Alumni Spotlight is pleased to announce The Top 100 Accounting Executives of 2021. We recognize these leaders for the positive impact they have on their organizations especially during these challenging years. While their work is often done behind the scenes, their detail-oriented and meticulous profession is one that should be acknowledged and celebrated. For as long as time, bookkeepers and accountants have been the backbone of companies and organizations, keeping them on the correct path towards financial success. Luca Pacioli, an Italian mathematician known as the father of accounting, was the first to publish works for the double entry accounting system in the 1400s. While huge advancements have been made over time, many of the principles and cycles first described by Pacioli are still in use to this very day.
Brad Weber, the Chief Accounting Officer of USAA, helps lead the organization to better serve the military community through banking, insurance and investments. One of the world’s leading engineering firms, WSP USA, is led by Nicholas Mitrakis, the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller. He helps keep their teams on track so they can have continued success building iconic high-rise buildings, bridges and highways across the United States. Meanwhile, Chris Vlahcevic, the Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Performance Food Group, leads one of the largest food and foodservice distribution companies in North America. These leaders have led teams and their organizations through trying times proving that their expertise stretches far beyond spreadsheets and numbers.
Please join us in celebrating the achievements of the Top 100 Accounting Executives of 2021.
1. Alfonse Upshaw
Kaiser Permanente, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer & Corporate Controller
University of California - Berkeley
Alfonse Upshaw began his professional career 27 years ago. Today, he is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Kaiser Permanente. As the nation’s leading not-for-profit health provider, Kaiser Permanente proudly serves 11+ million members from 600+ locations in 8 states and D.C. Together, their 200,000+ employees work as one to positively impact the lives of their members, employees, and communities.
In 1994 Upshaw was a partner of Deloitte & Touche. Upshaw graduated from the University of California - Berkeley.
5. Michael Nussbaum
McKesson, Vice President and Assistant Controller
University of Notre Dame
Michael Nussbaum began his professional career nearly 23 years ago. Today, he is the VP and Assistant Controller of McKesson. McKesson Corporation distributes pharmaceuticals and provides health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools. The company delivers a third of all pharmaceuticals used in North America and employs over 78,000 employees.
Nussbaum first got his start in 1999 as a senior auditor at Deloitte. From there, he went on to The Coca-Cola Company, before eventually rising to chief accounting officer at McAfee, his most recent position prior to joining McKesson. Nussbaum graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
7. Andrea Iacoboni
Nationwide, Vice President & Controller
Ohio State University
Andrea Iacoboni is the Vice President of Financial Reporting and Accounting Policy Controller of Nationwide. She first joined the company in 2007 as the director for enterprise reporting. Nationwide is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess and surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
Previously, Iacoboni was a senior audit associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Iacoboni earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the Ohio State University.
11. Nicholas Mitrakis
WSP USA, Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller
Fordham University
Nicholas Mitrakis is the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of WSP USA. He first joined the company in 2006. WSP USA is a civil engineering company whose professionals have planned, designed and managed the construction of some of the most iconic high-rise buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels and transit and rail systems across the United States.
Previously, Mitrakis was a co-founder at Project HQ | Project: Job Search and before that a CFO and COO at K2 Partnering Solutions. Earlier in his career he worked with Siemens as an analyst for operational audit and strategic projects. Mitrakis earned an MBA from Texas A&M University and an undergraduate degree in finance and international business from Fordham University.
13. Sharon Liu
Universal Studio Group, Senior Vice President & Controller
University of California - Los Angeles
Sharon Liu began her finance and accounting career 24 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Controller for Universal Studio Group at NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Liu was the Vice President of Corporate Accounting at City of Hope and before that served in several senior accounting and financial planning roles at Mars, Inc and KPMG, LLC. In addition to the economic business bachelor’s degree from the University of California - Los Angeles, Liu earned a master's degree in business taxation from USC Marshall School of Business.
17. Beth Adams
KeyBank, Chief Tax Officer
Miami University
Beth Adams is the Chief Tax Officer of KeyBank. She first joined the company in 2010 as an SVP and senior director. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation’s largest financial services companies. Key Companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance and investment banking products to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally.
Prior to joining KeyBank, Adams was the federal tax manager for National City Bank and before that a tax senior manager with Deloitte & Touche. Adams is the Treasurer of the Board of Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc (EDEN) which is the largest housing provider to the homeless or transitional of Northeast Ohio. She is also a Trustee for Great Lakes Theater and a Finance Committee Member for the West Side Catholic Center of Cleveland. Adams graduated from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and from The University of Akron with a master of taxation.
22. Kathryn Albright
Umpqua Bank, EVP of Global Payments, Products & Deposits
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kathryn Albright is EVP of Global Payments, Products & Deposits at Umpqua Bank, a $50B asset sized bank headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, with locations throughout the Western half of the US. At Umpqua, Albright is responsible for the development and delivery of all consumer, commercial and business banking solutions, as well as the sales, onboarding and client experience teams. She also manages a team of Liquidity, Fixed Income and Investment Managers. Albright has 30 years of financial industry experience.
Albright has been active in the communities in which she lives, working with and serving on boards focused on childhood and adult education, as well as women’s advocacy in the banking and finance industry. Albright is a Certified Treasury Professional, and holds a bachelors in finance from the University of Tennessee, as well as an MBA from the University of North Carolina.
View the complete list of awardees.
23. Chris Conley
Whirlpool Corporation, Vice President, Corporate Controller & Principal Accounting Officer
The University of Notre Dame
Chris Conley is the Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Whirlpool Corporation. He first joined the company in 2005 as a senior finance manager for North American manufacturing and engineering. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home.
Previously, Conley was a senior financial analyst at Penske Logistics and before that an inventory control manager at AM Todd Company. Earlier in his career he worked with Quality Dining as a cash management coordinator. Conley earned an MBA from The University of Notre Dame and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Bethel College.
28. John Winstel
DaVita Kidney Care, Chief Accounting Officer
Duke University
John Winstel is the Chief Accounting Officer of DaVita Kidney Care. He first joined the company in 2019. DaVita is a Fortune 500 health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients around the globe. The company is the largest provider of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for 20 years.
Previously, Winstel was a VP for finance and an accounting corporate controller at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company and before that an SVP for finance and a global controller at General Cable Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with Deloitte as a senior manager. Winstel earned an MBA from Duke University and an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of Cincinnati - College of Business.
35. Edward Quinn
Castle Metals, VP Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
University of Notre Dame
Edward Quinn is the VP Controller & Chief Accounting Officer of Castle Metals. He first joined the company in 2017. Castle & Co. is a leading provider of metals, services, and supply chain solutions. It has been the metals business brand since 1976. The company leverages their long-standing metals expertise and focus on processing and other value-added services to meet the unique requirements of industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, power generation and heavy equipment.
Previously, Quinn was a director at SolomonEdwards and before that a senior manager at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services. Earlier in his career he worked with Ernst & Young as an auditor. Quinn earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame.
36. Jeff Koshkin
Calpine, Chief Accounting Officer & Chief Risk Officer
The University of Texas at Austin
Jeff Koshkin is the Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Risk Officer of Calpine. Calpine Corporation is America’s largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Koshkin has 23 years in the utilities industry. He began his career in 1998.
Before joining Calpine, Koshkin was a senior manager for capital markets at Deloitte. Koshkin graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a masters in professional accounting.
39. Brooke Clark
CommScope, Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Brooke Clark is the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of CommScope. She first joined the company in 2004 as financial reporting analyst. CommScope is pushing the boundaries of technology to create the world’s most advanced wired and wireless networks. Its global team of employees, innovators and technologists empower customers to anticipate what’s next and invent what’s possible.
Previously, Clark was a senior financial analyst at International Legwear Group and before that a senior auditor at Deloitte. Clark earned an MS in accounting from Appalachian State University and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
44. John Madonna
Darden Restaurants, Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller
Duke University
John Madonna is the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of Darden Restaurants. Darden Restaurants is a premier full-service dining company and an American multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in Orlando. Madonna has 22 years of experience. He began his career in 1999.
Before joining Darden Restaurants, Madonna was an audit manager at Ernst & Young and before that an audit senior at Arthur Andersen LLP. Madonna graduated from Duke University with a graduate degree and from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree.
45. Kenneth Duarte
Gastro Health, Vice President of Finance & Accounting
University of Virginia
Kenneth Duarte is the VP and Head of Finance and Accounting of Gastro Health. Gastro Health is a medical group of board-certified physicians specializing in digestive and colon and liver health. The company employs some of the nation’s premier gastroenterologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and advanced practitioners as well as own and operate accredited and licensed ambulatory surgical centers. Duarte has nearly 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Gastro Health, Duarte was an assistant controller at Seaboard Marine Ltd. Earlier in his career he worked with Ernst & Young as an audit manager. Duarte graduated from the University of Virginia with an MS in accounting and from Florida International University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
View the complete list of awardees.
52. Sean Cannizzaro
Thomson Reuters, Vice President & Head of Tax Operations
Georgetown University
Sean Cannizzaro is the Vice President and Head of Tax Operations for Thomson Reuters. He first joined the company in 2009. Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading provider of news and information-based tools to professionals. Their worldwide network of journalists and specialist editors keep customers up to speed on global developments, with a particular focus on legal, regulatory and tax changes.
Cannizzaro has nearly 25 years of experience in the accounting field. He graduated from Georgetown University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
53. Brock Werner
Old Republic International Corporation, Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
University of Wisconsin
Brock Werner is the Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Old Republic International Corporation. He first joined the company in 2021. Old Republic International Corporation is a holding company engaged in the business of insurance underwriting and related services. They conduct their operations through various regulated insurance company subsidiaries.
Previously, Werner was a head of technical accounting at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty and before that an accounting director at CNA Insurance. Earlier in his career he worked with KPMG as an audit manager. Werner earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
60. Drew Coxhead
Covetrus, Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Drew Coxhead is the Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Covetrus. Covetrus is a global animal-health technology and services company dedicated to empowering veterinary practice partners to drive improved health and financial outcomes. Coxhead has 31 years of experience. He began his career in 1990.
Before joining Covetrus, Coxhead was a chief financial officer and treasurer at LSC Communications Inc. and before that, a senior vice president and chief accounting officer at RR Donnelley. Earlier in his career he worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior auditor and manager. Coxhead graduated from the University of Chicago with an MBA and from the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
63. Andrew Huml
Iron Mountain, Chief Audit Executive and Vice President of Global Internal Audit
Columbia University
Andrew Huml is the Chief Audit Executive of Iron Mountain, the global leader for storage and information management services. Trusted by more than 225,000 organizations around the world, with more than 1,400 facilities in over 50 countries, Iron Mountain stores and protects billions of valued assets, and provides solutions that include information management, digital transformation, data centers, cloud, and art storage and logistics.
Before joining Iron Mountain, Huml was in the Internal Audit, Risk & Financial Advisory practice of Deloitte & Touché LLP. Huml graduated from Columbia University with an MBA and from Union College with an undergraduate degree in managerial economics.
70. Howard Rosen
OpenText, Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
Georgetown University
Howard Rosen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of OpenText. He first joined the company in 2020. OpenText is a world leader in information management, helping companies securely capture, govern and exchange information on a global scale.
Previously, Rosen was a vice president and corporate controller for Safe-Guard Products International and before that a senior vice president and chief accounting officer at RioCan Reit. Earlier in his career he worked with Arthur Young as a senior auditor. Rosen earned an MBA in international finance from New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Georgetown University.
73. James Grimes
Ardent Health Services, Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
University of Tennessee
James Grimes is the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Ardent Health Services. He first joined the company in 2004. Ardent Health Services invests in quality health care. In people, technology, facilities and communities, Ardent makes considerable investments – producing high quality care and extraordinary results. To date, those investments total more than $1.4 billion since 2001. From newly constructed facilities and expanded services to lifesaving technology and outstanding opportunities for employees, Ardent is committed to providing its hospitals and clinics the tools they need to succeed.
Previously, Grimes was an audit senior at Ernst & Young. Grimes earned an MA in accounting from the University of Virginia and an undergraduate degree in finance and accounting from Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee.
79. Eric Boni
Ashland, Vice President & Principal
Miami University
Eric Boni is the Vice President of Finance and Principal Accounting Officer of Ashland. Ashland is a premier global specialty materials company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care and pharmaceutical. Boni has 30 years in the chemicals industry. He began his career in 1991.
Before joining Ashland, Boni worked with 84 Lumber as a manager trainee. Boni graduated from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business with an MBA in finance, decision and information systems and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
View the complete list of awardees.
86. Kimberly McGarry
Morningstar, Global Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
University of Chicago
Kimberly McGarry is the Global Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Morningstar. She first joined the company in 2018. Morningstar is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company offers an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and institutional investors in the debt and private capital markets.
Previously, McGarry was an SVP and chief financial officer at The Options Clearing Corporations and before that a chief accounting officer at First Midwest Bank. Earlier in her career she worked with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a manager. McGarry earned an MBA in finance and international business from The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Miami University.
94. Louis Fanzini
MISTRAS Group, Chief Accounting Officer & Global Controller
Fordham University
Louis Fanzini began his professional career 28 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Accounting Officer and Global Controller of MISTRAS Group. MISTRAS is a leading "one source" global provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy and industrial and public infrastructure.
Fanzini first got his start in 1993 as a senior auditor at RSM US LLP. From there, he went on to J.P. Morgan, before eventually rising to become the global financial controller at Vonage, his most recent position prior to joining MISTRAS Group. Fanzini graduated from Fordham University with an MBA and from St. Thomas Aquinas College with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
97. Jones Lam
Udemy, Vice President of Tax
University of California - Berkeley
Jones Lam is the Vice President of Tax of Udemy. Udemy is an online learning platform that helps students, companies, and governments gain the skills they need to reach their goals. Lam has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 1998.
Before joining Udemy, Lam was a global tax director at Veeva Systems and before that a director of tax at Grass Valley. She began her tax career with KPMG. Lam graduated from American University - Kogod School of Business with an MST in taxation and from the University of California - Berkeley with an undergraduate degree.
98. Kelly Munsch
Neighborly, Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller
The University of Texas at Austin
Kelly Munsch began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of Neighborly. Neighborly is a holding company of 21 service brands focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing consumers’ homes and businesses and is the world’s largest home services franchisor serving 8.9 million+ customers.
Munsch first got her start in 1991 as a senior cost accountant at Occidental Chemical Corporation. From there, she went on to Pearle Vision, before eventually rising to vice president, chief accounting officer and controller at Tuesday Morning, her most recent position prior to joining Neighborly. Munsch graduated from Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business with an MBA and from the University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
View the complete list of awardees.