FWI Names New Leaders

(Financial Women International)

New officers have significant industry and association experience

ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA – Unlike other professional associations of its size, Financial Women International (FWI) is managed largely by volunteers, not a paid staff.

The 28 members of FWI Board of Directors – as well as volunteers at the group and district levels – work diligently to deliver benefits to nearly 800 members across North America. New 2008-2009 officers will be installed at FWI’s 86th Annual Conference, September 13-16 in Denver, Colorado.

FWI board members oversee the development of dozens of new professional development programs in collaboration with top authors and trainers. They organize an annual national conference that complements group and regional networking opportunities. Under a major rebranding initiative, they have exceeded recruitment goals over the past year, adding new groups in New Jersey, Texas and Washington.

“Our volunteer leaders put in countless hours to generate results for our members and for the financial services industry,” said new President Melissa Curzon, vice president of California Bank & Trust in San Clemente, California. “Our goal is to remain the organization of choice to maximize the power and performance of women.”

Curzon has worked in banking for 26 years, including 18 years with California Bank & Trust (formerly Eldorado Bank). Her experience includes branch management, operations management, consumer lending, and sales and service training. A member of FWI for
16 years, she has held several leadership roles at the group, district and national levels, most recently serving as FWI Foundation and marketing chair. She has planned and delivered the past four FWI Annual Conferences.   

Joining her as FWI Vice President is Cindy Haas, vice president of private banking at Gateway Bank in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Haas has worked in financial services for nearly 25 years. She has been an FWI member for 15 years and has fulfilled many different leadership roles, including group and Minnesota district president, Foundation chair, FWI director and executive advisor.

This year’s Education Chair is Cathy Haney, vice president and treasury sales officer at Wachovia Bank, N.A. in McLean, Virginia. Haney has more than 20 years of experience in bank operations and treasury management sales. A 20-year member of FWI, she has served as Pennsylvania district president, FWI Foundation vice chair and fund development trustee.

About FWI: Financial Women International is dedicated to developing leaders, accelerating careers, and generating results for professionals in the financial services industry. Membership is comprised of financial executives across North America. For more information, visit http://www.fwi.org/ or call 1-866-236-2007.
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