DEANNA MCNETT, CAE, CSSYB
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Nonprofit executive with 20+ years driving organizational transformation and revenue growth across 501(c)(3) and (c)(6) organizations. CAE-certified leader who has secured $3.6M+ in grants, scaled event revenue 800%, and built financial and governance infrastructure from the ground up. Experienced leading boards, executive teams, and enterprise-wide change initiatives that strengthen mission delivery and long-term sustainability.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Star Telegram Charities, Inc., dba The Goodfellow Fund
Fort Worth, TX
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Direct strategic planning, $1.5M budget, fundraising, and policy development for a foundation serving 6500 underserved families annually during the holiday season.
- Secured $750,000 in additional grants and funding above prior-year results, significantly expanding gift card assistance programs and overall community impact.
- Cultivated and strengthened high-value strategic partnerships with Kendra Scott, Lockheed Martin, and Texas Roadhouse, generating sponsorship revenue and community engagement.
- Oversee donor relations, financial stewardship, and operational performance to ensure long-term organizational sustainability and mission alignment.
Senior Accounts Executive
Affinity Strategies
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered C-suite association management to 2 emergency medicine organizations, directing strategic planning, budget oversight, and account teams across simultaneous engagements.
- Supervised and mentored Executive Directors, Association Managers, and staff, establishing performance goals and driving professional and organizational development.
- Monitored performance and growth of multiple simultaneous client associations, guiding strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational missions and governance objectives.
Executive Director
American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP)
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed all strategic leadership, operational oversight, and $2 M budget management in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance governance and organizational performance.
- Redesigned financial systems, HR processes, governance documents, and organizational policies, improving operational efficiency and compliance across the association.
- Led enterprise-wide technology modernization, implementing new financial, CMS, LMS, website, and digital communications platforms to strengthen organizational infrastructure.
- Grew Spring Seminar revenue 450% ($50K to $275K) and attendance 50%; increased Fall Seminar revenue 50% ($400K to $600K) and attendance 43% through targeted outreach strategies.
- Grew membership 25% by establishing a $15K marketing budget and launching the Digital Classroom and other CME earning programs, reversing prior-year decline.
Executive Director
Foundation for Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (FOEM)
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed $2M foundation operations—budgeting, strategic planning, and fundraising—to advance emergency medicine research and education nationwide.
- Secured $1.4 million in grants and funding, generating critical resources for emergency medical research programs and educational initiatives nationwide.
- Planned and executed the annual fundraising gala, leading donor engagement, sponsorship development, and fundraising activities to broaden organizational support.
- Collaborated with emergency medicine residency programs across the country to facilitate multi-site research projects through the organization’s national research network.
Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Global Response Management, Inc.
Fort Worth, TX
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Rebuilt the complete financial infrastructure, including banking, accounting software, payroll, expense management, 401(k) administration, and a customized chart of accounts with controls.
- Structured and implemented governance and financial policy frameworks, including the Policy Compendium and Financial Policy Compendium; led updates to bylaws, mission, and vision.
- Established comprehensive HR policies, including annual performance reviews, merit/COLA increases, and executive bonus programs, to improve accountability and organizational reporting.
- Served as authorized signatory for all financial accounts and contractual agreements, ensuring organizational compliance, legal stewardship, and operational continuity.
Executive Director
CORD Cares Foundation
Irving, TX
01.2017 - 05.2021
- Founded and directed the organization from inception, establishing 501(c)(3) status, governance policies, and financial infrastructure to enable disaster relief operations.
- Coordinated large-scale disaster relief following Hurricane Maria, partnering with celebrities and industry leaders to deliver $1.5 million in financial and relief assistance to residents in Puerto Rico.
- Mobilized emergency financial aid for residents affected by Hurricane Harvey, addressing critical needs including housing, transportation, food, and expenses not covered by insurance.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Executive Director
Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD)
Irving, TX
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Served as the first full-time Executive Director, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of a $2.5M+ budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
- Achieved and sustained 100% membership retention while increasing academic assembly revenue 800% ($100K to $900K) and expanding attendance 367% (450 to 2,100 participants).
- Guided development of proprietary ABEM exam-preparation software and created a SLOE database subsequently replicated by multiple national medical associations and specialties.
Chief Operations Officer
Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD)
Irving, TX
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Provided operational leadership for joint CORD-ACEP initiatives, including fundraising campaigns, marketing strategy, and digital infrastructure development.
- Directed annual meeting operations, including educational content, CME accreditation compliance for live and virtual sessions, speaker coordination, and vendor management.
- Developed and executed multichannel marketing communications across digital, social media, and print to drive stakeholder engagement and consistent organizational messaging.
- Raised profits by 19% within 2 months through planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management & Administration
University of The People
Pasadena, CA06-2027
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Board Governance
- Change Management
- Mission Advancement
- Coalition Building
- Team Leadership
- Grant Management
- Donor Stewardship
Affiliations
- ASAE – American Society of Association Executives
- Women in Nonprofit Leadership Network
- Tech for Good Alliance
Certification
- Certified Association Executive (CAE), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Washington, DC, 08/01/20, 12/31/27
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB), Six Sigma Council, Washington, DC, 01/01/23, No Expiration
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Events Industry Council, Washington, DC, (Anticipated 2026)
Timeline
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Star Telegram Charities, Inc., dba The Goodfellow Fund
01.2024 - 01.2026
Senior Accounts Executive
Affinity Strategies
01.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Director
American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Director
Foundation for Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (FOEM)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Global Response Management, Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2022
Executive Director
Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Executive Director
CORD Cares Foundation
01.2017 - 05.2021
Chief Operations Officer
Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD)
01.2016 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Management & Administration
University of The People