CHICAGO CFO OF THE YEAR®
presented by financial executives international chicago chapter
2025 Chicago CFO of the Year® Awards on Thursday, November 20th
14th Annual Chicago CFO of the Year® Awards
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago.
FEI Chicago Chapter’s Chicago CFO of the Year® Awards is a celebration recognizing and honoring Chicago Financial Leaders who have made exceptional contributions to their organizations. Recipients are selected from a group of finalists and awards are presented in Public, Private, and Not-For-Profit categories.
2025 CFO of the Year Award Recipients
Joan Bottarini
Public Company
James Baldwin
Large Not for Profit
Sharon Maxwell
Mid-Size Not for Profit
Rena Solano
Small Not for Profit
Ellen Brislin
Small Private
Rich Wright
Mid-Sized Private
Tim Elberfeld
Large Private
ABOUT FEI CHICAGO CHAPTER’S CHICAGO CFO OF THE YEAR® AWARDS
Financial Executives International (FEI) is the premier association for financial leaders in the United States and Canada. FEI Chicago Chapter’s Chicago CFO of the Year® Awards are an annual celebration to recognize and honor Chicago Financial Leaders who have made exceptional contributions in their organizations. Award recipients have distinguished themselves with remarkable talent and leadership. They are among the best in the profession.
Celebrating our sponsors
The CFO of the Year Awards is made possible through the support of our prestigious sponsors
who partner with FEI annually to celebrate the very best of Chicago’s finance leaders.
CHICAGO CFO OF THE YEAR® MISSION STATEMENT
Bringing the Chicago area business community together to honor and celebrate excellence in financial leadership.
CHICAGO CFO OF THE YEAR® DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The FEI Chicago Chapter recognizes and embraces a diverse, inclusive and equitable society and affirms its commitment to strive for achieving this vision. For its part, FEI Chicago actively encourages and engages with relevant networks to bring about the most diverse pool of candidates possible for the prestigious and coveted Chicago CFO Of the Year® Awards. FEI Chicago values differences and believes our greatest opportunities for innovation and creativity are achieved by fostering and promoting participation for all.
OUR FOCUS
Connections
Connect with 300 financial leaders locally and over 9,000 nationally through various events and our online community.
Recognition
Celebrate exceptional financial leadership through our annual Chicago CFO of the Year® Awards.
Programming and Advocacy
Learn from exceptional keynote speakers and leaders who advocate for the views of corporate financial management.