2015
FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR
Presented By
Congratulations to all Finalists We at Heritage Bank are most pleased to be able to partner with Moss Adams and Business Examiner Media Group to honor these exceptional examples of quality senior financial leadership from many companies and organizations located in the South Sound. It is hard to over-emphasize the significant contributions to success that come from well-qualified financial professionals within top level management suites. These individuals, with a focus on “the numbers” and trends, perform analysis that brings clarity to the decision-making process, offer up specific recommendations based upon those findings and chart the way forward, enhancing outcomes that bode well for the whole organization. For all of their importance, too often the individuals who serve as Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Vice President of Finance, Accounting Manager or whatever job title do not get appropriate recognition. That is why Financial Executives of the Year program was created, and why we are pleased to be supporting it. Congratulations to all the 2015 Finalists and Honorees.
Keynote Remarks by William G. “Bill” Robertson CEO, MultiCare Health System For a perspective on how financial executives work with senior organizational leaders, we invited someone with service in each role to offer keynote remarks. One year ago this month, William G. “Bill” Robertson was named the new Chief Executive Officer for MultiCare Health System, the largest private-sector employer in the South Sound. Bill’s first college degree was in Accounting from Southern Adventist University and he worked as a Certified Public Accountant for some time, before later moving into Administration of Health Care facilities. Prior to coming to Tacoma last May, he was President and Chief Executive at Adventist HealthCare, one of the largest private employers in Maryland, for 14 years. Upon his departure, The Washington Post wrote, “Under Robertson’s watch, Adventist became the largest provider of health care in Montgomery County (suburban Baltimore-D.C.) and added several new facilities.”
CFO Bellarmine Preparatory School At first, Stephanie Cisakowski was drawn to the job as chief financial officer at Bellarmine Preparatory School because she had children headed into high school. That interest has grown into an infectious enthusiasm for the mission, combined with her professional acumen. During her nine-year tenure, Cisakowski has carried responsibility for a $17 million annual operation, $18 million foundation trust and $2 million in yearly financial aid for students and their families. Her nominator said tireless efforts and leadership of a five-person department have produced multiple years of surplus budgets and clean audit reports. The team also is the HR department, ensuring compliance and implementation of all those requirements, as well. “My background was originally in public accounting before I became financial officer for a publishing firm,” Cisakowski said. “I then worked for a private school in Bellevue” and relocated to Tacoma to bring the Jesuit-related, college prep high school experience to her daughters. She is “a constant source of inspiration to those she works with and all members of the Bellarmine community,” her nominator wrote.
Having been on-the-job here for less than a year now, Bill may also have some observations on how this area differs from that “other” Washington.
Alan Erola
2015
CFO Greater Lakes Mental Health Over 15 years as CFO at Greater Lakes Mental Health, Alan Erola has developed a very sophisticated process for budgeting and forecasting.
Nominations are now open! Recognizing the South Puget Sound’s most outstanding company cultures
April 8, 2015 | McGavick Conference Center Presented by
Stephanie Cisakowski
Is your company on the map? For nomination process and event info visit,
www.BusinessExaminer.com/top
“There is no rock for people to hide under,” explained the agency’s leader, CEO Terri Card. “Anything that can be measured, is measured – so we all are much more accountable.” Erola’s approach comes from his experience in big hospital systems that go far beyond what’s normally found in community mental health operations. Functioning as a true CFO, most of his time goes to analysis, trends and disecting metrics so managers know what is happening in the professional clinic that serves more than 10,000 clients annually. Erola’s leadership style is to keep his contributions “at the 30,000foot level,” especially when others might be off-kilter due to an unplanned result. “Alan uses his calm demeanor to point out the big-picture view, bringing down the intensity of the discussion,” Card said. “And nobody could ever accuse him of engaging in ‘group think.’ That’s extremely valuable, especially to me (as CEO),” Card added.
Brett Freshwaters
Steve Gray
CFO Metro Park Distrcit
Secretary/Treasurer Gray Lumber Company
Responsibility for a government agency’s money is different for the chief financial officer, but Brett Freshwaters has proven capable in more than seven years at Metropolitan Park District Tacoma.
With four decades experience as corporate secretary and treasurer of a family-owned business, Steve Gray has seen less than half of Gray Lumber’s operational lifespan. But the years have brought significant change and new competitors to the industry sector.
The agency manages public parks within the city, plus Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and Northwest Trek – about 260 full-time employees and more than twice that with seasonal hires, plus a $50 million general fund budget and $77.2 million in capital projects. “When we talk about the broad geographic spread and the different types of activities, the opportunity is wide for problems, which have not happened,” said Wayne Williams, director of business services for the District. He credits Freshwaters’ broad knowledge and collaborative leadership style for continuing a 14-year string of clean audits. Freshwaters also chairs an in-house workforce management training program that aids cross-training and restructuring, if needed. Service on an advisory committee for community college courses, more than 20 years as a Rotarian, plus using his experience in triathlons to teach a conditioning class at the YMCA keeps Brett busy.
Rather than seek to mimic the new entries, Gray and his brother Mac, as CEO, have managed the firm begun by their grandfather into a supplier of high quality building products throughout the region. “We send two semi-trucks and trailers to Seattle/King County each day to supply the building boom up there,” Steve Gray said. “Commercial sales are about half of what we do, along with commercial homebuilders (25 percent) and remodelers are buying about 20 percent of our total volume.” Retail sales through their iconic store in Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue business district are just five percent of the whole. An active leader in service, Gray is sought out by groups such as Associated Ministries, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. He’s also a past president and 26 year member of Tacoma Sunrise Rotary.
TLRC proudly celebrates the nomination of
David Hoffman, CFO
David Hoffman
CFO Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community Just five years into a new industry, CFO David Hoffman has already earned a high compliment from his supervisor at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community. “David is the best chief financial officer that I’ve had in (my career span of) 40 years,” said CEO Paul Opgrande. “He is new to long-term care, but he’s adapted very well to the different environment” in this nonprofit with 350 employees serving 600 seniors on a $21 million budget. An Army veteran with three young children, Hoffman came from a large for-profit energy firm where he had been controller. He is described as quiet, never anxious and modeling good, consistent behavior, with clear expectations and great follow-through. Hoffman recently successfully negotiated new long-term financing that actually reduced interest rate risk for Tacoma Lutheran. “I value his ability to analyze opportunities and put the thinking (and) results into a beautiful document,” said CEO Opgrande. “He’s a bean-counter, but (can) communicate complicated financial information in a way that can be understood by others.”
as a Financial Executive of the Year!
David has a genuine love for people. We are truly blessed by his work, good nature and his grand sense of humor. Congrats David!
e well! iv L Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community 253.752.7112 www.tacomalutheran.org
Under great leadership, everyone prospers. Congratulations to the nominees and finalists of this year’s Financial Executives of the Year awards. W W W. M O S S A D A M S . C O M
Jennifer Nino
Kerry Prosser
CFO Commencement Bank
CFO Life Center Ministries
Jennifer Nino has held chief financial responsibility for Commencement Bank since its founding in 2006, meaning through the greatest recession and stressful times for financial institutions.
Kerry Prosser already had big responsibilities as CEO of a familyowned piano retail store group when he was invited to take a leap of faith – and become CFO of Life Center Ministries.
That this small Tacoma bank is now considered the 84th strongest on a recent list of the “Top 200 Healthiest Banks” is testament to her qualification as a finalist for 2015 Financial Executive of the Year.
Here was a $16 million operation with 225 employees operating a pre-K through 12th grade school, two senior care facilities, a foundation, two thrift stores and five separate church locations in the greater Tacoma area. Lead Pastor Dean Curry wanted Prosser to step away from what he had been doing and toward what he could give.
“It’s been a rough six years since Commencement Bank started … happening to coincide with the financial melt-down,” said Nino, “but very rewarding to be with one that had very little exposure to the troubles that hit so many.” “Jennifer is not just an outstanding CFO, she is also involved in everything from marketing to HR, and is constantly taking on new responsibilities as we grow,” said the bank’s president and CEO, Hal “H.R.” Russell. She and her husband also have two teenagers who are very active in outdoor sports competition, so it’s a busy life.
“I prayed about it and asked my store managers, then made the change,” he said, and the past three years have brought him “lots of growth and learning here.” Prosser’s role is “big picture” working with a five-person accounting staff that handles the details. He also coordinates strategic planning, audit operations and fiscal responsibility processes. His fellow executive leaders say Prosser’s addition to the team has been invaluable to all parts of the ministry. “We are better than ever before, and Kerry is part of the reason.”
Start living your Ideal Life...Today!
She keeps our finances, and her life, in Enjoy the Journey.
We help you live your Ideal Life by facilitating a process that: Aligns your financial choices with your most important goals and your most deeply held values.
Jennifer Nino Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Frees up mental & physical space and time so that you can focus on the things in your life that are more important than money.
A MEMBER OF
253.756.2003 | www.LiveYourIdealLife.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Planning and Investment Advice offered through Financial Advocates Investment Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, DBA Cornerstone Financial Strategies LLC and a separate entity from LPL Financial.
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel CFO Lisa Miles has become quite adept at keeping things in balance. After all, she oversees every aspect of finance and purchasing for our multi-million dollar property. So it should come as no surprise that she
perfect
excels at managing a tremendous range
balance.
of which involves the care and feeding of
of personal interests as well. Not the least two rather exuberant Great Danes. It all adds up to a positive outcome on both
Gets your entire financial house in order and keeps it that way forever. Gives you the confidence that no matter what happens in the markets, the economy, or the world, you will be on track toward your goals.
Lisa Miles, Chief Financial Officer
sides of the work vs. play ledger.
Commencement Bank congratulates Jennifer Nino and all finalists for the Business Examiner’s ‘Financial Executive of the Year’ award. Thank you all for contributing so greatly to your companies and our community.
253.284.1800
commencementbank.com 1102 Commerce St, Tacoma WA, 98402
Congratulations, Lisa, on being so good to the people—and best friends—in your life. And on your nomination for the Business Examiner’s Financial Executive of the Year.
Natalya Washburn
Ned Witting
In her first 14 years in a new country, Natalya Washburn has enrolled and completed coursework at Clover Park Technical College, earned a BA in Accounting from Saint Martin’s University and passed the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant.
As CFO and a partner at Print NW in Lakewood, Ned Witting is known for not being afraid of growth and the change that comes with it.
Controller Wilcox Farms
CFO Print NW
He is also a finalist for 2015 Financial Executive of the Year, and this has been another growing year for his company. Up to 150 employees now and with annual revenues approaching $19 million, Print NW is one of the nine largest commercial printers in the state.
It’s been a fast pace for this emigre from Siberia, who started over and has become Controller for Wilcox Farms in only her second job in America.
One of Witting’s partners, Jeff Stalling, says Ned and his team’s ability to keep up with the firm’s explosive growth is so critical, with ever-changing equipment, staffing and financial needs. The company has also created a management track formality, for each leader to be working with outside resources every 60 days, “and Ned’s been a big part of that. He’s helping to match the talent to the need.”
“She appreciates so much in comparison to her former country,” said CEO Andrew Wilcox. “She really cherishes private enterprise and the positive merits of what a company will do.” Washburn is also held in high regard by the Wilcox family owners of the 103-year-old agribusiness for looking out years in the future with possible decisions and bringing back to the table what strategic, fiscal (and other) plans will be needed to make big changes. “The size of this corporation allows me to participate in additional areas,” Washburn said. “It is large enough to allow me to learn.”
On behalf of everyone at Wilcox Farms, we would like to congratulate
Natalya Washburn
for being a Financial Executives of the Year finalist
Steve Zaitz
CFO Associated Petroleum Products The CFO of Associated Petroleum Products, Steve Zaitz is a finalist for 2015 Financial Executive of the Year, and it has been an eventful year for his company, too. This Tacoma-based company grew significantly in 2014 as it acquired out of bankruptcy some assets, equipment and employees from a failed competitor. It brought APP to around $1 billion in revenue with some 250 employees. Zaitz has held responsibility for sound fiscal management and guidance to the rest of his employer’s executive management team for four years. He previously was CFO for a similar company for more than a decade.
Wilcox Farms | Roy, WA (360) 458-7774
www.wilcoxfarms.com
“Our company’s ownership has always had an intention to help with the needs of the community where it operates,” Zaitz said. Indeed, APP is well-known for its charitable works throughout the South Sound, and now extending its service territory from the Canadian border south into Oregon and beyond.
Nita Earsley
Clifford Jo
Winner-Non-Profit
Winner-Government
Account Manager FISH Food Banks of Pierce County
Director of Finance Pierce County Library System
Described by her nominator as “an accountant with heart,” Nita Earsley wears many hats at FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. And does so with professional competency and an expansive giving spirit.
Clifford Jo joined Pierce County Library System in 2001 to manage its Information Technology, with degrees in computer science and physics. Not the background one sees in his current role as Director of Finance & Business Operations.
Earsley performs traditional accounting tasks for this nonprofit agency with a meager $1.5 million operating budget and more than $10 million of in-kind supplies to neighborhood food banks. She also does HR-Personnel functions, financial reports, in-kind donations and the inventory of all products at food bank and warehouse locations. “I’m a glorified bookkeeper,” Earsley said modestly, when asked about her FISH responsibilities. She came to FISH in May 2014 when a builder that had valued her accounting skills for 17 years could no longer afford them in the economic slowdown. Earlier, she spent 8-9 years at another not-for-profit. Many Saturdays, you can find her shopping (on her day off) at a neighborhood farmer’s market for fresh produce that she delivers to a nearby food bank, putting to reality the spirit she feels.
But that link began early with a demonstrated ability to help library executives use spreadsheets and document programs to share stories and management decision-making. Translating complex financial information into something understandable to a lay person (and taxpayer) was important. Donna Albers, CEO of Albers & Co. and member of the Library governing board, said it wasn’t long before his natural affinity for longrange forecasting, project planning, asset management and financial planning was clear. “Cliff brings part of the ‘heart’ to our executive management team,” said Georgia Lomax, executive director of the Library. And he’s demonstrated the ability to share that with other co-workers and library patrons, as well.
Lisa Miles Winner-Large Company CFO Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
Joining Lucky Eagle Casino in 2002, Lisa Miles brought her professional CPA experience with a Big Four firm, time as a senior accountant and director of finance in nation entertainment operations and responsibility as gaming financial officer for another Northwest tribal casino. Under Miles’ tenure as CFO, Lucky Eagle Casino has doubled the size of its gaming area and merged with Chehalis Tribe’s 170-room hotel. All of this with revenue growth of 114 percent, 12 consecutive years of positive operating results, and no audit adjustments in any year. “It’s no secret that she’s passionate about the whole business, not just accounting,” said CEO John Setterstrom in his nomination of Miles. “It’s a dynamic spirit, along with her vast knowledge, and ability to listen and communicate, which has helped cultivate effective working relationships with financial institutions, regulatory agencies and the Chehalis Tribal community.” She has also taught two finance classes for a local community college’s Gaming Certification program, and is an officer/board member for two local charitable, non-profit agencies.
Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. (APP) 2320 Milwaukee Way, Tacoma, WA 98421
Congratulations, Steve Zaitz
as a nalist for the 2015 Financial Executive of the Year
(800) 929-5243 or (253) 627-6179 www.associatedpetroleum.com www.apppropane.com ARC: 1501