<a href="https://www.ibj.com/articles/22012-cfo-of-the-year-past-recipients" target="_blank">CFO of the Year: Past recipients</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Indianapolis Business Journal</font>

CFO of the Year: Past recipients - Indianapolis Business Journal

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

Managing Director at LiftBridge CXO

Greater Indianapolis

Our passion is lifting start-up to scale-up stage technology companies to the next level of growth by offering interim, part-time, and project-based chief financial officer (CFO) services to sail past common barriers.

LiftBridge CXO

Managing Director

Kay founded SterlingHope to lead start-ups and scale-ups to the next level.  She advises primarily tech companies on successful growth capital strategies that earn investor trust,  She has extensive experience in creating winning business strategies and clear road maps to deliver results.  Kay has stepped into the CFO role to transform many finance, talent and technology functions attracting top talent, new technology and collaboration so these areas become partners to the business.  She has brought innovative risk management solutions before finding her successor, assuring her companies continue to grow. Interim CFO clients include Boomerang Ventures, RenPSG and Odyssey Media Group.

SterlingHope

Developed and executed the capital strategy for the IPO of First Internet Bancorp [INBK] the bank holding company for First Internet Bank.  As Secretary to the Board developed and served Public Company committee structures as well as the Annual Meeting.  We expanded the team and created the infrastructure for the myriad of filings for public companies.  SNL Financial listed INBK as one of the top ten best performing bank stocks in August 2013 -- three months before the oversubscribed public offering.

The Bank is the first state-chartered, FDIC-insured Internet bank serving the national consumer market via proven online retail banking and lending platform using best-of-breed technology backed by exceptional service; powerful financial management tools and customer convenience with no branch offices.  INBK was listed on NASDAQ on February 22, 2013, paid its first quarterly dividend in 2013, was added to the Russell Microcap Index, MCSI Micro Cap Index and ABA NASDAQ Community Bank index in June 2013 and gave a 3:2 stock split on June 21, 2013.  November 27, 2013 $29.1 million was raised in an oversubscribed public offering.   The Bank capitalizes on industry trends - and has long been an innovative leader in internet banking -- understanding consumers and delivering services in a unique way.

First Internet Bank

Executive Vice President, Secretary and CFO

Portfolio manager for CICF's $650MM endowment portfolio as well as Board representative on non-profit boards and endowments..  During the economic downturn, we maintained our discipline and commitment to top tier private equity managers resulting in top quartile performance as measured by Cambridge Associates and Commonfund.  Our performance and innovative strategies let us increase our overall grants during this turbulent time.

In Philanthropy I learned the leadership skills of influence and collaboration to achieve positive life changing results across multiple [often passionately opposed] groups. Having been fortunate to part of strong performing teams -- CICF taught me how to have excellence built on people's deepest values and beliefs - the result was nothing short of incredible.

While I am grateful to have won the IBJ CFO of the Year, I am humbled that my staff nominated me without my knowledge - now that matters!

Central Indiana Community Foundation

CFO and Administrative Officer

PWC is a multinational professional services network in 157 countries with more than 184,000 people.  As a member of the Financial Advisory Services we evaluated and then developed strategies and processes to improve the Finance Function of multi-billion dollar companies.  Used experience as CFO and COO working with Boards on ERM, Audit and Compensation Committee requirements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Consultant - Finance

Joined Citizens to develop non-regulated energy businesses venture portfolio including a $3B natural gas marketing concern, materials management, data processing center, mechanical contractor and financial services entities.  Led the acquisition of Thermal Energy, launched community development and business intelligence initiatives and led ~$500MM in public financings.

Built a portfolio that eclipsed the utilities' bottom line - served a liaison between regulated - non-regulated ventures.  Served as Board Chair, Executive, Audit, Risk and Compensation Committee Chair or Member of over 8 energy related business entities.  As COO reported to Board and Audit Committee of Citizens Energy.

Citizens Energy Group

Treasurer and CFO; COO of Energy Resources

A rapid-growth venture integrating respiratory therapy with related supplies and equipment to enhance patient care at long- term care facilities in the Midwest.

Joined to build the finance function and execute on acquisition strategy - sold to Sun Health for 12X EBITDA.

Kay Whitaker