Leslie Paton is an experienced senior finance executive, leader, and ethical business operator. She holds an undergraduate degree in science from Wellesley College, a Master of Arts in theology, and an MBA in finance from Pepperdine University where she was an Adjunct Professor. Leslie earned a Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors after completing over sixty hours of public company director education.
In 2017 Leslie founded Cogent Support Solutions (CSS), a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB and EDWOSB) providing professional/technical, administrative, general management and financial services and support to the U.S. government and private sectors, developing online self-training modules for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for use on a Federal Aviation Administration training site. In 2018 Leslie established Cogent Investments Inc, dba InteServ Solutions, Required Training Solutions, California Required Training Solutions, Illinois Required Training Solutions, and others to provide training and related services and support.
Leslie’s diverse prior work experience includes senior finance and operational leadership roles within Roll Global, First American, MWV, Dole Food Company and Goldman Sachs. Specializing in unique or changing businesses, Leslie led significant transitions, transformations and turnarounds as well as integrating acquisitions and implementing ERP systems and components. She served as an officer and director of three subsidiary companies of First American as well as providing significant non-profit and educational advisory board service.
Leslie has made a priority of giving back to her community. An advocate for ethical business practices, Leslie has spoken multiple times at the request of the Pepperdine student body on values-based decision-making and career development. In “paying it forward” Leslie has served as a mentor through American Corporate Partners, teamed with promising young veterans, as well as providing formal and informal mentoring to others in business careers. While a director of the American Red Cross of Ventura County, Leslie co-Chaired the Public Support Committee and was recognized as a Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year.
Leslie is married to retired nonfiction author Philip Paton. The Patons live together with two cherished golden retriever dogs.