Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has found a new face to fill its chief financial officer role.
The company announced on Wednesday that Carrie Cass would be taking over the position. She previously served as the CEO of Ballantine Communications Inc., before leaving the position in December 2023. She also has served as the CFO of Aerospace Corp. before that.
Cass will be filling the shoes of Allen Arroyo, who left the company in May. RMCF board of directors has been vocal about seeking candidates for executive positions who want to live in the Durango area.
“Carrie’s extensive background in manufacturing accounting, financial management and strategic leadership makes her a valuable addition to our executive team,” said Jeff Geygan, interim CEO at RMCF. “Her proven track record in driving financial performance and her experience with cost accounting will be critical as we execute our updated three-year strategic plan.”
Despite recent turnover, Geygan said the state of the company is excellent.
In recent history, most RMCF executives have not lived in the area – something Geygan believes has hurt the company.
He took over the interim-CEO role in May with the intent to stabilize the company, which he says had lost focus on its long-term strategic plan. The goal of the plan was to focus on RMCF’s franchisee stores and e-commerce transactions.
He pointed out Cass’ resume working for Ballantine, the Durango-based multimedia company that owns the The Durango Herald, The Journal in Cortez and The Tri-City Record based in Farmington.
Cass oversaw the launch of The Tri-City Record in May 2023.
“Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has exceptional brand equity given its loyal consumer following and strong customer base, and I am thrilled to lead its finance organization,” Cass said. “I look forward to working closely with Jeff and the leadership team to execute our plans and return RMCF to sustainable growth and profitability.”
Geygan said it significantly helps a company when executives are in the building to see how a company operates.
“I know pretty much know everyone here on a first-name basis, which I don’t think was the case in the past,” he said.
During RMCF’s first fiscal quarter ending May 31, the company lost $1.6 million from continuing operations. Geygan said much of that was a result of the company’s turnover since January.
The company moved on from former CEO Rob Sarlls in January and then hired Starlette Johnson as the interim. Both Johnson and Arroyo stepped down from their positions in May leaving the company in search of two important executive roles until the hiring of Cass on Wednesday.
Cass will take over the position Aug. 6.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
