Board of Trustees
Don Dea
Title
Co-founder, Fusion Productions
Education
MBA, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
Senior Executive Program, Sloan School of Management, MIT
BA in Economics, McDaniel College
About Don Dea
Donald Dea is a recognized author on the internet/digital, association strategy, online education, digital transformation, GBT, and technology deployment. His expertise is evident through the many publications he has authored for the ASAE Foundation that focus on the internet and e-learning. Dea has an extensive track record of working with notable technology clients, including Meeting Professionals International, Cornell University, and Sun Microsystems. With a profound understanding of technology trends impacting associations and nonprofits, as well as commercial (Fortune 100 executive leadership of national sales organization for partners, OEMs, and value-added resellers, GM Corporate Real Estate) and government organizations, he has contributed significantly to the digital evolution of diverse organizations.
As a member of the advisory board at Topline Pro, a SaaS platform, Dea brings his wealth of experience to shape the company’s strategic direction. Simultaneously, he holds a position on the board of directors at SureFire Capital. In this role, he is pivotal in ensuring top-tier investment returns and establishing high-value partnerships to benefit operating businesses managed by investment clients. He also serves on the board of advisors of Robinhood and UVIONIX Corporation, chair of operations at PitchLabs (high school entrepreneurship), and board chair at UranX (mergers and acquisitions).
Dea actively mentors students at McDaniel College and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, demonstrating his commitment to education, and additionally, as board chair emeritus by proclamation at Excelsior University. He is a member of various boards, including America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, where he has served as board chair and treasurer for 14 years and has been asked to serve another 5-year term.
Dea showcases his leadership acumen in guiding organizations toward success. A notable achievement is the founding and chairing of the ASAE AAPI Advisory Group, where he recruited and developed 30 CEOs and leaders, contributing significantly to diversity and leadership development. Most recently, has been asked to serve as chair, visitors, McDaniel College. Dea serves as a lay leader and eucharistic minister .
He earned his senior executive credentials from MIT Sloan School of Management, an MBA in Finance from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and a BA in Economics from McDaniel College. His educational journey began at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he completed his college prep high school education, played football, attained All Conference, Honorable Mention All State, and went on to play football in college.
Through his multifaceted career, Dea has left an indelible mark on technology, education, and association strategy. He was recognized by his college (Western Maryland College now McDaniel College) and by his profession with the Key Award for advancing the profession and developing leaders.
