What inspired you to pursue a career in Finance, and how did that path lead you to become CFO at GovSpend?
The finance and accounting field is something that has interested me since high school. After graduating from college with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, I began my career in public accounting and consulting, which gave me invaluable experiences through the ability to partner with many different types of businesses. As I progressed in my career, I wanted to move away from consulting and into an operational role. During that time, I also became very interested in technology companies. I ultimately decided to join GovSpend after learning about the incredible value that it provides and getting to know the people.
What strategic initiatives or product developments are you most excited about right now, and how do you ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to support overall business objectives?
I’m currently extremely excited about AI and how we’re incorporating it into our product. The ability to point AI across our vast datasets has the potential to unlock game-changing insights for our customers by helping them make faster, smarter decisions in ways that weren’t possible before.
AI is a top strategic priority for us, and while it’s still an evolving space, we’re being intentional about how we invest. My focus is on aligning our resources with the initiatives that drive the most long-term value. That means working closely with product and engineering to fund high-impact use cases, building flexibility into our budgets, and keeping a close eye on ROI. It’s about balancing innovation and discipline; being bold, but also smart about where we place our bets.
How do you keep a pulse on financial trends, market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving regulations to help position GovSpend for sustainable growth and profitability?
I follow a number of news sources and CFO groups. I also leverage our Board of Directors and the network of other professionals and consultants that I have worked with over the years.
Is there a book, podcast, or resource that has shaped your approach to leadership?
It isn’t one book or podcast I’d point to, but rather the decade I spent in public accounting and consulting that really shapes how I lead. It was fast-paced, deadline-driven, and incredibly team-oriented. Everyone had a job to do, and we all relied on each other to deliver. That environment taught me accountability, clear communication, and the value of being dependable under pressure—all things I try to bring into my current leadership style.
Who inspires you the most, either inside or outside the business world?
My dad. He started with nothing and worked his way up through pure determination and grit. He didn’t have connections or a fancy degree, but he showed up every day, outworked everyone, and never made excuses. Watching that while growing up had a huge impact on me; it taught me the value of hard work, humility, and earning your way. It’s something I carry with me, especially when things get tough.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t rush through the moments. It’s easy to be so focused on the next milestone, the next promotion, the next deal, the next metric—that you forget to appreciate how far you’ve come. The pace doesn’t slow down, but your perspective can.
What qualities do you value most within your team, and how do you foster a culture of motivation, innovation, and collaboration?
The qualities I value most in my team are trust and camaraderie. My teams tend to be lean, and they also have a lot on their plates, so it’s crucial for everyone to know that they can rely on each other and we truly have each other’s backs.
I strive to create an environment where people feel supported, but not micromanaged, giving them the autonomy to do their best work while knowing I’m there to help when needed. That balance helps foster collaboration and encourages innovation, because when people feel safe and trusted, they’re more willing to take smart risks and share new ideas.
What do you like to do outside of work to recharge and stay motivated?
Right now, spending time with my toddler and family is my way of recharging (even though toddlers are a lot of work). Besides that, I love spending time outside, especially on the golf course.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I’d have dinner with Lewis Hamilton. He’s a world-class driver, but what fascinates me is the mindset behind that level of consistent, high-stakes performance. In Formula 1, the margin for error is microscopic. I’d love to hear how he stays calm under pressure, how he builds trust with his team at 200 mph, and, if I’m lucky, maybe talk him into letting me take a few laps in one of his cars.
About the Author: GovSpend
