Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Accomplishments
Leadership Qualities
Core Accomplishments
References
References
Leadership Qualities
Overview
Generic

Sharon V. Chestnut

Summary

Seasoned executive and entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record of scaling startups and early-stage companies. Recognized for driving high-performance growth through visionary leadership, decisive execution, and strategic business development. Skilled in process optimization, revenue expansion, and shareholder value creation. Adept at building strong relationships with senior leadership teams, and inspiring organizations to exceed performance goals. Committed to innovation, adaptability, and delivering exceptional results in dynamic, growth-focused environments.

Work History

VP of Procurement/CFO

Optima Communications Systems Inc.
Valley Cottage, NY
04.2021 - Current
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive procurement strategy to optimize cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
  • Established and led a robust supplier management program focused on quality, cost control, and supply chain continuity.
  • Managed and oversaw contractual agreements to ensure compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Implemented continuous cost-saving initiatives, driving operational improvements, and bottom-line savings.
  • Compiled and presented accurate financial data in compliance with established accounting standards and regulations.
  • Directed cash flow management, ensuring adequate liquidity, and financial stability for the organization.
  • Assessed financial risks related to credit, market fluctuations, and operational factors to mitigate potential impact.
  • Contributed to strategic planning, providing key financial insights to support decision-making, and business growth.
  • Led initiatives aimed at cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and profitability enhancement.
  • Monitored and ensured strict adherence to accounting standards, tax laws, and regulatory compliance.
  • Managed finance operations, providing leadership, support, and guidance to the team to drive financial performance.

President

Medartis, Inc.
Exton, PA
01.2017 - 09.2020
  • Led a team of 50 direct reports, 34 distributors, and 4 area sales directors, overseeing daily operations, and driving team performance.
  • Established strong partnerships with top surgeons, hospital executives, and distributors, resulting in a 12% sales growth within a 4% market increase.
  • Managed daily operations, including financial oversight, governance, sales, and marketing functions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Expertly managed costs while driving substantial growth in sales and market penetration across competitive markets.
  • Provided visionary and strategic leadership, shaping the organization’s direction and long-term success.
  • Directed efforts to build trust and reliability within distributor relationships, fostering strong, dependable partnerships.
  • Designed and implemented business strategies, including operational plans and procedures, to achieve organizational goals.
  • Oversaw legal operations, including the management of General Counsel, FDA, and DC regulatory agencies, ensuring full compliance.
  • Led product testing and validation efforts, supporting approval requirements, and aligning with industry standards.
  • Cultivated and maintained relationships with key industry associations and government agencies, enhancing the organizational reputation.
  • Led financial goal-setting, budgeting, and performance objectives, driving organizational growth and fiscal responsibility.

Ad Interim President

Medartis, Inc.
Exton, PA
06.2015 - 12.2016
  • Enhanced market presence by strategically recruiting a high-performing sales team and expanding the distributor network.
  • Achieved targeted distributor network growth within eight months, while simultaneously scaling the sales team to meet organizational objectives.
  • Forged key relationships with hospital C-suite executives, facilitating direct engagement with Value Analysis Committees (VAC).
  • Directed the development of educational programs, increasing product understanding and enhancing effectiveness among distributors and sales teams.
  • Created streamlined order management processes, improving operational efficiency across the organization.
  • Cultivated relationships with key opinion leaders, establishing Centers of Excellence to drive product innovation and launch efforts across the U.S.
  • Assembled a pioneering group of design surgeons, positioning the company as a leader in surgical innovation and product development.
  • Implemented the 'Shadow the Surgeon' strategy, leveraging design surgeons to mentor new surgeons on product usage, and foster strong adoption.
  • Accelerated product approval through effective management of distributor VAC and RFP workflows, ensuring timely market entry.

Chief Financial Officer and Co-Owner

New World Management, Inc.
Fort Lee, NJ
06.2005 - 12.2016
  • Served as CFO, comptroller, and VP of Finance for 30 subsidiaries of European firms, overseeing all fiduciary responsibilities and financial operations.
  • Specialized in managing U.S. Subsidiaries of European-based companies focus on development, support, and administration to ensure smooth operations.
  • Formulated and executed strategic plans for the U.S. Market expansion, including conducting site selection studies to identify optimal business locations.
  • Conducted a strategic analysis of industry structures and key stakeholders, providing actionable insights for decision-making and business development.
  • Established U.S. Subsidiary organizations for European firms, ensuring seamless market entry and operational efficiency.
  • Supported talent acquisition and retention strategies, helping firms attract, onboard, and retain top-tier talent to meet growth and operational needs.
  • Identified and engaged American partners for import/export activities, technology transfer, strategic alliances, joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Managed daily business operations, ensuring smooth functioning, and providing routine operational and financial reports.
  • Optimized business operations by strategically integrating customer service, warehousing, and sales methodologies to improve efficiency and profitability.
  • Provided troubleshooting and interim management support, stepping in to ensure continuity and resolve operational challenges.
  • Provided debt recovery support to European firms engaged with the U.S. Entities, ensuring financial stability and resolution of outstanding obligations.
  • Handled legal, financial, and tax matters, ensuring comprehensive compliance and efficient resolution of issues across both the U.S. And European operations.
  • Managed customs broker activities for import/export operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and efficient logistics management.
  • Provided strategic financial insights and guidance, influencing key business decisions and helping to drive overall company performance.

Chief Financial Officer

Tschudin Inc.
Fort Lee, NJ
01.1999 - 05.2005
  • Served as CFO and strategic business partner for 18 foreign-owned U.S. companies. companies. companies. companies. companies. companies. Subsidiaries drive financial performance and operational success.
  • Evaluated and assessed financial performance across the U.S. Subsidiaries, providing actionable insights to enhance profitability and growth.
  • Identified, acquired, and implemented systems and software solutions to optimize operations and improve financial reporting.
  • Collaborated with the parent company’s Board of Directors, CEO, CFO, and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring alignment on financial strategy and business objectives.
  • Developed and established annual financial objectives, aligning them with the company’s growth and expansion plans to ensure strategic success.
  • Engaged in audit processes and contributed to the preparation of ICP schedules.
  • Managed corporate accounting tasks, including general ledger activities and financial reporting.
  • Managed relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Trained and mentored junior accounting and finance staff, developing internal talent and promoting professional growth.

Assistant Controller

Dewey Electronics Corporation (Contract AOC)
Oakland, NJ
07.1997 - 01.1999
  • Maintained accurate project costing for government contracts, ensuring proper allocation and compliance with contract terms.
  • Reviewed and analyzed government contracts for accuracy, ensuring financial compliance.
  • Completed DCAA and incurred cost submissions, ensuring adherence to federal standards and regulations.
  • Ensured prompt invoicing in line with contract guidelines, improving cash flow, and customer satisfaction.
  • Contributed to audit processes, preparing ICP schedules, and providing necessary documentation.
  • Managed corporate accounting tasks, including overseeing the general ledger, financial reports, statements, and account analysis.
  • Assisted in preparing the operating budget, conducting monthly variance analysis, and advising senior leadership on corrective actions.
  • Ensured general ledger integrity and compliance with corporate accounting policies and procedures.
  • Served as a liaison for interdivisional accounting and billing, ensuring consistency and accuracy across departments.
  • Oversaw payroll and daily accounting activities, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
  • Developed weekly forecasts for divisions, contracts, invoices, and cash flow, providing actionable insights to leadership.
  • Implemented and maintained internal controls, ensuring compliance with federal standards, policies, and contractual mandates.
  • Managed expense budgets for Integrated Supply Chain (ISC), Engineering, and SG&A, driving cost management initiatives.
  • Identified cost-saving opportunities and reductions in indirect spending, consistently meeting or exceeding budget expectations.
  • Forecasted and reviewed balance sheet, including cash flow, working capital, and capital expenditures.
  • Developed corrective action plans to address financial discrepancies, and improve performance.

Education

Business Administration -

William Paterson College
Wayne, NJ

Some College (No Degree) - Certification of Banking and Management

American Institute of Banking
NJ

Accounting and Finance -

Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Skills

Leadership and Team Development

  • Team Building and Leadership
  • Employee training
  • Cultural transformation
  • Board collaboration
  • Stakeholder Relations

Strategic Planning and Execution

  • Strategic Planning and Marketing
  • Sales Strategy and Management
  • Product commercialization
  • Business Development
  • International Business Markets
  • Targeted marketing
  • Portfolio management

Financial and Operational Management

  • P&L Management
  • Financial Management
  • Cost containment
  • Efficiency Optimization
  • Risk Assessment
  • Governance, Compliance

Sales and Business Growth

  • Consultative sales
  • Product Development
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Global Distribution Networks
  • International business

Analytical and Decision-Making

  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Market Analysis
  • Performance forecasting
  • Data-Driven Decision Making

Contract and Supplier Management

  • Contract negotiation
  • Supplier Management
  • Operational Policy

Timeline

VP of Procurement/CFO

Optima Communications Systems Inc.
04.2021 - Current

President

Medartis, Inc.
01.2017 - 09.2020

Ad Interim President

Medartis, Inc.
06.2015 - 12.2016

Chief Financial Officer and Co-Owner

New World Management, Inc.
06.2005 - 12.2016

Chief Financial Officer

Tschudin Inc.
01.1999 - 05.2005

Assistant Controller

Dewey Electronics Corporation (Contract AOC)
07.1997 - 01.1999

Business Administration -

William Paterson College

Some College (No Degree) - Certification of Banking and Management

American Institute of Banking

Accounting and Finance -

Seton Hall University

Accomplishments

  • Spearheaded revenue growth from $9M to $28M over five years through strategic product innovation and market expansion by creating a Hybrid sales organization that focused on underperforming markets.
  • Led successful turnaround of underperforming territories, achieving profitability within 18 months.
  • Built strategic partnerships with top-tier hospital networks and academic centers, driving a 40% increase in clinical trial participation.
  • Reduced operational expenses by 22% through organizational restructuring and vendor renegotiation.

Leadership Qualities

  • Commercialization Process
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Consultative Sales
  • Sales Management
  • P&L Management
  • Business Development | M&A
  • Product Development
  • Cultural Transformation
  • Portfolio Management
  • Business Turnarounds
  • Business Modeling
  • International Markets
  • Global Distribution Networks
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Team Building and Leadership
  • Cost Containment
  • Efficiency Optimization
  • Analytics | Metrics

Core Accomplishments

Developed strong relationships with key surgeons, hospital administration and distributors related to significant sales growth of 12% in a 4% market in addition to creating a Hybrid sales organization that focused on underperforming markets., Consistently lead sales initiatives to establish dependable relationships with distributors to fulfill sales obligations. Developed and lead a team of 50 Direct and 34 Distributors and 4 area Sales Directors that manage the day-to-day business., Proficient in developing and executing strategies that significantly increased sales and market share while managing expenses.

References

References available upon request.

References

References upon request.

Leadership Qualities

  • Visionary and strategic leader with a proven ability to drive growth, operational excellence, and large-scale transformation.
  • Builds high-performing, resilient teams by fostering cultures of accountability, innovation, and inclusion.
  • Skilled at aligning executive teams, stakeholders, and boards around shared goals to accelerate business success.
  • Hands-on and energetic leadership style, combining strategic vision with tactical execution to deliver rapid, sustainable results.
  • Experienced in navigating complex change initiatives, mergers, digital transformations, and high-growth environments.
  • Committed mentor and coach, passionate about unlocking individual and team potential to fuel long-term organizational strength.
  • Trusted communicator and decision-maker known for modeling integrity, transparency, and resilience in dynamic markets.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Similar Profiles

  • Nehal Upadhyay

    Nehal UpadhyayNehal Upadhyay

    Insurance Agent at Optima CommunicationsInsurance Agent at Optima Communications

  • Salma Ali

    Salma AliSalma Ali

    Customer Support Specialist at Optima Communications International (HYDRO OTTAWA)Customer Support Specialist at Optima Communications International (HYDRO OTTAWA)

  • Nicholas Semon

    Nicholas SemonNicholas Semon

    Salesperson at Optima CommunicationsSalesperson at Optima Communications

  • Megan Kodarin

    Megan KodarinMegan Kodarin

    Executive Assistant to the CFO, VP HR & VP Legal at Allstate CanadaExecutive Assistant to the CFO, VP HR & VP Legal at Allstate Canada

  • Scott Farrell

    Scott FarrellScott Farrell

    Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/VP of Human Resources at U.S. Water Heating SolutionsChief Financial Officer (CFO)/VP of Human Resources at U.S. Water Heating Solutions

CREATE PROFILE
Sharon V. Chestnut