May 8, 2025: Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation featuring Matt Swingos

Cleveland Swingos Hotel: Where rockers raged and legends were made in the 1970s

Session Description: Cleveland’s Legendary Rock and Roll Hotel.  Matt Swingos, son of legendary restaurateur Jim Swingos, shares stories of what went on between those hotel walls…..

About the Speaker:

Matt Swingos is a third-generation family member who started working at just nine years old at one of his family’s restaurants. Soon after graduating from John Carroll University, Matt became the president of Swingos on the Lake where he developed a world-renowned menu and wine program, winning numerous national and international awards. Matt then opened Swingos Grand Tavern alongside his brother, bringing an aesthetically pleasing casual dining experience to Greater Cleveland.

Currently, Matt serves as the Executive Relationship Manager of Catanese Classics, overseeing the entire sales staff and operating as a relationship-focused leader. Matt has helped expand business through his vast relationships in the industry. While Matt has accomplished a lot over the years, his biggest accomplishments, personally, are his two daughters, Pam and Bia.

Technical Presentation provided by Robert Half | Protiviti

The 2024 Global Finance Trends Survey Report

Session Description: Results from our latest Global Finance Trends Survey reveal a tale of transformation for CFOs whose responsibilities continue to widen. Our findings highlight the rising importance of technology and automation to support the growth and success of the organization. Finance teams are increasingly collaborating with stakeholders across the organization to tackle issues such as cybersecurity, strategic planning, cost optimization and sustainability initiatives.

The survey of over 950 finance leaders around the world shows:

  • CFOs and finance leaders are prioritizing data security, financial planning and strategic planning due to expanding roles and new regulatory demands.
  • Leading CFOs and finance organizations are advancing GenAI and AI tools to secure long-term benefits beyond mere efficiency gains.
  • CFOs continue to lead the way for sustainability disclosures and reporting.

About the Speakers:

Tim Hird is executive vice president of enterprise optimization for Robert Half and Protiviti. In his role, Hird enhances combined Robert Half-Protiviti offerings to help businesses create functions and processes, address performance issues, and drive improvement in finance and accounting. Hird most recently served as executive director of the management resources practice, beginning in 2012. He joined Robert Half in 2000, working in the management resources practice and helped launch the division’s London office. He assumed leadership roles to expand the business throughout the UK, European and Asia-Pacific regions. In 2007, he relocated to Singapore and directed operations for multiple Robert Half business units in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. He is now based out of the company’s headquarters in California.

Chris Wright, from Protiviti’s New York office, is the firm-wide Managing Director of our Business Performance Improvement solution and our Public Company Transformation and group, and is the sponsor our ESG Client Service Steering Committee. He has over thirty years of experience serving clients as an external auditor, including 6 years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG), and as an internal auditor and financial reporting risk consultant. At Protiviti, Chris has provided internal audit out-sourcing and co-sourcing, Sarbanes-Oxley readiness and compliance services, and significant assistance to companies experiencing restatements, regulatory inquiries, stock compensation and other financial investigations and difficulties in implementing new accounting pronouncements, including revenue recognition and lease accounting. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from Franciscan University, a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. Chris serves on the boards of several charitable, civic, educational and business organizations. His work in finance transformation has also involved a significant commitment to public speaking and the development and delivery of internal and external training.

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION

The Center for Health Affairs
1226 Huron Rd E,
Cleveland, OH 44115

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The technical presentation and keynote presentation has been approved for 1 hour each of CPE (2 hours total).

DATE / TIME:

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 4:00-7:30pm

4:00pm – Registration and Refreshments Available
4:30-5:30pm – Technical Presentation
5:30-6:00pm – Networking and Refreshments
6:00-7:00pm – Keynote Presentation
7:30pm – Event Concludes

REGISTRATION

FEI Members: free of charge
Guests: $50

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

April 16, 2025: Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation featuring: Donald R. Tomoff, MBA, CPA

“Finance’s Next Chapter: The Future In A Gen Al World”

Session Description: Join us for an eye-opening session on Finance’s Next Chapter: The Future in a Gen AI World. Discover how generative AI is reshaping the finance landscape, from real-time analytics to automation and decision-making. Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring its potential, this session will provide actionable insights on integrating AI into your workflow, leveraging Custom GPTs, and staying ahead of the curve. Don’t miss the chance to future-proof your career and organization—this is where finance meets innovation.

About the speaker: Don is the founder of Invenio Advisors LLC, a consulting firm that excels in optimizing information management, enhancing process efficiency, and elevating reporting & data analysis capabilities. Additionally, the firm specializes in comprehensive education and training services. With a background that spans “Big 4” public accounting, and significant roles in senior-level industry finance, including an eight-year tenure as VP, Finance and Treasurer at Jo-Ann Stores, equips him with deep knowledge of industry insight and practical business perspective.

Beyond consulting, Don is a course developer and instructor with the Business Learning Institute, and has emerged as a leading voice on MS Excel, digital technologies, and the exciting frontiers of Generative AI, including ChatGPT. Through sharing his knowledge via talks, workshops, and advisory roles, he has gained a reputation as an influencer in the tech-business nexus.

Technical Presentation featuring: Steve Hook

“Considerations in Financial Services to Ensure Your Data is Ready for AI”.   

Session Description: The presentation will build on the keynote topic by exploring real-world use cases and the practical application of strategies that drive success. Attendees will gain insights into what works, what doesn’t, and the key factors to make solutions effective, including crucial data elements. The session will also highlight the tangible benefits organizations are experiencing and the challenges they face. This is a valuable opportunity to gain actionable knowledge to drive innovation and overcome obstacles in today’s dynamic environment.

About the speaker: Steve Hook is a Partner at Reference Point, an RGP Company, and leads the firm’s technology and data services. He holds over 28 years of experience in capital markets technology, serving in roles from application development to the CIO level. Steve has fostered strong partnerships with all levels of business and operational management and led large global technology organizations. 

Steve has helped many institutions define their strategic vision and objectives and build the organizations and project portfolios to achieve them. To that end, he has successfully executed a number of on time, on budget, and on scope investment portfolios of up to $500mm p.a. In addition, he has assisted various organizations’ efforts to maintain financial discipline and optimize significant operational budgets, while providing leadership and promoting a culture of focus on operational stability and control.

Our April 16th Chapter Meeting is Strategic Partner Recognition Night!

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors: 

     Plante Moran       

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION

Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila

1000 E. 9th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The technical presentation and keynote presentation has been approved for 1 hour each of CPE (2 hours total).

DATE / TIME:

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 4:00-8:00pm
4:00 p.m. – Registration & Refreshments
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Technical Presentation – Steven Hook, RGP
5:30 – 5:45 p.m. Networking & Refreshments
5:45 – 6:15 p.m. Strategic Partner Presentations
6:15 – 7:15 p.m. Keynote Presentation – Don Tomoff
7:15 – 8:00 p.m. Additional Networking & Refreshments
8:00 p.m. – Event Concludes

REGISTRATION

FEI Members: free of charge
Guests: $50

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

February 19, 2025: Joint Chapter Meeting with FEI NEO and ACG Cleveland

Program Details

Keynote Presentation featuring: Todd Federman
Managing Director, North Coast Ventures

Additional presentation details coming soon.

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila
1000 E 9th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Paid parking is available on the E. 9th Street Pier, nearby streets, or Science Center Parking Garage.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
The keynote presentation has been approved for 1 hour of CPE.

DATE / TIME
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 4:30-7:30pm
4:30 pm – Registration & Networking
5:30 pm – Keynote Presentation
6:30 pm – Networking
7:30 pm – Event Concludes

REGISTRATION
FEI Members: free of charge
Guests: $50
ACG Members should register directly with ACG

FEI MEMBERS AND GUESTS REGISTER HERE

January 30, 2025: Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation featuring: Barry Payne 

Director, External Relations and Management Accounting

About the Presentation: “Riding the Waves of Transformation – Insights from the Future of Finance”

CFOs and Finance teams will be in the driver’s seat in the 5th Industrial Revolution according to Gartner. This has been validated by the latest research from AICPA-CIMA that says we can expect rapid and highly accelerated changes across industries, including accounting and finance. In other words, the waves of transformation are getting bigger and coming faster. To succeed in this rapidly evolving landscape, accounting and finance professionals must learn how to ride these big waves of transformation.

This session will cover the latest trends and issues and the new mandate for finance and accounting pros to move into a proactive role as the ‘Chief Future Officer’, becoming a value partner to the business. The key to this emerging role lies in the mindsets, skillsets and toolsets required to ride these big waves. We will cover the latest research and resources along with practical examples from our Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group. You will learn how to apply these insights to redefine and reinvent your finance operation and career to thrive in the Next Normal, Now!

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of the latest trends facing finance and accounting teams.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the role that technology plays in enhancing the effectiveness of finance teams and the need to develop new skills, capabilities, and mindsets to maximize the benefits of digital tools.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of their current talent management strategies and develop a talent game plan that aligns with the changing needs of their business.

About the Speaker:

Barry Payne serves as liaison to CFOs and finance leaders to understand how finance teams are evolving and explore the skills, competencies and mindsets that are emerging and important. Barry is responsible for building and strengthening relationships with US based employers and elevating awareness of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. Barry brings extensive experience of helping companies build sustainable talent development programs to create more value for their organizations.

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION

Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila
1000 E 9th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Paid parking is available on the E. 9th Street Pier, nearby streets, or Science Center Parking Garage.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The keynote presentation has been approved for 1 hour of CPE.

DATE / TIME:

Thursday, January 30, 2025
4:30 pm (agenda is pending)

REGISTRATION

Members: free of charge
Guests: $50

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

December 18, 2024: Chapter Meeting

PANEL KEYNOTE CONVERSATION:

Community Capital: The Cleveland Foundation’s Innovative Approach to Place-based Impact

FEATURING

Lillian Kuri

President Chief Executive Officer, The Cleveland Foundation

Anthony Gattuso

Vice President, Finance & Treasurer

 

About the Panelists:

Lillian Kuri

On Aug. 1, 2023, Lillian Kuri made history by becoming the first female president & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s oldest and one of the largest community foundations with $3 billion in assets. With over 25 years of executive and civic leadership experience, Lillian is known as an innovator, advocate and coalition builder who develops strategic initiatives with transformational results.
As president & CEO, Lillian is currently leading the Cleveland Foundation’s transformation with a visionary strategic plan to shape the “Community Foundation of the Future.” Previously, as executive vice president & chief operating officer, she spearheaded the foundation’s historic move to Cleveland’s Midtown/Hough neighborhood.
Since beginning her work with the foundation in 2005, Lillian has designed and led impactful, nationally acclaimed strategies to expand opportunities for Greater Cleveland residents. She developed and led a comprehensive revitalization of Cleveland’s Greater University Circle district, now recognized as a national model for anchor institution development strategies. She also co-founded the Evergreen Cooperatives, an innovative venture fostering community wealth through a network of employee-owned businesses. As vice president, strategic grantmaking, arts & urban design, she championed arts, culture and placemaking – including the foundation’s arts mastery initiative that brings year-round, rigorous, mastery-based programs in theater, music and visual arts to over 3,000 underserved children annually.
From 2000-2004, Lillian was the executive director of Cleveland Public Art. Prior to that, she managed Cleveland’s citywide plan for Mayor Michael R. White.
Throughout her career, Lillian has been an influential advocate for equitable urban design, planning, and architecture in Cleveland. In 2022, Mayor Justin Bibb appointed Lillian to chair the Cleveland Planning Commission, making her the first woman to serve as chair in the city’s 226-year history.
Lillian has been honored with awards and recognitions for her work, including Cleveland Magazine’s Community Leader of the Year, YWCA Greater Cleveland’s Women of Achievement, Crain’s Cleveland Business’ Women of Note, and Western Reserve Academy’s Waring Prize. She has been named among Cleveland Business Journal’s “12 People to Watch in Business,” and was profiled by Cleveland Magazine in the 2020 article “Female Architects Shaping Cleveland.”

Anthony Gattuso

Anthony Gattuso is responsible for overseeing the successful administration of the foundation’s $2.8 billion investment portfolio, cash management and finance/treasury functions.
He joined the Cleveland Foundation in October 2016. Prior to the Cleveland Foundation, he worked for the Cleveland Clinic Health System as Senior Investment Analyst in the investment office.
Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Bonaventure University in New York and an MBA from Cleveland State University. In addition to his academic credentials, he is also a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
Anthony is currently president of the Cleveland-Pittsburgh Pension, Endowment and Foundation Group and serves on the National Investment Practices Committee for the Finance, Administration & Operations Group for Community Foundations (FAOG).

 

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION:

The Cleveland Foundation- Minter Conference Room, First Floor

6601 Euclid Ave.

Cleveland, Ohio 44103

*We have been approved for 1 hour of CPE*

DATE / TIME: Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Registration will open at 4:30PM.

Evening agenda is pending.

REGISTRATION

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER