2019

HILLA SFERRUZZA

Executive vice president and chief financial officer

Meritage Homes Corporation BACKGROUND: Sferruzza is a subject matter expert on residential

construction and land acquisition, debt and equity capital transactions, M&A and divesture structures, financial modeling, budgeting and forecasting, and process improvement opportunities. LEADERSHIP: Sferruzza has been influential in the development and implementation of Meritage’s strategic pivot to focus on the entry-level and first move-up homebuyer segments exclusively, by streamlining the business to reduce costs, be more efficient and maximize Meritage’s growth and profitability in a competitive market. Less than three years into the shift, Meritage is already outperforming the industry as a result of the successful execution of its strategy.

MARK STRASZYNSKI Senior vice president and chief financial officer

Best Western Hotels & Resorts BACKGROUND: Straszynski sets

department in CampusLogic — the fastest-growing software company in Arizona two years running. Shannon’s duties range from the traditional, leading the accounting and finance departments, to business operations, legal, corporate risk and facilities. Shannon and her team work closely with leadership to present them with data and integrated tools and processes to support the strategic and day-to-day needs of the company.

strategic financial direction for the iconic brand, overseeing strategic planning, finance, accounting, treasury and risk management. He also sits on the brand’s senior executive team, which shapes and executes Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ long-term strategies. Straszynski has a proven executive management track record of driving: strategies, financial reengineering, profitable revenue growth and solutions to enhance company value with more than 25 years’ experience in financial management.

LEADERSHIP: Shannon has been instrumental in getting two acquisitions negotiated and integrated while she’s been at CampusLogic. She is also responsible for negotiating vendor and lease agreements, including the one for the company’s new 20,000-square-foot headquarters space in south Chandler.

LEADERSHIP: Under Straszynski’s guidance, the company invested $2 billion into its hotels, expanding from one brand to 16, and unveiled a fresh new identity to appeal to today’s travelers.

COLLEEN SHANNON Chief financial officer

CampusLogic BACKGROUND: Shannon’s efforts impact every

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AB | November-December 2019