NEFCO Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

NEFCO has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, operational management, and corporate leadership.

Committed to precision in forensic analysis, NEFCO delivers expert fire investigation and litigation support services to clients across the United States, ensuring rigorous evidence integrity and scene inspection standards.

Leadership Roles at NEFCO

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Gelles
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Putt
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Ronald Cipriano
  • President - David Gelles
  • Owner and President - David Eddy
  • Chief Information Officer - Raf Cohen
  • Matthew Gelles - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Gelles, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NEFCO, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By aligning forensic investigation capabilities with client needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across North American markets. This leadership role involves managing high-level relationships with legal partners and insurance firms requiring expert fire scene analysis. Matthew Gelles maintains rigorous quality control standards for all explosion investigation protocols, ensuring that every report meets strict litigation requirements. By overseeing the integration of advanced evidence storage solutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes operational efficiency. The executive team relies on this guidance to navigate complex industry regulations while maintaining the reputation of the firm. Ultimately, Gelles secures the long-term stability of the company through disciplined resource allocation and a focus on technical excellence in every fire investigation project.
    Matthew Gelles

    David Putt - Chief Financial Officer

    David Putt, the Chief Financial Officer at NEFCO, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the firm. Overseeing all budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of fire scene investigation services. This role involves analyzing revenue streams from litigation support contracts to maintain profitability. David Putt monitors financial performance across regional operations, providing the data necessary for informed decision-making by the executive board. By implementing robust accounting controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and ensures compliance with industry standards. The financial strategy focuses on reinvesting in evidence storage infrastructure to enhance service delivery. Through careful management of cash flow and operational expenses, Putt drives the financial sustainability of the organization. This leadership position remains vital for balancing the costs of specialized forensic equipment with the demand for high-quality, reliable fire investigation outcomes.

    Ronald Cipriano - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Ronald Cipriano, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at NEFCO, manages the daily execution of fire investigation and scene inspection services. Overseeing the deployment of field teams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that every investigation adheres to strict safety and technical protocols. This role involves coordinating logistics for evidence collection and storage across diverse geographic regions. Ronald Cipriano drives operational excellence by refining the processes used during complex explosion investigations. By fostering collaboration between field investigators and the administrative staff, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains high service standards. The operational strategy focuses on reducing response times while increasing the depth of forensic analysis provided to clients. Through rigorous oversight of field operations, Cipriano ensures that the firm consistently delivers reliable results for legal and insurance partners, supporting the overall mission of the company.
    Ronald Cipriano

    David Gelles - President

    David Gelles, the President at NEFCO, leads the development of specialized service lines within the fire investigation division. Overseeing the expansion of litigation support offerings, the President ensures that the firm meets the evolving needs of the legal community. This role involves identifying new market opportunities for scene inspection and evidence analysis. David Gelles directs the training programs for junior investigators to maintain a high level of technical proficiency across the organization. By cultivating partnerships with key industry stakeholders, the President strengthens the market position of the firm. The strategic focus involves enhancing the quality of expert testimony provided during legal proceedings. Through active management of client relationships, Gelles ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for complex fire and explosion cases. This leadership position drives the growth of the business by emphasizing the importance of accuracy and professional integrity in every forensic investigation.

    David Eddy - Owner and President

    David Eddy, the Owner and President at NEFCO, defines the core values and long-term mission of the fire investigation firm. Overseeing the foundational principles of the company, the Owner and President ensures that every investigation reflects a commitment to scientific rigor and ethical practice. This role involves guiding the executive team in setting high-level goals for service expansion and operational quality. David Eddy monitors the overall impact of the firm on the forensic industry, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of fire scene analysis. By championing the development of advanced evidence storage facilities, the Owner and President supports the long-term needs of clients involved in litigation. The leadership philosophy centers on maintaining a reputation for excellence and reliability. Through strategic oversight, Eddy secures the future of the company, ensuring that the firm continues to provide essential services to the legal and insurance sectors.

    Raf Cohen - Chief Information Officer

    Raf Cohen, the Chief Information Officer at NEFCO, architects the digital infrastructure required for secure evidence management and forensic reporting. Overseeing the implementation of advanced data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all fire scene documentation remains protected and accessible for litigation support. This role involves integrating cloud-based storage solutions to streamline the workflow for investigators across the country. Raf Cohen drives the adoption of new technologies that improve the accuracy of explosion investigation analysis. By managing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive client information from unauthorized access. The technical strategy focuses on creating scalable platforms that support the growing volume of forensic data. Through continuous innovation in digital tools, Cohen enhances the efficiency of the entire investigation team. This leadership role ensures that the firm maintains a competitive edge by leveraging data-driven insights to support complex legal proceedings.
    Raf Cohen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NEFCO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NEFCO?
    NEFCO is led by Matthew Gelles (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Putt (Chief Financial Officer) and Ronald Cipriano (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of NEFCO’s executive team?
    The executive team of NEFCO includes leaders such as Matthew Gelles (President & Chief Executive Officer), David Putt (Chief Financial Officer), Ronald Cipriano (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NEFCO have?
    NEFCO has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NEFCO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NEFCO includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Owner and President.