NEFCO Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

NEFCO has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, and leadership.

Driven by a commitment to accuracy, NEFCO provides expert fire investigation services, supporting litigation and ensuring evidence integrity with a focus on scientific methodology and client support.

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
  • Chief Information Officer - Raf Cohen
  • Matthew Gelles - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Gelles, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NEFCO, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Gelles oversees all facets of the fire investigation business, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of scientific accuracy and client service. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion into new markets and developing innovative service offerings that address evolving industry needs. Matthew Gelles drives the company's mission to provide unparalleled expertise in fire scene and explosion investigation, litigation support, and evidence management. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures seamless integration between investigative findings and legal proceedings, solidifying NEFCO's reputation for reliability and precision in complex cases. Gelles's strategic direction supports the company's growth and its commitment to serving clients across the United States.
    Matthew Gelles

    David Putt - Chief Financial Officer

    David Putt, the Chief Financial Officer at NEFCO, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Putt oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the company's financial health and stability. This critical role involves analyzing financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and managing investment strategies to support NEFCO's growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executives to align financial decisions with the company's strategic priorities, particularly in expanding service offerings and operational capacity. David Putt's expertise ensures robust financial controls and compliance, safeguarding the company's assets and maximizing profitability. This leadership position is essential for maintaining NEFCO's operational efficiency and its ability to invest in cutting-edge investigative technologies and talent.

    Ronald Cipriano - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Ronald Cipriano, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at NEFCO, manages the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery. Cipriano oversees the execution of fire scene and explosion investigations, ensuring that all field operations adhere to strict protocols and quality standards. This leadership position involves optimizing resource deployment, managing investigative teams, and enhancing operational efficiency across all service lines, including scene inspection and evidence storage. Ronald Cipriano works to streamline processes, improve turnaround times, and ensure client satisfaction through effective operational management. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in scaling NEFCO's capabilities to meet increasing demand and expanding its geographic reach. Cipriano's focus on operational excellence underpins the company's ability to deliver reliable and timely investigative support.
    Ronald Cipriano

    David Gelles - President

    David Gelles, the President at NEFCO, provides strategic leadership and guidance across key business functions. Gelles focuses on enhancing NEFCO's service portfolio, particularly in litigation support and evidence management, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and client needs. This role involves fostering strong relationships with legal professionals and insurance providers, reinforcing NEFCO's position as a trusted partner. David Gelles contributes to the company's growth by identifying new opportunities for service expansion and operational improvement. The President works collaboratively with the executive team to drive innovation and maintain the highest standards of investigative integrity. Gelles's leadership ensures that NEFCO continues to deliver exceptional value and expertise in the fire investigation sector.

    Raf Cohen - Chief Information Officer

    Raf Cohen, the Chief Information Officer at NEFCO, directs the company's technology strategy and information systems management. Cohen oversees the development and implementation of IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient data management for sensitive investigation findings and client records. This role involves evaluating and integrating new technologies to enhance investigative capabilities, streamline operations, and improve client communication. Raf Cohen is responsible for cybersecurity protocols, data integrity, and the overall digital transformation of NEFCO's services. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology supports the company's core mission of accurate fire investigation and litigation support. Cohen's leadership in information technology strengthens NEFCO's operational resilience and its capacity to handle complex data sets, providing a competitive edge in the industry.
    Raf Cohen

    Explore Leadership Teams in Business Services

    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 5 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, Chief Information Officer.