This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Meet Danene Winkler, Senior Director of Business Development at Frazier & Deeter
Tell us about yourself?
I’m the Senior Director of Business Development at Frazier & Deeter, a Top 40 CPA and advisory firm, where I’ve spent almost six years growing my career and helping shape the firm’s presence in our markets. I started as a Business Development Manager and, over the years, moved into a director role where I’ve had the opportunity to build out a team of BD Managers. Together, we focus on supporting local market growth, strengthening our brand, and developing meaningful new client relationships.
I take a lot of pride in being personable, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people I work with — both inside the firm and throughout our community. Teaching the art of business development and helping others grow in their careers is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Outside of work, I’ve been married to my husband Chris for over three years, and we have a little boy named Westen, with a baby girl arriving in June. My family is my motivation and the reason I work hard and care so deeply about the community we live in. They inspire me to lead with purpose, build authentic relationships, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact.
Tell us about your business/industry?
A modern CPA firm operates much more like a tech enabled advisory practice than the traditional paper heavy model people imagine. Today’s firms rely on cloud platforms, automation, and real time data to shift their focus from manual compliance work to strategic guidance, industry specialization, and year round client relationships. They prioritize flexibility, hybrid work, and people centered cultures to attract and retain talent, while also embracing innovation through new service lines, analytics, and workflow improvements. Even with all the technology, the human element remains central—clients want proactive communication, trusted insight, and a long term partner who understands their business.
How did you get to your current position?
I took an unconventional path to my current role, and it’s shaped the way I approach my work. As a college dropout, I knew early on that I needed to build a career where performance mattered more than degrees. Sales was a natural fit for that mindset. When I moved to Nashville, I joined a large company as an account manager and, after six months, was recruited by a healthcare marketing firm. I found a lot of success there, but eventually realized I wanted to be in a role that wasn’t strictly behind a desk. That led me to an outsourced accounting firm, where I spent three years learning the industry from the inside out. It was an invaluable experience.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
Being a chamber member signals legitimacy. It shows you’re invested in the local business community, which builds trust with prospects, partners, and even potential hires. It has given us high-quality networking opportunities, access to local business intelligence, brand exposure, professional development, and a strong platform for community engagement.
What do you enjoy most about being a leader?
I love striving to be the kind of leader I once needed. I’ve learned that leadership is shaped just as much by the great leaders you encounter as the difficult ones. You pay attention to what inspired you, what pushed you to grow, and—just as importantly—what made you consider walking away.
Leadership is an ongoing evolution. You’re constantly refining your approach and becoming the version of a leader you would have wanted to follow.
What makes Nashville a great place to do business?
Nashville is a true melting pot—some people have been here their whole lives, while others just arrived chasing new opportunities. Almost everyone remembers what it felt like to be the new person in town, and how meaningful it was when someone reached out and helped them find their footing. That kind of kindness sticks with you, and it inspires you to pay it forward.
I genuinely love this business community and the way people here collaborate, support one another, and work toward the greater good of the city and its residents.
What advice would you give a student about entering the workforce?
I’d tell anyone entering the workforce to work hard now so you don’t have to work as hard later. Build a reputation you’re proud of, and start growing your network long before you think you “need” one. In a world driven by technology, the human element is still irreplaceable—your relationships, your character, and the way you show up will always matter.
If you could switch careers for a day, what would you do and why?
If I could switch careers for a day, I’d choose to be a stay at home mom. I’d love the chance to slow down, spend uninterrupted time with my kids, and really invest in my family’s wellbeing. Life moves so fast, and having a day dedicated entirely to nurturing my home and being present with my children would feel incredibly meaningful.