Curtis R. Rhine is a highly accomplished finance leader with over 38 years of experience across a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, consumer products, real estate, and private equity. With a robust background in strategic financial planning, M&A due diligence, and corporate finance, Curtis has consistently driven growth and profitability while maintaining operational efficiency. His leadership and financial expertise have earned him a reputation for transforming organizations through strategic planning, process improvements, and building strong financial infrastructures.

Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer for RS BioTherapeutics, Inc., Curtis is responsible for leading the company’s financial strategy as it develops life-changing medicines for patients suffering from pulmonary inflammation-based diseases. Curtis is instrumental in overseeing financial planning, fundraising, and the company’s daily cash management. His experience in pharmaceutical finance has allowed him to build solid relationships with stakeholders while ensuring operational alignment with strategic goals. Curtis is particularly focused on the development and future success of RSBT-001, a first-in-class therapeutic aimed at addressing diseases such as COPD, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and more.

In his prior role at James Wood Family Office, Curtis managed financial operations for the Wood family, which included overseeing estate planning, tax compliance, and investment strategy for the family whose assets include auto dealerships, commercial real estate, rental properties and large farm and cattle properties.  His contributions ensured the financial stability and growth of the family’s diverse business interests across Texas. Curtis’s ability to navigate complex financial environments made him an invaluable asset to the family’s operations.

Before joining James Wood Family Office, Curtis served as Chief Financial Officer at Teasdale Latin Foods, where he oversaw the financial health of a rapidly growing food manufacturer. His leadership in financial reporting, treasury, and taxation helped the company expand its footprint while improving operational processes through the successful implementation of an ERP system across multiple manufacturing facilities.

Curtis has also held significant leadership roles in well-established organizations such as Radio Flyer, where he was instrumental in driving financial efficiency and securing financing for critical projects. His ability to identify key performance indicators and lead cross-functional teams contributed to the company’s growth and financial stability.

His tenure at Lundbeck (formerly Ovation Pharmaceuticals) and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America further exemplifies his expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. At Lundbeck, Curtis played a key role in leading financial operations through a profitable exit event, while at Takeda, he managed a large team overseeing financial reporting, tax, credit, and treasury operations.

Curtis began his career at PepsiCo (Frito-Lay), where he spent over a decade in various financial leadership roles, culminating in his position as Director of Operations Finance. His experience at PepsiCo solidified his expertise in managing large-scale financial operations, treasury, and supply chain management.

Beyond his professional career, Curtis has a passion for real estate, having facilitated commercial, residential, and farm transactions. He has served on the Board of the Illinois chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where he was actively involved in fundraising and supporting patients battling cancer. Curtis has run four marathons, three for charities having raised over $25,000 for cancer research and patient support.

Curtis holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Throughout his career, he has continually demonstrated a commitment to professional development, completing leadership programs at the Center for Creative Leadership and Bell Leadership Institute.

Character:

Curtis is known for his integrity and dedication to improving financial and operational processes. His steadfast approach to leadership is grounded in a commitment to ethical decision-making and building trust within his teams.

Knowledge:

With nearly four decades of experience in finance across multiple industries, Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic financial planning, M&A, treasury, and taxation, making him a trusted advisor to executive teams.

Strategic:

Curtis excels in aligning financial strategies with long-term business goals. His ability to foresee market trends, drive cost reductions, and implement operational improvements has been key to the growth of every organization he’s led.

Communication:

Curtis’s collaborative style of leadership is characterized by clear, concise communication with executive peers, boards, and stakeholders. His ability to simplify complex financial matters makes him an effective and influential leader.