Vanessa Finley Mba, Cae

Vanessa Finley, MBA, CAE has a diverse work experience spanning over 27 years. Vanessa is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of NALA - The Paralegal Association, where they oversee the national professional association for paralegals and promotes the advancement of the paralegal profession. In 2019, they also had their own consulting firm, Finley-Brown Consulting.

Prior to their current roles, Finley held the position of Chief Program Officer at the Community Service Council from 2017 to 2019. In this role, they led initiatives to address social service, health, education, and civic challenges in Oklahoma.

From 2014 to 2017, Finley served as the CEO of YWCA Tulsa, where they focused on eliminating racism and empowering women through various programs, including health and wellness, immigration and refugee services, racial justice, and women's empowerment.

Before joining YWCA Tulsa, Finley was the Director of Development at Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri from 2012 to 2014. Vanessa played a critical role in ensuring access to reproductive and sexual health care for individuals in the region.

Finley also has experience in the non-profit sector as the Executive Director of Gilda's Club Kansas City from 2010 to 2012. At Gilda's Club, they provided support and resources for individuals and families impacted by cancer.

In addition to their non-profit work, Finley was the Executive Director of First Step Fund from 1997 to 2010. In this role, they facilitated microenterprise development and provided business training and credit access to low- to moderate-income individuals in the Greater Kansas City area. Vanessa also served as the Chairperson of the Missouri Asset Development Coalition from 2000 to 2009, supporting economic empowerment and local self-determination for low-income individuals and communities.

Finley began their career in the non-profit sector as the Assistant Director at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. from 1993 to 1997, where they provided youth services and collaborated with other youth-serving agencies.

With a strong background in non-profit leadership and a focus on advocating for marginalized populations, Vanessa Finley brings extensive experience and expertise to their current role as CEO of NALA - The Paralegal Association.

Vanessa Finley, MBA, CAE has a diverse education history. Vanessa obtained their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Leadership and Change in Human Systems from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where they studied from 2000 to 2006. Prior to their MBA, Vanessa Finley completed their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Human Development/Applied Behavioral Science, Criminology, and Sociology at The University of Kansas from 1988 to 1993.

In addition to their academic qualifications, Vanessa Finley has also acquired various certifications and achievements. Vanessa holds a Credentialing Specialist Certificate from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, earned in August 2021. Vanessa has also obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership in February 2021. Vanessa Finley is an Acclaim Ambassador certified by Acclaim Badging since May 2020. Vanessa has successfully completed an NCCA Accredited Program offered by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence in January 2020. Vanessa Finley served on the NALA Board of Directors for the 2019-2020 term and continues to be a member in the 2021-2022 term for NALA - The Paralegal Association.