David de la Fuente is an accomplished financial executive, Chief Financial Officer, and corporate accounting leader whose career spans more than 44 years of distinguished service in the energy industry. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to transform financial operations into strategic assets that support organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. With extensive expertise in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, tax compliance, regulatory oversight, and executive leadership, David has earned the respect of colleagues and business leaders alike for his disciplined approach, unwavering integrity, and commitment to helping organizations thrive. His decades of experience across some of the industry’s most recognized organizations have prepared him to provide exceptional insight not only as an executive but also as a trusted advisor and corporate board member.
David’s professional foundation was established with Mobil Oil Corporation, where he began his career in the company’s accounting center in Dallas, Texas. During these formative years, he gained comprehensive experience in corporate accounting practices while developing the technical expertise and analytical discipline that would define his career. His early success led to an opportunity to relocate to Mobil’s refinery operations in Joliet, Illinois, where he served as a corporate auditor. In this capacity, he evaluated financial controls, operational processes, and compliance programs, developing an enterprise-wide understanding of how effective governance and sound financial management contribute to organizational performance.
Following Mobil’s merger into ExxonMobil, David continued to build upon his leadership experience, ultimately serving as an Accounting Team Leader. During nearly two decades with Mobil and ExxonMobil, he gained broad exposure to virtually every major discipline within corporate accounting, including revenue accounting, general ledger management, financial reporting, auditing, tax accounting, regulatory compliance, and financial analysis. His ability to combine technical precision with operational awareness enabled him to contribute far beyond traditional accounting functions, helping leadership teams make informed strategic decisions supported by accurate financial data and disciplined business processes.
An important component of David’s career has been his extensive experience implementing SAP financial systems and supporting organizations through complex operational transitions. His work modernizing accounting infrastructure improved financial reporting, enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened internal controls, and provided executives with more meaningful financial insight. His ability to successfully guide organizations through periods of transformation has become one of his defining professional strengths and continues to distinguish his executive leadership style today.
David expanded his executive responsibilities during an impressive 19-year career with Denbury Resources, where he served in progressively senior financial leadership positions, including Tax and Regulatory Supervisor. His responsibilities included overseeing tax compliance, regulatory reporting, financial analysis, and accounting operations within one of the nation’s respected oil and gas organizations. Operating within an industry characterized by constant regulatory oversight and financial complexity, David successfully balanced compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic financial planning while leading teams responsible for critical financial functions. His leadership contributed to maintaining financial integrity while supporting the organization’s long-term business objectives.
Today, David serves as Chief Financial Officer of Valverde Power Solutions, where he directs the organization’s financial operations while serving as a key member of the executive leadership team. In his role as CFO, he oversees budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury functions, compliance, and strategic planning. Beyond traditional financial management, David partners closely with executive leadership to evaluate opportunities, improve operational performance, strengthen financial discipline, and position the organization for continued growth. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and building financial systems that enable sound business decisions across every level of the organization.
David’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in his completion of Columbia Business School’s prestigious CFO Graduate Executive Program in New York City. The executive curriculum focused on the evolving strategic responsibilities of today’s Chief Financial Officers, including corporate governance, scenario planning, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, corporate business modeling, executive communication with boards and investors, and leading high-performance organizations. Combined with his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas–Pan American, this advanced executive education has further strengthened his ability to serve organizations at both the executive and board levels.
Outside of his executive responsibilities, David has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to governance and community service through his board leadership experience. He served as Secretary of the Ford Performance Club of North Texas and as Vice President of the Frisco Velodrome, where he oversaw financial operations and organizational management. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to numerous charitable organizations in various leadership capacities, reinforcing his belief that strong governance, responsible stewardship, and community engagement are essential components of effective leadership.
David is also recognized as an engaging communicator who frequently speaks on business strategy, financial leadership, and organizational management. His ability to translate highly technical financial concepts into practical business insights allows executives, stakeholders, and operational leaders to make informed decisions with confidence. Fluent in both English and Spanish, David brings valuable multicultural communication skills and broad North American business experience that further enhance his effectiveness in diverse corporate environments.
As he looks toward serving on additional corporate boards, David believes his greatest contribution lies in helping organizations navigate growth, coordinate operational transitions, and strengthen financial performance through disciplined governance and strategic leadership. Having spent decades building successful financial organizations from within, he understands both the challenges executives face and the value experienced board members bring through objective oversight, mentorship, and strategic guidance. His unique combination of executive financial expertise, operational leadership, governance education, regulatory knowledge, and proven business judgment positions him as an exceptional resource for organizations seeking sustainable growth and responsible corporate leadership.
Away from the office, David enjoys golfing and playing guitar, pursuits that reflect his appreciation for both discipline and creativity. Whether leading financial organizations, mentoring teams, serving nonprofit organizations, or contributing to strategic board discussions, he approaches every opportunity with professionalism, humility, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. His career stands as a testament to the enduring value of integrity, continuous learning, and thoughtful leadership.
Character:
David leads with honesty, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making in every aspect of his professional life. His reputation has been built over four decades of earning trust through consistency, integrity, and a genuine dedication to organizational success.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise in corporate accounting, financial reporting, auditing, tax compliance, regulatory oversight, financial analysis, and executive leadership within the energy sector. His extensive operational experience, combined with advanced executive education from Columbia Business School, enables him to provide well-rounded financial and strategic guidance.
Strategic:
David consistently aligns financial management with long-term business objectives, helping organizations navigate change while building stronger operational foundations. His experience leading financial transformations and implementing enterprise systems allows him to identify opportunities that create lasting organizational value.
Communication:
Communicating complex financial information with clarity and confidence, making sophisticated business issues understandable for executives, stakeholders, and operational teams. His collaborative leadership style encourages informed decision-making, transparency, and productive dialogue across every level of an organization.
