A sold-out crowd at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix on Thursday honored the winners and finalists for the Arizona Chapter of Financial Executives International’s 2018 CFO of the Year Awards.

“The Arizona Chapter of Financial Executives International, FEI, hosts the CFO of the Year Awards each year in order to shine the spotlight on those individuals in our business community who have demonstrated outstanding financial management,” said Cheryl Green, publisher of AZ Big Media. “We believe this recognition benefits the greater Arizona business community by providing a forum that highlights the importance of financial leadership and promotes a better understanding of the role of finance in the world of business.”

Sponsors of the event included CBIZ and MHM, Keyser, Marsh, Chase Bank, Vaco and DLA Piper.

“For the last 12 years, FEI-Arizona has been the proud host and organizer of this great event,” said Rachael Piergallini. vice president of finance for Derma Health and president of FEI-Arizona. “FEI-Arizona was one of the first chapters to host a CFO of the Year event, and it remains one of only a handful of chapters to host a CFO of the Year event each year. This event represents our chapter’s commitment to recognizing the financial talent within our community.”

Winners of the 2018 CFO of the Year Awards

Community Service CFO of the Year: Paige Insalaco, chief financial officer, Trapp technology. Insalaco relies on her leadership and financial management acumen to steer organizations toward fiscal growth. Her career includes positions with Deloitte, Universal Technical Institute, JDA Software, and various consultancy roles. Her passion for mentoring led her to establish a women’s networking organization.

Entrepreneurial Company CFO of the Year: James Walbom, chief financial officer, Tiempo Development. Walbom’s financial leadership is validated by the strong, consistent financial performance of Tiempo during his tenure as CFO. Since taking over this role, Tiempo has consistently improved its financial health and profitability while maintaining impressive revenue growth.

Private Company CFO of the Year: Mitchell Moore, chief administrative officer, Foundation for Senior Living. Moore supervises and provides oversight to the areas of finance, information technology and human resources. He is responsible for the financial management of the organization, systems integrity and organizational effectiveness.

Large Private Company CFO of the Year: Heather Zorge, chief financial officer, Western Window Systems. “I’m a people and purpose-driven leader,” Zorge said. “I know that results are built on the strength of an empowering culture, vision and good people.  I love finding the story in the data, throwing in a splash of gut instinct, and using the information to help the team and company meet goals and set strategies.”

Sponsors Award: Ruth Engle, chief financial officer, Troon Golf. Since joining Troon in 2007, Engle has successfully led the company through a difficult recession, multiple acquisitions by the company and two successful sales of the company to private equity investors, in each case being integral to achieving premier sale multiples for the then owners. Since she joined Troon, the company has grown from 85 managed facilities to more than 300 managed facilities.

Finalists for the 2018 CFO of the Year Awards

Shelley Chen, director of finance, Hemisphere GNSS

Thomas Chesterman, chief financial officer, SenesTech

Brian Deak, chief financial officer, Arion Care Solutions

Ruth Engle, chief financial officer, Troon Golf

Rick Franke, chief financial officer, Bell Steel

Rob Howatt, chief financial officer, Dansons Group

Paige Insalaco, chief financial officer, Trapp technology

Tom Lawless, chief financial officer, Sunland Asphalt

Robert Lettieri, chief financial officer, Celltrust

Luke Livak, Vice president and chief financial officer, Loftin Equipment Co./Bay City Equipment

Mitchell Moore, chief administrative officer, Foundation for Senior Living

Terri Rosko, chief financial officer, DG Fenn Construction

Linn Shaw, director of finance, ITS

Doug Spencer, chief financial officer, Level 3 Audio Visual

Sandra Torre, CPA, CGMA, executive vice president and chief financial officer, LAVIDGE

James Walbom, chief financial officer, Tiempo Development

Jeff Watton, chief financial and operating officer, co-CEO, Yandy

Karen Whitney, chief financial officer, Northcentral University

Heather Zorge, chief financial officer, Western Window Systems

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