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CFO | Finance & Operations Leader
Non-Profit Founder
Orange County, CA based Executive
I am a finance, accounting, and operations executive with over 20 years of experience across SEC publicly-traded companies, privately-held organizations, and high-growth start-ups. My career has centered on leading business transformation, strengthening financial discipline, and architecting operational excellence to help organizations scale with clarity and purpose.
I’ve been recognized for my leadership, including nominations for the Orange County Business Journal CFO of the Year (Public Company category) and as a finalist for the LA Times Studio CFO Leadership Award, reflecting my commitment to strategic execution, values-driven stewardship, and building high-performing, resilient teams. I’m deeply passionate about unlocking organizational potential, creating systems that work, and empowering people to deliver meaningful results together.
I’m known for bridging strategy, finance, and storytelling, translating complex business realities into clear, actionable insights that help executive teams and boards make confident decisions. Whether building teams, transforming processes, or navigating capital markets, I prioritize partnership, transparency, and disciplined execution.
RECENT
2023 - PRESENT
Biomerica [NASDAQ:BMRA]CFO - Finance, Tax & Accounting, SEC Compliance, IR, Treasury, HR, and IT
2019 - 2023
Happy Money [Fintech Series D]Corporate Controller & VP of Finance - Finance, Tax & Accounting, IR, Treasury, and Shareholder Services
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
2003 - 2019
Ernst & Young LLPBroadcom [AVGO]Providence Health | HoagFirstService [FSV]Verb Technologies [VERB]Progressive experience from Big 4 Public Accounting, Internal Audit, PMO, Finance, Accounting, with a focus on technology, life sciences, and services.
BOARD EXPERIENCE
2025 - PRESENT
American Cancer Society - Orange County: Executive Board Member
UCI - Paul Merage: Master of Finance Advisory Board Member
2019 - PRESENT
Forge Optima: Chairman of the Board2021 - 2024
UC Riverside: Advisory Board Member for the Transformative Leadership Program2021 - 2024
UC Riverside: Advisory Board Member for the Transformative Leadership ProgramEDUCATION
UCLA: Bachelor of Arts - Economics with Accounting
Key Skills & Experience
Deep expertise in finance, accounting, and operations, known for driving strategic initiatives and leading large-scale IT and business transformation programs at Fortune 500 technology companies, high-growth unicorn startups, and everything in between.
Strategic Finance
Proven leader driving financial strategy, executing mergers and acquisitions, optimizing OpEx, and streamlining financial processes through accounting transformation. Skilled in shaping AOPs to align with corporate strategic objectives and experienced in investor relations, effectively communicating a story of sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
SEC + SOX Compliance
Extensive experience in SEC reporting for multiple public companies and expertise in SOX compliance. Leverages Big 4 external auditor and Fortune 500 internal auditor experience specializing in SOX frameworks, IT audits, and financial controls. Proven ability to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain robust governance across complex organizational structures.
IT and HR Leadership
Led the PMO for a Fortune 500 big-bang ERP implementation, managing Business Intelligence and Sales Finance initiatives. Additionally, provided end-to-end oversight of HR functions across multiple organizations, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational excellence.
Capital Markets & Financing
Raised over $175M in equity and $60M in venture debt through public offerings, at-the-market programs, bridge financing, and strategic investor partnerships demonstrating deep expertise in capital strategy, investor pitching, fundraising execution, and navigating complex capital markets.
Gary Lu: Beyond the Professional
Outside of work, I’m driven by service, storytelling, and creativity. I stay actively involved in mentorship and community initiatives across Southern California and frequently speak on leadership, finance, and purpose-driven growth through panels, classrooms, and podcasts. Creative outlets like music and writing, keep me grounded and curious, helping me connect with others in meaningful ways. This blend of service, speaking, and creativity fuels my passion for growth and contributing to a more empowered world.
Giving Back - Forge Optima
I am the founder of Forge Optima, a nonprofit organization that provides life-design curriculum and a mentor network supporting students from elementary school through early career. We offer structured guidance, real-world clarity, and meaningful opportunities, helping young people build identity capital, discover their paths, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Extra Credit Creative
Featured on the International Billboard Hot 80 for the single "Partners in Crime."
Getting To Know Me
What drives your passion for Finance and Operations?
I’m motivated by the challenge of transforming complex business environments and optimizing financial performance. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing strategic decisions create sustainable value and empower teams to reach their full potential.
My passion lies in growing together as a team and experiencing the fulfillment that comes from making meaningful progress. This sense of achievement fills me with gratitude, knowing that the work we do has a real, lasting impact. Ultimately, it’s the people who make it all possible, and winning together as a team is what makes it truly amazing.
What's your approach to leadership?
Leadership in finance starts with the people. It’s about fostering a collaborative culture where teams are empowered to innovate and contribute to the overall strategy. By aligning financial goals with the strengths of the team and ensuring clear communication, we can drive operational excellence and create long-term value. When people are at the heart of decision-making with excellent data to work with, everything else falls into place.
How can I get involved in your volunteer work or professional network?
I’m passionate about giving back and helping others grow. If you're interested in getting involved with my volunteer work or with Forge Optima, feel free to reach out! Whether you’re looking to mentor, be mentored, collaborate on community initiatives, or simply learn more, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can work together to make a meaningful impact.
How can I connect with you for advice, collaboration, or just to chat?
I’m always open to connecting with like-minded professionals and aspiring leaders! Feel free to send me a note through my email directly. Whether it’s for advice, collaboration, or just a friendly chat over a virtual coffee, I’d love to connect and explore new opportunities together!
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