CFO of the year.

• Position: Utah Department of Human Services

As Utah's CFOs confront a struggling national economy, turmoil in the financial markets and stringent compliance requirements, our finalists agree the day of the back office bean counter is past. Today's CFOs take on a strategic, communicative leadership role, acting as a partner with the CEO while providing firm fiscal guidance to secure a corporation's financial future. Though our finalists' careers have directed them to diverse paths--some beginning with large accounting firms, others putting down roots in the public or nonprofit sector--all have successfully made the transition to become dynamic leaders who are crucial to the success of some of Utah's most esteemed organizations.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

GOVERNMENT

JENNIFER EVANS

Director of the Office of Fiscal Operations Utah Department of Human Services

"The CFO is critical in fostering an environment of fiscal discipline," says Jennifer Evans. "In addition to providing a strong financial foundation including sufficient external and internal controls, the CFO should be a leader--not just in the accounting office, but the entire organization."

Working with the Utah Department of Human Services' $730 million budget requires Evans to place increased emphasis on accountability as she ensures taxpayers are receiving a solid return on investment. A strong auditing background and a belief in the difference her work is making continue to propel her forward in her leadership role.

DARRIN CASPER

Chief Financial Officer Mayor's Operations Officer Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County remains one of fewer than 30 counties in the U.S. rated AAA by all major credit rating services, due to the county's risk averse philosophy, says Darrin Casper. After nine years with Salt Lake County, Casper says he's never been so motivated for a job in his life.

"I whistle on my way to work each day knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of most, if not all, of Salt Lake County's citizens."

JOHN NIXON

Director Governor's Office of Planning and Budget

Overseeing the state's $11.5 billion budget is not something John Nixon takes lightly. "Utah is known, and has been [known] for some time, as the best financially managed state in the country," he says.

To keep that standard high, one of Nixon's main objectives has been to institute operational performance and transparency in government. Today, every state agency uses a set of performance metrics used to administer its operations and provide accountability to the governor's office. Nixon's department also launched www.performance.utah.gov, where Utahns can see how their tax dollars are performing.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

NON PROFIT

BERT ZIMMERLI

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Intermountain Heaithcare

"Self-proclaimed as having "very high expectations and never [being] satisfied," Bert Zimmerli's drive has made him no stranger to success. After receiving the second-highest score in the nation when he took the CPA exam, Zimmerli excelled in his 16 years with Ernst & Young and 12 years with private health care organizations in Houston before relocating to Utah to work with IHC five years ago. Success keeps coming: a recent Wall Street Journal article cited Intermountain as one of the nation's best at keeping costs low and quality high.

KEVIN GRIMMETT

Chief...