Dane Barata, chief financial officer at vet-eran-led disaster relief nonprofit Team Rubicon, is renowned for his ability to lead organizations through periods of transformation and uncertainty. Since joining Team Rubicon in 2018, Barata has overseen the financial and operational transformation of the organiza-tion during a time of rapid growth. Under his financial leadership, Team Rubicon’s revenue increased from $30 million to $120 million, and staff expanded from 80 to 210 employees. Barata’s innovative approach to financial man-agement, including the integration of AI and machine learning technologies, has significantly improved the organization’s ability to forecast, plan, and allocate resources efficiently. This technological adoption has optimized disaster response logistics and budgeting, ensuring that resources are effectively deployed to support communities in crisis—such as during Hurricane Ian in Florida, the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, and atmospheric river flooding in Los Angeles.
Barata’s strategic vision has positioned Team Rubicon as a model of financial resilience and operational agility. His initiatives have driven a 20% increase in financial reserves while improving operational efficiency during a period of growth. With a focus on sustainability, Barata has ensured that Team Rubicon continues to expand its impact both domestically and internationally, while staying true to its mission of disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
A PROVEN RECORD OF SUCCESS
With a 25-year career in finance and busi-ness leadership, Barata has consistently brought innovation, strategic thinking, and operational excellence to every organization he’s worked with. His leadership has been crucial in both the private and nonprofit sectors, where his accomplishments reflect his commitment to making a lasting impact.
Barata began his leadership journey by enlisting in the US Marine Corps, where he served five years, reaching the rank of Sergeant during the Desert Storm era. After his military service and before joining Team Rubicon, he built a successful career across diverse indus-tries, including venture capital, startups, and large corporations. During his 18-year tenure at Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Barata led the financial strategy for the company’s oper-ations in Canada and Mexico. His leadership guided these divisions through a major shift from traditional consumer packaged goods to digital distribution, driving over 10% growth in operating income, despite the market shift from brick-and-mortar to digital and subscription models. He also played a key role in multiple M&A initiatives, ensuring seamless post-acquisition integrations and enhanced profitability. Throughout his career, Barata has excelled at leading organizations through complexity, making him a trusted advisor to CEOs, boards, and stakeholders, partic-ularly during times of transformation, such as the global pandemic.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY: COLLABORATION, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, AND INNOVATION
Barata’s leadership philosophy is centered on collaboration and emotional intelligence. He believes that the best leaders actively listen, fos-ter open communication, and create an inclu-sive environment where all team members feel valued. His servant-leadership style prioritizes the growth and development of his team, cul-tivating a culture where innovation flourishes. Known for his adaptability and skill at leading in uncertain situations, Barata excels at making sound financial decisions even in times of ambi-guity. His emotional intelligence is key in con-flict resolution and team building, enhancing his reputation as a modern CFO who leads with both intellect and empathy.
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
Barata’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional career. As a US Marine Corps veteran and active volunteer, he is deeply committed to supporting his community in Los Angeles. His volunteer efforts include address-ing homelessness, supporting underserved youth, and enhancing disaster preparedness. The belief in service, instilled in him from a young age, continues to guide his work inside and outside of the office.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Barata is focused on driving further innovation and growth at Team Rubi-con. His vision includes expanding the use of predictive analytics, continuing to build a strong talent pipeline, and ensuring the organization remains financially resilient amid future chal-lenges. With a track record of transformative leadership, Barata’s impact at Team Rubicon is significant and ongoing. As the organization broadens its scope, his forward-thinking leader-ship will remain central to its success.
Learn more about Team Rubicon at teamrubiconusa.org.
