Dee McCord-Ochoa, MSM, CAP, CPBC
Dee McCord-Ochoa, MSM, CAP® is an accomplished business development and financial services professional with more than 20 years of experience in client relations, financial education, and leadership. As a Business Development Specialist and former Assistant Vice President at The American College of Financial Services, Dee has dedicated her career to advancing financial literacy and empowering advisors to deliver ethical, informed guidance to clients across the country. Her work centers on building strategic partnerships with financial institutions, helping them strengthen their representatives’ knowledge and credibility through industry-leading education and professional designations.
Dee’s approach combines her deep understanding of the financial services landscape with her passion for economic empowerment and lifelong learning. At The American College, she played a pivotal role in expanding access to flexible, mobile-friendly financial education — bridging the gap between professional development and real-world impact. Her expertise spans organizational leadership, relationship management, and business growth strategy, all guided by the core values of integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dee is an active community volunteer and leader who finds fulfillment in giving back. She has served with organizations such as the Broward County Chamber of Commerce and First Baptist Church Piney Grove, where she helped coordinate ministries and community events. Outside of work, Dee enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, reading, cooking, and gardening — finding balance and joy in both personal growth and service to others.
• Communicate Your Team's Talent, Impact, and Value as a Leader
• Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues
• Inclusive Mindset
• Unlocking Authentic Communication in a Culturally-Diverse Workplace
• How Managers Create a Culture of Belonging
• ?Hippo Video Mastery
• Basics of Time Management (Beta)
• Video Sales Mastery for Teams
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®
• Life, Health and Variable Annuities
• MSM - Master of Science in Management with Specialization in Leadership
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Unconscious Bias
• The American College of Financial Services- M.S.M.
• Albany State University- Bachelor's
• Broward County Chamber of Commerce
• Broward County Homeless Shelter/Feed the Poor
• Habitats Construction
• First Baptist Church Piney Grove
• The Sunshine Slopers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to learning, resilience as a trailblazer, and a passion for financial education and literacy. Being the first Black female top producer at The American College of Financial Services—and earning one of the largest commissions in the institution’s history—reflects the power of perseverance, problem-solving, and dedication.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never stop learning—especially in areas like technology, AI, and financial literacy—and to never be afraid to ask questions about your money. Staying curious and proactive has been key to my growth and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the financial services industry is to understand your finances, invest in your education continuously, seek mentorship, and be confident even in male-dominated spaces.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field are expanding financial literacy, offering personalized coaching, and leveraging technology and AI for client solutions, while the main challenges include limited access to financial education in underserved communities and navigating complex financial systems without guidance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, lifelong learning, empowering others through financial literacy, giving back to my community through mentorship, and maintaining balance with hobbies like cooking, entertaining, and staying active.