Christopher Berry, finance leader with entrepreneurial leanings and relationship building skills, relocates to Arkansas with Tyson Foods, falls in love with the Natural State, and joins CFO Network’s dynamic team of professionals as a Finance Principal. A recent transplant to NWA Arkansas two and a half years ago, Berry’s drive to make a career jump landed a Zoom meeting with Allen Engstrom, CEO of CFO Network and native Arkansan businessman. What Engstrom had to offer was the perfect fit: helping clients fulfill their dream, while vicariously scratching the entrepreneurial itch as an advisor. Two weeks in and Berry feels at home among like-minded professionals. “The team Allen has assembled is very impressive: incredible enthusiasm, dedication to clients, and exceptional skillsets,” says Berry.
Berry has an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Operations enhancing his BA in Mathematics from the University of Cincinnati. His educational background combined with his experience in data analytics, cost accounting, and financial leadership prepares him well for this new role. In past positions he enabled tremendous growth of businesses he supported through business process development, deployment of quality improvement tools, and effective growth management strategies.
CFO Network attracted Berry because of the broad spectrum of clients, and the tangibility of partnering with leaders utilizing quality data on which to build operating decisions. Berry also brings the drive to enable business leaders to focus on their strengths within the business by becoming a trusted financial partner while simultaneously improving the leader’s financial acumen for the future.
When it’s time to recharge, Berry focuses on his natural passion for exploration and connection. Fayetteville’s access to arts and culture, state parks, hiking, and water activities were a huge draw for his family. The vibrancy of a college town was also a draw because the people that stick around are ready to meet and welcome strangers every single semester. “We love the small-town feel and quality of life – we LOVE the weather,” says Berry. “And the people are incredible – they tend to be very welcoming.” Fayetteville is a perfect setup for the extroverted explorer with a passion for both business and people.
