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2016 Dynamic Dozen Top Local Financial Executive: Michelle Heidt

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An executive management team member for Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., Michelle Heidt’s responsibilities span the company.

“The role I play is to provide project management, analysis, performance feedback and other various critical information to our leaders so they can continue providing increased returns to our shareholders,” says Heidt, vice president and chief financial officer.

She oversees accounting and finance, information technology, administration, human resources, union relations and Ozarks Coca-Cola’s collective bargaining unit.

Her leadership focuses on planning for company growth, cost management, relationship with financial institutions and benefit providers as well as resource management for information technology hardware and software needs. She also manages franchise relationships, which involve complex financial agreements.

“Through analysis, valuation and providing a deep understanding of how a revenue-sharing model with our franchise companies could work, I was able to secure this new financial platform, which has resulted in nearly $500,000 in income to our company and shareholders,” Heidt says, who joined Ozarks Coca-Cola in 2012.

She also played a critical role when Ozarks Coca-Cola acquired new territories from Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. The 2015 acquisition grew the company by more than 60 percent. As the transition project manager, she provided oversight and direction to a 50-member transition team in sales, customer care, product supply, finance, IT, human resources and change communications.

BKD LLP partner Gary Schafer praises Heidt for her contributions to all organizations she serves, professional and civic. The two first met serving as founding members of Rotary Club of Springfield Metro.

“Her career success has been earned through a combination of her dedication to excellence, well-honed analytical skills, inspirational leadership style and a sincere Ozarks-style dedication to hard work and taking care of her family, co-workers and community,” Schafer says. “Of special merit are the significant contributions she has made to her company’s long-term success over the past year.

“Not only were the transactions financially successful, but the integration was executed flawlessly. In my experience, it is very rare for such large, complex transactions to go so smoothly, and this is a true testament to Michelle’s contributions as a top financial executive.”

The acquisition, which encompassed two sales centers, required a deep understanding of an asset purchase agreement and detailed financial valuation methodology, Heidt says.

Other areas to which she has turned her attention include an overhaul of the internal financial statement reporting process; a complete review of the company’s self-insured health plan, resulting in less than 1 percent growth in plan exposure in 2015; and the successful completion of a Department of Labor 401(k) plan audit.

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