Mike Winston

Professional Background

Mike Winston is a seasoned finance professional with a remarkable track record in strategic partnership and operational excellence. With an extensive background in finance and accounting, Mike has played a pivotal role in steering companies through periods of significant growth and transformation. His expertise lies in aligning financial goals and metrics with business initiatives, ensuring that organizations not only meet but exceed their growth outcomes.

Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated a unique ability to scale and optimize finance and accounting functions during critical phases of expansion, especially for firms at growth inflection points. His professional journey is marked by successful finance and sales operations transformations, as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and integrations. Additionally, Mike excels in capital-raising efforts and navigating complex special situations for both publicly traded multinational corporations and private equity-backed companies. His versatility in handling diverse financial environments makes him an invaluable asset to any executive team.

Moreover, Mike is proficient in communicating with various stakeholders, including boards of directors, analysts, and investors. He is adept at presenting comprehensive analyses of historical performance alongside forecasted financial outcomes, ensuring that all parties are aligned with the company's key metrics and growth objectives.

Education and Achievements

Mike Winston is well-educated, having earned an esteemed educational background that supports his expertise in finance. He has pursued advanced studies through various prestigious institutions, acquiring a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. This MBA program is renowned for cultivating thought leaders in business strategy and financial management.

In addition to his MBA, Mike has also completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Taxation at the American University's Kogod School of Business, equipping him with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex world of taxation in business. His academic journey also includes dual Bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Finance, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, all from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. This strong educational foundation has significantly contributed to his proficient understanding of financial and economic principles.

Mike's formative early education includes his time at the Gilman School, where he gained the necessary skills and character traits to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Achievements

Throughout his extensive and impressive career, Mike Winston has held key leadership positions in finance, showcasing his ability to drive strategic initiatives and enhance financial performance.

1. VP Finance & Treasurer at ScienceLogic: In this role, Mike has been instrumental in overseeing the financial operations of ScienceLogic, ensuring financial integrity and transparency while implementing best practices for financial management and reporting.

2. VP Finance & Treasurer at GTT Communications, Inc. (NYSE): Mike previously served as VP Finance & Treasurer at GTT Communications, where he played a critical role in shaping financial strategies that facilitated growth during a transformative period for the company.

3. Senior Manager, M&A and Accounting at AOL: At AOL, Mike successfully led M&A transactions, handling complex accounting challenges to support strategic growth initiatives which were critical to the organization during his tenure. His intimate understanding of M&A structuring has been a hallmark of his career.

4. Former Director, Finance at Millennial Media: Mike also held the position of Director of Finance at Millennial Media, where he contributed to strategic financial planning and decision-making, ensuring robust financial health for the organization.

5. Manager, M&A Structuring and Integration at Constellation: In this role, Mike was responsible for structuring and integrating mergers and acquisitions, reinforcing his expertise in this area and further establishing his reputation as a key player in driving financial growth and operational efficiency.

6. Transaction Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP: Early in his career, Mike gained valuable experience in transaction advisory services, working with the renowned Ernst & Young LLP, where he honed his skills in financial analysis, consulting, and strategic financial advisory.

Mike Winston's dedication to excellence in finance, coupled with his extensive experience in transforming and scaling financial operations, makes him a strategic asset in any business setting. His ability to integrate financial objectives with operational initiatives has positioned him as a leader in the finance industry, driving sustainable growth and innovation for the companies he has served.