Tag: financial leadership

Richard “Brian” Arwood: Think Globally, Act Strategically, Results Follow

After a fulfilling 30+ year journey in the IT and hardware sectors, including executive roles with Lenovo and IBM, I’m excited to take the next step toward board service. I’m proud to share my professional biography, which highlights the global experience, financial leadership, and strategic mindset I bring to the table. Here is my biography.

Keith Arnell: Strategic Virtual CFO Delivering Clarity, Control, and Confidence in Financial Operations

Keith Arnell is a trusted Virtual CFO and Founder of Pavilion Advisors, where he delivers outsourced accounting and financial leadership to businesses across the U.S. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in helping companies—from start-ups to those scaling past $30M in revenue—gain financial clarity through expert budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and real-time reporting. Known for his integrity and client-first approach, Keith empowers business leaders to make confident, data-driven decisions while freeing them to focus on growth. His extensive background in fund accounting, real estate finance, and financial operations makes him a strategic partner for businesses ready to elevate their financial infrastructure.

John Soukas: Visionary Investment Leader and Champion of Climate Innovation

John Soukas is a seasoned investment executive with over three decades of experience in global financial markets, hedge fund management, and macroeconomic analysis. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Norfolk Green Ventures, he is pioneering investment opportunities in sustainable solutions like seaweed, which he believes holds transformative potential for addressing global climate challenges. With a proven track record in building and managing successful multi-product, multi-strategy investment platforms, John has led efforts that significantly increased assets under management at Wellington Management, where he served as Partner and Hedge Fund Portfolio Manager. His expertise spans across various sectors, including fixed-income portfolios and alternative investments, underpinned by his deep understanding of risk management and capital allocation. Committed to both financial success and environmental impact, John’s leadership is further demonstrated by his philanthropic support for the Special Forces community, earning him the 2023 Naval Seal Legacy Foundation Patriot Award.

Thomas Corcoran: Veteran Leader in Fixed Income Capital Markets and Advocate for Educational Access

Thomas Corcoran is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of leadership in global fixed income capital markets, known for his deep expertise in credit products and strategic business growth. Throughout his career, he has built and managed high-performing teams, created proprietary market analysis tools, and expanded firms into global powerhouses. His leadership has spanned institutions such as Lehman Brothers, CF Global Trading, and Imperial Capital, where he served as President and Vice Chairman. Beyond finance, Corcoran has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and equity through decades of service with the Harvard Schools and Scholarships Committee and as President of the Harvard Club of Long Island.

The Role of a Fractional CFO in Driving Business Growth

As small and medium-sized businesses evolve, they often face complex financial challenges that can hinder growth—ranging from managing cash flow and scaling operations to preparing for fundraising or strategic expansion. While hiring a full-time CFO might be impractical or premature, a fractional CFO offers an ideal middle ground, delivering seasoned financial leadership on a flexible basis. These professionals bring deep expertise across strategic planning, capital raising, risk management, and financial systems—all at a fraction of the cost. By providing clear, objective guidance and strengthening communication among stakeholders, a fractional CFO helps businesses navigate change, seize opportunities, and build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Jonathan Smythe: Financial Strategist in Taxation & Accounting

I’m excited to share my professional biography that highlights my experience in tax, accounting, financial strategy, and multilingual collaboration. I’m passionate about contributing to organizations that value precision, leadership, and ethical finance.

Brent Jones: Global Investment Leader with Deep Expertise in Fixed Income and Emerging Markets

Brent Jones, CFA, is a globally respected investment leader with nearly four decades of experience across fixed income and equities in both public and private markets. Known for his strategic foresight and deep technical knowledge, Brent has managed multibillion-dollar portfolios, led global investment teams, and launched high-impact emerging market strategies. His career spans senior roles at GE Asset Management and Citi Private Bank, where he specialized in portfolio management, client strategy, and product innovation. A board member and advisor to several international companies, Brent is equally committed to social impact through his work with nonprofits focused on education and economic empowerment in developing regions.

Michael Schmitz: Driving Growth Through Financial Expertise and Strategic Insight.

After three decades on Wall Street, I’ve built a career on financial expertise, strategic investments, and deep insights into the energy sector. As I explore new board opportunities, I am excited to leverage my knowledge to help companies grow, innovate, and succeed. Here is my biography.

Ken Duncan: A Seasoned Financial and Governance Leader.

With over 30 years of experience in finance, governance, and corporate strategy, I have had the privilege of working with outstanding organizations to drive financial stability and leadership excellence. I am passionate about fostering environments where teams can thrive and implementing best practices at the board level. Here is my biography.

Dr. Damian Dunbar, M.B.A., CDFM, APPQMR: Empowering Leaders with Knowledge, Strategy and Financial Expertise to Drive Meaningful Change.

I am honored to share my professional journey, which spans over 36 years in finance, policy development, and leadership. From my military service in the U.S. Army Finance Corps to my tenure in federal financial management and academia, my mission has always been to empower others with knowledge, strategy, and expertise. Whether through shaping financial policies, mentoring future leaders, or helping small businesses navigate government contracting, I remain committed to making a lasting impact.

Erich Reimann, CPA, CMA, CVA: Driving Financial Excellence in Government Contracting, Defense and Manufacturing.

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my 30+ years of experience in financial leadership, government contracting, and strategic corporate finance. My expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, cost management, compliance, and financial strategy, and I am currently exploring board and advisory opportunities to help companies scale and succeed.

Alex Discepolo

I’m excited to share my executive biography, detailing my journey in corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, and international financial structuring. Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with private and public companies, advising on strategic tax planning, regulatory compliance, and global expansions. I’m passionate about helping businesses navigate complex financial landscapes, and I continue to share my expertise through mentorship, board roles, and academia.

Vivian M. Brady-Jones, C.P.A. | A Distinguished Career in Global Financial Leadership

Vivian M. Brady-Jones, C.P.A., is a seasoned financial executive with over three decades of experience leading financial operations across international non-profits, healthcare, and corporate finance sectors. As Global Financial Controller at PACT, Inc., she managed a $250 million budget, overseeing operations in more than 20 countries and implementing strategic financial initiatives that enhanced global efficiency. Her prior roles include Vice President of Finance & Operations at DKMS Delete Blood Cancer and Chief Financial Officer at Innovations for Poverty Action, where she led significant financial transformations. Vivian holds an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University, an M.A. in Economic Development from Boston University, and a B.A. in Economics from St. Joseph's University. She is an active member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and serves on the board of Friends of Hallahan, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and community service.

Joseph Stark: International Payments Sales Executive

Joseph Stark is a seasoned financial services executive with a distinguished career in international payments, sales management, and product strategy, driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth and expanding market presence for global financial institutions. As Head of Banks Account Management and Sales for Visa Direct at Visa, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening key banking relationships, optimizing transaction flows, and expanding cross-border payment solutions. His leadership at Earthport contributed to a 40% business growth, leading to its acquisition by Visa, while his tenure at Standard Chartered Bank and JPMorgan Chase showcased his ability to drive profitability, regulatory compliance, and innovative financial product development. With deep expertise in global banking networks, strategic sales execution, and high-profile industry engagement, Stark continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial technology.

Sheena Shones | Dynamic Financial Executive & Strategic Growth Leader

Sheena Shones is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of expertise in financial strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. As a Controller, she has successfully led organizations through financial transformations, post-acquisition integrations, and strategic growth initiatives. Her deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement enables her to optimize financial health and drive business success. With experience spanning manufacturing, service, crypto, AI, and clean energy industries, Sheena is passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can apply her expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation to help companies scale and thrive.

Stephen D. Harrell | Visionary Financial Strategist and Digital Infrastructure Leader

Stephen D. Harrell is a seasoned financial and operational executive with nearly 40 years of experience in corporate finance, M&A, digital infrastructure, and private equity-backed growth strategies. As senior vice president and chief financial officer at Expedient, he played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s revenue from $75 million to $225 million and increasing EBITDA by over 350%, leading to a successful acquisition by InfraBridge. With a deep background in high-tech industries, including leadership roles at Texas Instruments and Akustica, Stephen has driven strategic transformations, optimized financial structures, and executed high-value exits. His extensive international experience in Japan and Europe, combined with his expertise in cloud computing and data center operations, positions him as a highly valuable board candidate for companies looking to scale, enhance profitability, and navigate complex financial landscapes.