SPRING 2025

AGENDA

June 2-4, 2025

Monday, June 2

1:30 – 3:00 pm ET

PRE-EVENT WORKSHOP

$95/ticket
Exclusive to Conference attendees only. Registration link will be sent in your registration confirmation.

Unforgettable: How to Articulate Your Value with Confidence, Gain Visibility & Level Up Your Career

Presented by Women Leaders Connect, a Chief Executive Group Community

Dr. Alessandra Wall, Founder & CEO, Noteworthy

Every day, senior leaders are asked to articulate their unique value—whether in strategic discussions, high-impact projects, or in board meetings where clarity and authority are essential. Executed well, this skill opens doors to influence, innovation, and growth. Done poorly, it can leave opportunities on the table and, at worst, contribute to misunderstandings and missed connections that can ripple across your teams. 

In this workshop, we will explore three proven strategies that will empower you to work from your strengths and position yourself for maximum impact. You will learn a structured process for sharing your expertise in a way that is both clear and compelling, ensuring that your contributions are recognized and understood across all levels.

This session will provide you with a powerful blueprint to claim your authority, engage others, and elevate your presence—all without hesitation or self-doubt. For organizational leaders, these strategies can pave the way for greater inclusion, streamlined communication, and a culture of engagement and shared accountability.

3:30 – 5:00 pm ET

PRE-EVENT WORKSHOP

$95/ticket
Exclusive to Conference attendees only. Registration link will be sent in your registration confirmation.

Law School For The CFO

Presented by Foley & Lardner LLP

Kate Beattie, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
Jim Lundy,
Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
Chris McKenna,
Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
Aaron Tantleff, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP

The Law School for the CFO program is designed to help you get up to speed—and stay up to speed—on the fast-changing legal issues that have a direct impact on the health of your business and your professional life.  Partners at Foley & Lardner LLP will share key legal 2025 updates.  This must-attend program will provide you with the practical and actionable advice you need to avoid unintended pitfalls and risks—without incurring high hourly fees.

1:30 – 6:00 pm ET

CFO Leadership Conference Registration

5:00 – 6:30 pm ET

Welcome Reception and Opening of Exhibit Hall

Tuesday, June 3

8:00 – 9:00 am ET

Registration & Networking Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

9:00 – 9:10 am ET

Opening Remarks

Jack McCullough, President, CFO Leadership Council

9:10 – 10:00 am ET

KEYNOTE

Driving Growth and Innovation: The CFO Perspective on Transforming a Global Food Company

David Marberger, EVP & CFO, Conagra Brands

Moderator: Dan Bigman, Editor & Chief Content Officer, Chief Executive Group

Dave Marberger, EVP & CFO of Conagra Brands, has been at the forefront of one of the most significant transformations in the food industry. Under his financial leadership, Conagra evolved from a traditional, slow-to-change company into a dynamic, innovation-driven powerhouse. During his tenure, Dave has played a critical role in reimagining the company’s strategy, fostering a culture of growth, and driving innovation to meet the demands of today’s competitive marketplace.

In this keynote session, Dave will share his insights into the unique challenges and opportunities CFOs face during times of significant organizational change. From redefining long-standing business models to aligning financial strategies with new operational goals, he will provide actionable takeaways for CFOs looking to lead meaningful transformation in their own companies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how finance leaders can drive innovation and create long-term value in an ever-evolving business landscape.

10:00 – 10:50 am ET

VISIONARY PANEL

Is the Cost of Healthcare Benefits Eroding Your Company's Profit Margins?

Marybeth Gray, Senior Vice President of Health and Welfare Benefits Consulting Trion, a Marsh McLennan Agency

With healthcare costs projected to rise at their fastest pace in 15 years, CFOs are facing tough choices that go beyond just balancing budgets. As the second-largest expense after compensation, healthcare spending directly impacts talent acquisition, retention and overall organizational sustainability. This session will equip CFOs with actionable strategies to address the pressing challenges of healthcare cost management in 2025 and beyond. We’ll help you strike a balance between providing comprehensive healthcare benefits and managing costs without sacrificing your oganization’s ability to attract and retain top talent.  It is clear that a “do nothing strategy” with a 10% annual trend will not work.

Join us to explore:

  • The Numbers Behind the Headlines: Gain insights into the latest cost drivers, including data from the Mercer Survey and National Business Group on Health, and learn what employees truly value in their benefits.
  • Practical Tools for Sustainable Cost Control: Discover financial modeling strategies and plan design adjustments to maximize ROI while meeting employee needs.
  • Tackling Cancer Costs with Innovation: Learn how organizations are addressing cancer—the leading cost driver—by improving care quality and eliminating waste.
  • Customizing Benefits for a Diverse Workforce: Find out how to align benefit offerings with the evolving expectations of today’s employees, balancing effectiveness with affordability.

10:50 – 11:20 am ET

Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall

11:20 am – 12:10 pm ET

Breakout Sessions

12:10 – 1:45 pm ET

Networking Lunch & Exhibit Hall Open

1:45 – 2:35 pm ET

VISIONARY PANEL

M&A from the CFO’s Frontline: Crafting a Winning Playbook

Cathy Yang, CFO, Trexon
Jim Waddell, CFO, SHR LLC
Charlie Tice, National Private Equity Practice Leader, Travelers Insurance

As companies seek to stay competitive, expand their reach and innovate, many are weighing the merits of buying versus building. While M&A can accelerate growth, it also brings heightened demands on the CFO’s office—whether a deal is completed or not. Join us for an insightful fireside chat with three seasoned leaders who have navigated the complexities of M&A firsthand.

Together, we’ll discuss:

  • How Private Equity Evaluates Potential Targets: Learn what makes businesses attractive from their operational metrics to their talent and how each acquisition enhances the overall value of a portfolio.
  • Post-Deal Surprises: What can be missed in due diligence, including hidden liabilities and costly property exposures. How CFOs can spot red flags earlier.
  • Industries to Watch:  With an estimated $2 trillion in dry powder poised for deployment, gain insights into where investments from financial sponsors are likely to flow.
  • Strategic Risk Management: Discover the importance of robust risk management practices and how positioning risk management as a strategic initiative can lead to smoother integrations.

2:35 – 3:00 pm ET

Networking in the Exhibit Hall

3:00 – 3:50 pm ET

Breakout Sessions

3:50 – 4:00 pm ET

Transition

4:00 – 5:00 pm ET

KEYNOTE

From Startup to Public Company: The CFO’s Role in Scaling and Sustaining Growth

Lauren StClair, CFO, Slice

Moderator: Dan Bigman, Editor & Chief Content Officer, Chief Executive Group

Lauren StClair, CFO of Slice, brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles at some of the most iconic fast-growing companies, including eBay and StubHub. At her most recent role as CFO at NerdWallet, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic and financial vision, guiding its journey from a high-growth startup to a successful public company. Lauren’s leadership during NerdWallet’s IPO and her ongoing efforts to drive sustainable growth exemplify the pivotal role a CFO plays in navigating the complexities of today’s business environment.

In this keynote, Lauren will share her perspective on what it takes to lead a company through hypergrowth, the transition to public markets, and beyond. Drawing from her rich career experience, she will offer practical insights into scaling operations, building resilient financial frameworks, and aligning finance and strategy to support long-term success. This session is a must-attend for CFOs seeking to drive growth while maintaining agility and innovation in an evolving marketplace.

5:00 – 6:30 pm ET

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Wednesday, June 4

8:00 – 9:00 am ET

Networking Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

8:00 – 8:50 am ET

Breakfast Roundtables

9:00 – 9:05 am ET

Opening Remarks

Jack McCullough, CFO Leadership Council

9:05 – 9:55 am ET

KEYNOTE

David vs. Goliath: The CFO’s Playbook for Competing with Industry Giants

Julianna Hayes, CFO, Philo

Moderator: Jack McCullough, President & Founder, CFO Leadership Council

Julianna Hayes, CFO of Philo, has helped the company carve out its own space in the highly competitive streaming landscape, taking on industry giants like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon Prime. With a wealth of experience gained from leadership roles at Twitter and Google, Julianna has been instrumental in driving Philo’s profitable growth and forging a strategy that prioritizes differentiation and resilience.

In this keynote, Julianna will share how finance leaders can craft and execute strategies that enable smaller organizations to thrive in markets dominated by massive players. From fostering innovation to building financial models that support sustainable growth, Julianna’s insights will inspire CFOs looking to lead their organizations to success, even in the shadow of industry titans.

9:55 – 10:45 am ET

VISIONARY PANEL

How Strategic CFOs Navigate Emerging Trends

Sarah Spoja, CFO, Tipalti 

10:45 – 11:10 am ET

Networking in the Exhibit Hall

11:10 am – 12:00 pm ET

KEYNOTE

From Team to Tech: Leveraging Digitalization for Lasting Success

Madhu Ranganathan, Retired CFO, Audit Committee Member – Bank of Montreal & Akamai Technologies

Moderator: Jack McCullough, President & Founder, CFO Leadership Council

Madhu Ranganathan, former CFO of OpenText, is a veteran leader whose unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and big-company expertise has established her as one of the most respected CFOs in the industry. Renowned for her deep commitment to her team, Madhu exemplifies how empowering talent and leveraging cutting-edge technology can drive sustainable growth and innovation.

In this keynote, Madhu will share her proven strategies for optimizing T&T—Talent and Technology—to build resilient organizations and unlock long-term value. With practical insights and a focus on collaboration, this session will inspire CFOs to rethink how they nurture teams and harness technological advancements to achieve impactful results.

12:00 – 12:10 pm ET

Networking in the Exhibit Hall

12:10 – 1:00 pm ET

Breakout Sessions

1:00 – 2:30 pm ET

LUNCH KEYNOTE

Pursuing the Priceless: Tales from the FBI's Real Life Indiana Jones 

Robert K. Wittman, Former Special Agent, FBI

The Wall Street Journal called him “a living legend.” The Times of London dubbed him “The most famous art detective in the world.”

Robert Wittman will share true stories of his 20-year career working undercover to catch art thieves, forgers, and black-market traders around the world. Hear about some of his most notable cases, such as his undercover work to recover stolen art from the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston considered the biggest art heist of the century.

Wittman’s efforts helped recover more than $300 million worth of cultural property, including art and antiquities. He founded the FBI’s National Art Crime Team and served for 20 years as the FBI’s investigative expert in art crime. Since retiring from the FBI, he authored his memoir “Priceless: How I went undercover to rescue the world’s stolen treasures,” a New York Times best-seller now published in 12 languages around the world. Today he is President of Robert Wittman Inc., the international art recovery and security firm.

2:30 pm ET

Closing Remarks

Exhibit hall closed

10 CPEs offered, pending NASBA approval on final agenda.