David Kestenberg
Salesforce Technology Leader Digital Transformation Executive
Pittsburgh, PA linkedin.com/in/davidkestenberg *****@**********.** 412-***-****
Professional Summary
Transformational technology executive with over 15 years in Salesforce platform ownership, engineering, and large-scale digital transformation. Proven leader in CRM optimization, Agile SDLC, and scalable, secure platform management, aligning technology strategies with organizational goals for enhanced efficiency and user experience. Experienced in developing Salesforce and engineering roadmaps, ensuring seamless integration, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. A collaborative leader and Dreamforce speaker, committed to driving impactful results through continuous improvement and innovation in forward-thinking organizations.
Core Competencies
Salesforce Platform Strategy: Salesforce Lightning, Service Cloud, Health Cloud, Sales Cloud, MuleSoft, Slack, Tableau, Copado, and more.
CRM Optimization & Customer Experience
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Data Integration & System Migration
Digital Transformation & Process Improvement
Compliance & Security (InfoSec) Audits
Agile SDLC & Best Practices Implementation
Professional Experience – Salesforce focused
Chief Information Officer - REE Medical Feb 2023 - May 2024
Led all Salesforce and IT initiatives, focusing on implementing systems that streamline veterans' healthcare assessments and Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs).
Directed the technology integration post-acquisition, ensuring seamless Salesforce and IT infrastructure compatibility with acquired entities.
Enhanced Salesforce platform customization to meet compliance standards and improve team efficiencies across multiple departments.
Director of IT, Enterprise Salesforce Solutions - Highmark Health Nov 2021 - Feb 2023
Spearheaded the Enterprise Salesforce Solutions & CLM group, managing a team across various locations to provide efficient support for Salesforce implementations.
Orchestrated system migrations, integrations, and customizations, improving platform performance and user adoption.
Optimized Health Cloud and Service Cloud solutions to enhance patient engagement and streamline customer support workflows.
Conducted regular InfoSec audits and implemented strategies to meet security standards, directly addressing and resolving audit findings.
Salesforce Product Owner - Highmark Health Nov 2019 - Nov 2021
Led Salesforce teams responsible for end-to-end development cycles, focusing on enhancing system capabilities and user experience.
Implemented Salesforce Lightning upgrades, driving a 30% increase in system usability and performance.
Created robust onboarding and training programs, empowering users and administrators at all levels to effectively leverage Salesforce.
Championed best practices for data migration, aligning legacy systems with upgraded Salesforce infrastructure and ensuring data integrity.
Director of Business Operations & Deal Flow Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs May 2017 - Dec 2017
Managed Salesforce CRM for deal flow tracking and analysis, optimizing M&A activities and reporting accuracy.
Enhanced CRM functionality to support data-driven insights, increasing efficiency in deal sourcing and evaluation.
CEO & Lead Salesforce Consultant - Kestenberg Consulting 2012 - Nov 2021
Delivered tailored Salesforce and IT solutions to clients across finance, healthcare, and Ed-Tech industries, emphasizing CRM optimization and digital transformation.
Advised private equity firms on Salesforce platform integration during M&A activities, ensuring smooth transitions and system alignment for acquired companies.
Designed and implemented comprehensive Salesforce data migration plans, integrating legacy systems and enhancing reporting capabilities.
David Kestenberg
Email: *****@**********.** Phone: 412-***-**** LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidkestenberg
SUMMARY
Strategic IT Executive with over 18 years of experience driving digital transformation and operational improvements across diverse industries, including healthcare, fintech, and private equity. Proven expertise in M&A due diligence, post-acquisition IT integration, and aligning technology strategies with business objectives to drive revenue growth and enhance scalability. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, optimizing enterprise technology, and delivering measurable business value.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Enterprise Technology Optimization
M&A Due Diligence & Technology Integration
Cloud Solutions & Digital Infrastructure
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
Budgeting & Cost Optimization
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Agile & Waterfall Project Management
ERP & CRM Expertise
Digital Transformation Leadership
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Chief Information Officer — REE Medical Nov 2022 – May 2024
Spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation, modernizing REE Medical’s IT infrastructure to support scalable growth, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance (HIPAA, VA).
Led post-acquisition IT integration following a private equity acquisition, aligning systems with strategic goals, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs within 12 months.
Developed and implemented a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard sensitive veteran health data, achieving full regulatory compliance and passing external audits year over year with outstanding success.
Strategically implemented Salesforce CRM Service Cloud for Operations and Sales, integrated MuleSoft as the core integration layer, deployed Slack for seamless internal communication, and optimized release management with Copado, all within a comprehensive agile framework.
Negotiated vendor contracts and implemented cost-saving measures, reducing IT expenses by 15% while maintaining service quality and performance.
Director of IT, Enterprise Salesforce Solutions & CLM — Highmark Health Nov 2019 – Feb 2023
Directed a large-scale transformation of Highmark Health’s Salesforce ecosystem, managing a 250-member team across multiple geographies, driving system improvements and post-acquisition integration.
Oversaw 31 Salesforce environments, including Health Cloud, Sales Cloud, and Service Cloud, while managing enterprise-wide Tableau analytics and large-scale MuleSoft and Copado deployments, supporting 11.4 million members and 55,000 employees across the organization.
Managed the full Salesforce product development lifecycle, focusing on seamless integration during M&A transitions, reducing technical debt, and driving system optimization.
CEO & Founder — Kestenberg Consulting 2012 – 2024 (Part-Time)
Provided IT consulting services to private equity firms and portfolio companies, specializing in post-merger technology integration, digital transformation, and IT strategy.
Led technology due diligence for PE investors, identifying risks and opportunities in acquisitions, improving post-close technology landscapes for enhanced operational efficiency.
Director of Business Operations — Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs May 2017 – Apr 2018
Led deal flow management for search funds, providing IT and operational insights to inform acquisition strategies.
Managed post-acquisition IT integrations, aligning infrastructure with business objectives, enhancing technology synergies, and driving value creation for portfolio companies.
Interim CEO — ISA Learning Oct 2016 – May 2017
Directed product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising efforts for an Ed-Tech startup, scaling technology infrastructure to support a 40% increase in users.
Led the overhaul of technology systems, enabling operational efficiency while expanding digital learning solutions for educational institutions.
Founder & CEO — FocusFeed Jan 2015 – Oct 2016
Founded and launched a B2B SaaS company offering personalized content solutions for businesses, driving client engagement and retention.
Managed all aspects of product design, business development, and technology implementation, achieving successful revenue growth post-launch.
Associate — Rosemore Capital Jan 2012 – Dec 2014
Conducted deal flow analysis, evaluating potential acquisitions from a technology and operational perspective.
Supported M&A transactions by assessing IT infrastructure and cybersecurity postures, contributing to successful integration and technology strategy for portfolio companies.
Foreign Exchange Trader — Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank Sep 2010 – Oct 2011
Traded foreign currencies at the bank’s headquarters in Israel, optimizing currency portfolios and minimizing financial risk in a high-pressure environment.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Reconnaissance Commander (Major) — Israel Defense Forces (Active Duty: 1996-2001, Reserve: 2001-2012)
Led a specialized reconnaissance unit during active duty, responsible for mission-critical operations and team leadership in high-stress environments. Continues to serve as a reserve officer with the rank of Major.
EDUCATION
Reichman University (IDC Herzliya) — BA, Government, Strategy, and Diplomacy 2007 – 2010
Leadership Development: Selected for and participated in Leadership Pittsburgh Class LPXXXIV, enhancing strategic leadership skills and expanding regional impact through cross-sector collaboration. (2017)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Speaker at Dreamforce (5 times) - Dreamforce is Salesforce's annual global conference, where industry leaders, innovators, and experts gather to discuss the latest trends in technology, business, and customer success.
Board member at two non-profit organizations and advisory board member for three early-stage tech companies, providing strategic guidance and leadership across diverse sectors.