Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada), the professional membership association for senior financial executives yesterday began a series of celebrations to commemorate 60 years of members, professional development and advocacy.

“The network and voice of financial executives in Canada has never been stronger,” says Michael Conway, chief executive and national president of FEI Canada. “The insight of our members is now repeatedly being sought out by regulators and key decision-makers across Canada.

“Our members have always come together to network with their peers. Over time, FEI Canada has evolved to provide more professional development to keep pace with the evolving role of the CFO.”

In 1948, representatives from Hamilton and Montreal came together to create the first two Canadian chapters of Financial Executives International.

Thomas Van Zuiden, the 2008 recipient of the Frank S. Capon Distinguished Service Award and a 43-year member of FEI Canada, reflected, “FEI Canada has come a long way since the days of being an extension of FEI U.S. to being the definitive voice of senior financial executives in Canada.”

Van Zuiden, was recognized for his contributions to FEI Canada and the financial community at large, at last night’s 60th anniversary gala in Jasper, Alberta. The award honours Frank Capon, who was an outstanding member for 57 years, and is credited with
bringing FEI to Canada in 1948.

FEI Canada announced the induction of its 2008-2009 board of directors. Grant Ring becomes chairman of the board for the coming year.

“We congratulate our incoming board of directors and look forward to an exciting year ahead,” says Conway. “Our heartfelt thanks to Louis O’Brien for the tremendous value he contributed as our chair for over the last year. We further thank all our outgoing board members for their dedication, commitment and hard work on behalf of the members of FEI Canada.”

The members of the 2008/2009 FEI Canada board of directors are:

  • Grant Ring, Regina Chapter, FEI Canada Chairman, Acting VP & CFO – Saskatchewan Power Corp.;
  • Karyn Brooks, Montreal Chapter, FEI Canada Vice Chairwoman, SVP & Controller – Bell Canada;
  • Louis O’Brien, National Capital Region Chapter, FEI Canada Past Chair, SVP – Canada Post Corp.;
  • Michael Conway, Chief Executive & National President, FEI Canada;
  • Lynn Belo, Toronto Chapter, CFO – IBM Canada;
  • Alister Cowan, Calgary Chapter, Chair of Chapter Leadership Council, Vice President & CFO – Husky Energy;
  • Lisa Dorian, Vancouver Chapter, President & CEO – PowellDorian Services;
  • Jim Fergusson, Calgary Chapter, VP Finance – GE Railcar Services;
  • Dr. Barry Gorman, Atlantic Chapter, Chair of CFERF, Professor – St. Mary’s University;
  • Ray Hawrelak, Edmonton Chapter, Chair of Audit & Finance Committee, CFO – Winalta Inc.;
  • Bill Hewitt, Toronto Chapter, Chair of Issues & Policies Advisory Committee, Principal – William Hewitt Associates;
  • Monique Letourneau, Quebec Chapter, EVP & CFO – Ambrilia Biopharma Inc.;
  • Louis Marcotte, Quebec Chapter, Chair of Conference Committee 2009, VP Finance – ING Canada;
  • Brian McAskill, Toronto Chapter, Managing Director – Marsh Canada Ltd.;
  • Bill Ross, Toronto Chapter, VP Finance – Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.; and
  • Victor Wells, Hamilton Chapter, Chair of Committee on Corporate Reporting, CFO – Titanium Corp.

FEI Canada has a membership of more than 2,100 members, comprised of Canada’s senior-most financial executives representing a significant number of Canada’s leading and most influential corporations.