The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 28, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Steve Griffin, chief financial officer of VSE Corp., and finalist in the Public Company Chief Financial Officer category. Here, he shares key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
VSE announced a strategic repositioning of the company to form a 100% pure-play aftermarket business in addition to three acquisitions which helped increase exposure to the aviation aftermarket industry. We opened a new 450,000-square-foot distribution facility in Memphis, Tennessee, and announced a program expansion in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. We also achieved record revenue for our aviation and fleet segments.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Our focus areas going forward include expanding our customer and supplier base to accelerate market diversification and differentiation, generating above market growth and improved margins and profitability, and investing in teams, facilities, products, capabilities and systems to deliver successful transformation.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Embrace risks in your career journey by diving into new fields or areas of growth that push your boundaries. When you immerse yourself in situations demanding rapid learning and skill development, you’ll experience accelerated growth, preparing you for future challenges. This could mean mastering a new skill within your current role, exploring a different industry, or engaging in activities outside of work to broaden your horizons. Embracing change is key; it forces you to adapt, innovate, and view problems from fresh perspectives.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
For 12 straight years I have ridden in the Pan Mass Challenge bike race across Massachusetts to raise money for cancer research in honor of my late father, Steve Griffin, who passed away from colon cancer in 2012. Over this time, our team has raised over $1.8 million for the benefit of future patients.