Heath Hunter is a seasoned financial executive with over two decades of expertise in financial management, treasury operations, and strategic planning. As the Chief Financial Officer at Warbonnet Construction, he oversees a wide range of financial responsibilities, including accounting, tax, insurance, accounts receivable and payable, procurement, and the direction of human resources and IT functions. His journey with Warbonnet Construction began in November 2013, and he has since demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead and streamline operations, driving the company’s financial health and strategic growth.
Prior to joining Warbonnet Construction, Heath served as the Manager of Treasury Operations at JBS USA, where he managed a team responsible for complex treasury activities across North America and Australia. Reporting directly to both the Treasurer and CFO, he expertly handled debt compliance for a $4 billion portfolio, coordinated cash movements, and led multi-billion dollar financial forecasting models. His leadership in overseeing currency hedging and intercompany loan portfolios has left a lasting impact on the organization, underscoring his talent in managing financial complexity and international operations.
Heath’s role at JBS also included participating in and later leading SUMMIT, JBS’s leadership training program designed to develop young leaders. Through this experience, Heath developed his signature collaborative leadership style, honing his skills in group dynamics and motivation. His selection to lead the capstone project for the program illustrates the respect he garnered from peers and leadership alike for his strategic vision and team-building skills.
His earlier career in finance included a pivotal role as Finance Manager at EnerCrest, Inc., where he established budget creation protocols, restructured the insurance program, and implemented a successful fuel hedging strategy to mitigate rising costs. In this role, Heath negotiated significant working capital facilities and developed financial models that supported private equity and debt offerings. This experience was instrumental in shaping Heath’s deep understanding of cash flow management, capital structure, and operational efficiency.
Heath’s foundational years in finance began at the First National Bank of Wyoming, where he served as a Financial Officer. Here, he managed interest rate and liquidity risks, created branch forecasts, and worked closely with commercial loan clients to optimize customer profitability. His responsibilities also included chairing committees on asset liability and risk management, further demonstrating his natural inclination for strategic planning and risk mitigation in banking.
Throughout his career, Heath has maintained a commitment to continuous learning and development, as seen in his academic achievements at the University of Wyoming, where he earned both his Master’s in Finance and his Bachelor’s in Finance and Economics, graduating with honors. His academic accolades include placements on both the Dean’s and President’s Honor Roll, as well as the Curtis A. Cramer Scholarship for Excellence in Economics. These achievements not only reflect his intellectual curiosity but also his dedication to mastering his craft. In addition, Heath has also demonstrated his commitment to leadership and community service through his tenure on the University of Wyoming College of Business Advisory Board (2012–2024) and the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust Board (2017–2024), where he served as Board Chair from 2018 to 2020.
Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Heath remains closely connected to his roots, as a sixth-generation partner in his family’s ranching operations in Wheatland, Wyoming. His deep respect for his family’s ranch and operations has informed his values and leadership philosophy, reinforcing his commitment to community, resilience, and hard work. Heath’s lifelong connection to agriculture has given him unique insights into the complexities of running a family business and the importance of legacy.
Heath also enjoys an active lifestyle, with hobbies that include skiing, golfing, kayaking, and rock climbing. His involvement in various outdoor activities showcases his love for challenge and adventure, qualities that also translate into his approach to financial management and strategic problem-solving. As a resident of Windsor, Colorado, he is also an active member of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association and serves on the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust Board.
In his quest to further impact the business world, Heath is actively seeking board roles where he can contribute his wealth of financial knowledge and insights to support other companies’ strategic goals. He believes his unique perspective and diverse experience will allow him to provide valuable guidance to organizations looking to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.
Character:
Heath is a principled leader who values integrity, consistently guided by his motto, “Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it’s always right”. His commitment to ethical decision-making has earned him the trust and respect of colleagues, clients, and industry partners.
Knowledge:
With a comprehensive background in treasury operations, financial modeling, and capital structure, Heath brings extensive expertise to any organization. His advanced understanding of financial systems and risk management allows him to implement solutions that enhance both stability and growth.
Strategic:
Heath’s strategic acumen is evident in his ability to oversee complex financial portfolios and optimize organizational performance. His experience across diverse industries enables him to bring fresh insights to business challenges and drive sustainable success.
Communication:
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Heath excels at fostering open, effective communication within teams and with external stakeholders. His strong interpersonal skills and clarity in conveying ideas have been instrumental in building cohesive, high-performing teams.