Zerihun Haile-Selassie, CAE, the Chief Financial Officer of the Endocrine Society, has been officially recognized as a 2026 Nonprofit CFO of the Year, a distinction that highlights his significant contributions to the fields of nonprofit management, financial innovation, and operational excellence. Selected specifically in the category for CFOs of large nonprofit associations, Haile-Selassie’s selection follows a rigorous evaluation of his leadership during a period of transformative change within the Endocrine Society and the broader association landscape. This award, presented annually to financial leaders who demonstrate exceptional stewardship and visionary management, underscores Haile-Selassie’s role in modernizing the Society’s fiscal infrastructure and aligning its financial strategies with its global mission to advance hormone research and clinical care.
The Nonprofit CFO of the Year awards are designed to honor those who move beyond traditional accounting roles to become strategic partners in their organizations’ success. For Haile-Selassie, this recognition reflects four years of intensive work at the Endocrine Society, where he has overseen a diverse portfolio including Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Publications and Journals, and Innovative Business Development. By integrating these disparate departments under a unified strategic vision, he has helped the Society navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic economy, the shift toward digital-first publishing, and the increasing demand for technological integration in member services.
The Selection Process and Award Context
The Nonprofit CFO of the Year award is a prestigious accolade within the association and nonprofit sectors, managed by a committee of peers and industry experts who evaluate candidates based on their ability to improve accountability, enhance financial reporting, and drive innovation. Haile-Selassie’s win in the "Large Nonprofit Association" category is particularly noteworthy, as it places him among the elite financial officers managing organizations with complex revenue streams, including membership dues, educational grants, large-scale annual meetings, and high-impact scientific publishing.
The selection committee cited Haile-Selassie’s commitment to "operational excellence" as a primary factor in his win. In the context of a large medical society like the Endocrine Society, this involves managing multi-million dollar budgets while ensuring that funds are transparently and effectively allocated to support research, advocacy, and physician education. His ability to modernize financial reporting systems has provided the Society’s leadership with real-time data, enabling more agile decision-making in a volatile economic environment.
A Chronology of Professional Achievement
Haile-Selassie’s career trajectory is marked by a series of steady advancements and professional recognitions that preceded his 2026 honor. His path reflects a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector and a focus on continuous professional development.
In 2018, Haile-Selassie was first recognized on a national stage when he was named a "Rising Star" at the Nonprofit CFO Awards. This early recognition signaled his potential as a future leader in association finance. Following this, he joined the Endocrine Society in 2020, taking on the role of CFO during one of the most challenging periods for global associations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this time was instrumental in stabilizing the organization’s finances as it transitioned from in-person to virtual and hybrid events.
Between 2022 and 2024, Haile-Selassie served as an ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) DELP Scholar. The Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) is a highly selective initiative designed to support promising executives from underrepresented groups, providing them with the tools and networking opportunities to reach the highest levels of association management. His participation in this program further solidified his standing as a thought leader in the industry.
In 2023, his contributions were recognized closer to home when he was named one of the "Top 25 CFOs in Maryland." This local honor highlighted his influence in the regional business community and his ability to manage the financial health of one of the state’s most prominent scientific organizations. His latest achievement as the 2026 Nonprofit CFO of the Year serves as a culmination of these efforts, marking him as a premier executive in the national nonprofit space.
Strategic Oversight and Institutional Impact
At the Endocrine Society, Haile-Selassie’s mandate extends far beyond traditional bookkeeping. He provides strategic leadership over several critical pillars of the organization:
Finance and Accounting
Haile-Selassie has been credited with strengthening the Society’s financial stability through meticulous long-term planning and the alignment of financial stewardship with mission-driven priorities. Under his guidance, the Society has maintained a robust balance sheet, allowing it to invest in new initiatives even during periods of market uncertainty. His focus on accountability has ensured that the Society remains a trusted recipient of grants and donations from both public and private sectors.
Information Technology and Digital Transformation
Recognizing that finance and technology are increasingly intertwined, Haile-Selassie has led the Society’s IT initiatives. This has involved overseeing the implementation of advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and ensuring that the organization’s digital infrastructure supports its global membership. By streamlining IT operations, he has reduced overhead costs while improving the user experience for thousands of clinicians and researchers who interact with the Society’s online platforms.
Publications and Journals
One of the most significant revenue and mission drivers for the Endocrine Society is its portfolio of scientific journals, including The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and Endocrine Reviews. Haile-Selassie’s oversight of the Publications department has been vital as the industry shifts toward Open Access models. Navigating the financial implications of "Plan S" and other global publishing mandates requires a CFO who understands the nuances of intellectual property, subscription revenue, and article processing charges (APCs). Haile-Selassie has successfully balanced the need for financial sustainability with the Society’s goal of disseminating scientific knowledge as widely as possible.
Innovative Business Development
As the landscape for nonprofit revenue evolves, Haile-Selassie has spearheaded "Innovative Business Development" initiatives. These projects focus on diversifying the Society’s income streams, moving beyond traditional membership dues to explore new partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and digital products. This forward-thinking approach is essential for the long-term viability of professional societies in the 21st century.
Industry Leadership and Community Engagement
Beyond his internal responsibilities, Haile-Selassie is a prominent figure in the broader professional community. His external roles provide him with a platform to influence the standards of nonprofit financial management across the country.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Finance Administration Roundtable (FAR), the area’s premier organization for association financial and administrative executives. His leadership in FAR allows him to mentor other CFOs and share best practices for managing nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA), where he contributes to the governance of the accounting profession in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Haile-Selassie is also an active member of the ASAE ForesightWorks Advisory Group, a body dedicated to identifying emerging trends that will impact the future of associations. His involvement in the Sage Intacct Nonprofit Advisory Council further demonstrates his expertise in financial technology, as he helps guide the development of software tools specifically designed for the nonprofit sector.
His professional credentials reinforce his practical experience. He holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, the highest professional credential in the association management industry. Furthermore, he is a Certified Corporate Board Director (BCBR) from the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, a qualification that underscores his readiness to provide high-level governance and strategic oversight.
Official Responses and Peer Recognition
The announcement of Haile-Selassie’s award was met with widespread acclaim from his colleagues at the Endocrine Society. Krista Kirk, the Society’s interim CEO, emphasized the depth of his impact on the organization’s culture and operations.
"Zerihun’s recognition is a testament to his outstanding leadership, strategic insight and dedication to the Endocrine Society’s mission," Kirk stated. "His thoughtful stewardship has strengthened our organization and positioned us for continued growth and impact. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful for the expertise, integrity and vision he brings to our work every day."
Colleagues within the finance and association management sectors have also noted that Haile-Selassie represents a new breed of CFO—one who is as comfortable discussing digital journal strategy or IT infrastructure as they are analyzing a balance sheet. His ability to act as a "trusted leader, partner and mentor" has been cited as a defining characteristic of his management style, fostering a collaborative environment within the Society’s executive team.
Broader Implications for the Nonprofit Sector
Haile-Selassie’s recognition as the 2026 Nonprofit CFO of the Year carries broader implications for the nonprofit and association sectors. First, it highlights the increasing importance of the CFO as a strategic "multi-tool" executive. In an era where nonprofits must compete with the private sector for talent and attention, having a financial leader who understands technology and business development is a significant competitive advantage.
Second, Haile-Selassie’s success as an ASAE DELP Scholar underscores the value of diversity in executive leadership. His trajectory demonstrates how targeted professional development programs can help prepare leaders to manage complex, global organizations. As the nonprofit sector continues to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, Haile-Selassie serves as a model for how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and financial health.
Finally, his focus on aligning "financial stewardship with mission priorities" serves as a roadmap for other nonprofit leaders. In a world where donors and members are increasingly focused on impact and transparency, the role of the CFO is to ensure that every dollar spent is a dollar invested in the organization’s core purpose.
About the Endocrine Society
The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions. With more than 18,000 members, including researchers, scientists, clinicians, educators, nurses, and students in more than 120 countries, the Society represents a global community dedicated to advancing hormone health.
The work of the Society is critical in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of the modern era, including diabetes, obesity, infertility, and various types of cancer. The financial stability and strategic growth managed by Haile-Selassie ensure that the Society can continue to host world-class events like its annual meeting, advocate for sound public policy, and publish the latest breakthroughs in endocrine science.
As the Endocrine Society looks toward the future, the leadership of Zerihun Haile-Selassie will remain a cornerstone of its strategy. His recognition as the 2026 Nonprofit CFO of the Year is not only a personal achievement but a validation of the Society’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its operations. Through his continued work, Haile-Selassie is helping to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of the scientific and medical community for years to come.
