Darien Wright

About Darien Wright

As Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the National Geographic Society, lead financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, and risk management, while also overseeing leaders responsible for the endowment and investment portfolio, technology solutions, and Base Camp experiences that advance the organization\'s mission. Additionally, serve as a key liaison to financial leadership at The Walt Disney Company, supporting the joint venture between Disney and the Society, and sit on the board of National Geographic Partners.MBA/CPA with over 25 years of extensive experience in hospitality and consumer goods across Fortune 500 companies, private equity, management consulting, and Big 4 accounting. Prior to the Society, drove the strategic growth and day-to-day operations of a Brookfield-owned portfolio company with 100+ hotels, leading the platform from inception to a $1.5 billion successful exit. Tenure at Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) spanned nearly 12 years, with leadership positions in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, and development asset management.Originally from New York, started career as an audit intern at Coopers & Lybrand and subsequently joined publicly traded companies including Accenture and Sprint Nextel. Currently a board director for Destination DC and NAMI National (Finance & Audit Committee), and has served as a trustee for The Woods Academy and McLean School. Past guest speaker for the Binghamton University Forum, Baker Program in Real Estate at Cornell University, and the Fox School of Business and School of Tourism & Hospitality Management at Temple University.Areas of Expertise - Strategic Planning | Stakeholder Alignment | Business Operations | P&L Oversight | Finance & Investments | Organizational Effectiveness | Asset Management | Hotel Development | Acquisition Due DiligenceBoard Experience - CEO Assessment & Compensation | Strategic Planning | Governance | Financial Oversight

Experience

1. Board of Directors

   Destination Dc

   Jun 2024 — Present

   Serves as the lead organization to manage and market Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities.

Education

• The Wharton School

  MBA, Finance and Strategic Management

• Binghamton University School of Management

  BS, Accounting

Skills

• Corporate Finance
• Financial Analysis
• Accounting
• Strategic Planning
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Management
• Investor Relations
• Budgets
• Internal Controls
• Strategy
• Finance
• Business Valuation
• Investments
• Financial Operations
• Analysis
• Leadership
• Management Consulting
• Due Diligence
• Analytical Skills
• Business Strategy
• Relationship Building
• Collaborative Project Management
• Business Process Improvement
• Project Management