Danielle McLean is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the American Financial Services Association (AFSA), where she has built a nearly three-decade career and now leads the association’s financial strategy and operations. Her journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth, leadership, service, and creating opportunities for others.

“Trinity gave me more than an education; it helped give me the foundation and confidence to continue reaching for opportunities that I might not initially have imagined for myself. As both an undergraduate and MBA graduate, Trinity reinforced the importance of education, perseverance, leadership, and women supporting women.”

“Today, as a CFO, board leader, and mentor, I recognize that my Trinity experience helped prepare me not only to succeed professionally, but also to understand the responsibility that comes with success: to reach back, open doors, and help other women move forward.”

In addition to her executive role, Danielle serves as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union and serves on the Board of Directors of So Others Might Eat (SOME). She is also a former Chair of the Finance & Administration Roundtable (FAR).

Danielle has continued investing in her development throughout her career, earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP), and NACD Directorship Certified® credentials. She has also completed executive education in women’s leadership at Yale University and forensic accounting studies at Georgetown University.

In 2026, Danielle was named FAR’s Nonprofit C-Suite Leader of the Year, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the nonprofit and association community.

Throughout her career, Danielle has embraced a philosophy of “pulling while I reach”—continuing to pursue her own growth while mentoring others, opening doors, and helping the next generation of women see what is possible.

Career Highlights or Achievements

• Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, American Financial Services Association
• Nearly three decades of progressive leadership in the association and nonprofit sector
• Treasurer and Board Member, United States Senate Federal Credit Union
• Board Member, So Others Might Eat (SOME)
• Former Chair, Finance & Administration Roundtable
• FAR 2026 Nonprofit C-Suite Leader of the Year
• NACD Directorship Certified®
• Certified Association Executive (CAE)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP)
• Yale Women’s Leadership Program
• Forensic Accounting studies, Georgetown University
• Mentor and advocate for emerging nonprofit and association professionals