Ron Izewski, senior v.p. and cfo of Bethlehem, Pa.-based Just Born Inc. has been named 2013 CFO of the Year by Lehigh Valley Business in the “Private Company” category.

The CFO of the Year awards honor Pennsylvania’s Greater Lehigh Valley’s financial executives who contribute to the region’s economic growth and stability. The business publication presented Izewski with the award last month at a ceremony held at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa.

“Being honored with this award is not about one individual, but rather the collective team,” Izewski says. “This award is a testament to Just Born’s superior leadership and interest in making a positive impact on the community of the Lehigh Valley, and I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Just Born Finance Division who helped make this possible.”

Izewski was lauded for his efforts in successfully acquiring and integrating Goldenberg Candy Co. as well as purchasing and retrofitting a former Circuit City warehouse in Bethlehem Township into a 600,000- sq.-ft. LEED Gold certified distribution center, home to the company’s Confection Connection logistics divisions.

In addition, Izewski helped the company launch a new chain of specialty confectionery retail outlets called PEEPS & COMPANY, including the most recent store, which opened earlier this year in The Shoppes at Sands, located in the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pa.

He has also played an active role in developing transformational growth initiatives that seek to reduce operating costs, while driving reinvestment, a company press release pointed out. Some of these initiatives include implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system, reduction of operating and overhead costs through a commodity review process, and driving administrative spending effectiveness.

“Ron continually pushes beyond the boundaries of the traditional cfo, bringing dedication, energy and enthusiasm to his role at Just Born Inc.,” says David Yale, Just Born’s president and coo. “Ron’s commitment to driving the financial success of our company has made him the longest-standing member of the executive team and a key advisor to all areas of Just Born’s business. We congratulate Ron on this well-deserved acknowledgment and achievement.”

Izewski was among 29 financial executives honored by Lehigh Valley Business. Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of independent judges from around the Lehigh Valley that ranked nominees on their impact, leadership and achievements within their organization.

Prior to joining Just Born, Izewski spent 11 years at Leaf Candy Co. in Chicago in various financial leadership roles. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Financial Executive Institute.