2017 CFO of the Year Award Winners
Triangle Business Journal | July 13, 2017 –
Faith Kosobucki
When a crisis hits, many companies look to their CFOs for guidance. Triangle Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Awards honor the important work chief financial officers do in making Triangle firms and organizations successful. Faith Kosobucki has been named among the Triangle’s top financial talent in the 2017 CFO of the Year Awards. This award recognizes Faith as an outstanding Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who has exemplified excellence as a corporate financial steward.
Title: Chief Financial Officer | Clarkston Consulting
Age: 38
Company description: Consulting services for life sciences and consumer products companies
Birthplace: Ohio
Family members: Husband, Christopher; daughters, Chloe and Caris
Education: BBA, James Madison University, MBA, UNC-Chapel Hill
Describe what makes you a successful CFO.
I genuinely love what I do. I’m motivated by the challenging and fulfilling work, supported by a dedicated and capable team, and inspired by talented mentors and peers.
How did you contribute to your organization’s growth?
Over the years, I have helped with a number of complex financial transactions as we’ve grown the portfolio of businesses.
What’s the greatest obstacle or challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Due to the cyclical nature of service companies, it can be tough managing the firm through difficult times. It’s easy to make decisions in an up market. But keeping a cool head during down times is essential, as the right decisions for the company can be difficult and painful but are necessary for long-term success.
What’s one thing you wish people understood better about the role of the CFO?
The best CFOs are strategic thinkers, risk managers and trusted advisers.
What civic organizations are you involved with and how do you serve them?
I am passionate about diversity in the workforce, and am thrilled about our corporate sponsorship of Girls Who Code, a program committed to closing the gender gap in technology. It’s exciting to support young women building an important skill that will benefit both themselves and our industry as a whole.
Who would you consider as your mentor?
I’ve been blessed with significant mentors: my parents, who showed me the importance of a strong work ethic; my predecessor, who showed me the importance of developing talent around you, and my fellow partner, who showed me the impact courage and optimism can have in life.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
I’m an avid daylight chaser. Each morning, I hit the pavement in hopes of catching a stunning sunrise during my run.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Dr. Seuss said it best – “you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose”. So shoot for the moon, Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.