Donald Owen is a Senior Financial Advisor/CFO for Gilbert & Pardue Business Advisors (“GaP”). He brings over 28 years of senior executive experience to the firm, including leading the financial operations of fast-growing companies, managing M&A initiatives on both the buy and sell sides for private companies, and serving as court-appointed debtor’s financial advisor in U.S. bankruptcy court.

Prior to GaP, Mr. Owen served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a privately-held exploration and production company. In this role, Don developed the corporate strategic plan in partnership with executive team members, evaluated feasibility and risks associated with corporate strategy, raised two rounds of private equity ($50M initial and $60M subsequent), directed the company’s financial operations, integrated acquisitions of four properties that held approximately 40 producing wells over 15,000 mineral acres, and increased realized oil prices by approximately $4 per barrel. 

Prior to his role as a CFO, Donald worked as an independent consultant where he negotiated and structured $500M in private debt and equity investments on behalf of a New York-based private equity hedge fund targeting oil and gas exploration and production companies and other industries. 

Earlier in his career, Donald held roles as a Senior Manager in public accounting firms providing business valuation (over 60 business valuation opinions totaling over $500M), financial advisory, and litigation services (claims ranged from millions to billions of dollars). He supervised a staff of nine consultants who were responsible for engagement planning through delivery, staff training, business development, and division profitability. 

Mr. Owen earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from Loyola University in New Orleans and an M.B.A., with concentrations in Finance and Accounting, from Tulane University. He is a CPA licensed to practice in Louisiana and a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Financial Executives International, and Turnaround Management Association. In his free time, Donald enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. In addition, he volunteers his time with faith-based charities and supports his church ministries.