FEI Kicks-Off Organization's 80th Anniversary at the 2011 Leadership Summit

MORRISTOWN, N.J., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Financial Executives International (FEI), prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary as a professional organization, more than 600 senior-level financial executives will assemble next month at the FEI 2011 Leadership Summit, "Blueprint for Change."  For the past eight decades of FEI's rich history, the Summit has been a must-attend industry event for CFOs, VPs of finance, treasurers, controllers, and internal auditors around the world.  This year's Summit, which will be held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ from April 3-5, will offer financial executives insights on the strategies required to meet the demands placed on them by shareholders, employees and the general public and for building solid foundations within their companies in the current economic environment.  During the Summit, FEI will also open its annual call for nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame class, which honors outstanding achievements and commitment to leadership in finance.

Keynote speakers addressing the 2011 Summit include Hon. David M. Walker, Founder and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative and the former Comptroller General of the United States who will discuss restoring fiscal responsibility, Jeffrey O. Henley, Chairman of the Board, Oracle Corporation on laying the groundwork for superior performance and John Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. on corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Furthermore, the annual roundtable, "View from the C-Suite," includes leaders from the hospitality, food & beverage, mining and energy industries for an interactive discussion on how they are changing their companies' strategies and action plans to meet the demands of the economic recovery while finding new opportunities for growth. Educational sessions offered throughout the Summit will provide the latest developments impacting businesses in a three-track format focused on Executive Leadership and Development, Corporate Finance for Private Companies, and Finance and Information Technology.

"FEI's Leadership Summit brings together leading policymakers, academic scholars, researchers and a diverse range of financial executives for several days of intense networking and collaboration," said Marie Hollein, President and CEO of Financial Executives International. "In this complex economic environment, financial executives have certainly become key architects for the future of their organizations. The theme of this year's Summit will aptly address many of the factors financial leadership are currently facing. This event will celebrate FEI's 80th anniversary, and we are pleased to share this milestone with our members, who have been instrumental to the organization's success."

To commemorate FEI's 80th anniversary, the Summit will also offer a number of special events, including an elegant opening reception and golf outing. Additionally, the FEI Summit Exhibit booth will herald the return of FEI's Financial Literacy Quiz.  The quiz, which was originally published in the 1990's as an early initiative to enhance financial literacy, will be updated with new questions on financial reporting, new legislation and auditing.  

To register for the FEI 2011 Summit or for additional information, visit

http://www.financialexecutives.org.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Hall of Fame will recognize individuals who epitomize the performance, leadership and integrity of the most exemplary financial executives throughout their careers. FEI will accept nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame through May 26.  Last year's inductees of the Hall of Fame included Karl M. von der Heyden and Ulyesse J. LeGrange.

Participation in the FEI Hall of Fame is open to FEI members and non-members. Nominations can be submitted online at the designated Web site www.feihall.org. Selection criteria includes: individual and organizational performance, leadership, integrity, innovation, and community involvement. The 2011 class will be inducted at the annual FEI Hall of Fame black tie gala on November 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

About FEI

Financial Executives International is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management.  Its 15,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers.  FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, teleconferences and publications.  Members participate in the activities of 85 chapters, 74 in the U.S. and 11 in Canada. Visit www.financialexecutives.org for more information.

SOURCE Financial Executives International (FEI)