Pact executive finalist in ‘CFO of the Year’

Pact’s Leonard Williams has been selected as a finalist in the Washington Business Journal’s 2013 CFO of the Year competition.

Every year, the Washington Business Journal recognizes the most accomplished CFOs in six industries in the Greater Washington area. Leonard – whose official title at Pact is Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance and Management Services – is one of two finalists in the not-for-profit category.

The business newspaper will announce winners at a luncheon Tuesday, July 18, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in McLean, Va., USA. The other not-for-profit CFO finalist is Deborah Cowan of public radio’s NPR.

The CFO awards recognize individuals who have guided their companies through not only the past recession but also in the up-and-down economy that has followed, finding ways to help their organizations grow and succeed through careful planning, disciplined accounting, thorough risk management and sound decision-making. They are also lauded for their collaboration and team-building skills.

“Chief financial officers have always been critical to the success of a business,” the Washington Business Journal says in its description of the CFO awards. “But in these times of economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to have a steady hand guiding the tiller. It’s also important that these unsung heroes get recognized for their contributions to their companies.”

Leonard joined Pact in October 2009. For the past three years, annual independent audits of Pact’s financials and accounting have turned up zero findings, a difficult feat for NGOs with substantial government funding and Pact’s size, scale and scope of activities.

“As Leonard has played a key part in strengthening our foundation, ensuring that Pact systems are able to support our dynamic global organization, it comes as no surprise to me that he would be nominated for such an honor, said Pact CEO and president Mark Viso. “Pact is extremely fortunate to have Leonard as our CFO as he demonstrates tremendous energy and wisdom in fulfilling his responsibilities.”

Leonard earned his M.B.A at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He also earned an M.S. in electrical engineering and computer and information management systems and a B.S.E. in computer science and engineering from Penn.

Pact enables systematic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development. Pact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. Visit us on the web at www.pactworld.org.

For all inquiries please contact Eddie Byrd, Pact Communications Manager at @email.