Wendy Zelond, CPA, has built a distinguished career in finance, accounting, and utilities characterized by expertise, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. As senior vice president of finance utilities at Washington Gas, WGL Holdings, Inc., she also serves as the chief financial officer, overseeing the company’s financial operations and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Her leadership encompasses a range of responsibilities, from managing vendor payments to securing clean audits and overseeing the financial planning department’s budgeting and forecasting efforts.
Ms. Zelond’s academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her professional journey. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma Christian University. She is a certified public accountant in the State of Texas. She further honed her leadership skills through executive education in the Ascending to the C-Suite program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to mastering her craft and embracing growth opportunities.
Ms. Zelond’s career spans more than two decades, including leadership roles at prominent organizations. Before joining WGL Holdings, Inc., Ms. Zelond was the chief financial officer for North America at EDL, where she managed financial operations and strategies. She also held key positions at Enbridge, including vice president of finance and chief financial officer of utilities and power operations in Toronto, and chief financial officer at Union Gas in Chatham. She advanced through roles at Spectra Energy, now Enbridge, where she managed pricing, market research, reporting, and consolidations. Her early career included significant contributions as an accounting research and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) project manager at Spectra Energy, director of financial reporting at Continental Airlines, and senior auditor at Arthur Andersen in Houston.
One of the defining moments in Ms. Zelond’s career occurred during her tenure at Continental Airlines. When Copa Airlines in Panama faced a major financial challenge after a devastating fire, she volunteered to assist with preparing their financial statements. Her determination and problem-solving skills shone as she successfully navigated this complex task, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure and deliver results in challenging circumstances.
Ms. Zelond credits her success to a combination of hard work, a strong support system, and a commitment to learning. She acknowledges the role of mentors and sponsors in guiding her professional development and emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Her advice to others, particularly women navigating their careers, centers on resilience: “Just keep going.” She believes progress is not always linear, and setbacks can be valuable stepping stones toward success. Her experience as a competitive tennis player has also shaped her approach to leadership. Tennis taught her the importance of adaptability and strategy, as each match required adjusting her approach based on her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. She applies this mindset to her professional life, focusing on practical, results-driven strategies that ensure long-term success. Her competitive spirit and resilience continue to drive her achievements and inspire others.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Ms. Zelond is an accomplished author. Her book, We Talk, We Lead: A Reflection of One Woman’s Stories to Inspire and Empower Others, reflects her dedication to empowering others through her insights and experiences. She uses her platform to mentor and inspire future leaders, emphasizing embracing challenges and striving for excellence. In her current role at Washington Gas, Ms. Zelond continues to lead with vision and integrity. She ensures the company meets all statutory and regulatory requirements while guiding financial planning and operational strategy. Her ability to see potential in others and foster a culture of growth has been instrumental in her success as a leader.
Ms. Zelond remains focused on expanding her influence and making a broader impact in the years ahead. She envisions leveraging her expertise to reach new audiences and drive meaningful change in the energy and utilities sectors. Her ambition to contribute on a larger scale reflects her commitment to innovation and progress. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Zelond finds fulfillment in spending time with her son and engaging in her lifelong passion for tennis. Her personal and professional journeys are united by a shared ethos of perseverance, adaptability, and a desire to inspire others. With her wealth of experience and unwavering determination, Ms. Zelond continues to set an example for aspiring leaders and demonstrates the power of resilience and dedication in achieving success.