Rosemary Linden Named 2025 CFO of the Year by San Diego Business Journal

Momentum CFO is proud to announce that its Founder and President, Rosemary Linden, has been named 2025 CFO of the Year in the Consulting CFO category by the San Diego Business Journal. The award honors outstanding chief financial officers whose strategic foresight, financial acumen, and leadership have driven company growth, shaped organizational success, and made a positive impact on the San Diego community.

“I’m honored to be named CFO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the mission of Momentum CFO: helping growing businesses access the same caliber of financial expertise that larger corporations rely on. Smaller businesses deserve that level of financial clarity and strategy — and I’m proud to play a part in making it possible, Linden said. “It also validates the leap I took in founding Momentum CFO in 2016, when consulting CFOs were uncommon. Most importantly, I’m incredibly grateful for the trust my clients place in me and remain committed to delivering excellence in every engagement,” Linden said.

Strategic Financial Leadership for Growing Businesses

Linden began her career in Arthur Andersen’s Strategy, Finance, and Economics consulting practice, an early foundation that blended financial expertise with strategic problem-solving. Over the course of her 25+ year career, including the past nine leading Momentum CFO, she has built a diverse background spanning Fortune 500 corporations, founder-led startups, and nonprofit organizations. She has guided finance teams at companies such as WD-40 Company and Quest Diagnostics, managing complex budgets and supporting executive teams across industries including professional services, healthcare, technology, and consumer products.

Today, through Momentum CFO, she brings enterprise-level experience to midsize companies that are scaling but not yet ready for a full-time finance executive. Her consulting work gives leaders the financial visibility they need to make informed decisions. Accounting shows what happened; finance helps anticipate what comes next. By applying this forward-looking lens, Linden helps businesses plan for expansion, allocate resources effectively, and make strategic decisions in uncertain economic conditions.

Delivering Insight and Impact for Business Leaders

Linden’s recognition as CFO of the Year underscores how she equips organizations with the financial discipline and strategic insight they need to scale profitably and sustainably. She has helped clients design profitable pricing strategies, develop long-term forecasts, and implement executive dashboards that connect leadership decisions to business performance. She works closely with executives, investors, and boards to ensure they have clear, decision-ready insights to guide growth.

A central part of her approach is helping companies establish Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) capabilities that turn financial data into forward-looking guidance and position finance teams as true partners in business strategy. “My role is not simply to deliver numbers, but to build the financial infrastructure that supports growth and empowers leaders to act quickly and decisively,” Linden said.

Leadership and Mentorship

Beyond her client work, Linden contributes to the profession as a member of the Association for Financial Professionals’ North American FP&A Advisory Council, a national body that shapes standards, certifications, and best practices for corporate finance. She also serves on the leadership team of San Diego Women in Finance, supporting initiatives that connect and elevate women in the field. Mentorship is central to her approach. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been encouraging women to see themselves in leadership roles, including becoming CFO,” she noted.

What Being Named CFO of the Year Means

Being named CFO of the Year is both a milestone and a motivator. “Companies need strong financial leadership to navigate challenges, from growth to changing economic conditions,” she said. “Momentum CFO exists to provide that leadership, and this award strengthens my commitment to the San Diego business community and beyond.”

The recognition reflects Linden’s ability to combine technical expertise with strategic insight, delivering stronger financial results and greater confidence to executives, boards, and investors.

Ready to bring strategic financial leadership to your business? Schedule a free introductory consultation with Momentum CFO.