Pirus Lays Out Plans for FEI

The local chapter of a national accounting association has its first woman leader in 25 years, a reflection of changing attitudes here toward women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Janet Pirus, chief financial officer of Santa Ana-based Winchell’s Donut House, was tapped as president of the 175-member Orange County chapter of the Financial Executives Institute. Pirus, with more than 20 years’ experience, said she wants to boost the local group’s membership during her yearlong tenure, which began in July. She also hopes to increase the number of tax, accounting and finance seminars offered to members locally.

Her selection by the board and confirmation by the membership represents a break with the past, said Rob Collins, a Financial Executives board member and former president.

Five years ago, the local group had no females on the 20-member board. Today, it has four, he said.

Financial Executives has 14,000 members from over 8,000 companies throughout the United States and Canada.

The organization promotes networking, education and tracks legislation of interest to financial professionals.