Over 500 attendees hit Gaylord Resort to network, more.

• Position: LEADERSHIP SUMMIT '09 - Financial Executives International - Conference news

A good time was had by all as they converged for Financial Executives International's annual Summit May 3-5 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

FEI President and Chief Executive Officer Marie N. Hollein addressed FEI leaders on May 3 to share her views on the current state of the external environment for financial executives, the profession, the direction of her leadership and her vision for FEI in the coming years. Hollein's remarks addressed the many ways in which FEI can help members "navigate new realities" during these challenging times.

Duncan L. Neiderauer, chief executive officer, NYSE Euronext, opened the conference on May 4 with a keynote address on "Investor Confidence and the New Financial Landscape."

Other speakers included: Diane Swonk, chief economist and senior managing director of Mesirow Financial, who spoke on "Themes on the Economy," and Toyota Financial Services Chief Financial Officer Chris Ballinger. Though his speech, "The End of the World as We Know It, and What Finance Can Do About It," wasn't quite as dramatic as the title suggested, Ballinger noted some recent signs of recovery while still warning of rough economic waters ahead.

In other Summit-related business, FEI announced the following Board of Director members who will serve for fiscal year 2009-10:

Chair: Gerald Urich, Hershey Foods Corp.

Vice Chair: Brian B. Ruttencutter, Cumming Group Inc.

President: Marie N. Hollein, Financial Executives International.

Vice President at Large: George Boy-adjis, Cresa Partners LLC.

Vice President at Large: Marsha Hunt, Cummins Inc.

Secretary: Katherine Anderson, Seattle Opera.

Area Vice Presidents for FY 2009-10 include:

Midwestern AVP: Leota Pearson.

North Atlantic AVP: Lisa McAlister,

Bank of America Merrill Lynch & Co.

North Central AVP: Thomas Fleury,

Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc.

Southern AVP: David...