REF San Diego

I tend to introduce myself as a "recovering CFO" which typically triggers a question or odd look. I learned a lot about people and business in 25 years of full-time "CFO-ing". I have leveraged all those years of various experiences to now serve on several for-profit and nonprofit boards as well as working with a select list of companies as a "working board member." I am also a Speaker and Thought Leader.

I’m a dynamic business strategist with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in both small and mid-market privately held and large public companies, in either the CEO/President and/or CFO role. I bring a unique blend of financial, sales, and operational skills to my passion of helping executives grow as people and as leaders, which in turn will lead to growth of the companies they lead. In addition to being a Partner in REF in San Diego, I’m a Board Member, Executive Coach, and Business Consultant.

I have been a coach, facilitator, thought-leading author, and keynote speaker in the field of peer forums, Collective Intelligence, and agility for more than 20 years since beginning my portfolio career. In my corporate career before that, I ran high-technology aerospace hardware, software, and systems integration businesses, ultimately heading the aerospace division of a British public company. I am originally English, now American, and have been in Southern California for 25 years. I love coaching and facilitating Collective Intelligence and agility in the C-suite.

I have been a career CFO/Financial Executive for Eastridge Workforce Solutions, Callaway Golf, and Marriott International, with a focus on strategic development and shareholder value.  I love facilitating peer groups of CFOs/Financial Executives as a pillar of leadership underserved with true peer forum experiences.  I was a member of a CFO Peer Forum for many years and found it to be incredibly valuable with both a tangible and intangible ROI in business, professionally, personally, and in life.  I am passionate about providing that value for other CFOs/Financial Executives who quite likely have never experienced it before and how invaluable and irreplaceable it is.

I am a strategic communications professional and entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience in:
* Government Relations and Public Affairs
* Advocacy and Outreach Campaigns
* Issue and Crisis Management
* Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement
* Public-Private-Non Profit Partnerships and Community Investment
* Press and News Media Relations
* Corporate and Employee Communications
* Strategic Planning and Project Management
* Public Relations with a focus on reputation management and business development

CORE INDUSTRIES
• Energy, Water Architecture & Engineering
• Land Use/Real Estate Development, Urban Infill,
• Leadership and CEO/Executive Coaching
• Non-profit Management
• Wireless and Telecommunications

Specialties: commercial development and land-use entitlements, master-planned communities and homebuilding, cell towers, and wireless infrastructure; hi-tech, government, and regulatory approvals for controversial projects and issues; assist business and non-profits in connecting at a deeper and more sustaining level for mutual benefit; municipal and state infrastructure development.

An innovative and seasoned business technologist, executive coach and entrepreneur, Scott’s 20+ year career includes engagements coaching, consulting and connecting executives and leading teams through all project phases from strategic planning, analysis, design and development to implementation, iterative improvement and ongoing support. Industries served include Financial Services, Healthcare, Software, Retail, Business Services, Legal, Education Technology, Manufacturing, Non-Profit.