Donnelly Named CFO of the Year
Miami Valley CAP Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Deborah Donnelly has been named one of Dayton Business Journal’s CFOs of the Year for 2026.
Nominated by her peers on the MVCAP leadership team, Donnelly is one of 15 CFOs of both non-profit and for-profit organizations in the Greater Dayton area who will be honored at a September luncheon. The Journal honors financial visionaries who help shape the economic future of the Dayton region.
“Through Deb’s leadership, MVCAP is able to support households facing utility disconnection, housing instability, homelessness, poverty and energy burden,” said President and CEO Erin Jeffries in Donnelly’s nomination. “Her work strengthens not only MVCAP, but also the broader human services, housing, and Community Action systems that rely on strong fiscal administration and public accountability.”
Donnelly has served as CFO since October 2015 and oversees a team of five while navigating the highly complex financial structure behind the agency’s multiple funding sources. Her work allows MVCAP to remain financially responsible while continuing to deliver essential services to the community.
“I am totally humbled by this award,” Donnelly said. “I did not know I had been nominated, so it was a huge surprise! I am the sort who is happy just working away in the background, not seeking accolades, and gaining great satisfaction in the knowledge that I can use my skills to help others succeed.”
Achievements cited in Donnelly’s nomination include:
- Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic when MVCAP’s budget more than doubled and compliance requirements shifted rapidly;
- Managing reimbursement-based funding, cash flow pressures, grant compliance, audit readiness and major administrative transitions;
- Providing critical leadership during a property management transition;
- Supporting the agency’s liquidity and cash management during a challenging period;
- Standing up a new program with strong financial controls.
Donnelly’s steadiness and commitment to strengthening the people around her were also cited several times in the nomination.
“Deb intentionally creates opportunities to educate and empower directors,” Jeffries wrote. “Rather than simply providing answers, she explains the why behind financial decisions. This collaborative approach has elevated the financial literacy of MVCAP’s leadership team, resulting in stronger decision-making, greater accountability and a culture where programmatic excellence and fiscal stewardship work hand in hand.”
Jeffries added: “By generously sharing her expertise and investing in the growth of others, she strengthens MVCAP’s ability to serve the community with both compassion and accountability.”
Honorees will be recognized both online and in-print, as well at a CFO of the Year awards banquet at Sinclair Community College on Sept. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.