How Dina Powell McCormick Is Redefining Finance And Influence

Dina Powell McCormick has always operated at the intersection of power, policy, and purpose. Now, as she transitions from the upper ranks of Goldman Sachs to a new leadership role at BDT & MSD Partners, Dina continues to prove what it looks like to lead with both strategy and substance in the world of global finance.

A veteran of both Wall Street and the White House, Dina’s career reads like a masterclass in navigating elite institutions with integrity and impact.

Her latest move — to join BDT & MSD as a partner and member of its Management Committee — signals not just a personal pivot, but a broader evolution of finance, where long-term partnerships and mission-driven capital are gaining renewed relevance.

Dina’s 16-year tenure at Goldman Sachs helped solidify her reputation as one of the most influential women in finance accordingto Barron’s. Most recently serving as Global Head of Sovereign Business and Sustainability, she oversaw strategic relationships with governments, institutional investors, and philanthropic entities. According to Aspen Institute, Dina played a pivotal role in Goldman Sachs’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She led the development of the firm’s inclusive growth initiatives, including 10,000 Women, 10,000 Small Businesses, and One Million Black Women. Additionally, she previously served as head of Goldman Sachs’ Impact Investing business. ​

According to The Wall Street Journal, her work wasn’t just about bottom lines — it was about rethinking value. Under her leadership, Goldman Sachs expanded its commitment to sustainability, laying the groundwork for a broader shift across the industry.

Before returning to Wall Street, Dina made her mark in the public sector as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy under the Trump administration and earlier as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs under President George W. Bush.

BDT & MSD Partners, the merchant banking firm led by Byron Trott, specializes in long-term, relationship-based investing for family- and founder-led companies.

“Dina brings a rare combination of investment expertise, geopolitical fluency, and trusted relationships across sectors,” said Trott in Barron’s. “Her role at the firm will allow her to leverage decades of insight to advise on global strategy, deepen the firm’s partnerships, and drive sustainable growth for its portfolio companies.”

In an age where finance often chases quarterly wins, Dina is doubling down on long-term value.

Her influence extends beyond finance. In late 2023, ExxonMobil elected Dina to its Board of Directors, citing her “rare level of geopolitical, national security and economic experience.” According to ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods, her leadership at Goldman Sachs in sustainability and her service under two U.S. presidents made her “a useful combination of experiences for the ExxonMobil boardroom”

Born in Cairo and raised in Texas, she is a first-generation American who understands the value of perspective in leadership. That foundation—rooted in service, resilience, and drive — has shaped every role she’s taken on.