Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Maryland for 2023. One of the most economically diverse states in the United States, Pennsylvania's $915 billion GDP makes it the sixth largest economy in the country – and a leading global economic hub. From corporate headquarters, to state-of-the-art R&D facilities, to startups, and more than one million small businesses, Pennsylvania's business environment has a long history of drawing in a wide range of industries. Today this robust economy is supported by various industries, including healthcare, technology, agriculture, and broadcasting and telecommunications. Other primary sectors include chemical manufacturing, coal mining, and food products. Additionally, Pennsylvania's strategic location in the northeastern U.S. provides easy access to major markets such as New York City and Washington, D.C. In fact, earlier this year, Pennsylvania landed at the number four spot on a Forbes Advisory list for the best states to start a business, largely due to the availability of resources and funding for entrepreneurs. As such, there was no shortage of world-class financial executives to sift through for this year's list of Top CFOs for the Keystone State, many of whom represent some of the most influential organizations on the globe.
A prime example of a top CFO residing in Pennsylvania is Mark Foutch, the top financial chief for the Swedish giant IKEA. Foutch, who began his professional career 33 years ago, now manages the financial actions for the world's largest furniture retailer. On top of that,
Meanwhile, Brian McLaughlin began his professional career 39 years ago. Today he is the CFO of Geodis USA, a world leader in transport and logistics, which generated revenues in excess of $14.6 billion in 2022. On top of that, we have Jens Merkel, the CFO at Siemens Healthineers. Backed by 24 years of experience, Merkel manages the financial operations of his company, which boasts around 66,000 employees spread across 70 countries. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Pennsylvania for 2023.
1. Rich Kotzker
Chief Financial Officer, Aramark Higher Education
Rich Kotzker is the Chief Financial Officer of Aramark Higher Education, an organization committed to meeting and providing quality service to over 600 campuses in North America. They offer services for dining and facilities and conference center management. They are focused on helping campuses shape up and thrive by giving employees the best treatment, caring for the environment, and ensuring the health of the campus where people learn, live, and work.
Kotzker has 24 years of experience. He began his career in 1999. Before joining Aramark Higher Education, Kotzker was a senior financial analyst at Aramark Healthcare. Earlier in his career, he worked with Ernst & Young LLP as an auditor. Kotzker graduated from Fox School of Business at Temple University with an MBA in finance, and from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
2. Mark Foutch
Chief Financial Officer, IKEA US
Mark Foutch began his professional career 33 years ago. Today he is the Chief Financial Officer of IKEA US, a Swedish multinational conglomerate based in the Netherlands that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, decoration, home accessories, and various other goods and home services. Started in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA has been the world's largest furniture retailer since 2008, now operating more than 300 stores around the world.
Foutch first got his start in 1990 at Total in SEC-reporting, petroleum product inventory, derivatives accounting, convenience store finance and IT. From there, he went on to Giant Industries, Inc., before eventually rising to VP of financial planning and analysis at Luxottica, his most recent position prior to joining IKEA. Foutch graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
3. Jeffrey Snelling
Chief Financial Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania
Jeffrey Snelling is the Chief Financial Officer of UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania. He first joined the company in 2008 as senior director of accounting. UnitedHealth Group is a healthcare and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth is 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.
Furthermore, UnitedHealthcare offers a full range of health benefits, enabling affordable coverage, simplifying the healthcare experience and delivering access to high-quality care. Previously, Snelling was a controller at Unison Health Plans, and before that, a supervisor of general ledger and financial reporting at Highmark Life & Casualty Group. Earlier in his career, he worked with Foxx & Company as a senior auditor. Snelling earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Miami University.
4. Jeff Paige
Chief Financial Officer, Philips Medical Capital
Jeff Paige is the Chief Financial Officer of Philips Medical Capital. He first joined the company in 2003. Philips Medical Capital, LLC equips healthcare systems with flexible financing solutions designed to relieve strain on capital budgets. Its years of industry expertise combined with simple and adaptable terms to help you meet your business goals.
On top of that, the company offers clinical specialties, clinical solutions, and customer service solution services. Philips Medical Capital serves customers in the United States. Previously, Paige was a division CFO at Textron Financial, and before that, a CFO at Penn West Farm Credit, ACA. Earlier in his career, he worked with PwC as an audit manager. Paige earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Lehigh University.
6. Jason Armstrong
Chief Financial Officer, Comcast
Jason Armstrong serves as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for Comcast Corporation, overseeing all financial functions. He also manages the corporation’s capital formation, capital allocation, credit-related matters, and investment management activities. Previously, Armstrong was Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Comcast, and before that, was Chief Financial Officer at Sky, a Comcast subsidiary, and one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies. Armstrong joined Sky from Comcast, where he held a number of senior roles, including Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Finance. In that position, Armstrong led Comcast’s investor relations team as well as the corporate financial planning and analysis team.
Prior to joining Comcast, Armstrong spent 13 years at Goldman Sachs where he most recently served as Managing Director, Deputy Business Unit Leader of the firm’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications Research Group. He was also the lead analyst for the North American Communications Services Equity Research Group with principal coverage of the cable, satellite, telecommunication services, wireless towers, and data centers industries. Armstrong earned a B.S. degree in Economics from Duke University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
7. Tricia Sovich
Chief Financial Officer, Aon
Tricia Sovich began her professional career 26 years ago. Today she is the Chief Financial Officer of Aon, a leading global professional services firm that offers a range of risk-mitigation products, including commercial risk, investment, wealth, health, human capital, and reinsurance solutions. Its 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.
Founded in Chicago by Patrick Ryan, Aon was created in 1982 when the Ryan Insurance Group merged with the Combined Insurance Company of America. In 1987, that company was renamed Aon from aon, a Gaelic word meaning "one.” Sovich first got her start in 1997 as a finance manager at GE Capital. She graduated with an MBA.
8. Kirk Simme
Chief Financial Officer, A.C. Moore
Kirk Simme is the Chief Financial Officer of A.C. Moore. He first joined the company in 2019. AC Moore Arts & Crafts Inc., doing business as Michaels, owns and manages arts and crafts retail stores. The Company offers a variety of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts merchandise such as scrapbooking items, floral accessories, home decor and frames, and seasonal items for children and adults. Michaels extends services throughout the United States.
Previously, Simme was a CFO at Airbase Carpet Mart, Inc., and before that, a finance and treasury consultant at Certain CFO's, LLC. Earlier in his career, he worked with PwC as a senior accountant and senior auditor. Simme earned an MBA from Drexel University and an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Rochester Institute of Technology - Saunders College of Business.
9. Anthony Disilvestro
Chief Financial Officer, Mattel, Inc.
Anthony DiSilvestro is the Chief Financial Officer of Mattel. He joined Mattel in 2020. In his role, DiSilvestro oversees Mattel’s global finance organization, including financial planning and analysis, global shared services, strategy, real estate, internal audit, investor relations, tax, and treasury, as well as strategy and corporate development. DiSilvestro oversees the company's Optimizing for Growth program to increase productivity and improve efficiency with targeted savings of $250 million by 2023.
Prior to joining Mattel, DiSilvestro had nearly four decades of finance and leadership experience, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Campbell Soup Company, a role he held from 2014 to 2019. Earlier in his career, DiSilvestro spent more than a decade at Scott Paper Company where he held roles of increasing responsibility in the finance organization. DiSilvestro received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
10. Charles Santangelo
Chief Financial Officer, Susquehanna Health
Charles Santangelo is the Chief Financial Officer of Susquehanna Health, a four-hospital integrated health system dedicated to improving the well-being of its communities, including Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital and Williamsport Regional Medical Center located in Pennsylvania. Serving patients from an 11-county region, UPMC Susquehanna is a healthcare leader and has been recognized at the national and state levels for quality of care.
Notably, UPMC Susquehanna offers a wide array of services that include cancer care, heart and vascular care/heart surgery, neurosciences including neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, OB/GYN, gastrointestinal services, behavioral health, physical rehabilitation, home care, long-term care, assisted living and paramedic/ambulance services. Santangelo has 22 years of experience. He began his career in 2001.
11. Brian McLaughlin
Chief Financial Officer, Geodis USA
Brian McLaughlin began his professional career 39 years ago. Today he is the Chief Financial Officer of Geodis USA, a world leader in transport and logistics, with widely acknowledged expertise in all aspects of the supply chain. It delivers shipments through its operations in land, air and sea transport, as well as contract logistics. With a global network covering around 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS generated revenues in excess of $14.6 billion in 2022, reaching its targets for 2023 a year ahead of schedule.
McLaughlin first got his start in 1984 as a VP of finance at Barthco International. He graduated from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business with an MBA in finance and accounting, and from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration and finance.
12. Frederic Bergeret
Chief Financial Officer, Airgas
Frederic Bergeret is the Chief Financial Officer of Airgas. He first joined the company in 2021. Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gasses, as well as hard goods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Dedicated to improving the performance of its more than 1 million customers, Airgas safely and reliably provides products, services and expertise through its more than 18,500 associates, over 1,100 locations (including branches, fill plants, and production sites), robust e-Business platform, and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel.
Previously, Bergeret was a finance transformation project director at Air Liquide, and before that, an internal audit manager at Alcatel-Lucent. Earlier in his career, he worked with PwC, Coopers & Lybrand, ACA as an external auditor. Bergeret earned a master’s degree in tax from the University of Bourgogne Franche Comte, and an undergraduate degree in finance from the Burgundy School of Business.
13. Ken Bull
Chief Financial Officer-ex, Five Below
In March 2023, Five Below Inc. promoted Kenneth Bull, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Five Below is a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by tweens, teens and beyond. With most items priced between $1 and $5, and some extreme value items priced beyond $5 in its incredible Five Beyond shop, Five Below makes it easy to say YES! to the newest, coolest stuff. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Five Below today has over 1,340 stores in 43 states.
During his 17-year tenure with Five Below, including 11 years as Chief Financial Officer, Bull deftly led his company’s 2012 transition into a public company, successfully developed its finance function and team, and instilled a culture of discipline across the organization. Bull joined Five Below as Senior Vice President, Finance in 2005 and has also served as Secretary. Previously, Bull served in various senior finance roles at other retail organizations including Urban Outfitters, Inc.
14. Joseph Wellenbusher
Chief Financial Officer, GF Hotels & Resorts
Joseph Wellenbusher possesses over thirty years of experience in hospitality accounting and finance, specializing in acquisitions, renovations and finance repositioning. He oversees all accounting functions for GF Hotels & Resorts. He is also responsible for the administrative, financial and risk management operations of the company, including the development of financial and operational strategy and ongoing development of monetary control systems designed to preserve company assets and report accurate financial results.
Wellenbusher has been with the company since 1994. He has held various positions in the accounting field with hotel groups including ITT Sheraton, Morgans Hotel Group and Helmsley Hotels. He plays a key role in expanding GF Hotels & Resorts' portfolio through investment opportunities. Wellenbusher holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY.
15. Tamara Grecco
Chief Financial Officer, Microbac Laboratories, Inc.
Tamara Grecco is the Chief Financial Officer of Microbac Laboratories, Inc., an operator of a commercial testing and analytical laboratory network intended to help its clients understand the quality, safety, and performance of their products and operations. The company's testing services include environmental, food chemistry, food microbiology, nutritional labeling, pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals or vitamins, cosmetics, agrochemical, mechanical, and physical and failure analysis and specializes in the analysis of food, and drinking water.
Grecco has 26 years of experience. She began her career in 1997. Before joining Microbac Laboratories, Grecco was a senior director of accounting at National Real Estate Information Services. She graduated from Robert Morris University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
16. Jodie Reinhart
Chief Financial Officer, Willow Valley Communities
Jodie R. Reinhart, CPA, was named Chief Financial Officer of Willow Valley Living in November 2022. A highly-accomplished financial executive with 20+ years of progressive experience leading through challenges and collaborating among cross-functional teams, Reinhart previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at VisionCorps in Lancaster, PA, a role she held since 2007. From 2004 to 2007, she served that organization as Director of Finance.
Previously, from 2000 to 2004, Reinhart held the role of Staff Accountant/Account Administrator at Trout CPA in Lancaster. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA where she was named to the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, and a B.S. in Biology from Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, where she graduated Cum Laude. She has been a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants since 2003. In 2012 she was awarded CFO of the Year by Central Penn Business Journal.
18. Erik Carrozza
Chief Financial Officer, Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Erik Carrozza is the Chief Financial Officer of the law firm KTMC, a global leader in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. He has spent the last 25 years in financial and operational leadership roles within the professional services industry. During his career, Erik has built and led high-performing teams, and developed strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, while providing strategic analysis and insights to executives.
In addition to financial stewardship, Erik has extensive experience leveraging technology to improve business processes. He has enhanced the functionality of legacy applications to maximize usage and reduce the overall cost of ownership. He has also implemented a number of enterprise business applications. Prior to entering the legal space, Erik led operations for a private equity-backed technology consulting firm with 3500 employees. He graduated from Drexel University with honors and is a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
19. Rachel Askey
Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Rachel Askey is the Chief Financial Officer of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. She first joined the company in 2023. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Highland Park, the zoo sits on 77 acres (31 ha) of parkland. This zoo is home to more than 400 different species of animals, some of which are threatened or endangered.
Previously, Askey was a VP for operations and CFO at Senator John Heinz History Center, and before that, an executive director for University Audit Services at Carnegie Mellon University. Earlier in her career, she worked with KPMG as a director. Askey earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and English from Washington & Jefferson College.
20. Sukenik Richard
Chief Financial Officer, Windber Medical Center
Sukenik Richard is the Chief Financial Officer of Windber Medical Center. Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center (formerly Windber Medical Center) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital employs more than 450 staff members, making CSSMCW the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. For more than 115 years, the Hospital has been serving patients with the highest level of quality care and customer service.
Richard has 28 years of experience. He began his career in 1995. Before joining Windber Medical Center, he was a CFO and controller at Electronic Claims Processing Inc./viLogics Inc., and before that, a VP of finance at Conemaugh Health System. Earlier in his career, he worked with Eastern Elevator Service & Sales Company as a financial controller. Richard graduated from Saint Francis University with an MBA, and from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown with an undergraduate degree in accounting and business.
21. Kyle Fisher
Chief Financial Officer, Sila Services
Kyle Fisher is the Chief Financial Officer at Sila Services, a Morgan Stanley Capital Partners portfolio company, focusing on building one of the leading HVAC operating platforms in the country. There he supervises all financial operations, accounting, M&A integration, and capital markets activities. With a knack for managing EBITDA and M&A integration plans, Fisher ensures the company’s financial management and growth strategies are continuously enhanced.
Prior to Sila, Fisher served as an Executive and CFO in several public and private equity portfolio companies; managing high-growth acquisition roll-ups, operating platforms, and eventual exits at DreamLine, Cardone, Stonemor, and Atlas Energy, following a decade of financial roles at Lockheed Martin. Fisher graduated from the University of Massachusetts Business School with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in finance from Widener University.
22. Matt Keating
Chief Financial Officer, Bryn Mawr Communications
Matt Keating is a distinguished financial leader with a diverse background in both military service and corporate finance. Beginning his career while serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a CBRN Officer, Keating concurrently embarked on a professional journey at Wayne-based Bryn Mawr Communications. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the ranks, assuming progressively more significant responsibilities. As the company's Controller, and later as its Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held for the past five years, Keating has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of Bryn Mawr Communications.
Under Keating's adept financial leadership, Bryn Mawr Communications experienced remarkable growth. During his tenure, the firm's combined annual revenues surged by an impressive 50%, while EBITDA saw an exponential increase of 1015%. Furthermore, Keating's pursuit of knowledge and professional growth has been integral to his success. He holds both an MBA and an undergraduate degree from Stockton University. On top of that, he recently completed the prestigious Revenue Analytics Executive Course from The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.
24. Larissa Galambos
Chief Financial Officer, Landmark Homes
Larissa Galambos is the Chief Financial Officer of Landmark Homes, an award-winning, family-owned designer and builder of new homes and communities. As a leading local homebuilder, Landmark Homes is dedicated to improving the lives of its home buyers, neighbors, and community by designing and building homes of distinction in ideal Central PA locations. It offers home buyers a choice of new home communities in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties.
Galambos has 13 years of experience. She began her career in 2010. Before joining Landmark Homes, Galambos was a supervisor at Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP, and before that, an accounting manager at JM Bullion. Earlier in her career, she worked with Nusani as a CEO advisor. Galambos graduated from New England College with a master’s degree in accounting, and from Millersville University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in international and global studies.
25. Rich Stevenson
Chief Financial Officer, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc.
Rich Stevenson is the Chief Financial Officer for one of the largest independently owned primary care physician groups in Pittsburgh, PA. Duties include leading the Finance Department which includes Revenue Cycle Management, Treasury, Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Tax, and Financial Analytics. Prior to Genesis Medical Associates, Stevenson was Director of the Financial Accounting and Reporting Department for a Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Insurance Corporation.
Earlier in his career, Stevenson was Staff Accountant for Robert Wholey & Co. He had duties such as Journal Entry Preparation, GAAP Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Cash and Credit Card Reconciliation, and assisting the Controller in various accounting tasks and functions. Stevenson graduated from Seton Hill University with an MBA, and from the University of Pittsburgh with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
