Notable Veteran Executives: Donald Hoeft

Class of 2024

U.S. Air Force, sergeant

Donald Hoeft, chief financial officer at Brookfield-based Pinnacle Engineering Group, first encountered the company while working as a third-party consultant, evaluating the firm’s accounting functions and exposing risks in startup professional services business plans and operations.

The initial contract lead to a decision to offer him a chance to join the firm in a newly created role, with a focus on developing strategy and ultimately implementing his recommended actions, according to Adam Artz, managing member at Pinnacle.

The initial implementation of policies and procedures grew into overall firm leadership contributions and building a company culture that mimics a lot of what he learned from his military service, Artz said.

Hoeft served in the Air Force for nine years in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). During his service, Sergeant Hoeft was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and four Air Force Achievement medals.

“Core values, such as ‘Integrity First,’ ‘Service before Self,’ ‘Excellence In All We Do’ along with philosophical commitments to ‘Organize, Train and Equip’ instilled in the Air Force have driven Pinnacle’s success,” said Artz.