Top area CFOs receive awards

Six Fort Worth CFOs received awards from the Fort Worth Business Press at a Jan. 28 luncheon for exceptional work and business strategy through tough economic times in the last few years.

The Business Press’ top honoree, Chris Choate of AmeriCredit Corp., was recognized for taking a proactive approach in mid 2007 to protect AmeriCredit from the upcoming recession.

Jody Hassemer of Integra Realty Resources DFW LLP was honored as Fort Worth’s top large business CFO. Hassemer has helped Integra to see a 7 percent increase in gross revenue locally as well as nationally, with gross sales increasing $6 million in 2008.

Higginbotham & Associates’ Jim Krause was honored as Fort Worth’s top CFO for a mid-sized business. Krause has helped Higginbotham & Associates redesign its capital structure, and was instrumental in increasing the firm’s operating margins over the last few years.

David Glover of Buxton Co. was honored as Fort Worth’s top small business CFO. One of Glover’s biggest leadership tests came in 2009 when he spearheaded the formation, design and implementation of a strategic alliance with Experian, the $4 billion global data company.

William Bleibdrey of Texas Wesleyan University was honored as Fort Worth’s top CFO in education. Under Bleibdrey’s leadership, Texas Wesleyan moved closer to fulfilling its strategic plan and mission.

As Fort Worth’s top CFO for a nonprofit, Tom Mitchell of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History was honored for his work in transitioning the museum through its renovation and growth during the last few years.

 lwimmer@bizpress.net