USM Student Chapter to Conduct CFO Symposium Oct. 28

The University of Southern Mississippi student chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) will conduct a “CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Symposium on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in the McDonnell Auditorium of Scianna Hall on the Hattiesburg campus. The roundtable discussion, set for 7-9 p.m., is free and open to the general public.  

Chief executives from the health, technology, forestry supply, and financial industries will participate in the roundtable. Discussion topics will include the executives' economic and industrial outlooks, the biggest challenges their firms/industries face, and what they would like to see in the workforce and resource markets. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.

"As far as we know, this is the first time that the College of Business has brought in a group of chief executive officers for a public panel discussion about their professional backgrounds, current economic and industry challenges, and what they would like to see in the workforce," said Dr. Steven Stelk, assistant professor of Finance.  "Students have an opportunity to meet the executives face-to-face before and after the event, and ask questions during the event."

Panelists scheduled to appear include:

• Jerry Hoeniges, CFA, Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, BancorpSouth Asset Management & Trust
• Jeff Hollingshead, President of Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
• Warren Ladner, CFO of Merit Health Wesley
• Mike Morgan, Professor of Practice, Finance at USM; former President and CFO of Bomgar Corp. 
• Ben Pace, CFO of CSpire
• Stacey Wall, CEO of Pinnacle Trust

The event is designated as the student FMA's primary fundraiser for the year. Those interested in becoming a sponsor or a panelist for the event, should contact Steven Stelk, FMA Faculty Advisor, at steven.stelkFREEMississippi or (601) 266-6655.