Frank V. Balon

I provide executive leadership for a high-technology, low-acid aseptic food and beverage company with proprietary ingredient processing capabilities and a nationally recognized branded consumer business. I am responsible for aligning strategy, operations, and capital deployment across a complex and highly regulated manufacturing environment. I oversee company-wide operations and performance across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, product innovation and R&D, quality, finance, legal, and business development. Working closely with department leaders, I ensure cross-functional alignment, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement across the enterprise. I partner with ownership and senior leadership to define and execute both short- and long-term strategic priorities, including expansions, new business initiatives, and major capital investments. My responsibilities include managing large operating and capital budgets while maintaining strong margins, financial discipline, and compliance with lending and governance requirements. I negotiate and structure complex commercial agreements involving customers, suppliers, and financing partners. I direct the company’s intellectual property strategy, litigation oversight, and licensing activities, ensuring protection and monetization of critical assets while minimizing enterprise risk. I co-spearheaded the ideation, launch, and growth of Elmhurst 1925, a leading plant-based food and beverage brand. This work included acquiring foundational technology, scaling manufacturing capabilities, and building the organizational and operational infrastructure required to support branded growth. A core focus of my role is leadership and organizational development. I have built and managed high-performing executive, scientific, legal, and operational teams. In addition to my executive responsibilities, I serve as a Board Director, advising on governance, succession planning, and long-term ownership strategy

I represented corporate clients in complex commercial and insurance litigation matters, actively litigating and advising on risk exposure, dispute resolution, and strategy. This role further developed a strong foundation in advocacy, negotiation, and business-focused legal analysis.

I handled a broad range of commercial litigation matters, working closely with business owners and executives to align legal strategy with business objectives. My practice centered upon securing winning results, while emphasizing strategic positioning and efficient resolutions.

I supported high-stakes business and securities litigation for major corporate clients within a global law firm environment. This experience provided early exposure to complex matters, senior executives, and sophisticated legal and business strategy.

I worked in a public affairs capacity corresponding with various media, authoring press releases and articles for Corps publications, and otherwise supporting the work of the Buffalo District. I received several promotions and achievement based awards during my two year tenure.