Ilana Esterrich
Expertise
- Strategic Finance & Leadership
- Organizational Transformation & Change
- Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
- Board & Executive Advisory
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Mission-Driven Growth & Impact Strategy
- Team Development & Mentorship
- Leadership Communication & Culture Building
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Cross-Sector Collaboration
Sector Expertise
- Non-profit & Mission-Driven Organizations
- National Security & Government Contracting
- Fortune 500 & Global Corporates
- Professional Services
- Education & Social Impact
- Technology & Innovation
Ilana Esterrich is a dynamic CFO with over 30 years of experience delivering financial and operational leadership across mission-driven non-profits, national security, and Fortune 500 organizations.
Known for transforming complexity into clarity, Ilana brings sharp financial acumen, cross-sector insight, and calm leadership to organizations navigating growth, transformation, or uncertainty. As a trusted advisor to boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams, she specializes in aligning finance strategy with enterprise vision—positioning finance as a true strategic business partner rather than a back-office function.
Ilana has built and led high-performing finance teams across multiple industries, fostering cultures of accountability, curiosity, and innovation. She champions data-informed decision-making and equips finance professionals to think beyond numbers—helping drive long-term enterprise value and mission impact.
Increasingly active on both the national and international stage, Ilana speaks and writes on authentic leadership, the evolving CFO role, and building finance teams that blend technical precision with power skills. Whether coaching emerging leaders, presenting to boards, or keynoting industry events, she is passionate about making finance more strategic, accessible, and human-centred.
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Work Experience
Global Advisory Board Member
Jan 2025 - Present · 11 mos Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Chief Financial Officer
Feb 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Chief Financial Officer
May 2019 - Feb 2023 · 3 yrs 10 mos Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer / Chief of Staff
Aug 2011 - May 2019 · 7 yrs 10 mos Washington D.C. Metro Area
Interim CFO and Business Development Manager
2004 - 2005 · 1 yr