Top CFOs is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Jacksonville for 2024. Companies that rely on frequent shipping have taken advantage of Jacksonville’s ideal location and highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure to reach both local and international markets with ease. However, Jacksonville’s robust business climate has also appealed to a wide range of businesses in a variety of sectors, including finance, aerospace, insurance, and technology. The individuals on this year’s list are integral to Jacksonville’s business landscape, using their expertise to drive growth within their respective companies while simultaneously helping expand the city’s economic regime as a whole.
Among this year’s awardees, we recognize Dan Warner, CFO of Crowley Maritime, who guides the financial strategy for this corporation that boasts annual revenues of more than $2.5 billion. Next, we have Sara Grilliot, who brings nearly twenty years of broad finance experience to her role as Chief Financial Officer of CentralSquare Technologies. Lastly, as CFO of Datalink, Nick McGuire’s position as the company’s financial leader is bolstered by his impressive background, having acquired experience in organizations that include $50 billion Fortune 500 global businesses.
The CFOs on this year’s list are highly respected in their fields, and the city’s business community. Their contributions have allowed Jacksonville to continue solidifying its place amongst some of the country’s most impressive economic environments. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Jacksonville for 2024.
1. Christina Clohecy
Chief Financial Officer, Newfold Digital
As CFO of Newfold Digital, Christina Clohecy is responsible for the company’s financial strategy and finance operations. Newfold Digital is a leading web technology company serving nearly seven million customers globally. Established in 2021 after leading web services providers Endurance Web Presence and Web.com Group combined, they help customers of all sizes build a digital presence with their extensive product offerings and personalized support.
Clohecy has 25 years of financial experience in the technology industry, most recently, serving as CEO of Stratus Technologies, Inc., and vice president of finance and administration at Airvana. Previously, she held a series of positions at both Sycamore Networks Inc. and Vitronics Soltec. Clohecy has an MBA from Babson College and her bachelor’s in business from Southern New Hampshire University.
2. Dan Warner
Chief Financial Officer, Crowley Maritime
Dan Warner held the role of senior executive at Crowley Maritime before being promoted to his current role as CFO. Warner guides the company’s enterprise-level financial strategy, improving financial process efficiencies and implementing new information technology for enhanced data analysis. His work supports the company’s goals of increasing cost efficiency and accelerating revenue and earnings growth. Crowley is a U.S.-owned and -operated company serving customers in domestic, international, and government markets through logistics, supply chain, and energy services with more than $2.5 billion in annual revenues, over 160 vessels, and approximately 6,300 employees around the world. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with over 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 365 nations and island territories.
Warner has served as senior vice president and treasurer, and member of the company’s senior leadership team since 2005. He began his career with Crowley in 2001 as a senior analyst for the corporate planning group and later served as finance director for both the company’s logistics and Puerto Rico and Caribbean liner services organizations. Prior to joining Crowley, Warner held various finance positions, including vice president at Citigroup in New York. He has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s in business administration from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.
3. Sara Grilliot
Chief Financial Officer, CentralSquare Technologies
As Chief Financial Officer of CentralSquare Technologies, Sara Grilliot brings nearly twenty years of broad finance experience in the technology services industry. CentralSquare Technologies provides the broadest, smartest, and most unified public sector software suite that powers all aspects of managing local government and constantly innovates new solutions in partnership with the communities that they serve.
Grilliot is passionate about driving transformative change to enable sustainable organizational success. Prior to joining CentralSquare, she served as vice president of financial strategy, planning, and analytics at Automatic Data Processing (ADP). In this role, Grilliot was in charge of company-wide strategic and operational planning and analytics, as well as finance transformation. While at ADP, she served as CFO of the Compliance Solutions Division, where she led the financial aspects of two strategic acquisitions and drove a transformation initiative that produced meaningful EBITDA margin expansion. Grilliot also served in various roles including VP of investor relations, and numerous operational support and traditional finance roles. Before working at ADP, Grilliot was an auditor at EY. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration, and an MBA degree from the University of North Florida, and earned her CPA designation in Florida.
4. Joshua Bowling
Chief Financial Officer, CSI Companies
Joshua Bowling is the Chief Financial Officer of CSI Companies, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions committed to transforming the delivery of patient care. With a team of experts specializing in EHR implementation, system integration, and support, CSI Companies delivers tailored solutions to healthcare organizations of all sizes.
Bowling joined CSI in October 2020, and under his leadership, he has enhanced internal controls and developed more efficient processes which helped to expedite growth and increase profitability. Before CSI, he spent 10 years at Regency Centers where he most recently held the position of Senior Manager of Joint Venture Reporting. Throughout his career, he has served in various financial and accounting capacities and has valuable experience in financial oversight and reporting practices. Bowling graduated from the University of North Florida with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
5. Marcus Moeltner
Chief Financial Officer, Rayonier Advanced Materials
Marcus Moeltner became Rayonier’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Finance in 2019 following a 30-year career in the forest products and consumer products industry. He rejoined Tembec Inc. in 2008 as VP, corporate development, and transferred to their headquarters in 2018 after Rayonier’s acquisition of Tembec Inc. Rayonier is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. The company also manufactures products for paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada, and France, Rayonier employs approximately 2,500 people and generates approximately $1.4 billion in revenues.
Prior to joining Rayonier, he was VP, finance for Grant Forest Products Inc. where he was responsible for leading a team accountable for financial analysis, treasury, cost accounting, risk management, and taxation across their business operations. From 2000 to 2004, Moeltner first started his tenure with Tembec Inc. and held various roles including director, business planning, and VP, business analysis and control. Prior to that, Moeltner was with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and held various positions in Ontario, France, England, and the United States. Moeltner holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University and is also a licensed CPA.
6. John Stelben
Chief Financial Officer, eHealth
John Stelben is the Chief Financial Officer of eHealth since November 2022. For over 25 years, eHealth has helped millions of Americans find the healthcare coverage that fits their needs at a price they can afford. As a leading independent licensed insurance agency and advisor, eHealth offers access to over 180 health insurers, including national and regional companies.
Stelben previously served as CFO of CVS Integration for Aetna, a managed care company. Prior to that, Stelben served in several positions of increasing responsibility at Aetna, including CFO of Government Programs, which included Medicare, Medicaid, and public exchange businesses. Stelben also served in various senior leadership roles at Coventry Health Care, a health insurance provider, for over 18 years. Stelben is a certified public accountant and holds an undergradute degree in accounting from Fairfield University.
7. Steven Potts
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, EverBank
Steven Potts joined EverBank in 2010 and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. EverBank’s Fund Finance business is a division of EverBank, a nationwide specialty bank providing high-value products and services to consumer and commercial clients nationwide. Prior to becoming CFO, he held various roles within accounting and finance, including as bank controller. He also has led the bank’s corporate finance team and SEC reporting and technical accounting functions. Previous responsibilities included managing the bank’s Dodd Frank Act Stress Testing program and regulatory reporting, management and board reporting.
Prior to joining EverBank, Potts spent six years at Deloitte, serving various clients throughout the country. Potts also worked with the local financial services industry practice on consultations and other financial services industry work related to various banking and mortgage banking organizations in the region. Potts earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University and an inactive Certified Public Accountant in Florida.
8. Lev Cela
Chief Financial Officer, Baker Distributing Company
Lev Cela currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Baker Distributing Company LLC, a leading distributor of equipment, parts, and supplies to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. With more than 200 locations in 22 states, Baker Sales Centers offer a wide range of products for residential and commercial applications. As the CFO of Baker, Cela oversees all aspects of financial management including corporate finance, state and local tax, real estate, planning/budgetary, and compliance functions.
Prior to joining Baker, Cela served as the treasurer and vice president of investor relations and corporate development of Interline Brands, Inc., where he played an integral part in all mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures processes. Cela’s other prior roles include assistant controller for Viragen, Inc., where he headed the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements on a worldwide level and managed Viragen’s computer systems, and manager of consolidation and reporting for Burger King Corporation. He was also corporate controller for SmartDisk Corporation where he implemented and administered a fully integrated enterprise resource planning system. Cela began his career in the audit practice of Ernst & Young LLP and is a CPA. He earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting and a master of business administration in accounting and computer information systems from the University of Miami.
9. Boris Jendruschewitz
Chief Financial Officer, VENUS Fashion
Boris Jendruschewitz currently holds the position of CFO at VENUS Fashion. Founded in Florida in 1982, Venus Fashion is a premier online and catalog retailer featuring the latest looks and trends in women’s clothing and swimwear.
Jendruschewitz has a strong background in finance, with experience in various leadership roles. He began his career at Deutsche Bank in 1992, handling credit and corporate client business. Jendruschewitz then joined Dresdner Bank Gruppe as the head of risk controlling, before moving on to Otto Group, where he held various positions such as divisional head of corporate financial control and VP of corporate finance over a 16 year period. Jendruschewitz attended Deutsche Bank AG, subsequently enrolling at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, where he earned a master’s degree in banking & management.
10. Jolene Young
Chief Financial Officer, ITEL Laboratories
Young took on the role of CFO for ITEL Laboratories in 2018. ITEL builds and provides solutions to ensure property claims are settled quickly so insurers, adjusters, and third-party suppliers can achieve more with greater accuracy, and homeowners have a better, stress-free experience.
Young has 19 years of highly successful experience in middle-market private equity and public accounting. She started her career as a senior auditor at BDO Ireland in 2001 and later became a fund accountant manager. Her other prior roles include accounting manager at CareSpot Urgent Care, where she was later promoted to finance director, and Healogics, Inc. where she started as the director of financial planning & analysis, subsequently being promoted to vice president of finance. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Coastal Carolina University, after enrolling in Chartered Accountants Ireland from 2001 to 2006. Young also received her MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.
11. Brian Downs
Chief Financial Officer, CATALIS
Brian Downs is the Chief Financial Officer of CATALIS. Catalis is the transformational SaaS and integrated payments partner powering all levels and sizes of government, delivering fully integrated solutions to government agencies that streamline workflows, save time, and improve public engagement. With their industry-specific support, they help agencies remain at the forefront of technology in government.
Downs has 12 years of experience as a corporate finance executive, with deep experience in scaling and leading best-in-class, public-ready finance teams. He is well-versed in operating from startup to public, full-cycle corporate M&A, FP&A, accounting, treasury, PE sponsorship, IPO, and SOX compliance. Downs began his career in FinTech with Shift4, joining the then-startup as the first full-time finance and accounting employee. Following Shift4, Downs became the CFO of Updater, a private consumer app and SaaS FinTech startup in the moving and delivery industry. Downs earned his MBA and an undergraduate degree in finance from The Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business in 2013.
12. Bill Warden
Chief Financial Officer, Dark Matter Technologies
Bill Warden is the Chief Financial Officer of Dark Matter Technologies, a company that delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation, and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide.
Warden brings more than 30 years of experience in financial, accounting, operating, and treasury leadership roles, and spent the last 12 years in the mortgage lending technology industry. He began his career at Ernst & Young as an audit manager, eventually serving in various financial roles that include VP finance & controller at TOTE Maritime, and SVP finance at Black Knight. Warden graduated from Southern Methodist University with an MBA in finance and from the University of Richmond with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
13. Chris Wilkey
Chief Financial Officer, England-Thims & Miller, Inc.
Chris Wilkey is the Chief Financial Officer of England-Thims & Miller, Inc. Founded in 1977, ETM is Florida’s leading infrastructure and development consultant, specializing in development consulting, program management, geospatial technologies, transportation planning/design, construction engineering & inspection, and surveying. ETM provides services to both public and private sector clients throughout the southeast. In his current role, Wilkey is entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of accounting and finance, which includes treasury management, tax matters, financial reporting, internal controls, insurance and risk management, as well as various human resource functions.
With more than two decades of expertise in accounting and finance, his extensive experience encompasses roles as both a certified public accountant and a financial professional within the North Florida market. Joining ETM in 2017, he initially assumed the role of controller, overseeing the accounting function, and was promoted to the position of CFO in 2020. Previously, Wilkey was a manager of financial planning and analysis at Rayonier Advanced Materials and before that a senior accountant at Rayonier. Earlier in his career, he worked with PwC as a tax staff. Wilkey earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University College of Business.
14. Michael Grasher
Chief Financial Officer, Fortegra
Michael Grasher is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortegra. For more than 45 years, Fortegra and its subsidiaries have delivered risk management solutions to people and businesses. As a multinational specialty insurer, they offer a diverse set of admitted and surplus insurance products and warranty solutions.
Previously, Grasher was an EVP and chief financial officer at Amerisafe, Inc., and before that a senior vice president, capital markets & IR at Fortegra Financial Corporation. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Chicago Board of Trade in investigations and audits. Grasher earned an MBA in accounting and finance from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
15. Alan Bentley
Chief Financial Officer, Convene
Alan Bentley is a seasoned international finance professional with more than 35 years of experience across the hospitality, real estate, and retail sectors, including consulting for Convene over the past two years and advising the company on its acquisition of etc.venues in February 2023. As Chief Financial Officer of Convene, he’s responsible for overseeing the finance and accounting organizations as well as legal, procurement, and other operational activities. Convene is a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and operates premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces. It is the largest single provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the U.K. with a network of 38 locations across nine cities, delivering increased building value and premium experiences for tenants.
Bentley has held various C-Suite positions across retail and hospitality, with areas of expertise that include complex financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, multi-jurisdictional structuring and financial reporting, and SEC reporting. Prior to Convene, Bentley served as senior managing director for Accordion, with other prior roles as CFO of Diamond Resorts, Inc., and senior managing director at Mackinac Partners. While at Diamond Resorts, Bentley was an instrumental part of the team that took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange and subsequently taken private by Apollo Capital Management. Bentley has an undergraduate degree in accounting from Western Kentucky University and is a licensed CPA.
16. Charlie Wodehouse
Chief Financial Officer, Blue Water Industries
Charlie Wodehouse is the Chief Financial Officer of Blue Water Industries, an aggregate & asphalt producer as well as a paving contractor located in the southeastern United States, with operations serving Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Previously, Wodehouse was a chief financial officer at Bluegrass Materials Company, LLC, and before that a manager of financial planning & analysis at Vulcan Materials Company. Earlier in his career, he worked with CSR as a business analyst. Wodehouse earned an MBA in competitive strategy and finance from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and an undergraduate degree in English literature from the University of Virginia.
17. Gregory Kleffner
Chief Financial Officer, Trailer Bridge
Gregory Kleffner began his professional career 47 years ago, and today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Trailer Bridge, a full-service, asset-light transportation provider with locations throughout North America. They pair their assets with those of their industry-leading partners to provide customers with a competitively priced and reliable supply chain solution.
Kleffner first got his start in 1977 as a partner at Arthur Andersen LLP. From there, he went on to Kellwood Company, before eventually rising to EVP and chief financial officer at Stein Mart, his most recent position prior to joining Trailer Bridge, Inc. Kleffner has an undergraduate degree in business from Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School.
18. Ashley Lee
Chief Financial Officer, Uptempo
Ashley Lee is the Chief Financial Officer of Uptempo, a global leader in marketing planning software, with a platform that accelerates time to market and increases revenue contribution. Uptempo is used by more than 625,000 marketers at over 350 leading enterprises, including Autodesk, BestBuy, Daimler, Unilever, and Land O’Lakes.
Previously, Lee was a CFO and acting chief technology officer at Joyce University and before that a director of financial planning and analysis at SunteckTTS. Earlier in her career she worked with ConAgra Foods as a pricing analyst. Lee earned an MBA in accounting and forensic accounting from Florida Atlantic University and an undergraduate degree in finance and accounting from Florida State University.
19. Julia Edmonston
Chief Financial Officer, Stillwater Insurance Group
Julia Edmonston joined Stillwater in 2013 as VP of Accounting and was promoted in 2018 to Chief Financial Officer. Stillwater Insurance Group is a national insurance provider offering a full suite of insurance products and services. They strive to be the most respected insurance provider in the United States by setting and achieving the highest standards in quality products, service, customer experience and claims satisfaction.
With over 30 years of leadership roles in finance, she is responsible for the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and STAT (Statutory Accounting Principles) financial statements, reporting cash flow and budgeting requirements of the company. Edmonston holds a Certified Public Accounting license and both a BA and MA degree in Accountancy from the University of Alabama. She passed the Certified Financial Planners Examination in 2003.
20. Patrick Reese
Chief Financial Officer, Guardian Fueling Technologies
Patrick Reese is the Chief Financial Officer of Guardian Fueling Technologies, the leading distributor, innovative services provider, and contractor that services the needs of fuel system owners, operating across the South and West from 20 branch offices in 14 states. Guardian is a leading distributor of premiere industry products including Gilbarco, Veeder-Root, Invenco, Verifone, OPW, Franklin, Xerxes, Containment Solutions, and Bravo, among many others. Guardian also founded and proudly operates Guardian Connect, a cloud-based service delivery platform, and FuelGuard fuel quality services and solutions.
Reese brings 33 years of experience to his current role. Before joining Guardian Fueling Technologies, LLC, Reese was a chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Ten Broeck Hospital and before that a finance manager at CSX Technology. Earlier in his career, he worked with KPMG as a supervising senior auditor. Reese graduated from Florida State University with an MBA in business administration, management, and operations and from Florida State University - College of Business with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
21. Robert Wyatt
Chief Financial Officer, Nivel Parts and Manufacturing
Robert Wyatt is the CFO of Nivel, bringing over 10 years of experience in leading strategic initiatives and corporate finance teams in both public and private settings. Founded in 1968, Nivel is a global aftermarket manufacturer, distributor, and seller of specialty and heavy-duty vehicle parts and accessories. With access to over 100,000 parts and accessories, Nivel is the largest supplier in the niche vehicle aftermarket parts industries in North America. The company sells its products directly to OEMs, independent distributors, golf car dealers, and agricultural and construction equipment dealers.
Before joining Nivel, Wyatt was the director of financial planning & analysis for Distribution International, a privately held fabricator and distributor of commercial and industrial insulation. Wyatt first got his start in 2013 as a financial analyst at HD Supply Power Solutions, his most recent position prior to joining Nivel. Wyatt holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.
22. Nick McGuire
Chief Financial Officer, Datalink
Nick McGuire is the Chief Financial Officer of Datalink, a leading healthcare technology company dedicated to empowering better health. Grounded in more than 20 years of experience, DataLink develops integrated solutions that deliver actionable data insights, automated workflows, and advanced interoperability. This streamlined delivery of value-based care improves quality performance, optimizes risk accuracy, and reduces costs.
Nick McGuire brings more than 20 years of finance and leadership experience working with a range of companies including private equity-owned companies and publicly traded $50 billion Fortune 500 organizations. His expertise in financial planning and analysis, M&A, and financial strategy has been instrumental in implementing successful cost reduction and revenue growth initiatives. Previously, McGuire was a VP, finance at Gainwell Technologies and before that a VP, finance at HMS. Earlier in his career, he worked with Accenture as a consultant in the process division. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Miami University and an MBA from The Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
23. Matt Nelson
Chief Financial Officer, Patriot Rail Company
Matt Nelson is the Chief Financial Officer of Patriot Rail Company, a leading operator of short-line and regional freight railroads and rail services companies throughout the United States. Patriot Rail operates over 30 regional short-line freight railroads, two scenic rail excursion trains, and rail-related services companies with over 1,200 total rail miles across the United States. Service capabilities include freight and railcar storage, trans-loading, warehousing, real estate, industrial development, track access, and excursions.
Nelson brings over 20 years of leadership experience primarily within the rail and environmental services industries, focusing on financial planning and analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, investor relations, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. Prior to arriving at Patriot in 2020 as its vice president of accounting and finance, Nelson served as vice president of finance and investor relations at Advanced Disposal Services, and before that, he spent ten years at CSX in progressive leadership roles in its accounting, external reporting, financial planning, and treasury groups. He began his career in public accounting at KPMG in 2003. Nelson received his MBA from the University of Florida and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in both accounting and economics at the University of North Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder, and Certified Treasury Professional.
24. Allan Woodward
Chief Financial Officer, Vesta Healthcare
Allan Woodward is the Chief Financial Officer at Vesta Healthcare. Vesta Healthcare provides comprehensive clinical care for people with complex medical conditions. The Vesta model includes three key components: a multi-disciplinary medical group, home-based clinical monitoring, and a network of high-performing home health agencies.
Previously, Woodward was a US chief financial officer at GenesisCare and a President of hospital & physician services at Healogics. He also worked as a senior vice president of finance & strategy at eviCore Healthcare and as a manager of analytics & reimbursement at New Directions Behavioral Health. He started his career at Wells Fargo Financial as a credit manager. Woodward graduated from the University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business with an MBA in finance and from Middle Tennessee State University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
25. Shannon Whyte
Chief Financial Officer, Hanania Automotive
Shannon Whyte began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer of Hanania Automotive. The Hanania Automotive Group, located in Jacksonville, Florida, was founded in 1998 by Jack Hanania. Now in business for almost 25 years, the Hanania Automotive Group has over 16 locations of new and used car dealerships across Florida and Pennsylvania.
Whyte first got her start in 2007 as an audit senior at BDO Canada, before eventually rising to vice president, finance & accounting at AutoIQ Dealership Network, her most recent position prior to joining Hanania Automotive. Whyte has an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of Toronto.
