From Complexity to Clarity.
From Clarity to Impact.

Executive Leadership | Financial Oversight | Board Advisory

Let's Talk

Why Organizations Call Me

Organizations call me when they need someone who can see the big picture fast and move with confidence. They value my ability to turn complex financial realities into clear strategy, while bringing calm energy to high-pressure situations. And they know I’ll tell them what they need to hear—even when it’s not what they want to hear.

Impact & Recognition

$180B

Federal Home Loan Bank leadership

Billions

New business capacity generated through innovation

13 Years

C-Suite roles — CEO, CFO, CAO, CSO

Elite Recognition

Goldman Sachs 10KSB & Deloitte Board Ready

I founded Cornflower Studio to guide organizations through crisis, transition, and growth with clarity and confidence. With 30+ years in finance and 13 years in the C-suite, I step in when leadership, governance, and financial strategy must deliver.

How We Can Work Together

  • When leaders sense something is off but can’t pinpoint the cause, I bring clarity and alignment to get everyone moving in the same direction.

    The Challenge: Your team feels misaligned in roles, strategy, or execution — but struggle to align on solutions

    How I Help: I cut through the noise with an executive lens, then drive alignment sessions that move you from confusion to clarity with actionable next steps

    Perfect For: Leadership teams facing misalignment, stalled progress, or seeking renewed momentum

  • High-stakes financial decisions shape the future — I ensure you face them with confidence and clarity.

    The Challenge: You're facing major financial decisions - growth funding, compliance requirements, or organizational restructuring - but need executive-level financial oversight to navigate the complexity

    How I Help: With experience at $180B institutions and multi-billion-dollar operations, I provide executive perspective on financial decisions, strengthen your financial controls, and ensure your leadership team understands what the numbers really mean

    Perfect For: Organizations needing CFO-level financial oversight and interpretation without a full-time executive hire

  • When momentum is at risk, I step in to stabilize operations and sustain results.

    The Challenge: You’re navigating a leadership gap, rapid growth, or critical transition - but can't afford months of searching and onboarding

    How I Help: I step into CEO, CFO, or COO roles immediately, bringing proven executive leadership to stabilize your organization and maintain momentum

    Perfect For: Organizations in leadership transition, rapid growth, or requiring immediate senior executive capacity

  • Strong governance turns good intentions into decisive action

    The Challenge: Your board struggles to interpret financials, align on priorities, or move from debate to decisive action

    How I Help: I draw on board chair and committee leadership to sharpen governance, clarify financial narratives, and build frameworks for decisive outcomes

    Perfect For: Boards seeking stronger governance, clearer decision-making, and alignment on strategic priorities

  • The way leaders communicate shapes how organizations perform — I help executives sharpen their voice, presence, and decision-making.

    The Challenge: Poor communication stalls strategy execution - leadership teams aren't aligned, presentations lack impact, and decision-making stalls

    How I Help: Drawing on 7 years as institutional spokesperson and crisis leadership experience, I help leaders present with confidence, collaborate effectively, and make decisions that stick

    Perfect For: Executive teams working to strengthen communication, collaboration, and performance in high-stakes settings

Let's Talk
Ardis E Kelley CPA Des Moines Iowa

Led by Ardis E. Kelley, CPA — bringing clarity and calm to pivotal moments.

I founded Cornflower Studio to guide organizations through transition, growth, and high-stakes decision-making with confidence.

With 30+ years as a financial executive and strategic advisor—serving as Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Interim CEO, and Interim CFO—I've built a career helping leaders stabilize operations, realign strategy, and create lasting impact. I've led through inflection points, facilitated board alignment, and guided leadership teams through high-stakes moments. My experience spans banking, mission-driven nonprofits, and complex governance environments.

I work directly with clients as a fractional executive, strategic advisor, or crisis leader—offering not just expertise, but calm, curiosity, and momentum.

  • Where Judgment Meets Clarity

    Most teams don’t lack judgment — they lack clarity. I help leaders uncover what’s really happening so they can act with confidence. Whether serving as interim executive, advising a board, or guiding a founder, I bring strategic insight and respect for the people and dynamics behind the numbers.

  • Why I Chose "Cornflower"

    Like the hardy Iowa cornflower, I thrive in challenging conditions where others struggle. Its vibrant blue represents trust, stability, and clarity — the same qualities I bring to my work. I chose this name to reflect resilience, optimism, and the ability to create clarity in even the toughest environments.

  • Both Sides of the Table

    I serve on multiple boards, including Des Moines Performing Arts (Chair), Iowa Public Radio (Finance Committee), and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines (Executive Committee, Audit Chair). This gives me perspective from both governance and operations, ensuring strategic decisions are grounded in practical execution.

  • Elite Recognition

    I've been selected as a Business Advisor for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and chosen for Deloitte's National Board Ready program. These honors recognize my ability to guide business growth and strengthen governance at the highest levels—validating the depth of expertise and credibility I bring to every engagement.

What You Can Expect

Whether providing financial oversight, stepping into interim leadership roles, or advising boards directly, I bridge the gap between executive operations and board oversight with clarity and confidence.

You can expect:

  • Clear direction when leadership teams are stuck

  • Financial insights that drive strategic decisions

  • Steady leadership during high-pressure transitions

  • Board-ready perspective from both sides of the table

  • A trusted partner—not just a hired hand

Let's Talk

Let’s Start with a Conversation

If you’re facing change, growth, or a pivotal decision, let’s talk. Every engagement begins with a focused conversation about where you are today and what it will take to move forward with confidence.