Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Illinois for 2023. These outstanding individuals continue to shape Illinois’ economy. Their expertise in managing financial risks, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication have contributed significantly towards their companies’ financial health and stability over the years. From diverse industries, these CFOs have left an impact on their organizations and have played a role in the further economic development of the state of Illinois.
Among this year’s awardees is Alex Garini, Chief Financial Officer of Fresenius Kabi, who has helped the management team in leading the development and provision of life-saving medicines, medical technologies, and clinical nutrition. Stephen Weiland, Chief Financial Officer at Boom Supersonic, oversees accounting, finance, investor relations, IT, and cyber security functions for the company, which is a supersonic airliner poised to revolutionize commercial and government/defense aviation. Also awarded is Andrew Bonfield, Chief Financial Officer at Caterpillar, a renowned corporation and global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, engines, and locomotives.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Illinois for 2023.
1. Alex Garini
Chief Financial Officer, Fresenius Kabi
Alex Garini serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Fresenius Kabi, a globally recognized healthcare organization specializing in the development and provision of life-saving medicines, medical technologies for infusion and transfusion, and clinical nutrition. With an expansive portfolio of products and an extensive network of scientific research and manufacturing centers, Fresenius Kabi plays a crucial role in delivering indispensable support for the care of critically ill and chronically ill patients. As an integral part of the Fresenius SE healthcare group, which boasts over a century of experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences sectors, Fresenius Kabi upholds a reputation for excellence.
Under Mr. Garini's leadership, Fresenius Kabi benefits from his extensive professional background. Before joining Fresenius Kabi in 2022, he served as the Chief Financial Officer at Sysmex America, Inc., and before that, he held the position of Vice President of Finance at Siemens Healthcare. Mr. Garini also garnered valuable experience as a financial analyst of power, transmission, and distribution during his tenure at Siemens Brasil Ltda.
Mr. Garini's impressive academic achievements complement his professional expertise. He holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in finance from Ibmec, as well as an undergraduate degree in business administration from the esteemed Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Mr. Garini contributes significantly to the continued success and growth of Fresenius Kabi, an organization at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions.
2. Andrew Bonfield
Chief Financial Officer, Caterpillar
Andrew Bonfield is Chief Financial Officer of Caterpillar Inc., responsible for Finance Services, Financial Products and Global Information Services. Bonfield joined Caterpillar on September 1, 2018, bringing more than three decades of financial expertise to the role, most recently serving as Group CFO and board member of National Grid plc, a British multinational electricity and gas utility company. Before National Grid, Bonfield held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Cadbury plc and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb.
Bonfield is a chartered accountant and holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa. He serves as a non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, a British multinational consumer goods company.
3. Olivier Leonetti
Chief Financial Officer, Johnson Controls
Olivier Leonetti is an accomplished executive who currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Johnson Controls. He assumed this role in November 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the field.
Before joining Johnson Controls, Leonetti held the position of Senior Vice President and CFO for Zebra Technologies. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in repositioning the company as a global leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Intelligent Automation technologies. Managing over 1,000 employees, he oversaw all finance and IT functions, including Investor Relations and Global Business Services.
Before his tenure at Zebra Technologies, Leonetti served as Executive Vice President and CFO for Western Digital Corporation. In this role, he was actively involved in the company's repositioning efforts to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital revolution. He developed and implemented enterprise strategies, including disinvestments and the digital transformation of the company culture. One of his notable achievements was spearheading the high-profile acquisition of SanDisk, a renowned leader in flash memory.
4. Harmat Beebe
Chief Financial Officer, AdventHealth
Harmat Beebe embarked on her professional journey over a decade ago, commencing a remarkable career path that has led her to the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer at AdventHealth. Guided by the profound mission of extending The Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth embodies a profound commitment to serving as conduits of divine benevolence, tirelessly striving to nurture the wellness and completeness of individuals. Their narrative is one of unfaltering hope, an unwavering pursuit of restoration for the body, mind, and spirit.
Over 80,000 skilled and empathetic caregivers deployed across physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospice centers administer personalized, comprehensive care. Grounded in their Christian mission, shared vision, cohesive values, and steadfast dedication to holistic well-being, they tirelessly endeavor to foster healthier communities through a unified system comprising 50 hospital campuses and an extensive network of care facilities spanning nine states.
Beebe's academic pursuits culminated in the acquisition of a Master of Business Administration from Webster University with a specialization in business administration and management. Her academic accomplishments further underscore her expertise in her chosen field.
5. Helmut Zodl
Chief Financial Officer, GE Healthcare
Helmut Zodl, a seasoned financial executive, currently serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for GE Healthcare. In this role, he holds significant responsibilities encompassing Finance, IT, Strategy, and M&A for the company. Prior to his tenure at GE HealthCare, Helmut was the Group CFO at Midea, a prominent global Fortune 500 technology company specializing in air treatment, consumer appliances, and industrial automation. During his time at Midea, he played a vital role in shaping the company's strategy and driving operational performance across the global finance organization.
Hailing from Austria, Helmut has amassed a wealth of experience in various senior finance and operational leadership positions. He has previously worked with renowned technology firms such as IBM and Lenovo, as well as in the automotive and engineering industries. Furthermore, his expertise extends to auditing, having worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Beyond his corporate engagements, Helmut contributes his knowledge and insights to the board of directors and chairs the audit committee of KUKA AG, a prominent provider of intelligent automation solutions. Additionally, he serves as a mission advisory board member for the Society for Translational Oncology, showcasing his commitment to the field of oncology and its translational research.
6. Prasant Gondipalli
Chief Financial Officer, Cision
Prasant Gondipalli, an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at Cision, where he oversees the company's finance and accounting functions. With a strong background in consulting and corporate finance, Gondipalli has established himself as a seasoned expert in his field.
Before joining Cision, Gondipalli served as the Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at Platinum Equity, where he played a key role in managing and optimizing the company's investment portfolio. Before that, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Transformation at Key Energy Services, where he led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. Gondipalli also worked as the Vice President of Corporate Controller, Treasurer, and Business Transformation at BlueLine Rental, contributing to the company's financial success and operational improvements.
Gondipalli's career began at Alvarez & Marsal, a renowned consulting firm, where he worked in the restructuring practice, honing his expertise in financial analysis and organizational restructuring. He holds the prestigious CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Emory University.
7. Thomas Knapp
Chief Financial Officer, Empire Today
Tom Knapp is a highly accomplished financial executive who joined Empire Today in 2012 as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Before his tenure here, he held prominent positions at Sears Holdings Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in the Tools Business Unit as the Chief Financial Officer. With a strong background in financial planning and analysis, Mr. Knapp previously served as the Vice President of the Sears Financial Planning and Analysis group. Impressively, he dedicated nearly a decade of his career to Sears, gaining extensive experience in various financial roles.
Mr. Knapp's qualifications speak to his expertise and commitment to his profession. He is a Certified Public Accountant, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and regulations. Additionally, he holds a Chartered Financial Analyst certification, showcasing his proficiency in investment management and financial analysis. Furthermore, Mr. Knapp's educational background is noteworthy, as he earned an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
8. Ross Levine
Chief Financial Officer, VillageMD
Ross Levine serves as the Chief Financial Officer at VillageMD, a prominent healthcare provider that focuses on facilitating organizations' transition to a primary care-centered, high-value clinical model. VillageMD offers a comprehensive solution encompassing essential tools, advanced technology, efficient operations, and expert staffing support, all geared towards enabling physicians to drive optimal clinical outcomes across diverse populations. By collaborating with physician groups, independent practice associations, and health systems, VillageMD endeavors to enhance healthcare quality, deliver exceptional patient experiences, and reduce costs within the communities it serves.
Levine commenced his professional journey in 2002, honing his skills in various esteemed positions. Before assuming his current role at VillageMD, Levine held the position of Vice President of Strategy & Operations at Accretive Health. Prior to that, he served as an associate at Financial Technology Partners, where he showcased his exceptional capabilities. Additionally, Levine contributed his analytical acumen as an analyst at EuroConsult during the earlier stages of his career.
Levine's academic background further solidifies his credentials. He obtained an MBA in General Management and Finance from the prestigious University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Moreover, he holds an Undergraduate Degree in Economics from the same university.
9. Frank Petito
Chief Financial Officer, Availity
Frank Petito is a seasoned finance executive who currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Availity, a leading healthcare technology company. In this role, he leads the finance and accounting teams, playing a crucial role in supporting the organization's growth and strategic initiatives. Frank is also a valued strategic partner to Availity's Board of Directors and executive leadership team, providing insights and expertise on expansion, acquisition, and capital market opportunities.
Before joining Availity, Frank held the position of CFO at Vivid Seats, a prominent online marketplace for sports, concerts, and theater tickets. During his tenure there, he played a key role in driving profitable growth, optimizing capital structures, and overseeing the successful sale of the company. Before Vivid Seats, Frank spent 14 years at Orbitz Worldwide, where he served as the SVP of Corporate Development and President of Orbitz for Business. He was instrumental in the company's initial public offering and its subsequent sale to Expedia and played a pivotal role in shaping the business-to-business division.
Frank's extensive experience also includes working at an online travel start-up, where he contributed to the acquisition of CrossFit in 2020. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment banker at Hambrecht & Quist, focusing on technology and growth investments in major financial centers such as New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and San Francisco. Frank holds a degree from Princeton University and earned his MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.
10. Ray Scheppach
Chief Financial Officer, iManage
Ray Scheppach, the Chief Financial Officer at iManage, brings with him a wealth of experience in financial leadership positions. With over 10 years of expertise, Ray possesses a strong background in financial planning, analysis, and reporting. Before joining iManage, he held the role of Chief Financial Officer at Vail Systems, a prominent telephony-based SaaS provider. During his tenure at Vail, Ray oversaw all financial and administrative operations, including financial reporting, planning, and analysis, as well as treasury, legal, and human resources functions.
Recognized for his strategic acumen, Ray played a pivotal role in driving positive change at Vail. He spearheaded the development of new pricing models, implemented measures to enhance budgeting, reduced costs, and improved overall operating efficiency. Under Ray's leadership, Vail witnessed remarkable financial growth, with earnings surging by an impressive 19% in 2004 and 21% in 2005.
Ray Scheppach's educational background further underscores his qualifications in the field. He holds an MBA in Finance from the esteemed University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business and a BBA in Finance from James Madison University. Additionally, Ray is a Certified Public Accountant, further solidifying his expertise and proficiency in financial matters.
11. Todd Welu
Chief Financial Officer, Dykema
With over 35 years of experience as a proven business partner, Todd Welu has held prominent positions as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer in both public and private companies within the professional service industry. His extensive client service background and exceptional interpersonal skills have equipped him with a deep understanding of professionals' needs while effectively developing and managing high-performing teams.
Beginning his career in Andersen's audit practice, Welu spent 12 years serving public and private clients. Transitioning to the role of COO in the Assurance and Business Advisory Practice of the Heartland Market Circle, he operated within the largest practice in the firm, leveraging his client service background and knowledge to excel in this position. Later, he assumed the role of Divisional CFO/COO for Heidrick & Struggles, where he played pivotal roles, including Controller, Interim CFO, and CFO/COO of America's Executive Search practice. His expertise was instrumental in strengthening the financial team of the newly public company following its IPO.
Todd Welu was then recruited by Westchester Group Investment Management to lead the finance function during the company's sale to TIAA. He successfully developed a management platform for agricultural investment portfolios and effectively managed the finance team while serving as the CFO and senior member of the management team. Joining Crowe as CFO in 2012, Welu played a crucial role in the firm's growth, overseeing financial and management reporting, taxation, financing, banking relationships, and acquisition analysis. His efforts contributed to doubling the number of partners and almost doubling the firm's revenue.
12. Alex Weiss
Chief Financial Officer, Aspen Dental Management
Alex Weiss, an experienced professional with a career spanning two decades, currently holds the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer at Aspen Dental Management. Aspen Dental Management (ADMI) stands as one of the foremost healthcare business support organizations in the United States, committed to fortifying and expanding the infrastructure, expertise, and core competencies vital for the prosperous growth of healthcare practices. By fostering this growth, ADMI empowers healthcare providers to focus on their primary task of delivering exceptional patient care.
With an unwavering dedication to excellence, ADMI has achieved significant milestones through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, effectively providing comprehensive support to over 1,000 health and wellness offices across 45 states. These offices are segmented into three distinct categories, namely dental care, urgent care, and medical aesthetics.
Alex Weiss embarked on his professional journey in 2003 as an investment manager at Lehman Brothers, a prominent financial institution. Subsequently, he advanced to Barclays Capital before ultimately assuming the positions of CFO and assistant treasurer at Mattress Firm, his most recent engagement before joining Aspen Dental Management. Alex Weiss is an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Economics.
13. Kim Jude
Chief Financial Officer, Charter Next Generation
Kim Jude is the Chief Financial Officer of Charter Next Generation, a leader in delivering sustainable material solutions across Food and other end markets. Jude is a strategic business leader with over 25 years of experience across the Industrial and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industries. She is a proven operational CFO with a passion for enabling profitable growth, serving the customer, building teams, and operationally transforming businesses.
Her diverse leadership experience ranges from private equity-backed companies to publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining CNG, Jude was CFO of Trane Technologies’ Residential business, where she helped transform the business with accelerated topline and margin growth. Before that, she was a business unit CFO at Stanley Black & Decker and held a series of senior financial roles at PepsiCo. She started her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers serving as a Senior Manager across a broad portfolio of technology companies.
Jude has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland.
14. Matt Leytman
Chief Financial Officer, Vital Proteins
Matt Leytman, the Chief Financial Officer of Vital Proteins, brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Joining the company in 2018 as controller, Leytman has played a crucial role in advancing the organization's financial strategies. Vital Proteins’ belief is firmly rooted in the importance of whole food-based nutrition that incorporates collagen for optimal health, beauty, fitness, and overall well-being. The company draws inspiration from ancestral practices that embraced sustainable whole animal nutrition, recognizing the abundant collagen it provided. However, the advent of modern food processing over the past century has led to the removal of this natural and beneficial protein from our diets.
Collagen stands as a vital component, serving as the fundamental building block for skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Vital Proteins endeavors to promote optimum health, enhance beauty, preserve vibrant youth, and foster overall wellness through its range of products. Committed to its core values, the company is dedicated to offering 100% natural, whole-food proteins that not only support animal well-being but also uphold sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Leytman's prior experience includes serving as an assistant controller in North America at Glanbia Performance Nutrition, as well as a managerial position at EY. His educational background comprises a Master's Degree in Accounting Science with a focus on accountancy, as well as an undergraduate degree in the same field from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
15. Ted Belinky
Chief Financial Officer, Sectigo
As a seasoned Senior Finance Executive and CFO, Belinky possesses extensive expertise in various sectors, including SaaS, cloud, cyber security, software, and digital transformation. With a data-driven approach, his strategic partnership focuses on scaling operations, driving profitable growth, improving margins and cash flow, as well as leading restructuring, systems transformation, and M&A initiatives. He is known for his ability to effect change and skillfully build and lead robust finance and operational teams while establishing relationships at all organizational levels. His professional background encompasses leadership roles in both public and private equity-backed mid-market to global companies, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
With an MBA in Finance, this strategic finance leader collaborates with business stakeholders to shape and execute strategies that generate value for customers, employees, and shareholders. His profound understanding of business economics and operations enables him to drive growth and manage risks effectively. Renowned for his collaborative nature, Belinky demonstrates managerial courage and possesses the ability to influence staff and executive management alike. His pragmatic leadership style, combined with strong judgment, great problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities, allows him to excel in his role.
16. Meredith Mack
Chief Financial Officer, Studio Gang Architects
Meredith Mack brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Studio Gang's Chief Financial Officer. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the design and construction industry, Meredith has excelled as a client, owner's representative, and now as a CFO. Her focus lies in leveraging her financial acumen and strategic mindset to support the exceptional design work produced by the firm.
Meredith's areas of specialization encompass museum and higher education projects, where she has made significant contributions. Notably, she led the teams responsible for the design, construction, and operation of the renowned Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. Furthermore, she held a key position as Associate Vice President of Facilities at the University of Chicago during a major building campaign. Meredith's expertise extends to numerous other museum projects and campus developments across the country, allowing her to collaborate with esteemed architects.
Before immersing herself in the design and construction realm, Meredith gained valuable experience in management and finance within the public sector. She held notable positions at the Chicago Park District, the City of Chicago, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to her professional achievements, Meredith has served on the boards of esteemed organizations such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, Arts Alliance Illinois, and the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development.
Meredith's academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, augmenting her well-rounded expertise in finance and management. Furthermore, she earned her bachelor's degree from Stanford University.
17. Caspar Baert
Chief Financial Officer, Maxcess International
Caspar Baert, a seasoned finance professional, has joined Maxcess International, a prominent player in the field of innovative products and services for web handling applications, as their Chief Financial Officer. With an impressive financial background, Mr. Baert brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served in key positions at Rockwell Automation and Avery Dennison. His appointment is expected to enhance Maxcess International's financial strategies and overall business performance.
Mr. Baert's qualifications include an MSc degree in Business and Strategy, which he earned from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Additionally, he completed a Graduate Program in Finance at the esteemed University of California, Berkeley.
18. Stephen Weiland
Chief Financial Officer, Boom Supersonic
As Chief Financial Officer at Boom Supersonic, Steve is responsible for Boom’s accounting, finance, IR, IT, and cyber security functions. Steve has over 20 years of experience in finance leadership, corporate development, investment banking, and accounting across multiple industries. Boom Supersonic is developing Overture, a supersonic airliner that flies at twice the speed of today's fastest passenger jets for commercial and government/defense applications.
Prior to joining Boom, Steve worked at Caterpillar as a Division CFO for several global divisions, including manufacturing, engineering, digital, and procurement. He originally joined Caterpillar as a member of the Company’s Corporate Development team, following work as an investment banker and a career in public audit as a CPA.
Steve earned his MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Accounting and a Minor in Technology & Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with his three amazing children and pursuing outdoor adventures.
19. Gary Rihani
Chief Financial Officer, Ace Metal Crafts Company
Gary Rihani is the Chief Financial Officer of Ace Metal Crafts Company, a provider of custom stainless steel fabrication, machining, and equipment manufacturing. His expertise lies in high-growth manufacturing companies, where he learned firsthand the importance of building a trust-based culture, focusing on continuous improvement, and utilizing automation to enhance financial and operational performance.
Prior to rejoining Ace Metal Crafts in 2020, he served as CFO for private equity portfolio companies and large family-owned businesses throughout the United States. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He also sits on the Board of Directors for several not-for-profit organizations.
20. Jim Japczyk
Chief Financial Officer, Spinrite
Jim Japczyk has accumulated over two decades of comprehensive CFO experience, making him highly proficient in all aspects of senior-level financial management, particularly within private equity portfolio companies. His expertise lies in leveraged cash management, turnaround accounting, and operational finance. Notably, he has achieved significant successes at private equity portfolio companies, including leading and executing successful exit transactions.
His specializations encompass various areas, such as information technology, asset-based lending, revenue generation, financial modeling, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, international finance management, cost and profitability analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. His achievements span a variety of industries, including manufacturing, industrial distribution, consumer products, food packaging, and utility consumer services. Moreover, he has primarily worked with private equity portfolio companies, taking on board reporting and governance responsibilities.
21. Sean Bowers
Chief Financial Officer, Consumers Credit Union
Sean Bowers, an executive leader with 36 years of experience in the field, serves as the esteemed Chief Financial Officer of Consumers Credit Union, a well-established financial institution headquartered in Lake County, IL. For over nine decades, Consumers Credit Union has consistently delivered unparalleled financial services to its extensive membership base, which currently stands at nearly 190,000 individuals.
With assets totaling close to $2.9 billion, Consumers Credit Union has earned a reputation for its comprehensive range of products and services tailored to suit the needs of its members. These offerings encompass an array of solutions such as checking accounts, debit and credit cards, vehicle loans, consumer loans, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, as well as an assortment of home loan options.
While Consumers Credit Union's commitment to individual customers is well-known, its unique positioning to address the requirements of the business community sets it apart. Sean Bowers joined Consumers Credit Union after having served as an Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Andigo Credit Union, as well as an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Wheatland Bank. In the early stages of his career, Bowers gained valuable experience as an accounting clerk with Watt Publishing Co. He pursued his higher education at Illinois State University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in accounting.
22. Colin Markey
Chief Financial Officer, Swanson Health
Colin Markey embarked upon his professional journey twenty-four years ago, and today he holds the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer at Swanson Health. Driven by his ardent enthusiasm for golf and wellness, Markey endeavored to alleviate his knee pain, which led him down the path of exploring natural supplements and scientific research in the realm of health and wellness. This personal exploration, coupled with his success in incorporating supplements into his daily routine, fostered an unwavering dedication to promoting health and embracing lifelong vitality.
What was once a personal commitment soon transformed into a broader mission aimed at directly imparting wellness and nutrition to others. This mission focused on maintaining exceptional product quality and purity, offering competitive prices, and delivering superior customer service. In the year 1969, Swanson Health Products fulfilled its initial orders, thereby commencing its journey of assisting customers in their pursuit of health and wellness. Presently, Swanson Health continues its steadfast pursuit of bringing innovative, science-backed vitamins, supplements, and a plethora of other health products directly to its customers.
Markey initiated his professional ascent in 1999 as an associate at Arthur Andersen. Subsequently, he traversed his career path to KPMG, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of his trajectory as the founding Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at Cobalt Holdings Inc—his most recent position before joining Swanson Health. Markey's academic accomplishments include an MBA and SEV in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the DePaul Driehaus College of Business, along with an Undergraduate Degree in Finance and Economics from the University of St. Thomas.
23. Ernie Rogers
COO and CFO, Magnetar Capital
Ernie Rogers is a distinguished professional serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Magnetar Capital, a renowned investment firm. With his extensive responsibilities, Ernie oversees all facets of the company's operations and finances, ensuring smooth functioning across various departments. His areas of expertise include fund accounting, business unit control, treasury, portfolio finance, operations, IT, legal, compliance, risk management, research and data analytics, human resources, and public relations. Ernie's valuable insights also contribute to the Management, Investment, and Valuation committees, while he serves as a non-voting member of the Executive Committee.
Ernie's journey at Magnetar began on the fixed income team, where he later assumed the role of COO and played a pivotal role in developing the firm's fixed income strategy. Prior to joining Magnetar in 2005, Ernie served as a managing director and portfolio manager for the Quantitative Strategies Fund at Black River Asset Management. In this capacity, he focused on all aspects of fund operations, including execution, strategic planning, and strategy development and deployment.
Before his tenure at Black River, Ernie accumulated valuable experience at hedge funds and corporations specializing in investment and portfolio management processes. Throughout his career, he has gained expertise in diverse markets, including fixed income, equity, and energy. Ernie's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the Kansas State University College of Business Administration.
24. Zack Weber
Chief Financial Officer, Harris Associates
Zack Weber, a seasoned professional with 27 years of experience in the financial industry, holds the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer at Harris Associates. With a steadfast commitment to discipline, Harris Associates has cultivated a renowned reputation for delivering consistent excellence throughout their extensive history. Their core principle of value investing serves as the foundation for their exceptional track record, prioritizing long-term quality and returns over short-term performance. When constructing portfolios for their esteemed clients, Harris Associates diligently identifies companies that they believe are undervalued, trading at significant discounts relative to their intrinsic worth.
Prior to joining Harris Associates, Zack Weber served as a Senior Vice President at GCM Grosvenor, bringing valuable expertise to his current role. Previously, he excelled as an audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, further augmenting his industry knowledge and proficiency. Weber's academic foundation includes graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia and rounding out his comprehensive qualifications and professional repertoire.
25. Matthew Businaro
Chief Financial Officer, Farmers State Bank
Matthew Businaro began his professional career in 2007 as a partner at Kemper CPA Group LLP. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
Today, Matthew Businaro serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Farmers State Bank, which is a locally owned and operated community bank. The bank has full-service locations in Harrisburg, Illinois, Marion, Illinois, and Alto Pass, Illinois. Farmers State Bank is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Farmers State Bank is known as a FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY Bank, offering a range of financial services to its customers. These services include expert knowledge in commercial lending, consumer lending, mortgage lending, agricultural lending, certificates of deposit, checking, savings, lockboxes, IRAs, remote deposit capture, mobile banking, online banking, and merchant credit card services.
