MSPBJ CFO of the Year Award: Doug Roderick
| December/January 2026 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated November 24, 2025
Each year, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal hosts their CFO of the Year Award, recognizing financial executives and specialists for their contributions to their organizations and the broader community. MNCPA member Doug Roderick, CFO of Twin Cities Public Television, made the list of 2025 honorees. He took time to share his thoughts on the importance of the role and his reflections on maintaining balance as an executive.
Tell us a bit about your role. What do you enjoy the most about it?
The CFO role requires being a strategic partner in the company’s growth. I oversee all financial activities, manage risk and provide decision support, including in the areas of resource allocation, forecasting and evaluating business investments. This provides a comprehensive view of the organization and gives me a seat at the table in shaping its future.
The things I enjoy most include using financial insights to drive change and achieve results, implementing operational changes to increase productivity, optimizing financial processes to improve efficiency, and collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement action plans that contribute to the company’s success.
What is one thing you have learned from your time as a CFO?
One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is to shift my focus from internal operational details to the broader external landscape. Initially, the role required concentration on internal financial controls, reporting and cost management. I came to realize that success in strategic leadership requires a deep understanding of both changing consumer needs and the seismic industry changes our organization is experiencing. This external focus allows me to provide forward-looking, impactful support to the executive team and other leaders in the organization so that our financial and operational strategies are aligned and position our organization for continued future success!
The CFO role comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure, but work-life balance is important. What things outside of work are you passionate about?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about spending quality time with my family, whether it’s weekend adventures or spending time together at our family cabin. I also love getting outdoors, with activities like hiking or yardwork to decompress and stay active. My home improvement projects are a creative outlet where I can see tangible results of my work in a completely different way. I’m also committed to charitable work, volunteering in different capacities with organizations that support educational opportunities in particular. These activities provide a sense of purpose beyond the challenges I enjoy at work.
