Don Bafford
Chief Financial Officer
Professional Overview
Don Bafford is an experienced financial executive with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and operational excellence. As the Chief Financial Officer at Whitlock, he oversees all financial functions, including financial planning, reporting, and risk management, while providing key insights to support the company's expansion and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Whitlock since 2003, Don is responsible for leading the company's financial strategy, optimizing its capital structure, and ensuring the overall financial health and stability of the organization. Under his financial stewardship, Whitlock has achieved consistent year-over-year revenue growth and improved operational efficiencies, contributing to the company's industry-leading position.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Whitlock, Don served as the President at Coleman-Martin from 1996 to 2002, where he successfully led the company's restructuring and turnaround efforts, resulting in a significant increase in profitability and market share. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Sales Professional at Digital Equipment Corporation, honing his skills in customer-centric problem-solving and business development.
Academic Background
Don holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors. His strong academic foundation and specialized knowledge in finance and accounting have been instrumental in his ability to drive strategic financial decision-making and operational optimization.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning, analysis, and reporting
- Capital structure optimization and risk management
- Mergers, acquisitions, and post-integration strategies
- Performance improvement and cost optimization initiatives
- Financial and operational data-driven decision-making
Professional Impact
During his tenure as CFO at Whitlock, Don has played a pivotal role in the company's expansion and market dominance. He led the successful integration of several strategic acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions and unlocking synergies that enhanced the company's overall profitability. Additionally, he has spearheaded the implementation of robust financial control systems and data analytics platforms, enabling Whitlock to make more informed, data-driven decisions that have directly contributed to its sustained growth and industry leadership.
Conclusion
With his extensive financial expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Don Bafford is a seasoned financial leader who continues to make a significant impact on the organizations he serves. As Whitlock's Chief Financial Officer, he is well-positioned to guide the company's financial strategy and support its continued success in the industry.