: history & vision

History
Financial Executives International was founded in 1931 as the Controllers Institute of America. The expansion of responsibilities of financial executives into policy-making areas led us to change our name to Financial Executives Institute in 1962. As the global economy developed, we were the driving force in forming the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes in 1969. On November 6, 2000, we became Financial Executives International and opened membership to financial executives from around the world. We proactively helped design the CFO Act, and have a history of supporting legislation that enhances the business climate. Our largest chapters are in Boston, Silicon Valley, New York and Chicago. In total we have 85 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. We are headquartered in Morristown, NJ, with offices in Washington, DC .

FEI Canada, established in 1973 to serve the needs of our Canadian members, consists of 11 chapters and a membership that includes senior financial officers who face common issues and challenges.

Vision
FEI will continue to be the professional association of choice for the corporate finance executive. We strive to be the most contemporary, dynamic and proactive organization of its kind. We are a powerful network centered on a vibrant Internet community and local meetings. FEI is member-service oriented, with value for dues a top priority. Indeed, the cost of membership is dwarfed by the cost saving ideas and value-building themes that accrue to our members through their participation in FEI.

We strive to be the eyes and ears of the typical finance officer facing the day-to-day challenge of enhancing his or her shareholders' investment. We help members anticipate and react to change, acquire new resources to enhance shareholder value, and build the personal skills needed to further their careers. We do this by providing information through diverse forms of communication, knowledge of evolving trends and issues and high-quality programs. We help to identify new opportunities for peer networking, and provide for effective advocacy through representation before legislators and regulators.

75^th Anniversary

What is known today as Financial Executives International (FEI) was established in New York City in December 1931 as The Controllers Institute of America , with membership open only to controllers. It began with 30 members.
   The original purpose was to define the members' profession, exchange ideas about its practice, educate themselves and others and work with the government to improve the general economy. As the role of the financial executive has grown, so has the organization to reflect the global reach of FEI and its members.
   FEI has become the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its 15,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers, and controllers. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career planning services, conferences, publications, and special reports and research. Members participate in the activities of 85 chapters, 74 of which are in the U.S. and 11 in Canada.
   The following is a timeline of some key moments in FEI's history.