MEET DAN…

A mission-minded marketer driven by purpose…

As “The Human Services CMO,” Dan blends mission-driven marketing expertise with a deep understanding of the sector's unique challenges and opportunities.

After a 20-year marketing career spanning nonprofit, higher education, and human services, Dan Esdale launched the Human Services CMO in 2024. An accomplished marketing leader with a proven track record of driving growth and transformation in the human services sector, Dan’s desire is to use insights he’s learned in his career to help multiple agencies elevate their mission and amplify their impact. With a career spanning diverse industries, Dan's expertise is uniquely suited to help human services agencies thrive.

A little bit about Dan Esdale…

Before joining Incompass Human Services, Dan spent a decade as the Marketing Director at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Harvard Kennedy School. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Suffolk University, he drove record enrollment, reputational, and fundraising growth and received national recognition for his work in the sector. Upon joining LifeLinks, Inc. immediately after a merger as their first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, Dan successfully launched the Incompass Human Services brand and “Care Champion” culture. This experience positions him as a valuable asset for organizations navigating similar transitions, as he understands the intricacies involved in maintaining continuity and communicating effectively during periods of sustained growth and change.

Additionally, Dan's role in developing a compelling brand and brand hierarchy for the New England Human Services Collaborative (NEHSCO) demonstrates his skill in fostering collaboration across organizations, a critical factor in the success of many human services initiatives.

Dan's dedication to the human services sector extends to his speaking engagements at numerous conferences, where he shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable guidance to agencies looking to elevate their marketing and outreach efforts. In recognition of his achievements, Dan was honored as the 2023 Rising Executive by the Arc of the United States, the first marketing executive to receive that award.

Beyond his professional life, he is active in the community, currently serving as Chair of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on numerous grant selection committees with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and works with high schoolers in Boston as part of BUILD Boston. He lives in Charlestown with his wife Michaele, the founder and CEO of Fintuition Advising; his 12-year old son Jake; and the family’s two-year old Australian Cobberdog “Ollie.” An avid runner, Dan has completed four half-marathons!