Hilen Flores

Chief of Staff

Hilen Flores serves as Chief of Staff for the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, where she partners closely with the President and CEO to advance the organization’s strategic priorities, strengthen operational excellence, and drive cross-functional execution across the Alliance. With more than 20 years of experience supporting executive leadership, Hilen serves as a trusted strategic advisor, helping translate organizational vision into action. She helps lead executive operations, supports Board governance, coordinates enterprise-wide initiatives, and develops systems and processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness, accountability, and collaboration.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Hilen built an accomplished career in higher education and nonprofit leadership, where she led complex organizational initiatives, improved operational infrastructure, and supported senior executives through periods of growth and transformation. Her expertise includes strategic planning, organizational operations, process improvement, change management, governance, and executive administration.

Hilen is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations build the structure, systems, and operational efficiency needed to achieve lasting impact. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and ability to align people, processes, and priorities to support organizational success.

She received the UPCEA Bethaida Gonzalez Diversity in Leadership Award and holds professional certifications in strategic planning, market research, and generative AI for business strategy. Hilen is also a commissioned Notary Public in Wake County, North Carolina