Brian Keel helps nonprofit leaders turn financial complexity into strategic opportunity. With nearly 30 years of executive financial leadership, he partners with organizations to build sustainable financial models, evaluate growth opportunities, and make confident decisions that support long-term mission success.
Brian Keel believes strong financial leadership gives organizations the confidence to pursue bold ideas.
For nearly three decades, Brian has helped nonprofit executives and boards navigate complex financial decisions with clarity, practicality, and a long-term perspective. Whether evaluating a major capital investment, planning for organizational growth, or assessing financial sustainability, he helps leaders understand both the opportunities and the risks so they can move forward with confidence.
As a Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Brian advises clients on capital project financing, project budgeting, cash flow planning, debt analysis and restructuring, organizational sustainability, financial forecasting, CEO and CFO coaching, merger and collaboration due diligence, and business model analysis. His ability to translate sophisticated financial concepts into practical guidance makes him a trusted partner for executive teams and governing boards alike.
Brian currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for YMCA of the Triangle, bringing current executive leadership experience to every client engagement. Previously, he served as Senior Resource Specialist for Finance with YMCA of the USA, where he supported financial strategy and resource development for YMCA associations across the country. His career also includes executive financial leadership roles with the YMCA of Greater Toledo, The Redwoods Group, and Communities In Schools of North Carolina.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Ohio and North Carolina and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Brian combines technical expertise with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach. Clients value his ability to help organizations balance fiscal responsibility with mission-driven growth, ensuring financial decisions support both today's needs and tomorrow's vision.
Brian earned both his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Akron. He and his family live in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Based in: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Passionate about: Helping nonprofits build financially sustainable futures
Ask Brian about: Capital financing, organizational sustainability, or nonprofit financial planning