FEISV Chapter Newsletter | February 13, 2026 Print

Partners & Other Chapter Events

02/17- How Geopolitics and AI Are Redefining the Next Moves in Risk (Virtual) | PwC
02/17 - Leveraging Analytics & AI for Excellence & Efficiency in Higher Education (Virtual)| FEI Detroit
02/18 - Private Company Priorities Conference (Virtual) | FEI
02/19 - Developing Leadership Excellence through the Leader Maturity Model (Virtual) | FEI
02/24 - 02/26 - HR Leaders Compliance Summit (Virtual) | Acrisure 

03/11 - Q1 2026 Quarterly Accounting Webcast (Virtual) | PwC
05/17 - 05/19 - 2026 Financial Leaders Forum (San Antonio) | FEI

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Latest Trends in FEI

Every year, finance leaders from across the Bay Area come together for one of Silicon Valley’s most meaningful traditions—the FEI Silicon Valley Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Now celebrating its 27th year, this time-honored event blends great golf and great company with an even greater purpose: Supporting the next generation of talented students pursuing finance and accounting degrees at California State University East Bay, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, and Menlo College.

To date, this longstanding tradition has provided $774,000 in scholarships to remarkable individuals recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and drive to make a difference in the financial world. It’s an event that captures the very best of the FEI community—connection, competition, and a shared commitment to giving back.

Whether you’re signing up as a single golfer or bringing a full foursome, your participation makes a difference. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring tradition that continues to shape the future of our profession!

The 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley, will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at the Coyote Creek Golf Club in Morgan Hill.

FEISV Members & Non-Members Round of Golf: $275 (+The Deal: $390)     |     Foursome (Value $1,100): $1,000     |     RegistrationHere

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Sponsor the 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

Showcase your company’s leadership while shaping the future of finance. Sponsoring the 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by Robert Half and FEI Silicon Valley, offers a powerful platform to elevate your brand, strengthen relationships, and give back to the community. This premier event unites Silicon Valley’s most influential financial professionals for a day of competition, connection, and purpose.

Engaging experiences like the Drone Drive, Casino Hole Challenge, and Closest to the Pin Contest add energy and fun throughout the course, while the tournament lunch and evening dinner bring sponsors and guests together to celebrate shared success. Every sponsorship level creates moments of high visibility and meaningful engagement with Bay Area finance leaders and decision-makers.

Your company’s involvement supports scholarships for deserving students pursuing careers in finance and accounting, helping develop the future innovators and leaders of the profession.

For sponsorship inquiries, download the document attached to this email or contact:

The 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley, will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at the Coyote Creek Golf Club in Morgan Hill.

FEISV Members & Non-Members Round of Golf: $275 (+The Deal: $390)     |     Foursome (Value $1,100): $1,000     |     RegistrationHere

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FEI Silicon Valley Happy Hour - This Wednesday!

We can’t wait to see you at our next FEI Silicon Valley Happy Hour this Wednesday! Join us for a relaxed evening of great conversation, networking, and connection with fellow members, partners, and friends of the FEI community. It’s the perfect midweek opportunity to unwind, share ideas, and strengthen relationships with finance professionals who make this community thrive.

Whether you’re a longtime Member or new to FEI Silicon Valley, this casual gathering is a wonderful way to expand your network and enjoy time with peers outside of our regular programming. We’re looking forward to an engaging evening together. Come raise a glass and celebrate the camaraderie that defines FEI Silicon Valley!

FEI Silicon Valley Happy Hour will be held at the Wells Fargo Innovation Center on Wednesday, February 18th, from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Pacific.

FEISV Members & Partners: Free     |     RegistrationHere

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Developing Leadership Excellence Through the Leader Maturity Model

In the fast-paced world of finance, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. True success comes from strong, adaptable leadership.

Developing Leadership Excellence through the Leader Maturity Model is a webinar designed by FEI specifically for finance professionals seeking to elevate their influence and guide their organizations with clarity and confidence. Participants will explore the critical elements of organizational leadership, learn how the Leader Maturity Model can shape decision-making and team performance, and apply the SOAR analysis to uncover leadership potential..

Whether you’re managing a finance team, leading cross-functional initiatives, or an aspiring people leader, you’ll gain practical tools to enhance leadership effectiveness in the financial sector.

Developing Leadership Excellence through the Leader Maturity Model will be held virtually on Thursday, February 19th, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific.

FEISV & Other FEI Members: Free     |     Registration: Here

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Despite Short-term Uncertainty, Sustainable Energy Tech Poised for Growth

One thing is clear: demand for electricity continues to grow. From data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) to EV fleets and carbon capture solutions, the need for power is everywhere.

Analysts estimate that by 2030, demand for electric power will increase by 25 percent or more; by 2050, growth could skyrocket as much as 78 percent.

Despite these positive numbers, there’s stress in the energy markets. Uncertainty around tariffs, tax incentives, regulations, and financing has many tech companies focused on what’s next.

Fortunately, the prognosis for renewable energy, energy management, and energy efficiency technologies remains strong. Now is the time for industry players large and small to evaluate the possibilities, strengthen their network of resources, and move forward with confidence.

Learn more. Read Despite Short-term Uncertainty, Sustainable Energy Tech Poised for Growth via our Gold Partners at Wells Fargo.

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Join New FEI SV Networking Group

FEI Silicon Valley (FEI SV) launched a networking group in September 2025. We have approximately fourteen CFO members and partner sponsors in the networking group. The participants have found the networking group helpful, especially with the use of “troikas,” which are groups of three who get together to find out more about each of their businesses and how they may be able to help each other through referrals.  If you aren’t familiar with networking groups, the following is some information that explains how they work.

Networking groups work by bringing professionals together to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and generate opportunities like leads, partnerships, and mentorship through regular meetings, events, and shared resources, fostering a supportive environment for mutual business growth, often through structured introductions, casual mingling, and specific referral systems. 

Core Mechanisms

  1. Relationship Building: The primary goal is to form connections based on trust and credibility, not just direct sales.
  2. Information Exchange: Members share industry insights, best practices, and market trends through meetings, workshops, and seminars.
  3. Referral Systems: Members actively refer business to each other, creating a pipeline of potential clients.
  4. Mutual Support: Groups provide a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and problem-solving.
  5. Increased Visibility: Active participation boosts members' presence and reputation in their fields. 

If you think you might be interested in joining the FEI SV networking group, please reach out to Scott Taylor at [email protected].

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FEISV Member of the Week

Brooke Seawell

Brooke Seawell is an experienced Board Director / Audit Committee Chair and Operating Executive. He has been an Audit Committee Chair for 8 public companies - NVIDIA, Tenable, Accrue Software, Eargo, Glu Mobile, Informatica, Mediaplex, and Tableau.

Brooke serves as a Venture Partner for New Enterprise Associates. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA in Finance from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-seawell-89511a18/

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FEISV Partner of the Week


Wells Fargo Commercial Banking serves the diverse financial needs of companies and institutions. They provide credit, treasury management, and commercial capital solutions, ranking #1 in the primary relationship market share in the US for the middle market* and #2 in the primary relationship market share in the US for the emerging middle market.*

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking brings together the benefits of exceptional relationship management, extensive industry experience, and comprehensive financial services offerings. Their teams pride themselves on working in a collaborative fashion, developing long-term client relationships that can endure the cycles of the business, industry, and the economy.

As part of Commercial Banking, their specialized Technology Banking group delivers a complete range of capital, advisory, risk management, and operating solutions tailored to scale through all stages of the technology life cycle. The group supports a growing portfolio of clients in the Software, Fintech, Internet and Digital, Hardware, and Sustainable technology sectors within the Bay Area and across the US. The depth and breadth of industry knowledge and experience allow the specialized group to provide strategic and balanced guidance in addition to operational and capital support.

*Barlow Research – rolling 8 quarter data (Q3 2021 – Q2 2023); Middle Market defined as $75 million 

CONTACT:

Armello Rodriguez
Vice President, Business Development – Technology Banking Group
400 Hamilton Ave., Suite 210
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone 650-847-0578 |  [email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/armello-rodriguez-0a31b377/
www.wellsfargo.com

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Current Partners

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Special Thanks to Our Strategic Partners


Marquee Partners 

Platinum Partners


Gold Partners

Silver Partners