Lavonne McLean

Chief Executive Officer

Lavonne McLean brings nearly 25 years of experience across the financial services and nonprofit sectors to her role as CEO of Apparo. A strategic and people-centered leader, she is passionate about strengthening nonprofits and the communities they serve by equipping them with the technology, expertise, and partnerships needed to operate more effectively and sustainably.

Over the past decade at Apparo, Lavonne has helped guide the organization’s growth both externally and internally. She has supported the expansion of Apparo’s community impact through technology solutions, skilled volunteer engagement, and capacity-building programs that serve more than 500 nonprofits each year. Internally, she has championed operational excellence by strengthening systems, improving effectiveness, and helping Apparo model the same sustainability and resilience it encourages in the nonprofits it serves. To date, Apparo has supported more than 1,200 nonprofits and delivered over $51 million in value to the community – work that Lavonne is proud to help lead and expand.

Her leadership is grounded in listening, relationship-building, and a deep belief that when nonprofits are supported well, they become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create lasting change. She is known for developing people as much as programs, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where innovation and purpose can thrive. She is committed to ensuring Apparo continues to grow in impact, sustainability, and relevance for the nonprofit sector.

Lavonne’s professional background includes experience in a Fortune 500 Project Management Office and participation in the General Electric Financial Leadership Development Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Six Sigma Green Belt. In 2020, she was honored as one of Charlotte’s “50 Most Influential Women.”

Outside of work, Lavonne enjoys spending time with her three children, getting lost in a good book, traveling (Paris has her heart), and listening to all kinds of music, from classical and jazz to R&B. Originally from the Hershey, Pennsylvania area – and still opinionated about chocolate – she now proudly calls Charlotte home.