Vanessa Gutierrez joined GFN as Chief Financial Officer at The Global FoodBanking Network in April 2023.
Previously, she held the Chief Financial Officer position at First Children’s Finance and Amazon Conservation, where she oversaw financial, HR, and IT operations to foster financial sustainability and growth. Vanessa’s expertise is not only in managing complex financial landscapes but also in building and strengthening internal infrastructures within international organizations, spanning both non-profit and for-profit sectors. Over her 16-year career, Vanessa has demonstrated her skill in managing significant operational budgets ranging between $15M and $32M. Her unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency, along with her consistent track record of clean audits, highlights her strategic and operational leadership. She brings a wealth of knowledge in implementing advanced technology tools such as Sage Intacct, Divvy, Slack, Salesforce, and Bill.com, which have been instrumental in optimizing financial and operational processes.
Furthermore, her leadership in HR has led to the successful implementation of a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategy, alongside spearheading vital initiatives such as refining performance review processes, optimizing compensation structures, and adeptly negotiating benefits. These efforts collectively ensure organizational excellence and employee satisfaction, while fostering an environment that embraces inclusivity at every level. Vanessa Garcia’s comprehensive fusion of professional acumen, innovative technology implementation, and leadership in HR and financial management positions her as a pivotal force in advancing GFN’s mission.
With a personal commitment to addressing the challenges of food and financial insecurity, deeply rooted in her upbringing in Bolivia, Vanessa brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to GFN.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from George Washington University and is the founder and director of the Ilumina Scholarship Program, supporting Bolivian students in the Washington, DC area.
