In the Media
Why the CFO mindset can clash with CEO demands
Kathy Pattillo has over 20 years’ experience in executive search and consulting. As leader of our Financial Officers Practice, she focuses on roles that require transformative leadership, business acumen, and financial expertise. Kathy takes a strategic approach to searches, assessing the client’s leadership team, business strategy, and culture to place executives who will create sustainable value and take the business into the future.
Professional Focus
- Over 20 years’ experience in executive search, recruitment and talent consulting, including senior leadership and board roles
- Leads searches for CFO, CAO, CIO, CHRO and other C-level roles, and functional leaders in finance, accounting, human resources, technology, operations, and other disciplines
- Broad industry experience, with specialized expertise in manufacturing, industrial, EPC, healthcare, and energy (upstream, downstream, midstream, power, utilities, renewables, and oil field services)
- Substantial background working with CFOs on IPOs, compliance, new accounting standards, financial reporting, cost optimization, and refining AP/AR process to improve cash flow
- Extensive experience working with C-suite executives on corporate strategy, operational improvement, IPOs, M&A, business transformation, risk mitigation, compliance, acquisition integration, automation, data integrity and change management
- Deep business expertise including business development, sales & marketing, revenue growth, strategic planning and program management
Business Expertise
- Partner in a Houston-based global management consulting firm, helping both public and private equity-backed companies manage and implement change by focusing on people, processes, technology and data
- Director and leader of the permanent placement division at a management consulting and leadership recruitment firm in Houston specializing in financial and operational performance optimization
- Business Development Director at a global recruitment and talent advisory firm, Dallas
- Marketing Credit Analyst - Energy Division at Franchise Mortgage Acceptance Company, Dallas
- Financial Analyst at Associates First Capital, Dallas
Additional Expertise
- Manufacturing
- Financial Services
- Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
- Energy (upstream, midstream, downstream, power, utilities, renewables, and oil field services)
- Technology
- Professional Services
- Public Secto
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree (BBA) in finance and management from Texas Christian University - M.J. Neeley School of Business, Fort Worth
- MBA studies at University of North Texas, Denton
- Continuing Education (50+ hours), National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)
Affiliations & Awards
- Board Member and General Partner, Moore & Shelton Company, Ltd.
- Board Member, Executive Committee Member, Vice Chair, Texas Hearing Institute
- Board Member, National Business Development Association (former)
- Advisory Council Co-Chair, Women’s Energy Network (former)
- Board Member, Women’s Finance Exchange (former)
- Board Member, Secretary, Development Committee, Nominating Committee, and Rebranding and Renaming Committee, Texas Hearing Institute (former)
- Member, Steering Committee, United Way Women’s Initiative (former)
- Co-Chair, Business Network of Houston and Member, National Alumni Board, Texas Christian University (former)
Case Studies
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Securing a Top Tax Executive for a Leading Global Investment Bank
Discover how Boyden's strategic approach secured a top-tier Tax Executive for a leading global investment bank, resolving a year-long vacancy and enhancing their global tax compliance.
Strengthening Financial Leadership in Private Equity-Backed Manufacturing and Energy Logistics
In the complex landscape of energy logistics, our private equity client was seeking a visionary financial leader to steer its ambitious growth trajectory. Here, we explore how Boyden navigated this challenge, securing a strategic VP Finance and Accounting equipped to fortify financial foundations and drive operational excellence.
Securing Top Financial Leadership for a Global Industrial Equipment Provider
Explore how Boyden's targeted recruitment strategy unlocked the key fit for a global industrial giant seeking a VP of Finance to spearhead its North American growth ambitions.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
Navigating Uncertainty: Global Instability Reshapes the Private Equity Playbook
In this edition of Navigating Uncertainty, explore how global instability is reshaping private equity as firms adapt through diversification, defensive strategies, and AI-driven value creation to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Articles & Papers
The 6 Types of CFOs and How To Find the Right Fit for Your Business
Looking at the 6 types of CFOs and their roles can help you think about finding a leader who aligns with your business strategy.
Articles & Papers
The Essential Need for CFO Succession Planning in Healthcare
To cope with high turnover and severe financial pressures, learn what healthcare CFOs prioritize in their successors and the need for CFO succession planning in healthcare.
Boyden Executive Survey
North America Regional Analysis: Exploring adaptivity through strategy and talent
Today’s complex landscape demands adaptive, empathetic leaders, who accelerate decision-making to navigate opportunity and mitigate risk.
Contact Kathy Pattillo today and let's get started