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David Garafola
C-Level, growth-minded, executive leader serving as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable business transformation.
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David Garafola

C-Level, growth-minded, executive leader serving as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable business transformation.
I have exemplified leadership in financial, administrative and operational innovation and transformation. Developed an expertise for strategic planning that ties annual operating plans to resource management to allow for change. An exceptional strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to conceptualize vision, create added value, and communicate/motivate teams in executing tangible results. A depth of business competencies and the breath of organizational experience to mentor teams and drive toward positive change. In leadership role, there exists the need for transparency to embody a sense of patience, persistence, advocacy and diplomacy in creating a culture of innovation that is necessary for continued transformation. Believes these values assist in establishing a culture that embraces strategic risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and a proactive approach to problem-solving Collaborate with teams to improve financial and operational capacities implementing best practices within my areas of responsibility. I strive to promote an entrepreneurial spirit throughout the organization through example by encouraging new ways to perform and promote innovation. Experienced in real estate development and facilities construction and have completed a portfolio of approximately 175 major facilities projects with asset values exceeding $1 Billion. Expertise is in Strategic Planning; Finance & Accounting; Treasury, Resource Planning and Budget; Risk Management; Human Resources; Information Technology, Real Estate, Facilities and Construction; Safety and Security; Financial Aid/Loans, Multi-Site Management; and International Business.
Parker University
University of Baltimore
Texas, USA

Professional Background

  • Current status
  • Profession
  • Fields
    Education
  • Work experience
    More than 15 years
  • Management
  • Skills
    Word
    PowerPoint
    Excel
    Google Drive
  • Highest level of education
    Master

Job search preferences

  • Desired job type
    Full-time
  • Desired positions
    C-Level
  • Desired work locations
  • Freelance

Work Experience

Vice President for Business Affairs & CFO

Sep 2011 - Sep 2018
7 yrs 1 mo
Assumed financial leadership of a turnaround situation, advancing an institutional transformation from a single academic professional program within the chiropractic college into a repositioning of a comprehensive program health sciences university. Responsible for Finance, Treasury, Resource Planning, Information Technology, Marketing, Financial Aid, Procurement, Safety and Security, Risk Management, Real Estate, and Facilities Management & Construction. • Conducted root-cause analysis of an inherited $1 million operating performance deficit and designed and implemented business process reengineering/continuous improvement plan resulting in a $1.6 million turnaround over 12-month period. • Provided new strategic planning model leading to the 2012 reaffirmation of SACS accreditation and the expansion of 12 new degree programs over next three years. • Created internet-based lead/channel management sales process to drive student inquiries with new tuition discounting revenue modeling to increase enrollment. Restructured marketing funnel pipeline increasing student headcount by 85% over a four-year period. • Over a six-year period, tuition net revenues have increased from $32 to $50 million with operating contribution margins exceeding the Board’s annual targeted goals. • Implemented strategic plan to and formalized sources of sales and marketing structures. • Developed new campus Facilities Master Plan and obtained City of Dallas approval for the merger of a new campus properties through the city abandonment and university street purchase. Created new campus footprint and entranceway with the creation technology based geofencing to attract students into newly designed Admissions Welcome Center. • Utilized new social media technology to create a professional membership portal generating approximately $1 million annual net revenue income.

International Educational Consultant

Jan 2011 - Sep 2011
9 mos
Independent Consultant providing leadership in the development and implementation of a new international campus in Mumbai, India as part of a strategic global initiative by the University.

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Jun 1998 - Jun 2010
12 yrs 1 mo
Served as Chief Financial and Business Officer in the creation of an international university that grew – from a regional campus of 3500 students with a $55 million revenues - to an international presence of 22,000 students with a $240 million revenues with 110 campus locations in 23 states and 8 international campuses. Provided University leadership worldwide in areas of International Finance, Accounting, Resource Planning & Budget, Risk Management, Treasury, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Information Technology, Real Estate, Legal, Public Safety, and Facilities Operations & Construction. • Enhance the unrated entity and presented it to multiple credit rating agencies achieving two upgrades obtaining a Moody’s A3 and a Fitch A rating. • Structured over $600 million in turnkey financing developing capital projects utilizing taxable and tax-exempt bond financing, tax credit programs, and commercial loans. • Crafted business strategy developing a Wholly Owned Foreign Entity (WOFE) established as an operating company for Joint Venture relationships in China. • Responsible for the feasibility study, negotiated property transfer with Federal GSA and assembled development team for the restoration of the historic “Old Post Office and Custom House” noted for leveraging the revitalization of downtown St. Louis. • Created innovative student loan program with resale of funds utilized for scholarships generating an additional $5 million in annual cash returned into endowment funds. Increased investment funds from $35 to $120 million over a decade.

Vice President Financial Affairs

Aug 1993 - Jun 1998
4 yrs 11 mos
Responsible for Finance, Treasury, Resource Planning, Information Technology, Marketing, Financial Aid, Procurement, Safety and Security, Risk Management, Real Estate, and Facilities Management & Construction.

Education

Master’s Degree
MBA
1986 - 1990