Let's make it a year to remember.

• Author: Hollein, Marie
• Position: President's page

Entering the new year, we have much to consider as financial executives. As you can see from this special 2011 forecast issue of Financial Executive, there is no shortage of expert analysis and commentary on the state of our nation and where it may be headed. No one ever said the job of financial executive was a walk in the park, and the past several years have surely tested our collective mettle.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

From my perspective, I view 2011 as a period of great opportunity. It's time for all of us to continue our involvement in helping our companies to succeed. As far as we at FEI are concerned, our mission is to continue educating and advocating for financial leadership and the profession. To that end, this is a particularly special year for our organization: we will be celebrating our 80th anniversary as the leading professional organization for senior-level financial executives.

One of our objectives each year is to schedule events that can help us execute on that mission. There's not enough room to discuss our lineup for the coming 12 months, and much is still evolving. So, I want to draw attention to just a few events and happenings at FEI.

Let's start with the opportunity to spend quality time with a key member of the financial oversight community--U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Kathleen Casey. Casey will be hosting a "Working Lunch" on Jan. 14, at the Union League Club in New York City. This is an opportunity for a limited number of FEI members only to meet in a small, intimate setting to listen to and discuss the salient issues of the day with a key player in financial regulation. Only the first 30 members from public companies to sign up will be able to attend. For information on the event, watch your email or check the Web site under "events."

Save the Date--April 3-5, 2011. Let's Meet in Phoenix

One of FEI's centerpiece annual events is planned for early April this year: FEI's Leadership Summit, at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa from April 3-5. For all of us invested in our profession and the work of FEI, this conference shouldn't be missed.

One featured keynote speaker this year is David M. Walker, the former comptroller general of the United States and founder and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative. Walker, like FEI, is on a mission. He's sounding a clarion call to raise public awareness of federal fiscal responsibility and sustainability. His perspectives are welcome additions to the debate over...