Smithbucklin CFO Ellen Brislin Named 2025 Chicago CFO of the Year®
Dec. 3, 2025
CHICAGO – Smithbucklin announced that Ellen Brislin, Chief Financial Officer, has been named 2025 Chicago CFO of the Year® in the Small Private Company category by the Financial Executives International (FEI) Chicago Chapter. Presented annually by FEI Chicago, the CFO of the Year® Awards honor financial leaders who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and meaningful organizational impact.
Brislin was recognized for her role in strengthening Smithbucklin’s financial operations, modernizing core systems, and advancing the company’s long-term financial strategy. During her tenure as CFO, she has overseen wide-ranging improvements to the company’s finance, HR, planning, and reporting platforms, offering teams enhanced tools and more efficient processes.
She has also played an important role in maintaining Smithbucklin’s strong financial position, leading the financial integration of multiple acquisitions with precision and care. She continues to support long-range planning efforts and plays a central role in leading the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP). She is credited with bringing transparency and sound judgement to complex decisions.
“Ellen’s impact on our company is significant and far-reaching,” said Matt Sanderson, President & CEO of Smithbucklin. “She brings a level of clarity, reliability, and insight that strengthens our organization every day. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are proud to see her contributions recognized by FEI Chicago.”
Brislin joined Smithbucklin more than two decades ago as a staff accountant and progressed through several roles before becoming CFO. Her career demonstrates steady growth, strong financial expertise, and a commitment to delivering value for Smithbucklin’s client organizations.
Effective financial management is essential for associations, particularly as they navigate shifting economic conditions, evolving member expectations, and increasing pressure to demonstrate value. Sound financial oversight ensures that resources are used effectively, investments are aligned with mission-driven priorities, and organizations are prepared for both opportunities and challenges. Leaders who bring discipline, openness, and a forward-thinking mindset to financial management play an important role in sustaining the long-term health and impact of the associations they support.
About Smithbucklin
For more than 75 years, Smithbucklin has been helping associations advance their missions by providing management, strategic planning, education, meetings and events, and advertising, exhibit, and sponsorship sales strategy. Working across all industries and professions with structured networks of knowledge, associations get insight, proven systems, and practical expertise to grow, advance innovation, and deliver increased value to their members.
Media Contact
Emily Pfund
epfund@smithbucklin.com
312.673.5756
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