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C-SUITE | 2024 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 B13 M ichael Tedone, CPA/PFS, is partner and chief financial officer of Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM). He oversees the firm's finances, which have over $3.5 billion in assets under management. Tedone leads the development and expansion of the finance department and has also worked to build a succes- sion plan for the firm. rough his leadership, Tedone ensures the firm's ongoing success and growth. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? My biggest professional accomplishment is helping to grow the firm, both in terms of its people and assets under management. We are nothing without our teammates and our clients, and it has been a privi- lege to work so closely on initiatives that help to drive growth and better experi- ences for both. In addition to navigating my own firm's merger with CTWM, I have spearheaded the charge on three additional mergers. is has helped us to grow not only our firm's footprint but, more importantly, to positively impact the lives of more people in the surrounding community. In what ways are you involved in the community? I serve on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Hart- ford, as well as the human resources committee. I am involved with charitable organizations CTWM supports, such as e Bridge Family Center, Hartford Youth Scholars and United Negro College Fund. On the job Guiding business prin- ciple: Hire great people and provide them with the proper resources and support, and their accom- plishments will be extraordinary. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Constantly finding ways to adapt and innovate while staying true to my values Best business decision: Becoming a part- ner in Connecticut Wealth Management Goal yet to be achieved: Transferring the CFO role to my talented teammate and assuring he has the knowledge base to succeed. L isa Chirillo's experience in financial operations and management evolved within small corporate settings, including posi- tions in accounting, law and real estate firms in New York City. She joined Viking Construction in 2004 as an accounting manager, and advanced to CFO in 2008. Her role has expanded to include auditing, human resource administration, and department develop- ment. During her tenure, Viking grew from $8 million in annual revenues in 2004 to a peak volume of $82 million in 2016. What have been your biggest profes- sional accomplishments over the past year? During Viking's expansion, I redeveloped our internal accounting controls, policies and procedures to support our continuing growth. I formalized staffing provisions for the accounting department, including management, administrative and compliance positions, and helped add a second-tier administrative layer to support our project manager. ese additions keep Viking competitive, flexible and financially productive. Viking maintained its average sales volume during the recent pandemic, and our financial acumen kept our entire team intact. Workplace safety proto- cols generated a new company mantra: cour- age, care and resilience. Today, Viking is grow- ing. I lead by example and enjoy encouraging personal growth, new ideas and shared efforts for the betterment of all. In what ways are you involved in the commu- nity? In 2015, I trained and volunteered at Stam- ford's Domestic Violence Crisis Center in intervention and advocacy for domestic violence victims and their children. I currently volunteer at my church to support youth programs and staff. I plan to use my life coach skills to help those with loved ones fighting opioid and alcohol addictions. e moments when I impact another person by show- ing support are the most rewarding. On the job Guiding business principle: Lead by example, actively listen, and be fair and objective. Michael Tedone Partner and Chief Financial Officer CONNECTICUT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC (CTWM) Size of organization: Over $3.5 billion in assets under management Number of employees: 68 Education: Bachelor's Degree, Business Administration & Management, Bryant University Lisa Chirillo Chief Financial Officer VIKING CONSTRUCTION INC. Size of organization: $45M to $85M annually Number of employees: 50 WINNER CATEGORY | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, SMALL COMPANY, LESS THAN 75 EMPLOYEES WINNER CATEGORY | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, SMALL COMPANY, LESS THAN 75 EMPLOYEES Congratulations to Michael A. Tedone, CPA/PFS 2024 HBJ C-Suite Award Honoree Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition! On behalf of the entire firm, thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping us fulfill our mission—turning life's aspirations into reality for our clients and team. As a distinguished leader, you embody our core values and inspire greatness in your colleagues. Visit us at CTWealthMgmt.com Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM) nominated Michael A. Tedone for this award. We responded to a survey from the award sponsor with requested information about Mike. The award sponsor does not disclose how many individuals are nominated for the award and only 10 individuals are awarded this honor. CTWM did not pay to nominate Mike and did not pay to participate in the survey.