David J. Elrod

David J. Elrod has extensive work experience in finance and accounting roles.

David J. began their career at Georgia Pacific in 1993, where they worked as an Accountant and Auditor, conducting financial and operational audits. David J. then joined FedEx in 1996, where they served as a Senior Auditor, Audit Manager, and Region Finance Manager, managing financial planning and analysis for the Central Region in the US and leading audit teams.

In 2002, David took on the role of Adjunct Faculty at Keller Graduate School of Management, teaching Accounting and Finance courses. David J. also worked as a Finance Manager and Group Finance Manager at Microsoft, where they led FP&A teams and supported various business functions. During their time at Microsoft, they received the Gold Star Award for their contributions in developing the Finance leadership capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.

David then joined Savers in 2014, where they worked as a Financial Consultant, Director of Finance in the Supply Chain, and Accounting & Finance Director. David J. collaborated with the CFO to develop financial reports, improve efficiency, and enhance reporting and analytics.

From 2017 to 2019, David worked as the Senior Director of Finance at Cumulus Media, where they built and developed the headquarters FP&A team and implemented a data-focused approach. David J. also prepared financial information for executive leadership and the board.

In 2019, David joined Meridian® Brick as a Senior Finance Director, responsible for establishing pricing strategies, creating the FP&A team, and developing new business processes.

Currently, David is the Vice President of Finance at Lightship, a virtual first provider of clinical trials. David J. leads the accounting and finance functions and focuses on expanding operational finance.

Overall, David J. Elrod has a wealth of experience in finance leadership, FP&A, team management, and process improvement across various industries, including manufacturing, broadcasting, and retail.

David J. Elrod completed their education with an MBA in Finance from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, they obtained a BBA in Accounting from Oglethorpe University between the years 1989 and 1993.

In addition to their academic qualifications, David has obtained several certifications throughout their career. In 1998, they became a Certified Public Accountant through the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. In 2004, they achieved the Certified Management Accountant designation from the Institute of Management Accountants. David J. further enhanced their professional credentials by becoming a Certified Management Accountant in 2005.

David also holds various certifications from the IMA | Institute of Management Accountants. In 2015, they attained both the Gold Level and Platinum Level certifications. In 2021, they completed the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis program and the IMA's FP&A Certificate Series. Finally, in 2023, they achieved membership in the IMA Stuart Cameron McLeod Society.