ESOP Association Blog
The ESOP Association Expands Executive Programming With Inaugural CFO Summit
Calling senior ESOP finance leaders: The ESOP Association will convene the first ever annual CFO Summit in Park City, Utah from June 22-24, 2025. Modeled after our very popular and useful CEO Summit conference, this event marks another new chapter of executive programming offered by The ESOP Association. The conference is designed exclusively for ESOP CFOs and equivalents to provide an opportunity to discuss the unique challenges of running the finances of ESOP companies.
Same Program Structure and Approach as the CEO Summit, but with Content for CFOs
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Our General Sessions are designed with national level speakers to help you better gauge business trends and cycles. How will macro issues like potential tax changes, tariffs on imports and exports, and other financial and regulatory policy decisions impact ESOP finance? Is your ESOP prepared to handle unsolicited offers, upcoming repurchase obligations, and rising employee benefit costs? The Summit’s limited capacity and interactive program connects attendees to some of the top minds in finance to help you get ahead of the curve. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and your peers who are facing many of the same issues.
Maximize Your Value With the Summit’s Innovative Programming & Content
Much like The ESOP Association’s CEO Summit, the CFO Summit allows you to gain maximum value by providing multiple options that allow you to choose which topics are most important to you. General sessions focus on macro-level issues and hot topics in finance, while facilitated roundtable discussions feature deep dives into issues that every CFO must navigate. During each day of the Summit, CFOs may choose from five diverse roundtable topics repeated over two time slots per day, allowing you to attend up to four roundtables over two days.
Networking and Social Opportunities: Spouses Encouraged to Attend!
Share and learn best practices while growing your personal network of ESOP CFOs and making lasting connections with your peers. And spouses/significant others are also encouraged to attend, making the CFO Summit an ideal atmosphere to forge valuable relationships while enjoying Park City and the surrounding areas. Spouses and guests are invited to all social and networking activities, and may take advantage of special outings in Park City during general sessions and roundtables.
An Unforgettable Location
Enjoy the world-class destination of Park City, nestled in the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains, and just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Utah this summer at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. Enjoy convenient complimentary daily shuttle service to downtown Park City and experience the charm of its famed Main Street, filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Jordanelle Reservoir offers year-round recreation just moments away.
Attendees and guests will also participate in pre-arranged activities to foster interactions and strengthen relationships. Experience networking like never before—enjoy specially crafted social activities showcasing the natural beauty and charm of Park City. Activities will include:
- Utah Olympic Park Experience
- High West Distillery Private Tour & Tasting
- Park City Guided Hiking Tour
Space is Limited, Reserve Your Spot Today!
Regular registration for this event is open until May 24th. The CFO Summit is open to Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) or the equivalent role (highest-ranking financial leaders (ex. SVPs/VPs of Finance, Controllers) and their spouse/significant other. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on the exciting chance to be a part of this landmark event offered only by The ESOP Association!
CFO Summit Schedule
Schedule is Subject to Change
Sunday, June 22
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Join your peers and guests for a casual opening evening. Experience the local flavors of Utah while enjoying majestic views of the mountain vistas overlooking the scenic Jordanelle Reservoir.
Monday, June 23
General Session 1: Economic Forecasting: When Up is Down and Down is Up, Are Volatility and Unpredictability the Only Safe Predictions?
The economic landscape is undergoing significant, foundational-level change, and for ESOP CFOs, accurate forecasting is more important than ever. From funding CapEx and other growth initiatives, to paying down debt and meeting repurchase obligations, correct forecasts provide senior ESOP leaders with clarity in crucial decision-making. This high-level presentation will get into the details of our current economic uncertainty and the possible impacts on the near and long-term business climate.
SPEAKER: Daniel Murphy, Associate Professor, University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Daniel Murphy teaches in the Global Economies and Markets area at the prestigious Darden School of Business, the #1 public business school in the world. In addition, he is currently exploring optimal policies for combatting recessions while limiting the accumulation of government debt.
General Session 2: Tariffs and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017: No Matter What Happens, it WILL Impact Your Business!
Many of the sweeping tax provisions enacted in the TCJA expire on December 31 and Congress must act to prevent a reversion to pre-2017 levels. In addition, a realignment driven by President Trump’s approach to international engagement has already put many ESOP companies into a tailspin as they adjust supply chains, customer base, and even workforce. Now, CFOs face a new era of volatility defined by geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the prospect of tariffs and trade wars between the U.S. and our largest trading partners, and uncertainty in how Congress and the White House will deal with the impending tax cliff. This session will identify and help you gauge risks of political and economic volatility at home and abroad.
SPEAKER: Jonathan Traub, Managing Principal, Tax Policy Group, Deloitte
Jon provides clients with critical insights on tax policy and politics, helping them plan for anticipated legislation and potential business impacts. As a former Staff Director for the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives, Jon has seen it all and knows what Congress can, and can’t, accomplish. His procedural knowledge, and deep connection to those writing the laws this summer, will certainly provide insights you won’t find on the news.
A Special Evening with ”Miracle on Ice” Gold Medalist Jim Craig
Olympic Gold Medalist; Goalie, 1980 USA “Miracle on Ice” Hockey Team, & Founder/President of Gold Medal Strategies
Continue to expand your peer network over dinner and an engaging evening with renowned hockey legend Jim Craig. This is your opportunity to grow your own leadership style by learning directly from somebody who has been in the crucible with the entire world watching.
Jim Craig is best known as the backbone of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Team, whose ‘Miracle’ win was voted by Sports Illustrated as the greatest sports moment of the 20th century. Craig, who started every game in goal, was a leading figure in the team’s success, turning away shot after shot by the dominating and previously undefeated team from the U.S.S.R.
Today, Jim is an in-demand speaker and consultant, providing strategic and winning direction to some of the most prestigious companies around the world to help others achieve their full potential.
Tuesday, June 24
Panel Discussion: Containing Employee Benefit Costs in an Employee Ownership Setting
Employee benefits in an employee ownership setting can be tricky – it must be about more than just the numbers. ESOP leaders understand the critical importance of balancing competitive employee benefits with responsible cost containment. However, making decisions solely based on numbers could have serious repercussions for your ESOP’s culture. Traditional approaches in today’s insurance market often fall short, leaving us vulnerable to unpredictable increases and limited control. We will explore current insurance trends, strategic solutions, the potential and challenges of implementing a captive insurance model and much more. We’ll address the often-uncomfortable reality: cost containment and, at times, even benefit adjustments are necessary for the long-term health of the ESOP and the prosperity of employee owners. Join us to learn how to navigate the complexities of employee benefit costs while keeping your culture intact.
Panel Discussion: Private Equity Takeovers: How to Defend Your ESOP When PE Comes Knocking
CFOs understand the unique value of ESOPs and how they build long-term wealth. However, the current market is rife with private equity interest, and unsolicited offers that can at times border on hostile takeovers are becoming increasingly common. Hear from ESOP leaders who have been through this process and the strategies and tactics they used to defend their ESOPs and retain the future earning and equity growth for employee owners.
Facilitated Roundtable Discussions
The Summit is a unique opportunity to engage with fellow CFOs and finance leaders to exchange ideas and best practices on issues impacting your ESOP’s future. ESOPs present distinct challenges, and having access to a peer network of experienced leaders who understand your perspective is invaluable. Facilitated roundtables are meant to foster deep, meaningful conversations and build lasting professional connections. Roundtables are facilitated by ESOP professionals and senior corporate leaders to provide real-world examples on core challenges.
CFOs may attend up to four roundtables on the following topics:
- Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions
- Sharing Financials with Employee Owners
- Navigating the Economic Landscape: Banking, Rates, and ESOP Strategies
- Government Contracting: Payment Collection, DEI Programs & Federal Contracting, and Financial Stability
- Mitigating Financial Risk During Executive Changeovers
- Benefit Cost Containment
- Executive Compensation
- Maximizing ESOP Value Through Releveraging
- Valuations for ESOPs
- Managing Repurchase Obligation