Topic: From Scorekeeper to Strategic Partner: How Finance Leaders Influence Decisions and Drive Results

Speaker: Dawn E. LaDuke, Vice President, Finance and Greensboro Chapter Chair

Session Overview:

Today's finance leaders are expected to do far more than report results. They are increasingly being called upon to shape strategy, influence decisions, and drive measurable business outcomes.

In this session, we'll explore how finance professionals can evolve from traditional stewardship roles to trusted strategic partners across the organization.

Topics will include:

- The changing role of finance in modern organizations
- Building credibility and influence with business leaders
- Partnering effectively with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams
- Turning financial insights into actionable business decisions
- Driving measurable results through cross-functional collaboration
- The impact of analytics, automation, and AI on finance leadership

Attendees will gain practical insights, real-world examples, and strategies for strengthening business partnerships while creating greater value for their organizations.

Join us for an engaging discussion on how finance can move beyond reporting the numbers to helping shape the future of the business.

Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and best practices for becoming more effective business partners in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Speaker's Bio:

Dawn E. LaDuke is Vice President of Finance, Supply Chain at 1-800-Flowers.com and a finance executive with more than 20 years of global CPG/FMCG experience across food, beverage, health and beauty, and apparel. She has held finance leadership roles at Kraft Foods, Mondelez International, Nestlé, Clorox, and Kontoor Brands, leading business transformation, operational finance, and supply chain performance initiatives. A recognized builder of high-performing teams, Dawn is passionate about developing future finance leaders through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development.