GRETCHEN HUMBERT
Santa Monica,CA
Summary
Results-oriented executive with a proven track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams to drive operational and financial success. Thrives in fast-paced and demanding environments, maintaining a "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude to get things done. Strategic, meticulous, and thoughtful collaborator who excels in dynamic and innovative organizations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Led all financial, accounting, tax, payroll and risk management operations of new art museum under construction in Los Angeles
- Implemented new annual budget process and created projections for start-up activities
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop a long-term financial model based on comparable museum benchmarks and the unique characteristics of the Lucas Museum
- Developed and tracked capital project budgets
- Revamped the institution’s g/l structure to optimize reporting and fiscal management across departments
- Ensured that fiscal policies, processes, and procedures promoted efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Chief Financial Officer
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Strategic advisor to the President and member of Executive Leadership team
- Responsible for all finance, accounting, investment, risk management and IT operations
- Crafted a long-term operating agreement and financial arrangement between the City of L.A., the Zoo and GLAZA and secured consensus on critical terms
- Regularly presented to the Board and chaired the Finance and Audit Committees
- Orchestrated financial reorganization and successfully secured government grants to assure organization’s continued support of the Zoo during the COVID shutdown
- Successfully transitioned employees to remote work, implemented enhanced cyber-security protocols and oversaw migration to new ticketing system.
Chief Financial Officer
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Member of Executive Leadership team and responsible for all finance, accounting, investment, risk management and IT operations
- Regularly presented to the Museum’s Board of Trustees and served as Board Treasurer and Secretary
- Chaired the Budget, Investment and Audit Committees
- Prepared and presented monthly cross-departmental performance metrics and profitability analyses
- Streamlined operations with the implementation of a new budget process, online expense and invoicing system, and reorganization of the finance staff
- Partnered with human resources on oversight of 403(b) plan and compensation
- Managed the refinancing of $90M of tax-exempt bonds
- Ensured Museum compliance with County fiscal requirements, bond covenants, and federal grants
- Chaired the Museum Digital Strategy task force and contributed to the development of the Museum’s Strategic Framework.
Chief Financial Officer
Rent.com, an EBay Company
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Led finance, accounting, and customer service operations of online apartment listing site
- Managed all financial reporting, forecasting and business analysis
- Tracked KPI’s and assessed strategic initiatives to drive revenue and improve operational efficiencies
- Managed 40 people in 100-person organization
- Key contributor in eBay’s sale of company to private equity firm
- Collaborated with new parent company in transition of accounting and finance operations.
CFO/COO
GENEX
01.2001 - 01.2011
- Led finance, operations, HR, facilities and IT departments of internet design and
- Development firm
- Served as key member of a highly involved, hands-on executive team, providing leadership, process, and analysis in a rapidly growing organization
- Partnered with the CEO to optimize operations, assess profitability, and overhauled processes, resulting in a financial turnaround with the operating margin increasing from 3% to over 20%
- Developed accounting systems, produced financial statements and reports, presented financial performance to the Board, managed cash flow, and maintained strong relationships with bankers and investors
- Oversaw 90+ employees across departments and recruited, mentored, and trained management team members
- Managed recruiting, payroll, benefits, training, on-boarding, and performance evaluations
- Successfully led the sale of the company to Meredith Corporation, exceeding financial metrics during a 4-year earn-out, maximizing acquisition price and benefits to the founder.
Chief Financial Officer
FUEL, Inc, RAZORFISH, INC
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Managed finance, accounting and operations of broadcast design and commercial production firm
- Collaborated with founder to market, negotiate, and successfully complete sale of company to Razorfish, a publicly held digital consulting firm
- Once acquired, oversaw client-related activities, including business development
- Member of Office Leadership Team responsible for creating and implementing programs to build company capabilities, strengthen staff development, and improve client deliverables.
Education
M.B.A - Finance
Anderson Graduate School of Management
B.A. - Economics
University of California
Skills
- Accounting principles understanding
- Strategic financial planning
- Reporting skills
- Continuous learning mindset
- Strategic Planning
- Cash Flow Management
- Risk Management
- Mergers and Acquisitions Experience
- Leadership and People Development
- Executive Leadership
- Audit Coordination
Interests
ADDITITONAL INFORMATION
, Advisory Board Member, Ready to Succeed Foster Youth Organization 2022 – present
Treasurer and Founding Board Member, Summit Prep Charter School, South LA 2013 – 2019
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer
LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
01.2023 - 01.2024
Chief Financial Officer
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION
01.2019 - 01.2023
Chief Financial Officer
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
01.2014 - 01.2019
Chief Financial Officer
Rent.com, an EBay Company
01.2011 - 01.2013
CFO/COO
GENEX
01.2001 - 01.2011
Chief Financial Officer
FUEL, Inc, RAZORFISH, INC
01.1999 - 01.2000
M.B.A - Finance
Anderson Graduate School of Management
B.A. - Economics
University of California
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