Jack Polish is a distinguished finance and accounting executive with over three decades of experience transforming complex financial operations into engines of clarity, accountability, and growth. His career, defined by a dedication to excellence and a strategic mindset, has spanned some of the most dynamic industries in the American economy—including communications, automotive, media, and logistics. Known for his ability to lead with integrity, align cross-functional teams, and implement scalable financial infrastructures, Jack has consistently positioned organizations for long-term success and resilience.
From his earliest days as an Audit Staff at Deloitte & Touche, Jack established a foundation rooted in technical rigor and professional discipline. He rose steadily through the ranks, ultimately serving as Audit Manager, where he advised clients across diverse industries on audit readiness, internal controls, and compliance. These formative years in public accounting laid the groundwork for his ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize complex accounting standards—skills that would later prove invaluable as he transitioned into high-impact corporate roles.
Jack’s corporate journey began in earnest at The Coca-Cola Company, where he served as Principal Accountant of Accounting Research. Here, he deepened his exposure to international finance and technical accounting research, helping guide one of the world’s most iconic brands through evolving regulatory environments. He continued to build his expertise through leadership positions at Ryder and LNR Property LLC, where he oversaw SEC reporting and led corporate accounting special projects. These roles honed his capacity to manage risk, streamline reporting processes, and support strategic business decisions with financial insight.
In 2003, Jack began what would become a defining chapter of his career at Cox Enterprises and its largest subsidiary, Cox Communications. Over a span of more than 20 years, Jack rose through the organization—from Director of Reporting, Technical Accounting & Controls to Executive Director, then Vice President & Controller, and finally to Chief Accounting Officer of Cox Enterprises. In these roles, he led teams of up to 31 professionals and provided strategic financial leadership across a $23 billion business portfolio.
As CAO, Jack was entrusted with some of the company’s most mission-critical initiatives. He led the adoption and implementation of multiple complex accounting standards including ASC 606 (Revenue Recognition), ASC 842 (Leases), and ASC 805 (Business Combinations). He oversaw the automation of lease payment activities using CoStar, yielding significant cost savings, and implemented BlackLine software to transform account reconciliation practices. These innovations were not just about compliance—they were about enabling smarter, faster decision-making and empowering financial teams to operate at a higher strategic level.
Jack also played a pivotal role in Cox’s internal controls strategy, especially in response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. He developed and managed the internal controls governance model, ensuring regulatory compliance while driving process efficiency and organizational accountability. His work extended to leading the accounting transition during the $3 billion sale of Cox Media Group to Apollo Global Management, executing a complex transaction that included organizational restructuring and a shortened general ledger close cycle.
Beyond financial operations, Jack has demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of capital markets and corporate strategy. He successfully led six 144A/Reg S debt offering, reducing Cox’s borrowing costs and strengthening its capital structure. His financial leadership contributed not only to improved operational efficiency but also to greater shareholder value and corporate agility. He also regularly interfaced with operational leaders across divisions, translating technical accounting into clear business implications that shaped strategic choices.
Throughout his career, Jack has been recognized as a mentor, collaborator, and steward of ethical leadership. His style is marked by approachability, precision, and a relentless focus on long-term value creation. Colleagues across departments have relied on his ability to demystify accounting complexities, provide transparent guidance, and build cohesive teams that function with integrity and confidence.
Jack’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, where he has also chaired both the Finance and Audit Committees. These roles reflect his deep commitment to community service and his belief that strong governance and fiscal discipline are as vital in nonprofit spaces as they are in the corporate world. While he has not pursued international assignments, his influence and insights are global in their relevance, and his legacy is one of leadership grounded in universal principles.
Now entering the next phase of his professional journey, Jack is looking to contribute his expertise to advisory and board roles, particularly in industries aligned with his experience—communications, automotive, and media. With his unmatched depth in accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls, Jack is well-positioned to provide valuable oversight and guidance to companies navigating growth, regulatory change, or operational transformation. He brings not only technical mastery, but also the wisdom of a seasoned leader committed to ethics, transparency, and forward-thinking stewardship.
Character:
Jack exemplifies unwavering integrity, approaching every challenge with a principled mindset and a commitment to doing what is right—even when it is not easy. His consistent moral compass and respect for others have earned him deep trust across teams and leadership circles.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of professional experience, Jack has accumulated unparalleled knowledge of accounting standards, financial strategy, and corporate governance. He continuously adapts to regulatory and technological changes, remaining a respected authority and thought partner in his field.
Strategic:
Jack has a proven track record of aligning finance functions with enterprise-wide objectives, transforming operations to support both stability and innovation. His foresight has led to cost savings, enhanced controls, and improved strategic agility for the organizations he has served.
Communication:
Whether translating technical regulations for executive teams or mentoring junior staff, Jack’s communication is clear, purposeful, and inclusive. He fosters environments where collaboration thrives and complex decisions are made with full transparency and shared understanding.
