Shannon Carbone

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Shannon has a passion for the firm’s mission statement, To Enrich Lives. It was embedded in her values and vision when she founded CFO Strategic Partners in 1999, and today is at the core of every major decision she and her team make within the firm. Shannon now brings her expertise, creative strengths, and strategic talents to the firm, serving as its CEO. She ensures that the growth of the company and its constant evolution are focused on helping owners of middle-market sized companies achieve their dreams and giving her team the opportunity to be the very best they can be.

Shannon’s background includes working with KPMG in their audit team and several years in the banking realm, including commercial lending with United Heritage Bank and Colonial Bank.

Shannon is recognized by various CEO organizations as a featured speaker and has conducted educational seminars for hundreds of CEOs focusing on giving them the tools they need to run their business. Her presentation entitled “CFO Tools for the CEO, Stop Blind-Casting and Start Sight-Fishing” has received high ratings from numerous CEO groups. In addition to this topic, she has conducted seminars and educational sessions on topics including banking, cash flow, and financial analysis. She has served on dozens of panels as an expert on topics ranging from entrepreneurship, women in the workplace, emerging companies, and financial strategies; however, she is most proud of her firm receiving an award for one of Orlando’s Best Places to Work (OBJ 2016)

“I have a passion for helping the business owner achieve his or her vision for the organization and being a part of making their dreams come true,” Shannon says. “I feel blessed to be surrounded by an incredible team and to have the opportunity to do what I love every day.” -Shannon

Nicholas Carbone

Chief Operations Officer

Nick’s background includes a combination of skills as a CPA, Entrepreneur/CEO, and investment banker. Nick began his career as a CPA with KPMG. As Senior Manager, Assurance Services, he conducted audit and assurance engagements as well as mergers & acquisition engagements.

As a founding principal in of PCE Investment Bankers, a Florida-based investment banking firm, Nick represented numerous clients in mergers & acquisitions and private placements. He also spearheaded the establishment of the firm’s business valuation practice.

In addition to Nick’s financial foundation, his entrepreneurial spirit crafted and created Touch Vodka, a locally sourced, small-batch distillery where he specialized in vodka and gin. He won national recognition from the San Francisco World of Spirits Competition, earning a gold medal. In 2012, Nick successfully exited his company with a sale to a Florida-based investment group and returned to investment banking where he could help other Entrepreneurs realize their value.

Nick joined the team of CFO Strategic Partners to focus on the firm’s operations and to create internal systems and proprietary tools to ensure we maximize the value for each client. In addition, because of his investment banking roots, Nick provides direction to our team and CEOs on exit strategies, M&A, and ensures we remain focused on what truly drives corporate value.

“I believe strongly in our value proposition because our clients have access to strategic financial support at a fraction of the cost of hiring one full-time. I also love working with CEOs to determine what truly drives the value in their companies and to create plans that ensure we remain focused on maximizing shareholder return and corporate value.” – Nick

Email: Ncarbone@cfosp.com

Meghan Dalton

Director

Meghan Dalton has over 25 years of experience in accounting and financial leadership.

Her career started at Ernst & Young in Little Rock, AR after graduating from Michigan State University.  In this role she was involved in the audits of a number of public and non-public entities in a variety of industries. Some of the industries she has experience in include financial institutions, professional services, and manufacturing/distribution, among others.  

Meghan went on to serve as the Controller and Vice President of Investor Relations for a public semiconductor manufacturing company, where she managed the finance department and was responsible for all accounting and financial reporting functions.  Additionally, in this capacity she was responsible for effectively communicating the company’s strategy, financial projections, and overall value proposition to the investment community.

Subsequent to this, Meghan served in key financial leadership positions for several private companies in the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical and professional services companies.   In this capacity she was charged with managing all financial operations and reporting, including oversight of the annual external audits.  Prior to joining CFO Strategic Partners, Meghan served as the CFO of a rapidly growing healthcare services company, where she helped refine the corporate strategy and operating model.  She was also responsible for forecasting operational and growth capital needs, and directed all strategic forecasting, general accounting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management functions.

Email: mdalton@cfosp.com

Brian J. Washington

CFO

Brian Washington has over 20 years experience in Accounting and Management with small to mid-size companies.

After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1998 with his BSBA in Accounting, Brian began his career in Public Accounting in New Jersey with a boutique CPA firm before joining a Big 4 firm.  He worked with audit clients including hospitals, home health agencies, private foundations and manufacturers.

In 2001 Brian joined a New Jersey based privately held contract manufacturer and distributor of vitamins and nutritional supplements.  He went on to serve as the corporate Controller where he was responsible for the entire finance department and all daily accounting and financial reporting.  During his tenure, Brian was a lead on several key initiatives which positioned the company for future growth, acted as a team lead on a successful SAP implementation, oversaw the financial aspects of the start-up of a new manufacturing facility of liquids and skincare products in Orlando and worked with the CEO and other senior management to complete two successful private equity transactions.

In 2009 Brian relocated to Orlando to serve as CFO for the company that had acquired the aforementioned manufacturing facility.  In this role, Brian oversaw all accounting functions,  human resource functions and managed all critical 3rd party relationships.  Again Brian was lead on several key initiatives for future growth and oversaw, along with the COO, a 30,000 square foot plant expansion and a successful ERP implementation.

Prior to joining CFO Strategic Partners, Brian served as CFO for a small privately held Orlando based company providing industrial drum reconditioning services and post industrial scrap plastic recycling.  In his role Brian rebuilt the monthly financial reporting package and established new procedures to provide more timely and relevant information to the owners and the Board of Directors.

Email: Bwashington@cfosp.com

Cheryle Frye

CFO

Cheryle Frye has over 25 years of experience in financial and operational management with small to mid-sized businesses.  She has served as a part-time CFO since 2006, helping clients through transitions and specializing in streamlining financial operations.  Cheryle strives to make jobs easier, the flow of data faster and the quality of information more accurate for the other members of executive management.

Cheryle’s career began in Houston, Texas with a national accounting firm after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin.  After more than 3 years, she transitioned to industry working in both service and product-based operations in key accounting and management leadership roles while earning her MBA from Rollins College.  She has extensive experience in the wholesale auto auction industry, food manufacturing, product wholesale/retail operations, property management and investment banking.

Cheryle has managed system implementations and conversions as well as operational integrations with accounting programs.  She specializes in managing growth so that overhead costs do not grow dis-proportionately.  She has lead the due diligence process in several acquisitions.  

Cheryle enjoys working across all disciplines in a business to help create more collaborative work relationships between associates.  She strives to help productivity increase dramatically when associates understand each other’s functions and challenges learning to work together towards mutual wins.

Cheryle is a member of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.  She has lived in Orlando since 1988.  In her spare time, Cheryle can be found on her Harley motorcycle, spending time with her two grown children and helping foster dogs get ready for their forever homes.

“The best sense of hope and accomplishment comes from helping others reach their goals and knowing you are working to make things better.”

Email: cfrye@cfosp.com

Gail Lacey

CFO

Gail Lacey joined the CFO Strategic Partners team in January 2012. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Gail began her accounting career with Lehmann Ullman & Barclay, a regional CPA firm in Birmingham, Alabama. After working in public accounting for five years, she left to become the controller for H&M Plumbing Company and Affiliates, a construction company specializing in commercial and multi-family construction. Most recently, Gail was the director of finance and accounting for Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin, Inc., a community planning firm in Orlando. The firm was a privately held company that provided planning and design services for private land development, public spaces and the transportation industry. She was with the company for 16 years and left in 2011 after the company was acquired. She has extensive experience with project costing, financial analysis, budgeting and cash management.

“Working with the client’s management team and contributing to the company’s success are the most satisfying aspects of being a CFO.”

Email: GLacey@cfosp.com

Jeannine Rohrbach

CFO

Jeannine began her career with a regional public accounting firm in Pennsylvania where she enjoyed working with the owners and accounting departments of banks, manufacturers, not-for-profits, service organizations, and employee benefit plans. Jeannine subsequently joined the finance team of a plastics manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania where she rose to the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Finance role, helping the business to grow both domestically and internationally to $130 million. Before relocating to Florida, she served as CFO for a $150 million, start-up, national staffing company based in Pennsylvania where she developed the accounting team and process documentation to prepare the organization for exponential growth. She earned her bachelor’s degree in from Bloomsburg University and more recently completing her MBA in Business from Alvernia University, both in Pennsylvania.

Jeannine is passionate about applying her 20+ years of experience in Accounting and Finance to help our clients reach their goals. A lifelong learner herself, Jeannine believes that fostering an engaged workforce through communication and education improves the bottom line and enriches lives.
Email: Jrohrbach@cfosp.com

Karen Schlachter

CFO

Karen joined CFO Strategic Partners with over twenty five years of experience in accounting and finance. She is a results-oriented CPA with a track record of leading the accounting, treasury, and financial management for corporations, nonprofits, and family offices. Her hands-on management style in the development and implementation of strategic plans has ensured increases in profitability and net worth for various entities and family shareholders.

During her 23-year career with CNL Financial Group, Inc., Karen led the accounting functions for numerous corporations, partnerships, trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals. In her various roles, she was responsible for banking relationships, loan negotiations, and treasury management for CNL Financial Group, Inc., high-net-worth individuals, and numerous affiliates. Karen has also worked with nonprofits, assisting them with complex real estate transactions and improving their financial process for greater efficiency and accuracy.

Karen has significant experience developing highly skilled accounting and financial management teams. She has worked with owners, top management, and outside third parties concerning financial forecasting and reporting, estate planning, and various other financial and strategic matters. She enjoys working in the financial and real estate industries and excels at contract negotiations.

“It’s very rewarding for me to work with the leaders of family-owned businesses to help them achieve success both in their personal and business financial affairs. When the business owners are confident that their financial affairs are all being properly handled, they can concentrate their efforts on the business’ operations and increasing its success.”

Email: kschlachter@cfosp.com

Kevin Lowdermilk

CFO

Kevin Lowdermilk has over 20 years of experience within finance and accounting including serving as the Vice President of Finance for a multinational business unit of Rolls-Royce. Kevin formerly served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of ISO Group, Inc – a venture capital-backed engineering, defense and aerospace company. During this time, he grew the company from $15M to $25M by markedly changing the financial direction and most importantly, significantly increasing profitability. As Chief Executive Officer and President of Exostar LLC, a global technology group, Kevin’s entrepreneurial experience, coupled with his dynamic financial expertise, keeps his schedule busy with client demands. He has been on the Board for a number of private companies across a variety of industries, including healthcare and aerospace and defense as well as manufacturing. Kevin has a BA degree in economics from Western Kentucky University and has an MBA from Ball State University in Indiana.

Email: klowdermilk@cfosp.com

Kirsten Dodson

CFO

Kirsten joined CFO Strategic Partners with over twenty years of experience in accounting and financing. Her interest was sparked at an early age by her role as a bookkeeper for an automotive parts company during high school. This led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

She began her career with Ernst & Young, LLP as an auditor in their New Orleans office. She then served as audit senior in their Long Island office and audit manager in the Orlando office, servicing both publicly and privately held companies with the entrepreneurial services group. Kirsten left Ernst & Young to serve as controller for SunStar Healthcare, Inc. where she helped them to achieve rapid growth and secure multiple rounds of investor financing, while overseeing the accounting department to meet SEC and Insurance industry financial reporting and regulatory requirements. Kirsten then returned to public accounting where she oversaw the audit and accounting department as senior audit manager for Keith Altizer and Company, P.A. for over fourteen years. In that role, she not only provided financial statement assurance services to small- to medium-sized businesses, but was also able to work closely with business owners to resolve issues they were facing and achieve their goals.

Kirsten has significant experience and enjoys working in a variety of industries, including real estate, construction/contracting, distributors, nonprofit, ecommerce, professional services, insurance and automotive dealerships.

“It’s very important to me to provide value as a member of my client’s management team. I truly enjoy working closely with entrepreneurs to help them achieve their growth and success goals.”

Email: kdodson@cfosp.com

Maria Rodriguez-Scott

CFO

Maria is a results-driven professional with experience in all areas of management including strategic and financial planning, accounting, and operational oversight. She began her career as an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, serving a wide range of clients including private and publicly-held entities, and diverse industries including manufacturing, banking, real estate, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations. She later joined Skandia Insurance Company Ltd, Sweden, an international property/casualty and long-term savings and investments group, subsequently acquired by Old Mutual Group, U.K. Over her 20-year career at Skandia and Old Mutual, her responsibilities ranged from Controller and CFO of various operating units, to COO of the Group’s emerging operations in Southern Europe and Latin America. Maria is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst.

For the past four years, Maria has served as volunteer mentor at the Orlando Chapter of SCORE, a national volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed, and was elected Chapter Chair in 2012. She is also First Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Community Health Centers, Inc., a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHCs) that provides medical and dental care for traditionally underserved communities in Central Florida.

“Working directly with entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized businesses has given me a much greater appreciation for the obstacles they face, and an immense admiration for their tenacity and dedication. My goal is to become a trusted advisor in every aspect of the client’s business.”

Email: mrodriguez-scott@cfosp.com 

Susan Bounds

CFO

Susan Bounds graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She began her career with Arthur Andersen (Andersen) in the Orlando office in the audit division and worked on both public and private clients. She served clients in many different industries including transportation, hospitality and food services, real estate, and retail. As an experienced manager with Andersen, Susan led a client service team of 40 people for a growing multinational public company. During her time with that client, Susan assisted with or managed SEC filings including current filings such as 10K and 10Q, as well as periodic filings such as S-1, S-3, S-4, and S-8. She also interacted with investment bankers, attorneys and others as she helped her client with numerous debt and stock transactions. Susan joined the CFO Strategic Partners team in October 2005. Since joining the team, she has worked in a variety of industries including insurance, lobbying and retail. In addition, she has performed project work including the preparation of pro forma financial statements for a public offering, and an analysis of distributions for a family-owned company. She is married with two children, and enjoys traveling and volunteering at her children’s school.

Email: SBounds@cfosp.com

Tamrin Mahon

CFO

Tamrin Mahon graduated from Rhodes College in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics, and in 2006 she received a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Central Florida. Her career started at PricewaterhouseCoopers here in Orlando in the audit practice. In this role she was involved in the audits of a number of public and non-public entities in a variety of industries. Some of the industries she has experience in include real estate, consumer products, entertainment, hospitality and healthcare, among others. Tamrin obtained her CPA license in 2008.

Tamrin went on to continue her career at a Cable Network/Digital Media Company in Orlando as Senior Director, Finance where she managed the accounting and finance department and was responsible for various financial planning, reporting and analysis across the Company. During her tenure, Tamrin was the lead on several key initiatives, including due diligence and integration of company asset acquisitions, SAP and other program implementations, various technical accounting matters and tax incentives.

In 2016, Tamrin became VP, Finance for the North Florida division of a national homebuilder. She led the Finance and Accounting department, including closings and land accounting. Tamrin was responsible for the financial aspects of feasibility submissions for land acquisitions and sales. She led financial planning, reporting and various analysis of WIP and overhead across the division.

Email: tmahon@cfosp.com

Tonja Pektas

CFO

Tonja Pektas graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 where she was in the Honors and Scholars Programs, Leadership Fellows Program, and Southern Scholarship Foundation Alumni of the Year. Tonja then received her master’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2002. She started her career at Arthur Andersen as an Auditor in 1993 where she gained experience in numerous industries including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, banking and non-profit. Tonja was asked to join a start-up company, Coast to Coast Renovations, in 1996 as a Controller to build their accounting department from the ground up. She implemented software, created policies and procedures, worked with underwriters to secure lending, and was in charge of hiring a complete staff. In 1997 she joined McCree, Inc. as a CFO in which she was responsible for the selection and implementation of new accounting software, overseeing staff, and preparing monthly financial reporting packages for the Board of Directors. Tonja also managed communication with estimators, architects, permitting, engineers, project managers, IT, and Human Resources. In 2000, Tonja began offering private consulting services, including assisting clients with their accounting processes as well as policies and procedures, developing budgeting processes, and implementation of set-up accounting for new divisions within organizations. Tonja has been involved with several organizations throughout the years including Junior Achievement and The United Way, and she is currently the Creative Director at her church. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her husband and five children.

“I get excited when I can see charted upticks in financial performance that are the result of specifically focused areas or when a client reaches out about a current issue because they trust the value I can add.”

Email: Tpektas@cfosp.com

Wendi Brockwell

CFO

Wendi Brockwell has over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial leadership.

Throughout her career Wendi has focused on helping businesses achieve financial stability, sustainability and implementation of technology in order to operate efficiently.  Wendi has both an MBA and a Master of Science in Accounting with a Controllership specialization from Strayer University.

Wendi worked at a large regional accounting firm in Colonial Heights, Virginia.  In this role she was involved in financial statement, tax preparation and consulting for several small and medium non-public entities in a variety of industries. Some of the industries she has experience in include construction, realtors, developers, health care professionals, manufacturing/distribution, and transportation among others. In many instances, she worked with clients on implementation of new technology or training on current technology in order to provide more accurate day to day information for the clients. 

Wendi also served as an Adjunct Faculty member at a Virginia community college for 10 years.  During this time, she was responsible for the preparation and instruction of classes for both degree seeking and continuing education students. 

Wendi subsequently took a position as Comptroller with a non-profit association in Florida.  In this capacity, she was charged with managing the entire accounting team as well as reporting on financials to the Board of Directors. She was also charged with managing the relationship with the external accounting firm and the financial management of other entities created for additional business purposes.  During her tenure, the association experienced tremendous growth.

“I truly enjoy working with privately owned businesses. My goal is to insure businesses are receiving accurate and timely financial information so that the owners can focus on what they do best and continue to grow their business.”

Email: wbrockwell@cfosp.com

Jennifer Kovacs

Controller

Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience specializing in bookkeeping and controller level support to small businesses. Her experience spans many industries including manufacturing, construction, real estate and the legal profession.

For the past 11 years, Jennifer has managed all aspects of an electrical contracting company’s finances including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax preparation, and cash flow as well as managing the office. She was instrumental in streamlining their daily operations as well as auditing their accounts and establishing a QuickBooks accounting system.

When she isn’t working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, refinishing furniture or enjoying a good book.

“It’s very rewarding to me to use my skills and experience to dive in and help businesses become more efficient and eliminate wasteful spending.”

Email: jkovacs@cfosp.com

Denise Ericson

Office Manager

Denise Ericson has a comprehensive background in Customer Service, Administration and Operations. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, before eventually becoming a Customer Service Manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Washington D.C. Denise is proud to have been part of the team to launch the first HMO offered by BCBS.

Denise continued her customer service management career at Time Warner Communications in Orlando, Florida, where she helped grow a department of 75 Customer Service Representatives into a Call Center of 200+ employees. After leaving Time Warner, Denise worked for a medical supply distributor for the next 15 years. During her tenure with this company, Denise was the Director of Administration and Operations, and assisted in many other departments when needed, including finance, customer service and warehouse.

Denise has a passion for the beauty of the English language, and especially enjoys working on written content projects. She appreciates the value of good customer service, and strives to make each client’s encounter a positive and helpful experience.

Email: dericson@cfosp.com