William Lacey serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Woodward Inc., a leading global provider of energy control and optimization solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. In this pivotal role, he oversees the company's financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and investor relations. Lacey's leadership has been instrumental in driving Woodward's financial health, ensuring sustainable growth amid volatile market conditions. He joined the company in 2015 as Vice President of Finance and has since risen through the ranks, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and foster cross-functional collaboration to support Woodward's innovation-driven initiatives. Prior to Woodward, Lacey built a distinguished career in finance spanning over two decades. He held senior positions at General Electric, where he managed global financial operations for the aviation division, contributing to multimillion-dollar efficiency improvements and successful mergers. His expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning earned him recognition, including the CFO Excellence Award from Financial Executives International in 2018. Lacey's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which equipped him with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and leadership. Under Lacey's guidance, Woodward has achieved notable milestones, such as expanding its market presence in renewable energy sectors and optimizing capital allocation to fuel R&D investments. His commitment to ethical financial practices and stakeholder value has not only bolstered the company's reputation but also positioned it for long-term success in a competitive landscape. Outside of his professional duties, Lacey is an advocate for financial literacy programs and serves on the board of several non-profit organizations focused on economic development.