Not-for-profit shoe distributor Soles4Souls has dropped the interim tag from Les Ward, naming him full-time chief financial officer.

Ward has been interim CFO since November 2012. Before joining Soles4Souls, Ward co-founded BlackBriar Advisors LLC, a Dallas-based firm that assists companies in improving their business models and financial positions. Ward also was a managing partner in the Dallas office of Tatum LLC, where he was responsible for marketing, business development and client relations.

"In the short time he has been here, Les already contributed enormously toward improving the effectiveness and transparency of our complex operational, supply and financial management systems," said Soles4Souls CEO Buddy Teaster. "Les has taken a company public and been the CEO of a public company so he understands the high standards we're holding ourselves to when it comes to good governance, reporting and getting results. We are thrilled to add his experience and dedication to excellence to Soles4Souls outstanding executive leadership team."

Ward graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University. He is a member of the Association of Corporate Growth and the Commercial Finance Association.