The Modern CFO: Synchronizing Top Priorities, Technology & Talent

Kristen is a Managing Director at Protiviti with over 25 years of Internal Audit and SOX experience andserves as a regional leader for the consumer products and retail industry. Prior to joining Protiviti, Kristen led high performing Internal Audit teams to drive strategic transformation initiatives with a proven track record in developing and executing audit strategies that drive operational efficiency and process improvement. Kristen also has extensive experience leading companywide optimization projects including the rationalization and redesign of internal controls that align with organizational goals and enhance risk management practices. ​ Kristen’s experience spans across a variety of both public and private companies across industries with a majority of her career in consumer-packaged goods. Kristen holds a Bachelors of Business Administrationin Accounting from Hofstra University and is a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors- Long Island Chapter and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

With over 25 years in technology consulting, Melissa Desjardins is a dynamic, results-oriented business and IT leader. As part of Protiviti’s C-Suite Solution team, she brings strategic technology services to CIO and CTO clients, particularly across the Financial Services sector. Throughout her career, Melissa has led complex, high-impact initiatives that have driven organizational transformation, strengthened technology capabilities, and advanced operational excellence within her clients’ organizations. Programs under Melissa’s leadership have resulted in process and system enhancements that yielded time-savings, financial improvements, and client award recognition. A highly regarded speaker, Melissa has presented at industry events such as the Women in Payments US Symposium, PayTech Women Leadership Summit, and Financial Executives International (FEI) Roundtables. Her expertise has also been featured on podcasts including Leaders in Payments and Women in Payments’ Career in Six. She is a recipient of Consulting Magazine’s 2024 Women Leaders in Consulting Award and was named to the NYC Fintech Women 2025 Inspiring Fintech Females list. Melissa holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a BS in Management from Binghamton University.

Christopher Wright, Global CFO Solutions and Business Performance Improvement Leader, leads Protiviti’s global Finance Transformation and Transaction Services solutions, oversees Protiviti’s Supply Chain, Operations, People and Change practices, and serves on our global ESG steering committee. He has over thirty-five years of experience serving clients as an external auditor, including 6 years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG), and as an internal auditor and financial reporting risk consultant. At Protiviti, Chris has provided significant assistance to companies working through transactions and restructurings, and experiencing restatements, regulatory inquiries, stock compensation and other financial investigations and difficulties in implementing new accounting pronouncements. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from Franciscan University, a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.Chris serves on the boards of several charitable, civic, educational and business organizations. His work in Financial Reporting Remediation and Compliance has also involved a significant commitment to public speaking and the development and delivery of internal and external training. Areas of Expertise: Corporate Governance, Financial Reporting and Controls, Enterprise Risk Management, Industry Experience:, Consumer Products, Distribution/Manufacturing, Media and Entertainment Service, Financial Services, Energy/Oil & GasEducation: Bachelor of Science, Accounting Franciscan University and Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University Professional Memberships & Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Member, American Institute of CPAs, Member, New York State Society of CPAs, Member, Local Director of Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)