Danielle McLean
VP and Chief Financial OfficerAmerican Financial Services Association
Areas of Expertise – Financial management and strategy, nonprofit governance, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
Areas I Would Like to Continue Learning – All of the above — with a particular emphasis on deepening my knowledge of transformational leadership, advanced board governance, and innovative approaches to financial sustainability in nonprofit and association management.
Three Keywords That Best Describe Me – Resilient. Prepared. Purpose-driven.
Personal Motto – “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
Excellence is not an act but a commitment to growth and impact.
What I Am Passionate About – Empowering organizations to thrive through sound financial stewardship, advancing diverse and inclusive leadership, and mentoring emerging leaders — particularly women and professionals of color. I believe in fostering sisterhood, supporting women and children, and creating pathways for others to achieve their fullest potential.
Something Interesting About Me – I’m an avid traveler and currently writing a 30-day devotional for women titled Still Becoming — a project blending faith, resilience, and personal growth.
My Role Model – My mother, who embodied resilience, grace, and service, and whose example continues to guide my leadership journey.
What I Am Most Proud Of – My children and building a career that balances strategic leadership with purpose-driven impact — using my platform to open doors for others who look like me while mentoring and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
Mentoring
Key Success Factors for a Mentoring Relationship:
Clear communication, mutual respect, goal alignment, and a willingness to both give and receive honest feedback.
Advice I’d Give Myself as a Young Executive:
Don’t be afraid to use your voice early and remember that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions.
What I Know Now That I Wish I Knew When I Started My Career:
The power of building relationships cannot be overstated — your network, when nurtured, will be as critical to your success as your skillset.
Restricted Content
Some content on this page may be available exclusively to AFSA Members. If you would like more information about becoming a member, view our membership page to determine the best membership option for your company. If you are already an AFSA Member, click the button below to log in.