FEISV Chapter Newsletter | May 12, 2026 
FEI Silicon Valley Events
05/12 - Unlocking QSBS: Tax Advantages and Valuation Considerations (Virtual) | Andersen
05/20 - An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience | Acrisure
05/26 - Not All Spend Is Equal: Why Vendor Spend Is the CFO’s Biggest Lever for Margin and Risk Control | Zip
06/02 - IPO and Audit-Ready Finance: Controls, Metrics, and the Story Investors Will Scrutinize | PwC
06/04 - 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Hosted by Robert Half & FEISV
07/24 - Financial Officers Forum (Virtual)
08/19 - FEISV TopGolf & Social
Partners & Other Chapter Events
05/12 - How CFOs Use AI and Precision Care to Manage Spend (Virtual) | FEI New York
05/12- The CFO's Cash Modeling Playbook: Moving from Static Forecasts to AI-Powered Scenario Planning (Virtual) | FEI
05/13 - Developing Leadership Excellence through the Leader Maturity Model (Virtual) | FEI
05/17 - 05/19 - 2026 Financial Leaders Forum (San Antonio) | FEI
05/19 - AI Part 4: Auditing AI-Enabled Processes (Virtual) | FEI
05/21 - The Future of Finance and Accounting: AI, Automation, and the New Operating Model (Virtual) | FEI
06/04 - Preparing for IPO: Financial and Valuation Risks for Life Sciences Companies and How to Address Them (Virtual) | BPM
Latest Trends in FEI
Finance leaders are being pushed to do more than ever. Drive efficiency, manage risk, and accelerate growth...everything is being asked of us all at once. But while the pressure is rising, most organizations are still overlooking one of the most powerful opportunities sitting in plain sight: Vendor spend.
Join an exclusive group of finance executives for an evening designed to challenge how you think about spend strategy...and how much control you actually have over it. This will be a candid, experience-driven discussion grounded in real operational lessons from companies that have scaled fast and learned where traditional approaches break down.
You’ll get an inside look at what’s really happening behind the scenes. See why vendor spend has become the most strategic, controllable cost center, as well as where “all-in-one” platforms fall short. Learn how leading finance teams are aligning Finance, Procurement, IT, and Legal to build smarter, more resilient systems.
And just as importantly, this is a chance to connect with peers who are navigating the same challenges. The setting is intentionally built for real conversation, with plenty of time to exchange perspectives over drinks and great food in a relaxed, high-caliber environment. Expect the kind of networking that actually feels useful, where conversations continue beyond introductions and ideas you hear in the room stick with you afterward!
Not All Spend Is Equal: Why Vendor Spend Is the CFO’s Biggest Lever for Margin and Risk Control will be held at Zip in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 26th, from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Pacific.
FEISV Members & Partners, and FEI Sacramento Members: Free | Other FEI Members & Non-Members: $135 | Registration: Here
Welcome New Silver Partner: Pigment
It is with great excitement that we announce Pigment as a new Partner of FEI Silicon Valley! Pigment is an AI-powered planning platform built for agility and scale. It connects people, data, and processes in one elegant, feature-rich platform that allows planners in every department to prepare for any eventuality. Industry-leading companies like Unilever, Snowflake, Klarna, and Figma use Pigment every day, allowing them to confidently make more informed business decisions.
CONTACT:
Ciara Appelbaum
Senior Marketing Manager
[email protected]
713-306-8457
Welcome New Silver Partner: Vaco
It is such an honor to announce that Vaco is a new Silver Partner of FEI Silicon Valley. Vaco is a global talent and solutions firm that helps organizations solve complex business challenges by aligning strategy with the right people.
As part of Highspring, Vaco combines deep industry expertise with a relationship-driven approach to deliver consulting, managed services, and talent solutions across accounting, finance, technology, and operations.
At its core, Vaco believes that growth starts with people. The company partners with clients to build high-performing teams, drive transformation, and turn change into opportunity – providing both the strategy and the talent needed to make it happen.
With a global presence and a commitment to accountability and results, Vaco doesn’t just advise, it executes, helping businesses move faster, adapt smarter, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
CONTACT:
Jonathan W. Chan
Director Client Strategy and Expansion
T: 415.366.8053 C: 805.455.8392 | [email protected]
201 Mission St. Suite 720, San Francisco, CA 94105
Play In A Scramble Golf Tournament for a Good Cause: No Experience Needed!
A scramble tournament is golf’s most beginner-friendly format, and it’s built for fun, teamwork, and conversation—not scorekeeping anxiety. Join in on a time-honored tradition and a fun day of golf at the 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, presented by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley!
Everyone in your foursome hits a shot, the group picks the best ball, and then you all play from there, repeating that process until the hole is finished. That means you’re never “holding anyone back." The team always moves forward from the strongest shot, and newer golfers can relax, enjoy the day, and still contribute.
Scrambles are a staple for charity and corporate outings because they create an easy, social environment where players of all levels can participate on a level playing field.
For finance executives, that format is ideal. You get a few hours outside the boardroom to build relationships, talk shop between shots, and experience your peers in a more human, low-pressure setting. Because the structure is collaborative, you can learn the rhythm and etiquette of golf in real time, without the spotlight on every swing.
If golf has ever felt like a “missing skill” for future business deals or client entertainment, a scramble is the perfect way to learn the game, quietly build confidence, and start saying yes to more invitational rounds. By the end of the day, you’ll have stories, new connections, and a stronger golf comfort level you can carry into future networking and deal-making.
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 | Registration: Here
Pre-Tournament Ladies Golf Clinic
Join fellow women golfers for a fun and supportive clinic series designed to prepare for the FEI Annual Golf Tournament on June 4th, and any tournament thereafter!
Coach Rena will lead these 90-minute sessions focused on key areas of the game—from long drives to precision putting—helping golfers of all skill levels build confidence and consistency.
Pick the class dates that work best for you, or join all six to sharpen your skills. Classes are intentionally small (4–8 participants; on-course class is limited to 6) to allow for personalized instruction.
Registration: https://evite.me/9Nz38xKzmG
Location:
Silicon Valley Golf at Shoreline Golf Links
2940 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Questions?
Contact: Lanea Riley | (650) 468-4158 | [email protected]
Select Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available: 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsors for your generous support. We truly couldn’t do this without you. Your partnership not only makes this event possible, but it also strengthens our shared mission to support the future of finance through education and opportunity.
Please join us in acknowledging our current list of sponsors:
- Tournament Sponsor: Robert Half
- Special Gift Sponsor: Janice Berthold | Heffernan Insurance Brokers
- Beverage Cart Sponsor with Foursome: SOAProjects
- Swag Bag Sponsor with Foursome: Alliant Insurance Services
- Air Cannon Sponsor with Foursome: RSM
- Closest to the Pin Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
- Casino Hole: Insperity
- Hole Sponsor: Andersen
- Hole Sponsor: Cellotape
- Hole Sponsor: Corpay
- Hole Sponsor: USI
- Foursome Sponsor: Bakertilly
- Foursome Sponsor: Bespoke People
- Foursome Sponsor: Flagstar
- Foursome Sponsor: Forvis Mazars
- Foursome Sponsor: PwC
THERE ARE STILL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. See the attached document to support a great cause while building awareness for your company.
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.
Every contribution, from tournament sponsors to hole and prize sponsors, helps continue this proud FEI Silicon Valley tradition. Together, we’re driving real impact for the next generation of financial leaders while enjoying a day of connection, competition, and community.
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 | Registration: Here
An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience
Please join us for a wine tasting experience, hosted by Acrisure in partnership with Vintage Wine Merchants. This curated experience will feature a selection of premium wines, thoughtfully chosen to complement an evening of meaningful conversation and professional connection.
Guests will have the opportunity to engage with peers in a relaxed, refined setting while enjoying guided tastings. Whether you are looking to expand your network, exchange insights, or simply unwind with exceptional wines, this event offers the perfect balance of sophistication and connection.
Vintage Wine Merchants, a premier retail wine shop and tasting bar located in Santana Row, will guide guests through a thoughtfully selected portfolio of wines, offering insights into flavor profiles, origins, and pairings – creating a truly immersive and educational tasting experience.
An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience will be held at Acrisure in San Jose on Wednesday, May 20th, from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Pacific.
FEISV Members & Partners: Free | Non-Members: $50 | Registration: Here
2026 California Employment Law Update: What Employers Should Know
California employment law continues to evolve in ways that can warrant close attention from employers. Even if 2026 brings fewer legislative changes than some prior years, recent case law and emerging areas like artificial intelligence continue to shape compliance expectations.
Recent activity from regulators and courts underscores the importance of staying informed, periodically reviewing workplace practices, and addressing potential issues proactively.
Even in a lighter legislative year, California remains an active and complex employment law environment.
What may be changing is not just the volume of regulation but how courts and regulators are interpreting employer responsibilities. Increasingly, compliance considerations may extend beyond whether policies exist to how effectively employers implement, monitor, and update them.
Learn more. Read 2026 California Employment Law Update: What Employers Should Know via our Marquee Partners at Acrisure.
FEISV Member of the Week
Dennis Coonan is a Chief Financial and Administrative Officer who aligns people, systems, and strategy to scale organization. His background includes leading finance, accounting, HR, IT, and administrative functions for companies in professional services, construction, consulting, and closely held businesses. Dennis helped organizations scale operations, improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, modernize systems, optimize tax strategy, and navigate major milestones, including a successful $45M+ acquisition.
Currently, Dennis serves as CFO for Pacific Coast Trane. Previously, Dennis was CFO for Nova Partners, Inc., acquired by Cumming Management Corporation. Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Business, History from Santa Clara University.
FEISV Partner of the Week
Acrisure is a leading insurance and financial services company that operates globally with a focus on the Silicon Valley. They provide a wide range of services to their clients, including insurance brokerage, risk management, employee benefits, and consulting services. Their team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized solutions to protect their assets and mitigate risks.
With a strong presence in Silicon Valley, Acrisure's experts possess deep industry knowledge and expertise in serving technology companies and startups. Their team leverages their extensive network of carriers and strategic partnerships to deliver innovative and comprehensive insurance solutions that help clients thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. Whether it's property and casualty insurance, cyber liability coverage, or employee benefits programs, Acrisure is committed to delivering exceptional service and value to their clients in the Silicon Valley and beyond.
CONTACTS:
Carlos Ayala
Sr. Vice President, Lead Consultant and Client Advocate | CA Lic. # 0E66643
Acrisure West Region
Email: [email protected]
Direct: 408-418-2746
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlosayalajr
Lanea Riley
Client Advisor | CA Lic 0I23365
West Division
[email protected]
Direct: 408.350.5745
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laneariley
Special Thanks to Our Strategic Partners
Marquee Partners
Platinum Partners
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
