Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Tampa for 2023. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa’s economy is driven by finance, retail, healthcare, insurance, professional sports, tourism, and education. This year’s awardees all play vital roles in the area's economy by navigating the finances of organizations such as CPN Biosciences, Tampa Bay Rays, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, and Florida Orthopaedic Institute.
Among this year’s awardees is Matthew Biasini, Chief Financial Officer of Valpak, who played an instrumental role in the development of many of its current pricing and incentive programs. Over the last six years, awardee Greg Farrell, Chief Financial Officer of ReliaQuest, brought about global operations expansion and high growth for the company. Also awarded is Susi Begazo-McGourty, SVP and Chief Financial Officer of Tampa Housing Authority. During her 19-year tenure at the organization, she improved financial reporting and compliance, increased operational efficiency, and developed and streamlined internal controls and processes.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Tampa for 2023.
1. Todd Lindsey
Chief Financial Officer, SERVPRO
Todd Lindsey is the Chief Financial Officer of Servpro Industries LLC. Servpro is a franchisor of fire and water cleanup and restoration franchises in the US and Canada.
Before joining Servpro, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Lew's Holding Company. Lindsey has franchise experience as a Field Manager for TCBY Systems, building new restaurants, training employees, and improving unit profitability. After graduate school, he worked with Olive Garden, Hard Rock Cafe International, Michaels Arts and Crafts, Checkers, and Rally's. Lindsey received his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree from Memphis State University.
2. Brad Surminsky
Chief Financial Officer, ConnectWise
Brad Surminsky is the Chief Financial Officer for ConnectWise. He is responsible for overseeing accounting, finance, treasury, tax, legal, business operations, facilities, and procurement for ConnectWise. Surminsky brings more than 25 years of experience working in software, fintech, and business services, along with extensive merger and acquisition experience with multiple private equity-backed, public, and private companies.
Prior to joining ConnectWise, Surminsky served as CFO of CentralSquare Technologies. Surminsky has also served as CFO at ACNielsen Canada, D+H, and ADP, and as Vice President of Corporate Finance at Unihost Corporation. Surminsky received his BS in commerce and finance from the University of Toronto.
3. Aaron Allison
Chief Financial Officer, Oasis
Aaron Allison is the Chief Financial Officer of Oasis. Oasis is a global provider of temporary furnished and all-inclusive corporate rentals for relocation, assignments, and projects. Allison joined Oasis in 2020 as the Global Controller. He currently serves as an Advisory Committee Member overseeing cybersecurity for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
Previously, Allison was the Director Of Finance And Operations at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate By Design. Before this was the Controller at Dynamic Dental Partners Group (DDPG) and Assistant Controller at Triad Retail Media. Allison graduated from the University of Central Florida with a master's degree in taxation and accounting and an undergraduate degree in physiology from Florida State University.
4. Tim Midkiff
Chief Financial Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Tim Midkiff is the Chief Financial Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Midkiff oversees Information Technology, Grant Compliance and Quality Assurance, Payroll, Internal Audit, Annual Audit, Building Maintenance, and BBBSA Foundation in this role.
Midkiff previously served as the controller for the American Lung Association of the Plains-Gulf Region. While at American Lung Association, he led in consecutive years of successful annual federal audits, managed grants from varying federal agencies, and led in several mergers. Prior to joining American Lung Association, he served as the Controller for Family Gateway. Midkiff received an MBA in Accounting from the University of Dallas and a bachelor's degree from Baylor University.
5. Matthew Biasini
Chief Financial Officer, Valpak
Matthew Biasini is the Chief Financial Officer of Valpak. He’s responsible for all finance and accounting for Valpak and Savings.com. He is also responsible for the company’s business intelligence, business planning & analytics, and legal functions. Before becoming CFO, Biasini was Vice President of Sales Planning & Analysis. In that role, he was instrumental in the development of many of its current pricing and incentive programs. He also previously served as Director of Business Planning & Development and Director of Strategic Planning. He joined Valpak in 2004 as a Franchise Financial Consultant.
Previously, Biasini was a Managing Consultant at Gulf Atlantic Capital and Senior Accountant at PwC. Biasini received his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida.
6. Benjamin Boehm
Chief Financial Officer, Fintech
Benjamin Boehm is the Chief Financial Officer of Fintech, a payment and data solution for the alcohol industry. Boehm joined the company in 2008 as VP of Finance.
He was previously the Director of Finance and Purchasing for Shells Seafood Restaurants. In this role, he directed the company's analysis, forecasting, and budgeting. This includes contract negotiation, P&L close, reporting, SOX work, ad-hoc analysis, vendor relations, cash management, and treasury duties. Boehm graduated from Florida State University College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
7. Brian Crane
Chief Financial Officer, CPN Biosciences
Brian Crane is the Chief Financial Officer of CPN Biosciences. Crane has been with the company since 2018. Before joining CPN Biosciences, he was a Corporate Controller at Seven 7s Transportation Group. Before that, he was a Corporate Controller at PT Access Networks. Earlier in his career, he worked with GATX as a Manager of Portfolio Risk Management. Crane graduated from American University with an MBA in finance, from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in accounting, and from the University of California, Riverside with an undergraduate degree in political science.
8. Amanda Wester
Chief Financial Officer, CFGI
Amanda Wester is the Chief Financial Officer of CFGI. CFGI is a unique and highly specialized financial consulting firm that is strategically positioned to help companies through a range of routine and complex business scenarios.
Wester first got her start in 2001 as an Assurance Audit Manager at Ernst & Young. From there, she went on to Alltech before eventually rising to Peer-To-Peer CFO and VP of Valuation at Maine Pointe, her most recent position before joining CFGI. Wester graduated from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
9. Nancy Walsh
Chief Financial Officer of North America, Tosca
Nancy Walsh is the Chief Financial Officer of Tosca, North America. He first joined the company in 2018. Tosca is a global leader in reusable plastic packaging and performance pooling solutions. As a results-oriented financial professional, Walsh has progressive experience in various financial and accounting capacities.
Previously, Walsh was a VP of finance at CoAdvantage and, before that, a VP and CFO at Stellar Partners, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with AT&T as a Financial Director, Division Controller, And Accounting Manager. Walsh earned an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus and an undergraduate degree in commerce from Rider University.
10. Greg Farrell
Chief Financial Officer, ReliaQuest
Greg Farrell is the Chief Financial Officer at ReliaQuest. In this role, Farrell oversees all financial aspects of the company. Over the last six years, he has brought about global operations expansion and high growth for the company. In 2019, Farrell was named the Tampa Bay Business Journal CFO of the Year Honoree in recognition of his work at ReliaQuest.
He began his career in the Audit and Assurance sector of PwC. Prior to working at ReliaQuest, Farrell worked in finance, SEC reporting, and Mergers and Acquisitions at Jabil, a publicly traded Fortune 500 company and manufacturing solutions provider. Farrell graduated from Florida State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting as well as his master’s degree in accounting.
11. Melissa Mekdeci
Chief Financial Officer, International Commercial Supply
Melissa Mekdeci is the Chief Financial Officer of International Commercial Supply. The company specializes in providing procurement and supply of materials, equipment, spare parts, and services for all kinds of manufacturing and commercial companies in Latin America. In this role, Mekdeci provides financial and operational support to the organization. She’s also primarily responsible for leading the fiscal functions of the corporation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the FASB.
Previously, she was the Convergence Staff Accountant for Media General. Mekdeci graduated from Florida State University with an MBA and from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in finance and marketing.
12. Rob Gagliardi
Chief Financial Officer, Tampa Bay Rays
Rob Gagliardi is the Chief Financial Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays. He oversees all accounting and finance operations for the organization. Gagliardi brings more than 15 years of managerial experience in developing and implementing financial-based initiatives for industry leaders. He serves on the governance board for the Tampa Metro YMCA and was a 2017 finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s CFO of the Year award.
Previously, he was Vice President of Finance at Comcast, overseeing the Maryland, Delaware, and Richmond regions. Before Comcast, he worked for over seven years at Ernst & Young. Here, he was a Senior Manager in their assurance and advisory business services group. Gagliardi earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University and is a certified public accountant.
13. Brian Horn
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Pasco-Hernando State College
Brian Horn is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pasco-Hernando State College. As an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry, Horn is adept in nonprofit organizations, conflict resolution, team building, leadership, strategic planning, and higher education administration. He’s been with the college for over 15 years.
Before joining Pasco-Hernando State College, Horn was an Executive Director of Administration and Finance at Ivy Tech Community College. Horn graduated from Indiana University Northwest with an MBA.
14. Patricia Clynes
Chief Financial Officer, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
As a seasoned finance professional and strategic leader, Patricia Clynes serves in the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg's senior leadership team as the Chief Financial Officer. In her role, she oversees and manages all financial matters and provides strategic direction and leadership for business operations and initiatives across the association.
Before joining the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Clynes spent more than a decade working with multiple for-profit and nonprofit organizations, successfully leading areas such as finance, administration, information technology, human resources, and operations. Clynes is passionate about creating revenue growth while harmonizing operations, improving employee performance, and enhancing business models. Clynes’ commitment to her community and giving back is reflected through her participation in various causes, such as the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, where she will serve as Treasurer of the Board of Directors in 2024. Clynes is also a board member of Girls Inc. of Pinellas and was the Chair of the St. Pete Young Professionals in 2020. Clynes earned her BS in accounting from SUNY Old Westbury and is currently pursuing her MBA.
15. Michael Dolski
Chief Financial Officer, BlueGrace Logistics
Michael Dolski is the Chief Financial Officer of BlueGrace Logistics. BlueGrace helps businesses better understand and optimize their transportation programs by combining smarter analytics with advanced technology. Dolski first joined the company in 2010. He has over 30 years of experience spanning broad financial, operational, human capital, and corporate development, within both public and private equity-sponsored companies as well as family offices.
Previously, Dolski was an SVP and Chief Operating Officer at Calamos Real Estate LLC and a VP of Corporate Development at Brunswick Corporation before that. Earlier in his career, he worked with Ernst & Young as a Senior Auditor. Dolski earned an MBA in finance, management, and strategy from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and an undergraduate degree in accounting from DePaul University.
16. Philip Balser
Chief Financial Officer, ProV International
Philip Balser is the Chief Financial Officer of ProV International, an award-winning global technology consulting firm. Balser first joined the company in 2013 as a Corporate Controller. He specializes in strategic planning, P&L enhancement, and turnaround management.
Before joining ProV International, Balser was a VP of Corporate Finance at Fibre Tech and before that, a Marketing Manager at Hitech L.E.D. Displays. Earlier in his career, he worked with SunTrust Bank as a Mortgage Loan Officer. Balser graduated from the University of Tampa - John H. Sykes College of Business with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
17. Marc Viglio
Vice President of Finance, World of Beer Franchising
Marc Viglio is the Vice President of Finance of World of Beer Franchising, a neighborhood establishment dedicated to the enjoyment of beer and the education of beer enthusiasts. He joined the company in 2013 as a Senior Financial Analyst before becoming a Controller. His knowledge and expertise have been critical in developing World of Beer’s analytics and accounting systems.
He was previously a Senior Corporate Accountant at Bloomin' Brands. Viglio graduated from the University of Tampa with an MBA and from Youngstown State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
18. Janene Culumber
Chief Financial Officer, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Janene Culumber is the Chief Financial Officer of the Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI). Culumber is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of FOI, its managed practices, and surgery centers. As part of the leadership team, she is also responsible for ensuring the development and achievement of the organization’s strategic and financial goals. Culumber has over 20 years of healthcare finance experience.
Prior to joining FOI, she was the Senior Vice President and CFO of Moffitt Cancer Center, where she worked for over 13 years. Culumber previously worked for KPMG, LLP for more than eight years in the audit practice. Culumber graduated from the University of South Florida’s MUMA College of Business with a Doctorate in business administration and from the University of Florida with her master’s degree in accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
19. Leah Carden
Chief Financial Officer, Aspen RxHealth
Leah Carden is the Chief Financial Officer of Aspen RxHealth. With 15 years of experience, Carden is a hands-on, strategic senior finance executive with extensive knowledge spanning finance and banking, acquisitions, start-ups, system conversions, budgeting and planning, operations, forecasting, cash management, and internal audit.
Before joining Aspen RxHealth, Carden was a CFO at VUCA Health and, before that, a CFO overseeing human resources at Avatar Solutions. Previously, she worked with Elsevier's Gold Standard as an SVP of finance and operations. Carden graduated from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in finance.
20. Chris Thomley
Chief Financial Officer, Mad Mobile
Chris Thomley is the Chief Financial Officer of Mad Mobile. Thomley has over 20 years of experience driving growth through M&A, top-line revenue expansion, and capital procurement. He brings both public and private equity experience to help Mad Mobile scale and better serve its customers.
Prior to Mad Mobile, Thomley served as CFO at Spirion, a locally owned data privacy and security company. He was previously a partner at Canopy Capital Partners, a private equity firm, where he focused on placing private equity in the middle market space. Thomley has a BS and a Master of Accounting from the University of Florida.
21. Bob Webster
Chief Financial Officer, Elite Medical Staffing
Bob Webster is the Chief Financial Officer of Elite Medical Staffing. Elite Medical Staffing is a national company with branches throughout the US. He first joined the company in 2018. He is also the owner of Buckeye CFO Services LLC.
Previously, Webster was a VP of Finance at Kane Financial Services, LLC. Before that, he was a Divisional VP of Finance at SavaSeniorCare Administrative Services LLC. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Senior Regional Controller with Integrated Health Services. Webster earned an undergraduate degree from Towson University.
22. George Kokkinos
Chief Financial Officer, Ideal Protein
George Kokkinos is the Chief Financial Officer of Ideal Protein. Kokkinos leverages more than 12 years of experience in valuation, specializing in the financial services industry, and has helped clients value tangible and intangible assets as well as financial assets and liabilities.
Previously, he was the CFO and Principal Consultant at SD Capital Advisory Limited. Before this, he was the CFO of Eckler Industries and Vice President and Corporate Controller of SalonCentric. He's also held various positions at Costume Super Center, L'Occitane, Arc International North America, Innovex, and UPS. Kokkinos received a BS in finance from The Pennsylvania State University.
23. Veronica Jarrett
Chief Financial Officer, Food Bank For New York City
Veronica Jarrett is the Chief Financial Officer of Food Bank For New York City. Food Bank For New York City has been working to end food poverty in its five boroughs for over 36 years. Jarret provides strategic leadership and oversight of the financial plans and practices of the organization. She’s also responsible for the organization's complete fiscal oversight and financial administration, ensuring that its financial health is strong enough to advance its vision and mission.
Jarrett first got her start as a Senior Tax Specialist at KPMG. From there, she went on to the City of New York Department of Finance before eventually becoming an independent business owner at Consolidated Tax & Accounting Services. Jarrett graduated from Walden University with an MBA and from Baruch College with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
24. Karen Edwards
Chief Financial Officer, HealthAxis Group
Karen Edwards is the Chief Financial Officer of HealthAxis Group. HealthAxis is a leading IT solutions provider for healthcare payers, including TPAs and insurance companies. She’s an experienced finance professional with a proven history of managing profitability and initiating cost-cutting measures.
Before joining HealthAxis Group, Edwards was a CFO at Garyjames and Affiliates, Inc. Prior to this, she was the VP of Finance and Controller at Health Integrated, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with TMP Worldwide as a Regional Finance Manager. Edwards graduated from the University of South Florida with an MBA and from Hillsdale College with an undergraduate degree in accounting and mathematics.
25. Susi Begazo-McGourty
SVP and Chief Financial Officer, Tampa Housing Authority
Susi Begazo-McGourty is the SVP and Chief Financial Officer of Tampa Housing Authority. Tampa Housing Authority promotes the development and professional management of a variety of affordable housing opportunities, facilities, and supportive services. During her 19-year tenure at the organization, Begazo-McGourty developed its three-year strategic plan, improved financial reporting and compliance, increased operational efficiency, and developed and streamlined internal controls and processes.
McGourty first got her start in 1994 as a financial analyst at PwC. From there, she went on to St. Joseph's Hospital. McGourty graduated from the University of Phoenix with an MBA, from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in accounting, and from Universidad de Lima with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
