Cathy Engelbert, CEO of Deloitte, will be recognized as the 2017 University of Arizona Executive of the Year on Friday, March 31.

The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 North Resort Dr., in Tucson.

Engelbert is the first female CEO of Deloitte and is responsible for leading nearly 80,000 professionals who provide audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to more than 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies.

“Cathy Engelbert’s career trajectory has been remarkable,” said UA Eller College Dean Paulo Goes. “Not only did she become the first female CEO of one of the big four accounting and consulting firms, she changed Deloitte’s corporate culture to emphasize the importance of mentorship, inclusion and work-life balance.”

Engelbert has spent more than three decades working with large and complex global clients. Prior to her appointment as CEO of Deloitte, Engelbert served as the leader of Deloitte’s audit practice.

In addition to leading Deloitte, Engelbert is chairman of the Center for Audit Quality Governing Board and was recognized as one of Fortune’s 2016 and 2015 Most Powerful Women. She was ranked as one of Glassdoor’s 2016 Employees’ Choice Awards for the 50 Highest Rated CEOs, and among Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women in New York in 2015.

“Cathy is a strong leader who serves as a role model to many men and women,” said Goes. “She is admired by peers and the media for her expertise in global business trends. She encourages innovation and is not afraid to take risks. For these reasons, we are honored to name Cathy as this year’s University of Arizona Executive of the Year.”

The University of Arizona Executive of the Year program was established by the Eller College National Board of Advisors in 1983 to honor individuals who exemplify executive qualities in private enterprise and public service. Recent honorees include Frederick W. Smith, chairman, CEO and founder of FedEx (2016); Sam Fox, CEO and founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts (2015); Janet Napolitano, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former Arizona Governor (2014); Larry Baer, president and CEO of the San Francisco Giants (2013); former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (2012); and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (2011).

Tickets are $85 per person. To register, visit www.eller.arizona.edu/eoy/2017. For more information, call (520) 621-4121.