PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Organizations invest substantial time and resources in developing strategic plans, yet many fail to implement them successfully. The breakdown rarely occurs because the strategy itself is flawed; more often, priorities are not translated into decisions, resources, behaviors, and accountability across the enterprise. The CFO can be the key leader who closes this gap. With a company-wide view of performance, capital, risk, and value creation, the CFO is uniquely positioned to convert strategic priorities into funded initiatives, measurable outcomes, and disciplined management routines. This program examines how CFOs can move beyond financial stewardship to become catalysts for execution—helping the C-suite test assumptions, make trade-offs, align incentives, monitor progress, and think and act consistently with the strategic plan.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand why strategic plans fail and the barriers that prevent execution.
- Walk away with a practical framework that aligns priorities, resources, budgets, and measures.
- Learn how to build execution discipline and accountability through ownership, milestones, reviews, and course correction.
- Gain tools to influence the C-suite and align executive decisions and behaviors with the strategy.
SPEAKERS
Moderator: Robert Goldstein | Partner | CPA by Choice
Rob is a partner with CPA by Choice, a Maimi based accounting firm providing fractional CFO and strategic advisory services.
Rob is a CPA with over 30 years of experience providing strategic leadership and financial expertise across industries including manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and not-for-profits. Rob began his career at KPMG in Philadelphia, where he built a strong foundation in audit and financial reporting. He later held senior financial analyst roles with Fortune 500 and large privately held entities, guiding them through operational improvements.
As a management consultant, Rob provided outsourced CFO / controller services and strategic advisory services to start-ups, early-stage growth and maturing entities. Rob has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams, helping them to clarify vision, build scalable infrastructure, and improve financial performance. Throughout his career, he has guided companies through critical inflection points, establishing financial infrastructure, optimizing operations, and aligning cross-functional teams to execute on long-term vision. His data-driven leadership has enabled organizations to improve cash flow and grow EB
Kristy Michel | Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer | Loyola University Maryland
Kristy Michel serves as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer at Loyola University Maryland, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, treasury management, and long-term financial strategy. She works closely with university leadership and the Board of Trustees to strengthen financial sustainability, optimize resource allocation, and align financial decisions with institutional priorities. She also leads university-wide efforts to improve operational efficiency, address structural budget challenges, and position the institution for long-term financial success.
Prior to joining Loyola in April 2025, Kristy served as Acting Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she oversaw the university’s financial and administrative operations, including its $700 million operating budget. She previously served as UMBC’s Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance.
Before joining UMBC, Kristy served as Deputy State Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer at the Maryland State Department of Education, where she provided leadership in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation in support of public education across Maryland.
Throughout her career, Kristy has focused on strategic financial management, organizational effectiveness, and building collaborative partnerships to navigate complex challenges. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University at Albany and a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Spanish from Bucknell University.
EVENT POLICIES AND RESOURCES
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SPONSOR PARTNERS
Thank you to our valued Sponsor Partners. This event is open to members, sponsors, and special guests.
