credit Union puts people’s needs first, so no matter your story or your money savvy, they meet you where you are and equip you with the confidence and tools you need to get ahead—wherever you’re going.
Originally founded as Teachers Credit Union, helping people understand and manage their financial future has always been central to what Everwise Credit Union does, even as they’ve expanded their community beyond teachers. Today, they serve more than 300,000 members across nearly 60 locations in the heart of the Midwest. Notably, Brown holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Ferris State University.
24. Andy Leake
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, ElectriCom
At ElectriCom, Andy Leake serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He has served in various Finance-related roles in the Manufacturing and Construction industries over the last 15+ years in firms – ranging in size from $20 million to multi-billion dollar publicly traded companies.
At ElectriCom, Leake leads teams focused on Accounting and Financial Reporting, Operational Finance, Data Analytics, and Information Technology. He holds a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and an MBA from Syracuse University.
25. Andrew Chalko
Chief Financial Officer, Elements Financial
Andrew Chalko began his professional career 12 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Elements Financial. At Elements, they provide a variety of powerful financial products and services through the safe harbor of a consumer-owned credit union. Yet Elements is not just a credit union. They are financial wellness providers who promise to help you achieve financial wellness in life with your own money management plan.
Chalko got his start in 2011 as a senior associate 2 at BKD CPAs & Advisors, before eventually rising to corporate controller at Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P., his most recent position prior to joining Elements Financial. Chalko graduated from the University of Kentucky with an undergraduate degree in accounting and marketing.
