Meet the Chapter President: Mike Danehy, CPA
In a time when the accounting profession is facing continued change, TSCPA Appalachian Chapter President Mike Danehy, CPA, remains focused on leading with a steady, strategic approach. In his role as vice president of FP&A and investor relations at Revance, Danehy is known for being the calm in the storm. “I’ve found that being a steady presence not only builds trust but also helps teams navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose.”
What do you do now, and why did you choose to become a CPA?
Early in my career, I pursued the CPA designation as a strategic move to deepen my expertise in finance and accounting. In my role as VP of FP&A and investor relations, the CPA credential has been instrumental in providing the technical credibility and analytical rigor needed. It’s helped me bridge the gap between operational finance and strategic decision making – giving me a seat at the table where decisions surrounding the financial future of an organization are formed.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the constantly evolving environment and the opportunity to take a strategic outlook on the business. Finance isn’t static – It’s dynamic, and being at the intersection of FP&A, treasury, and investor relations allows me to stay ahead of the curve. I thrive on analyzing trends, anticipating shifts and helping shape the company’s direction through data-driven insights and clear communication with stakeholders. It’s rewarding to be part of the strategic conversations that influence long-term growth and value creation.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside of work, I’m deeply committed to family – spending quality time with my wife, our two boys and loving extended family. I also have a passion for running, which started early on and enabled significant opportunities throughout my college years and continues to be a source of energy and focus. I’m also dedicated to ongoing personal development; whether it’s learning something new, reflecting on leadership or staying sharp in a fast-changing business environment, I believe growth is a lifelong journey.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to be the calm in the storm – the steady road when things get bumpy or hilly. In leadership and in life, turbulence is inevitable. But staying composed, grounded and consistent creates stability for others and clarity in decision making.
What has changed the most since you entered the profession, and what do you see changing the most in the next 5-10 years?
Over the past 15 years, the profession has undergone a significant transformation, largely driven by technology. What used to be manual and time-intensive has become streamlined and scalable, allowing professionals to shift from transactional tasks to more strategic roles. Virtual collaboration has also changed the landscape. Looking ahead to the next 10 years, I expect this evolution to accelerate. The role of the CPA will become even more strategic, with a greater emphasis on storytelling through data, guiding business strategy, and navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the path to the next step of success isn’t always linear – and it doesn’t have to be. Becoming a CPA isn’t about following a rigid template; it’s about charting your own course with discipline, endurance and purpose. That mindset is perfectly captured in 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” This verse resonated deeply during my collegiate running days and has remained a guiding principle throughout my career. It’s a reminder to approach every initiative with focus, determination and the mindset of someone striving not just to participate – but to excel.
The views and reflections expressed in this article are those of the individual members and do not necessarily represent the views of the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA).
This article was originally published in the September/October 2025 Tennessee CPA Journal.