Carmen Ortiz-McGhee is the Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), the largest network of diverse-owned alternative investment firms, representing more than $500 billion in assets under management. In her role, she leads the organization’s research, events, marketing, and member engagement, while also driving operational excellence, financial stewardship, and cultural alignment across the enterprise.
With more than two decades of experience spanning advocacy within institutional investing, corporate leadership, and capital formation, Carmen has built a career defined by growth, influence, and the ability to connect vision to execution. Prior to joining NAIC, she served as a Senior Vice President at Aon, where she led business development initiatives that expanded the firm’s reach across multiple lines of business. Earlier in her career, she was Vice President of Investor Relations at a private equity real estate firm managing over $1 billion in assets, where she played a central role in capital raising and investor engagement. She also served as President of The Marathon Club, an organization dedicated to expanding access to capital and opportunity.
Carmen is widely recognized as a respected voice in the investment industry and a champion for broadening access to high-performing alternative investment opportunities. She has been named one of Pensions & Investments’ “Influential Women in Institutional Investing” and recognized twice as a Power 100 Advocate by Blueprint Capital Advisors. Through her leadership, she has helped position NAIC as a trusted convener of institutional investors, family offices, and top-performing managers, creating pathways for relationships, capital flow, and long-term value creation.
In addition to her professional leadership, Carmen is deeply committed to service and governance. She serves on the Board of Managers for the University of Virginia Alumni Association, where she leads the Engagement Committee. She is also a member of the National Board of Directors for Communities in Schools, where she previously chaired the Governance & Nominating Committee, and serves on the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority. Her prior board service includes leadership roles with New America Alliance, Inc., and the National Education Association Foundation.
Carmen is also the author of The Bumblebee Blueprint: Tiny Truths for a Bigger, Braver Life, a deeply personal and resonant work that explores resilience, courage, and the quiet, consistent actions that shape meaningful lives and leadership. Through her writing and speaking, she challenges individuals to close the gap between competence and courage, to lead with intention, and to build environments where others can grow, contribute, and thrive.
