Never underestimate the impact of a chief financial officer.
That’s the message from the fifth annual CFO of the Year Awards ceremony this morning at University Center at DeSales University, a program hosted by Lehigh Valley Business.
“We celebrate financial executives who contribute to some of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s most successful companies,” Mike O’Rourke, Lehigh Valley Business publisher, told the more than 200 professionals who attended the event. “These CFOs have a direct effect on the economic growth and stability of not only their companies, but the region as a whole. …
“We sale and honor financial executives who have skillfully worked with their business associates to lead their companies, not only for the short term but for long-term viability and financial gain.”
Eighteen financial executives were honored, including Lifetime Achievement winner Anthony DiGirolamo, president of AQuality CFO LLC in Sinking Spring.
Joe Savage, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Victaulic, Forks Township, was the Community Achievement winner, while Amy Malseed, accounting manager, Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, Bethlehem, was named the Rising Star.
Concannon Miller was the presenting sponsor of the event, which also included networking. Major sponsors were BSI Corporate Benefits and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.
Santander was the supporting sponsor, while ASR Media/PBS 39 was the video sponsor.
The remaining winners and finalists who were honored this morning:
BEST GROWTH MANAGER – WINNER
Robert Peterson
Chief Financial Officer, Dream Live Prosper Family of Companies, Bethlehem
BEST GROWTH MANAGER – FINALIST
Stacy Williams
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, FirstSource Solutions, Chalfont
BEST TURNAROUND SPECIALIST – WINNER
Kenneth R. Vance
BEST TURNAROUND SPECIALIST – FINALIST
John Miller
Chief Financial Officer, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Bethlehem
PUBLIC COMPANY – WINNER
Gilbert Lee
Chief Financial Officer, Fuling Global Inc., Upper Macungie Township
PUBLIC COMPANY – FINALIST
Brian Carr
President and Chief Operating Officer
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Bethlehem
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION – WINNER
Gary Conner
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Reading Health System, West Reading
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION – FINALIST
Jeremy Melber
Director of Business Services, Southern Lehigh School District, Center Valley
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION – FINALIST
Mark Reed
Vice President of Finance and Administration, Moravian College, Bethlehem
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION – FINALIST
Tracie Springer
Executive Director and Founder, Dress for Success Allentown, Allentown
PRIVATE COMPANY (Revenue up to $25M) – WINNER
Daniel G. Smith
Chief Financial Officer, American Millwork & Cabinetry Inc., Emmaus
PRIVATE COMPANY (Revenue up to $25M) – FINALIST
Michael Fischer
President and CEO, Client 1st Financial, Fogelsville
PRIVATE COMPANY (Revenue up to $25M) – FINALIST
Chris Pektor
Chief Financial Officer, Ashley Development Corp., Bethlehem
PRIVATE COMPANY (More than $25M revenue) – WINNER
Richard Hooper
Chief Financial Officer, Follett LLC, Forks Township
PRIVATE COMPANY (More than $25M revenue) – FINALIST
George Chadwick
Chief Financial Officer, Lighthouse Network LLC, Allentown
