New president for FEI, new format for FE, more.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: Financial Executives International

The smiling and thoughtful face on our cover is Marie N. Hollein, the new president and CEO of Financial Executives International (the second woman in this role in FEI history), Named in December, Hollein's first day, Jan. 19, arrived just as the rest of the nation was buzzing with United States presidential-inauguration hoopla. One commonality with President Barack Obama: Hollein also hails from Chicago!

Hollein comes to FEI at a significant time in U.S. economic history--in the midst of a global recession that doesn't seem to quit. Significantly, FEI was born in 1931--as The Controllers Institute of America--right smack in the midst of the Great Depression. Just as those pioneering financial executives grouped together to help solve the nation's financial problems, FEI is now reaching out to appropriate constituencies--members, prospective members, regulators and more--with information and resources, to help weather this storm from a variety of perspectives.

And, while on the subject of history: Financial Executive, which began publishing in 1934, has gone through several changes--both in style and content--as it has responded to the growing and changing FEI membership and to the times. Now, in the 21st century, we are proud to introduce the digital version of Financial Executive. All members and subscribers received an email with a link to the digital FE on Feb. 2. For now, all will have access to both the print and digital edition. At some point during the year, readers will be given the choice to continue to receive both or select the format they prefer. We expect this will be an exciting new way to view the complete magazine and read the articles online, as well as to hyperlink directly to advertisers. This, too, is a response to our changing membership--as many are accustomed to using digital technology. Your feedback will be appreciated!

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In this issue, I'd like to call your attention to several articles...