Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Chris Folena is an accomplished finance executive with over 25 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across diverse industries. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Once Upon a Farm, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations, strategic planning, and business transformation initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the CFO of Once Upon a Farm, Chris is instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy and driving sustainable growth. He oversees all aspects of financial management, including financial planning and analysis, capital allocation, risk management, and investor relations. Under his leadership, the company has streamlined its financial processes, improved operational efficiency, and positioned itself for continued success in the competitive organic food market.

Career Progression

Prior to joining Once Upon a Farm, Chris held key finance and operational roles at several prominent organizations. As the CFO and COO at The J.R. Watkins Co., he led the company's expansion into new markets and drove operational improvements that enhanced profitability. During his tenure as VP of Finance and Accounting at Nutiva, Inc., he played a pivotal role in the company's rapid growth and successful acquisition. Earlier in his career, Chris held finance leadership positions at Hormel Foods, General Mills, and Agilent Technologies, where he consistently delivered strong financial performance and operational efficiencies.

Academic Background

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Finance from California State University - East Bay, where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial management and strategic planning

• Cost optimization and operational efficiency

• Mergers, acquisitions, and business integration

• Capital allocation and risk management

• Financial reporting and regulatory compliance

• Leadership and cross-functional collaboration

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Chris has made significant contributions to the organizations he has served. At Juicero, he played a key role in streamlining financial processes and improving operational control, which helped the company navigate a challenging market environment. At The J.R. Watkins Co., he spearheaded the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which enhanced data-driven decision-making and supported the company's expansion efforts.

Conclusion

With his extensive finance expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Chris Folena is well-positioned to lead Once Upon a Farm through its next phase of growth and innovation. His deep understanding of the organic food industry, coupled with his strong leadership capabilities, make him a valuable asset to the company and its stakeholders.