New Foss CFO

By Karen Robes Meeks

Bryceon Sumner is Foss Maritime’s new chief financial officer, the company announced earlier this month. Sumner, who earned accounting degrees from the University of Georgia and the University of Texas at Austin, will manage Foss’ financial function and performance while keeping in mind the company’s long-range strategic goals.

“Bryceon is a strategic leader with a track record of successfully leading companies’ financial functions through periods of growth and change,” said John Parrott, President and CEO of Foss Maritime. “His financial leadership experience will be a key component of Foss’ success as we continue forward and grow our service lines.”

Before coming to Foss, Sumner was chief financial officer of Dallas-based educational technology provider Academic Partnerships. His career started at Ernst & Young, where he worked on several IPOs, including a banking tech IPO that was later sold for $3.9 billion.

“I’m thrilled to join Foss in this CFO role and I think my experience in a number of different industries will bring a unique perspective to Foss,” said Sumner. “The maritime industry is fascinating to me and I’m looking forward to learning and growing with the knowledgeable leaders at Foss, to help strengthen our finances and support the important work we are doing.”

LA Port Seeks CFO Candidates

By Mark Edward Nero

The Port of Los Angeles is seeking candidates to lead its Finance Division as Chief Financial Officer.

The CFO reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Administration and is responsible for all the port’s financial affairs, overseeing and managing through five subordinate managers, a staff of about 60. The Finance Division includes Accounting, Debt & Treasury Management, Financial Management, Management Audit, and Risk Management sections.

Experience should include at least two years of administrative, managerial and professional experience in performing and managing one or more accounting functions with revenues of at least $100 million annually.

The port, which employs nearly 1,000 people, has a current fiscal year budget of $939 million.

The port is interested in candidates who have experience in developing and implementing comprehensive integrated financial planning, budgeting and reporting systems, with typical training for this position including a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a closely related field, with a Master’s degree being desirable.

Candidates must possess the knowledge and professional competence required to effectively lead and work cooperatively and collaboratively with other divisions, stakeholders and customers.

A brochure regarding the position is available at www.thehawkinscompany.com. Those wishing to be considered can electronically submit a letter of interest to cfo.portofla@thehawkinscompany.com Attention: Mr. Bill Hawkins or Ms. Brett Byers, by Nov. 21, 2014.