Mike is an operational CFO with over two decades of experience at companies ranging from start-ups to large public corporations.  He has a successful track record of transforming and growing teams with an emphasis on the company’s customers, culture, and bottom line.  Mike has worked across numerous industries, including: Education, Technology, Publishing, Aerospace and Defense industries.

Mike believes that the financials should validate a product/company plan, not make it, and that understanding the operational execution and strategy behind the financials is paramount. His ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships with stakeholders leads to more efficient processes, teams, and capital allocations.

Mike’s most recent experience was as CFO of Esme Learning Solutions, an Edtech company offering online Finance and AI courses in partnership with top universities. Mike worked closely with the founders and the board to raise over $15M of equity, closed several rounds of debt financing, and created subsidiaries in the UK and Singapore. He built out the Finance, Accounting, HR, and Legal functions while completing a strategic acquisition and an ERP implementation.

Prior to Esme, Mike was the VP of Operations and Director of Finance at Jones and Bartlett Publishing and Click Safety, both of which are Ascend Learning companies. During his tenure at Ascend, he served as a key stakeholder in the competitive sale from Providence Private Equity to Blackstone Private Equity. He drove team and culture transformations, resulting in 20%+ EBITDA improvements, and led and integrated several acquisitions worth over $17M.  Mike negotiated pricing schedules and contracts with key channel partners and suppliers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, resulting in an increase of both top and bottom line.

During Mike’s time in the Aerospace and Defense industry he worked on programs ranging from R&D and LRIP to full scale production lines.  He understands the government proposal process and was a key member in the negotiation and award of a $500M communication contract. He worked closely with Engineering and Product teams to manage inventory, program schedules, obsolescence, and warranties.

Outside of work, Mike lives just north of Boston with his wife and two kids. He enjoys coaching his kids’ soccer teams and snowboarding in the winter.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Masters of Business Administration from Bentley University.