Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Iowa for 2023. Known throughout the world as America's heartland, Iowa is a favorable destination for businesses and the executives who run them. The state, which was named after the Native American Ioway people who once inhabited the region, has long been the heart of U.S. food production and continues to grow its role as a producer for the world, exporting $18 billion worth of goods in 2022.
But while Iowa is often viewed as a farming state, agriculture is a relatively small portion of the state's diversified economy, with manufacturing, biotechnology, finance and insurance services, and government services contributing substantially to Iowa's real GDP, which was over $177 billion in 2022. Notably, this year's award recipients hold a crucial position in propelling the Hawkeye State's thriving economy forward, as they are instrumental in executing sound financial strategies that promote both expansion and resilience.
This year's award recipients include Flanagan, an industry veteran, who brings with him 18 years of experience as the CFO and Chief Strategy Officer for UnityPoint Health. During his tenure, he effectively managed a $425 million operating budget and achieved a remarkable 21 percent growth in operating revenues. In addition, we are recognizing David Rokos, who holds the position of CFO and Controller at Raytheon, the world's largest aerospace and defense company. Rokos has been an integral part of Raytheon since 2011 and has also made significant contributions at companies such as Rockwell International and EY Consulting.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Iowa for 2023.
1. Amy Hudson
Chief Financial Officer, John Deere
Amy Hudson is the Chief Financial Officer of John Deere. Founded in 1837, John Deere is a world leader in providing advanced products, technology, and services for customers whose work is revolutionizing agriculture and construction. They help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward.
John Deere’s technology-enabled products such as the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways the company helps meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. An industry veteran, Hudson has 19 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a master’s in accountancy and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
2. Ryan Miller
Chief Financial Officer, TPI Composites
In his role as Chief Financial Officer for TPI Composites, Ryan Miller leads the company’s finance, accounting and investor relations functions. TPI, notably, is the only independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for the wind energy market with a global manufacturing footprint. The company delivers high-quality, cost-effective composite solutions through long-term relationships with leading OEMs in the wind and transportation markets. TPI is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and operates factories in the U.S., China, Mexico, Turkey and India. Furthermore, TPI operates additional engineering development centers in Denmark and Germany and global service training centers in the U.S. and Spain.
Prior to joining TPI, Miller served in various financial and investor relations roles at Rockwell Collins and Collins Aerospace from December 2002 to February 2022, most recently as the VP and CFO of the Avionics Division of Collins Aerospace, from November 2018 to February 2022. Miller also worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in public accounting in various audit roles. He holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Miller earned his CPA designation in the state of Iowa.
3. Brent Mohasci
Chief Financial Officer, CRST The Transportation Solution
Brent Mohasci began his professional career 17 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of CRST The Transportation Solution. Founded in 1955 by Herald and Miriam Smith, CRST The Transportation Solution has grown to be one of the nation’s largest privately held transportation and logistics companies in the U.S. Powered by the expertise of its Solutions Centers, CRST provides a broad array of transportation and logistics solutions including team expedited, flatbed, dedicated services, truckload capacity solutions, transportation management, high-value product white-glove services and home delivery.
Mohasci got his start in 2006 as a senior pricing specialist at Rockwell Collins, before eventually rising to director of operations and finance at Collins Aerospace, his most recent position prior to joining CRST The Transportation Solution. Mohasci graduated from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an MBA in finance and from Central College with an undergraduate degree in business management and finance.
4. Brian Beckett
Chief Financial Officer, Kum & Go
Brian Beckett is the Chief Financial Officer at Kum & Go, a leading convenience retailer with over 400 stores across 11 states, he oversees all aspects of financial planning, reporting, analysis, and strategy for the company. He has more than 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and auditing, with credentials such as CPA, CFA, and CMA.
Previously, Beckett was a VP of finance at Vertex Software and before that a senior director of accounting policy and investments at Athene. Earlier in his career he worked with McGladrey & Pullen as a senior assurance associate. Beckett earned an MBA in finance and an undergraduate degree in accounting and mathematics from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.
5. David Rokos
Chief Financial Officer and Controller, Raytheon
David Rokos is the Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Raytheon, the world's largest aerospace and defense company. Their global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how they connect and protect their world. They are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take them deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Rokos joined the company in 2011. Previously, he was a VP and treasurer at Rockwell Collins. Before that, he served as a director of financial reporting at Rockwell International. Earlier in his career, he worked with Ernst & Young as an audit manager. Rokos earned an undergraduate degree in accountancy from Northern Illinois University.
6. Jake Moran
Chief Financial Officer, Fareway Stores
Jake Moran joined Fareway in April 2021 and serves as Chief Financial Officer. He began his career as a CPA with Deloitte in the audit and assurance practice and served a wide array of clients during his 12-year tenure. Notably, Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating more than 130 store locations in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri and Kansas.
Prior to Fareway, Moran served as the CFO of Gilcrest Jewett Lumber Company in Waukee, Iowa. Moran holds a Master of Accountancy degree from Kansas State University. Moran and his wife, Wendy, are the proud parents of three children, Lumen, Josie, and William, and they call Grimes, Iowa home.
7. Jerry Gowey
Chief Financial Officer, DSI
Jerry Gowey began his professional career 39 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of DSI. The company is a family-owned and operated business, born in 1984 in Des Moines, Iowa out of the C-Band satellite business. Since then, DSI has evolved to become a powerful force for its partners for their custom business solutions and sales enablement. They provide enhanced value that delivers results for their clients and partners; through sales management, marketing assistance, event management scheduling, hardware logistic solutions, immersive training, engineering expertise and proprietary software solutions.
Gowey got his start in 1984 as a CFO at Ryko Solutions, before eventually rising to director of finance and administration. services at Muscatine Power and Water, his most recent position prior to joining DSI. Gowey graduated from Western Illinois with an MBA and from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
8. Jeremy Marron
Chief Financial Officer, The Weitz Company
Jeremy Marron is the Chief Financial Officer of The Weitz Company, a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. Founded in 1855, Weitz is the oldest commercial general contractor construction company founded west of the Mississippi River and annually ranks in the top tier in the Engineering News-Record magazine’s list of Top 400 Contractors.
Marron is a Certified Public Accountant and joined Weitz in 2005. He has nearly 20 years of financial and accounting experience in the public and private sectors as well as the construction industry. His expertise within The Weitz Company includes accounting; reporting; financing; banking; taxation; insurance and mergers; and acquisitions. Marron graduated from Buena Vista University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
9. Marlee Tart
Chief Financial Officer, Hirschbach
Marlee Tart is the Chief Financial Officer of Hirschbach. For 80+ years, the company has built a sterling reputation for delivering time and temperature sensitive freight. They're a 100% asset-based refrigerated carrier with one of the newest, most technologically-advanced fleets on the road. They strive to be a carrier of choice by providing dependable service levels with unmatched safety, innovation, technology, security, communication, and on-time delivery performance. Hirschbach offers services to 48 states – with a special focus on high-density lanes.
Tart joined the company in 2017 as a director of tax. Previously, she was a president at MPT Consulting Services, LLC. Earlier in her career, she worked with EY as a senior manager. Tart earned a master’s in accounting and an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
10. Joel Egdom
Chief Financial Officer, Interstates
Joel Egdom is the Chief Financial Officer of Interstates. Interstates is your trusted partner for electrical, automation, and operational technology needs. They have tackled complex challenges for over sixty-five years and developed innovative solutions for industrial manufacturing and processing facilities worldwide. Through their unique integrated approach, they are a one-stop solution for your project needs. Egdom has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2006.
As Chief Financial Officer of Interstates, Egdom directs the financial, legal and risk management for Interstates and partners with the executive team to assess organizational performance against rolling forecasts and our long-term strategy. He leads the financial direction for Interstates’s external financial and consulting relationships, leads the finance and accounting team, and drives strategic, ownership, and operational planning and forward thinking in the organization. Egdom graduated from Dordt University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
11. Barbara Anderson
Chief Financial Officer, VGM Group
Barb Anderson, CPA, MBA, is the Chief Financial Officer of VGM Group – and steward of accounting and treasuring operations. In this role, she leads the financial voice of the company and provides vital strategic, analytical, and financial perspectives for the VGM family of business. Anderson joined VGM in 2017 as corporate controller. Her focus was to build a professional accounting team and develop effective partnerships between the team and VGM Group business units.
Prior to VGM, Anderson worked in finance and accounting roles at: Lee Enterprises, Inc., Ameriprise Financial, CUNA Mutual Life Insurance Company, and KPMG Peat Marwick. She serves on the Grow Cedar Valley Finance Board and the YWCA Investment Committee. Anderson holds an MBA from the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting from Luther College.
12. Chris Hansen
Chief Financial Officer, Grinnell Mutual
Chris Hansen is the Chief Financial Officer of Grinnell Mutual. In business since 1909, Grinnell Mutual is the 107th-largest property casualty insurance company in the U.S. and the largest primary reinsurer of farm mutual companies in North America. Their products are available in 17 states. Grinnell Mutual's mission is to cultivate their trusted relationships.
Hansen has 27 years of experience. He began his career in 1996. Before joining Grinnell Mutual, he was a senior auditor at RSM US LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with CLA as an auditor. Hansen graduated from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an MBA and from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
13. John Munson
Chief Financial Officer, McFarland Clinic
John Munson began his professional career 19 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of McFarland Clinic, Iowa's largest physician-owned multi-specialty clinic. The McFarland Clinic network of healthcare providers serves residents in 11 Iowa communities with additional communities served by physician outreach clinics. More than one million patient visits are made at McFarland Clinic annually, offered by more than 200 providers and 1,000 staff members.
Munson got his start in 2004 as a staff accountant at Masterpieces Puzzle Company. From there, he went on to University Physicians Healthcare, before eventually rising to VP and CFO at St. Anthony Regional Hospital & Nursing Home, his most recent position prior to joining McFarland Clinic. Munson graduated from Grand Canyon University with an MBA in finance and from the University of Phoenix with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
14. Michelle Byard
Chief Financial Officer, HR Green
Michelle Byard is HR Green’s Chief Financial Officer. In this role, she leads the Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Risk Management groups – and serves on the company’s Board of Directors. Byard became CFO in 2013 after serving as Controller. She has an extensive background in accounting, tax, and finance, including public accounting, retail/wholesale, real estate, transportation, and telecommunications.
Notably, since joining HR Green, Byard has integrated the firm’s accounting systems and practices, revamped legal and insurance operations, and updated financial processes. Byard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Mount Mercy University. She serves on HR Green’s Audit and Risk Management Committee, Nominating Committee, and the 401(k) Committee. Byard also serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee, and serves on the Captive Insurance Company board.
15. Doug Himmelman
Chief Financial Officer, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors
Doug Himmelman is the Chief Financial Officer of Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to more than 320 sales associates, 61 employees and 10 offices, selling nearly 5,200 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. Himmelman is an experienced CFO with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry.
Previously, Himmelman was a director of finance and assistant general manager at President Riverboat Casino and before that a controller at Citizens Federal Savings Bank. Earlier in his career he worked with McGladrey & Pullen as a staff accountant and supervisor. Himmelman earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from St. Ambrose University.
16. Lynee Robson
Chief Financial Officer, Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans
Lynee Robson began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer of Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans, a well-established multispecialty group practice with over 170 providers and a staff of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and support personnel. The group was founded in 1924 and is Iowa’s oldest multispecialty group practice.
Robson got her start in 1994 as an audit supervisor at Smith & Gesteland. From there, she went on to Workforce Connections, before eventually rising to administrator at O'Connor & Thomas, P.C., her most recent position prior to joining Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans. Robson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
17. Jeff Jacobs
Chief Financial Officer, Kingland
Jeff Jacobs is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Kingland Systems Corporation, where he leads and directs the accounting and finance functions. As the leader of Kingland's Corporate Support department, he also leads the human resources functions of the organization As CFO, Jacobs is responsible for managing and overseeing accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, audit and tax.
Prior to joining Kingland, Jacobs was an Audit Manager at KPMG, where he was responsible for the coordination and overall management of integrated and financial statement audits of financial services organizations. Jacobs graduated from Central College with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
18. Patrick Medinger
Chief Financial Officer, Future Foam
Patrick Medinger is the Chief Financial Officer of Future Foam. A family owned since 1958, Future Foam is guided by its passion to continually invent customer-driven solutions that push results and solve problems—not just in the short term but for years to come. With locations and manufacturing facilities strategically placed around the world, Future Foam is able to stay flexible and give the benefit of local expertise with an international reach.
Medinger has 32 years of experience. He began his career in 1991.Before joining Future Foam, Medinger was a controller at Gordmans and AMCON Distributing Company. Earlier in his career he worked with PwC. Medinger graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a master’s in philosophy and from Creighton University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
19. Vicky Ellison
Chief Financial Officer, Russell
Vicky Ellison is the Chief Financial Officer of Russell. The company was founded in 1983 and has grown into a nationally ranked professional services firm providing construction and development services across the country. Headquartered in the Quad Cities (Illinois/Iowa), with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, Russell has delivered more than $3 billion in projects across 33 states.
With nearly 30 years of accounting and financial management expertise. Ellison is the executive in charge of corporate financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. She leads the development of financial strategies and performance measurements that support Russell’s organizational objectives. Ellison is also responsible for the leadership of our internal Information Technology (IT) department. Ellison first got her start in 2011 as a CFO at Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. She graduated from Illinois State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
20. Tiffani Conrey
Chief Financial Officer, Skogman Companies
Tiffani Conrey is the Chief Financial Officer of Skogman Companies. She first joined the company in 2014. Skogman is a 5th generation, family-owned company that routinely ranks in the top 100, privately-owned independent agencies in the country. They take pride in understanding the industry, in their reputation for ethical conduct, and in their success at getting positive results for customers.
Previously, Conrey was a controller and director of finance at ImOn Communications and before that a controller at Spreitzer Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with McGladrey & Pullen as a CPA and auditor. Conrey earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.
21. Nick Maas
Chief Financial Officer, VizyPay
Nick Maas is the Chief Financial Officer at VizyPay, a company revolutionizing the payments industry by offering a credit card processing model focused on powerful payment solutions, real human customer support, and simple merchant services. VizyPay aims to level the playing field for small to mid-sized businesses to accept credit cards and achieve greater success. Headquartered in Waukee, Iowa, VizyPay provides payment technology solutions for businesses across the United States.
With 11 years of experience, Maas started his career in 2012. Before joining VizyPay, he held positions such as Assistant Vice President of Business Banking at Farmers State Bank and served as a Lease Administrator at Lockard. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Member Services Representative at Veridian Credit Union. Maas graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in finance, investments, and real estate.
22. Steve Denherder
Chief Financial Officer, Aureon
Steve Denherder serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Aureon, a company specializing in providing reliable business solutions that enable clients to focus on their core operations. With over 30 years of experience, Aureon is deeply rooted in connectivity, offering a range of solutions spanning telecommunications, IT technology, consulting, and contact center operations. Denherder is an experienced senior accounting and financial management executive with over 28 years of expertise in finance and accounting.
Denherder skills cover financial analysis and reporting, mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt funding, operations, and managing human resources, legal, and risk aspects in startups, late-stage, and mid-sized publicly traded companies. His career commenced in 1994 at Deloitte & Touche, LLP as a senior staff auditor. He progressed through roles at Engineering Animation, Inc., eventually becoming the CFO at LightEdge Solutions before assuming his current position at Aureon. Denherder graduated from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
23. Angela Derochie
Chief Financial Officer, Ho-Chunk
Angel Derochie is the Chief Financial Officer at Ho-Chunk, Inc., an economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Established in 1994 with just one employee, the corporation has expanded under Derochie's leadership to encompass over 1,000 employees across 22 states, Washington D.C., and globally. Since joining in 2013 as the Divisional Chief Financial Officer for Ho-Chunk Shared Services, Derochie's role expanded to CFO in September 2015. She oversees all financial and fiscal aspects of the corporation, providing direction in administrative functions, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts.
Derochie has prior experience as a CPA in public accounting, holding a management position and specializing in tax planning, employee benefit plans, and financial forecasting. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.
24. Patrick Tierney
Chief Financial Officer, Leepfrog
Patrick Tierney is the Chief Financial Officer at Leepfrog Technologies, an education technology company located in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region of eastern Iowa. Leading a team of over 150 professionals dedicated to higher education and student success, Tierney brings 18 years of extensive experience, commencing his career in 2005.
Before joining Leepfrog, Tierney held positions as the VP of finance at SmartScripts and as a CFO at Workgroups DaVinci. Prior to these roles, he served as a senior network account manager at UnitedHealth Group. Tierney is an alumnus of The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, holding an MBA in finance and strategy. He also obtained an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University.
25. Brad Deich
Chief Financial Officer, Briggs Healthcare
Brad Deich serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Briggs Healthcare, a prominent provider of various healthcare-related products and services for over 70 years, catering to long-term care, assisted living, home care, hospice, hospitals, physicians, clinics, and more. With a customer base exceeding 50,000, the company specializes in professional documentation systems, forms, and compliance services. Deich initially joined Briggs Healthcare in 2014 as an accounting manager and swiftly advanced to his current position.
With over a decade of experience in manufacturing accounting and more than five years in business management, Deich brings expertise in cost accounting, financial accounting, lean manufacturing, and accounting staff development. Before his role at Briggs Healthcare, Deich held accounting management positions at Heating, Cooling, & Electric Inc. and The Wittern Group. His earlier experience includes work as a plant accountant at Ball Corporation. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and completed his undergraduate studies in business administration at Central College.
