James McClean

Chief Financial Officer

James serves as Chief Financial Officer of For The People, leading the organization’s financial strategy, planning, and operations to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Over the past six years, James has also run his own CFO consulting practice, partnering with mission-driven organizations across a wide range of sizes and sectors. His clients have included Eames Institute, Making Waves Foundation, New_ Public, and CAMFED, where he has supported financial strategy and day-to-day financial operations. 

Prior to running his own consulting practice, James served as Chief Financial and Operations Officer at IDEO.org, where he led both finance and operations. During his tenure, he oversaw the organization’s international expansion, including the launch of its Nairobi office, and guided its growth from 40 to more than 80 employees.

Before joining IDEO.org, he worked at Next Generation under Tom Steyer, contributing to initiatives focused on climate change and early childhood education. He has also worked at World Savvy and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Earlier in his career, he was a high school teacher at George Washington High School located in San Francisco. 

James holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of San Diego and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of San Francisco.