Jim Fox, the Dansko executive who led the West Grove’s firm in its transition to a 100 percent employee-owned company, has been named 2014 Chief Financial Officer of the Year by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The award, sponsored by Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, recognizes financial professionals in the greater Philadelphia region for outstanding performance as corporate financial stewards. Fox was recognized in the category of medium-sized companies during a July 10 awards presentation in the Crystal Tea Room.

Since joining Dansko in 2006, Fox, Dansko’s chief financial officer, created and implemented financial controls that have served as the foundation for profitable and well-managed growth.

“Over the past eight years, Jim has effectively offered financial and executive guidance, as well as an ethical model of leadership,” said Mandy Cabot, Dansko co-founder, president and CEO. “From managing controls to serving those around him, Jim exemplifies what it means to build a better tomorrow. We are thrilled to celebrate this honor on Jim’s behalf.”

The journal recognized Fox for making a difference both in the office and the local community. He frequently participates in Dansko volunteer events, and recently supported the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Stroud Water Research Center during environmental preservation projects.

Founded in 1990 by the wife/ husband team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, Dansko leads the comfort footwear market in award-winning design and customer service. The firm has 185 employee-owners strong.