Deena L. Soulon.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: BalanceSheet

Fairly early in her life, Deena Soulon decided life was meant to be lived--away from the small town in which she was born. She educated herself, and chose a path for her life's journey. Ultimately, however, she says she is inspired most by her young daughter--who drives her to lead by way of example.

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Title: Finance Director (CFO)

Company: San Francisco Symphony (SFS), regarded internationally as one of the foremost American symphony orchestras. The SFS performs more than 230 concerts every season, reaching an audience of millions throughout the U.S. and abroad with touring, recording, radio and public television broadcasts.

Born: Alamogordo, New Mexico, Feb. 9, 1960

Children: Daughter, Phoebe, 8-1/2 years old (the emphasis on 1/2 is hers).

Education: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, Bachelor of Accountancy, January 1983; Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Texas Certification, 1986

Career Path: Comptroller of the Currency, Twelfth Regional District, Denver, Bank Examiner, 1980-82, a college work/study program--attended school for six months and worked for six months; 1983-84, Price Waterhouse & Co., Midland, Texas, Staff Auditor; 1984-85, Arthur Young & Co., Dallas, Tax Accountant; 1985-87, Independent American Real Estate, Inc., Dallas, Division Controller; 1987-91, Trammell Crow Co., Mill Valley, Calif., and Dallas, Controller, Multi-Family Housing and Community Development; 1991-96, San Francisco Symphony (SFS), San Francisco, Controller; 1996 to present, SFS Finance Director (CFO).

FEI Chapter: San Francisco

Leisure: "I enjoy spending time with my daughter, doing everything--from something special to nothing at all. Activities that refresh and energize me include hiking, camping, skiing, cycling, swimming, playing the piano, reading and baking angel food cakes."

Time Management: "It's all about personal drive, strong organizational skills and working with great people. I am devoted to the Franklin Covey planning devices, 'Roles' and 'Goals.'"

Stress Management: "I carve out some quiet time every day, preferably early in the morning, before the day's activities begin. I also try to engage regularly in some form of physical activity that is both fun and stress-relieving."

I would spend 1 hour with: "Lance Armstrong. I would love to listen to his philosophy on the creation and implementation of a successful team, whether the goal is winning the Tour de France or winning the war against cancer."

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