May 12, 2026 – Chapter Meeting
Program Details
Keynote Presentation: Details Coming Soon!
Presented by John Skrtic, Chief of Special Projects and Collections at Cleveland Public Library, and Mike Polk Jr., Comedian and TV commentator
About the Speakers:
John Skrtic is a figure known for his historical presentations at the Music Box Supper Club in Cleveland, often in collaboration with Mike Polk Jr. He is a local history enthusiast, particularly focused on Cleveland’s photographic past, and is described as “the Dean of The People’s University” at Cleveland Public Library,according to Facebook. Skrtic and Polk Jr. present shows at the Music Box Supper Club that delve into Cleveland’s history, often using historical photos and nostalgia.
Specifically, they have a show titled “Twisted Takes on Historic CLE Photos,” which explores various aspects of Cleveland’s past, including the infamous Balloonfest ’86.The shows are described as hilarious and entertaining, combining Polk Jr.’s humor with Skrtic’s historical knowledge.
Skrtic’s involvement with the Music Box Supper Club and his collaboration with Mike Polk Jr. highlight his role as a local historian and presenter who brings Cleveland’s past to life through engaging and often humorous shows.
Technical Presentation: The Evolving Role of Finance Leaders – Navigating with Technology and Foresight
A look at the top priorities for finance leaders — among them, security and privacy of data, AI in finance, and financial and strategic planning and analysis in a time of economic and price volatility— points the way toward evolving roles and the tools to navigate change for leaders whose responsibilities continue to expand in challenging ways.
Join Robert Half and Protiviti as they address the growing list of priorities faced by both leaders and professionals. In this session, we explore the results of Protiviti’s 2025 Global Finance Trends Survey and offer practical takeaways for finance leaders to address these challenges and how to identify technology and talent skills gaps for achieving short- and long-term business objectives.
Learning objectives:
• Identify the top priorities for CFOs and finance leaders in the next 12 months, including data privacy, FP&A and strategic planning
• Discuss ways finance organizations are utilizing Generative AI
• Explain how finance teams are navigating a dynamic, volatile economic and pricing environment
• Identify key employment trends and in-demand roles to stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent
About the Speakers:
Tim Hird, Executive Vice President, Robert Half & Protiviti
Tim Hird leads enterprise optimization for Robert Half and Protiviti, enhancing finance and accounting processes for global businesses. Since joining Robert Half in 2000, he has spearheaded the firm’s expansion across the UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, previously serving as Executive Director of the Management Resources practice.
Chris Wright, Managing Director, Protiviti
Chris Wright leads Protiviti’s Business Performance Improvement and Public Company Transformation groups. With over 30 years of experience—including partner roles at KPMG and Arthur Andersen—he specializes in financial reporting risk, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and ESG steering. Chris holds a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership and serves on several charitable and civic boards.
Event Details/Registration
DATE / TIME:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
4:00 to 7:30 PM
4:00 p.m. – Registration & Refreshments
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Technical Presentation – Robert Half / Protiviti
5:30 – 5:45 p.m. Networking & Refreshments
5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Keynote Presentation – John Skrtic, Chief of Special Projects and Collections at Cleveland Public Library, and Mike Polk Jr., comedian and WKYC commentator
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. Additional Networking & Refreshments
7:30 p.m. – Event Concludes
REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00
REGISTER HERE