Kenneth E. Puzder, CPA, is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of diverse leadership experience across accounting, finance, internal controls, and strategic management. A Certified Public Accountant licensed in both Florida and Missouri, Ken has consistently driven financial growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance across industries including education, gaming, biotechnology, aviation, real estate, and hospitality. He is known for his problem-solving ability, operational focus, and a collaborative leadership style that resonates from boardrooms to ground-level operations.
Ken currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Measurement Incorporated, a leading educational services organization dedicated to advancing assessment and learning solutions. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing Accounting, Finance, and Benefits and serves as a key member of all senior leadership committees. He provides strategic financial guidance, drives operational excellence, and partners with executives across the organization to support sustainable growth and long-term success.
Previously, Ken was the Sole Member Manager and Tax Matters Partner of Three Apples Entertainment LLC, overseeing investor relations, legal and financial compliance, and regulatory processes. He was also a founding partner and board member of Phytogenesis LLC, a biotech firm focused on plant-based alternatives to pesticides, and LandFarmGame LLC, a capital-raising and marketing entity for private LLCs. In fintech, Ken served as Partner and CFO of V1 Financial Technologies LLC.
His career also includes co-founding and leading The Lukens Group LLC and its non-profit arm, The Lukens Foundation, where he raised capital, secured licensing, and maintained comprehensive financial and operational management. As a consultant, he managed ERP integrations and post-acquisition optimization projects such as those with Redhawk Fire and Security, generating over $1.5 million in cash flow improvements.
Ken’s corporate leadership includes CFO and Controller roles at AFA Service Corporation (Arby’s) and Panera Bread Company, where he led public reporting, Oracle implementation, and integration efforts during rapid expansion. He also served as CFO for major real estate development operations and Lindner Asset Management, where he oversaw SEC compliance and fund operations. Ken began his career as an Audit Manager at KPMG Peat Marwick, where he managed audits for financial services, insurance, and real estate companies.
Ken’s broad industry knowledge spans restaurants, mutual funds, manufacturing, marketing, and education. His functional expertise includes capital raising, M&A, SOX compliance, internal audit, budgeting, and systems implementation. He has also worked extensively with financial systems such as Oracle, Great Plains, MAS 500, Crystal Reports, Bloomberg, and ADP.
Ken holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
