Denise O'Donnell

I am a financial and operations executive with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, higher education administration, and strategic financial management. I currently serve as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, and Vice President of Finance, Operations, and Admissions at the Kentucky College of Art and Design, a role I have held since May 2015, where I lead financial strategy, operational planning, and admissions functions to support the institution's mission and long-term sustainability.

I am also the Co-Founder of First Class Operations and SCOPE CFO, both self-employed ventures I established in July 2021, where I provide strategic financial and operational consulting to organizations seeking to optimize performance, strengthen financial management, and achieve sustainable growth. In these roles, I leverage my expertise in financial regulations, performance metrics, and leadership development to help clients navigate complex financial and operational challenges.

Earlier in my career, I served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Innovation at Presbyterian Homes and Services of Kentucky on a contract basis, where I provided strategic financial leadership and innovation support. I also served as Volunteer Staff and Treasurer for the Earth Love United Foundation, where I contributed financial oversight and governance to support the foundation's mission.

Across my career in financial leadership, operations management, and higher education administration, my work has been driven by a commitment to building strong, sustainable organizations that fulfill their missions and serve their communities effectively. Whether I am overseeing financial operations at a college, consulting with organizations, or providing strategic guidance to nonprofits, I bring financial expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach to every role. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue helping organizations achieve financial stability and operational excellence.