With over 38 years of experience in academic leadership, curriculum design, and student success initiatives, Hassanali Espahbodi is a dynamic educator and scholar dedicated to fostering excellence in education. A Ph.D. graduate in Business Administration specializing in Accounting, Dr. Espahbodi has spearheaded transformative programs, restructured curricula to meet industry standards, and championed inclusive, equitable learning environments. Recognized for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership, he has authored 29 influential journal articles and contributed to international educational initiatives in Turkey and Russia. Dr. Espahbodi’s unwavering commitment to innovation and mentorship has left an enduring impact on students, faculty, and academic institutions worldwide.

Paul Killpack is a meticulous and results-driven financial leader with over 25 years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer, specializing in driving business profitability, streamlining operations, and implementing cost-saving initiatives. Renowned for his expertise in maximizing cash flow, generating insightful financial reports, and fostering organizational growth, Paul has successfully scaled businesses across diverse industries. His hands-on approach and strategic vision have enabled him to lead high-performing teams, secure significant investment partnerships, and optimize financial infrastructures to support rapid expansion. With a proven track record of success in both public and private sectors, Paul remains committed to excellence, innovation, and delivering measurable results.

Joe O’Brien is a seasoned Senior Strategic Buyer with over 15 years of experience specializing in procurement, SaaS, and supply chain management. Known for his strong leadership and ethical approach, he has consistently delivered significant cost savings and optimized procurement outcomes through strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. Joe's expertise extends across various IT commodities, and he has successfully led sourcing initiatives that have saved millions for organizations. With a Master’s in Management Science & Supply Chain Management and certifications from the Institute for Supply Management, Joe combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to driving business growth and fostering collaboration at all levels. His passion for relationship-building and his ability to navigate complex procurement processes make him an invaluable asset to any organization.

Stephanie Lynn Nghiem is an accomplished accounting and finance executive with over 21 years of experience leading financial operations, reporting, and strategic initiatives across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance & Accounting at OneAZ Credit Union, she oversees critical financial functions, including the general ledger system, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with GAAP. Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a unique ability to drive operational efficiencies, such as implementing automation and improving financial processes, while mentoring teams and fostering collaboration. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at American Express, where she managed investment proposals and led the implementation of international financial standards. A licensed CPA in both Arizona and Illinois, Stephanie’s expertise and dedication have positioned her as a trusted leader, and she is now seeking opportunities to leverage her experience on boards and advisory committees to drive meaningful impact.

Virginia Greene is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in construction management and accounting, specializing in project finance, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. She is known for her strong character, work ethic, and commitment to excellence, consistently driving results while fostering a culture of accountability. Throughout her career, Virginia has excelled in guiding small to mid-sized companies through complex financial challenges, ensuring projects remain on budget and deadlines are met. Her strategic mindset allows her to lead organizations with clear goals, while her communication skills help build strong relationships and facilitate collaboration at every level of an organization.

The landscape of fund administration is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and evolving market demands. Innovations like automation and AI are streamlining operations, reducing human error, and enhancing decision-making processes, while blockchain technology provides unparalleled security and transparency in transaction recording. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and real-time data access, enabling firms to respond swiftly to client needs. Meanwhile, RegTech is simplifying compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and data analytics is unlocking actionable insights for optimized fund performance. Together, these advancements are reshaping fund administration into a strategic, value-driven function that propels efficiency, growth, and client satisfaction.

Keith Ajeh is a seasoned business consultant and financial analyst with over six years of experience in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance, IT, and logistics. Based in Worcester, MA, he has developed a reputation for excellence in financial planning, analysis, and process automation. His strong educational background, with a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Worcester State University and ongoing MBA studies, complements his practical expertise in ERP systems such as Hyperion, SAP, and Apptio. Keith's hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, SOX compliance, and business management positions him as a valuable asset to any organization seeking to enhance operational efficiency and drive financial success.

Rick Pinkowski is an accomplished financial and strategic leader with over 34 years of experience in higher education, finance, and organizational development. Throughout his career, Rick has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrity, ethical leadership, and community service, helping organizations grow and thrive. His deep expertise spans financial operations, human resources, student services, and capital planning, allowing him to drive impactful change in the institutions he has served. As Vice President for Finance at Villa Maria College and Hilbert College, Rick led significant projects that improved business practices, secured key funding, and enhanced operational efficiency. His ability to manage complex financial portfolios, lead multi-year strategic planning, and oversee large-scale capital projects has been instrumental in the success of these institutions. Rick is known for his strategic foresight, innovative thinking, and collaborative approach, which have made him a trusted leader and advisor. Now transitioning into a consulting role after retirement, Rick continues to lend his expertise to various not-for-profit organizations, offering fractional CFO services and project management support. He is actively involved in several boards and committees, including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropy, where he contributes his knowledge of finance, governance, and institutional growth. Rick's passion for education, leadership, and community involvement extends beyond his professional roles. He is dedicated to using his skills and experience to help organizations achieve sustainable growth, and he remains deeply committed to supporting the communities he serves.

Brad McBride is a seasoned finance professional with over 30 years of experience in accounting, regulatory reporting, financial analysis, and strategic planning. With a strong background in compliance and internal controls, Brad has successfully led financial teams across several renowned institutions, including Morgan Stanley Bank and American Express. He is known for his ability to develop and implement risk management strategies, ensure Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and streamline financial processes. Brad’s expertise extends to asset liability management, budgeting, and tactical leadership, making him a trusted advisor to both regulators and senior executives. His clear communication and strategic vision have consistently driven organizational growth and financial stability.

In Mastering Financial Leadership in the Modern Age, Rick DeVincenzo exemplifies the transformative power of strategic financial leadership in navigating today’s complex business landscape. His remarkable ability to transition seamlessly across private, public, and startup environments highlights a rare combination of adaptability and expertise. By building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, ensuring financial integrity, and mastering the unique dynamics of startups and diverse sectors, Rick has demonstrated that finance leaders can be catalysts for innovation and growth. His story offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to align financial strategies with organizational success while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability.

Joe A. Rodriguez is an accomplished financial executive with over 30 years of experience in finance, accounting, and corporate governance. Throughout his career, Joe has excelled in roles such as CFO, Corporate Controller, and Internal Audit Director, providing leadership in both startup and global organizations. He has a proven track record in driving financial success, including overseeing SEC reporting, IPO readiness, and U.S. GAAP compliance for private equity-backed firms and publicly traded companies. Joe’s extensive expertise spans strategic planning, revenue recognition, lease accounting, risk management, and financial operations management, and he has successfully led international teams across industries such as mining, manufacturing, and technology. Known for his strong character and integrity, Joe fosters a collaborative environment and effectively communicates complex financial insights to executive teams, boards, and stakeholders.

In a dynamic business environment, accurate and compliant financial reporting is crucial for transparency, investor trust, and sound decision-making. Outdated and complex processes, however, can jeopardize these goals, leading to errors and regulatory risks. By adopting robust financial systems, standardizing procedures, investing in team training, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, and conducting regular audits, organizations can streamline their financial reporting processes. These measures not only enhance efficiency and accuracy but also ensure consistent compliance with evolving regulatory standards, empowering executives to confidently navigate today’s financial landscape.

Tim Ludlow is a dynamic CFO and investor with over 40 years of experience in corporate finance, distinguished by his ability to drive growth and transformation across various industries, including healthcare, technology, and food and beverage. Renowned for his expertise in strategic financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management, Tim has successfully navigated high-growth environments, leading companies through pivotal transitions. His articulate communication style and commitment to fostering collaboration enable him to build strong relationships with stakeholders and teams alike. With a track record of scaling revenues and orchestrating significant business exits, Tim is dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience to mentor the next generation of leaders and contribute to impactful organizational success.

Eduardo Medellin is a seasoned leader in business development and financial management, with over 25 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses thrive through strategic planning, accounting clean-up, and cash management solutions. As the founder of Infinity Management DFW, Eduardo has driven growth for numerous companies by streamlining financial processes and creating targeted, results-oriented strategies. Fluent in both English and Spanish and with international experience in Mexico, he brings valuable cross-cultural insights and a strong commitment to operational excellence. Eduardo’s personal mission to "Help businesses grow" drives his work, making him a vital resource for organizations seeking sustainable success and financial clarity.

Dawn Cook is a highly experienced Finance and Operations Director with a proven track record of driving financial efficiency and operational excellence, particularly within the government contracting (Govcon) sector. With over two decades of expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and human resource management, she has successfully led financial operations for multiple federal projects. Currently serving as Senior Director of Finance and Contracts at COVERENT, Dawn is known for her strategic leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative approach, ensuring the alignment of financial operations with business objectives.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, where I reflect on my 38+ years of experience in finance leadership across industries like pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and private equity. From driving strategic financial growth to overseeing ERP implementations and M&A activities, my focus has always been on aligning financial processes with business goals to create sustainable growth. Here is my biography.