Editors’ Note: Black history is American history. Reel 360 News’ Reel Black List is a commitment to recognizing the impact of Black voices across film, television, music, media, and culture every single day of the year. In a moment when DEI initiatives have been challenged and hard-won progress feels increasingly fragile, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black artists, leaders, and innovators who have shaped the industry and continue to move it forward. Today, we spotlight Vice President, Finance Director at Cramer-Krasselt, Nick McCord.
Nick serves as Vice President and Finance Director at iconic Cramer-Krasselt, bringing more than a decade of experience in finance and nearly as long in the advertising industry. Since starting his career in 2012 and moving into agency life in 2015, Nick has built a reputation for being a steady, strategic partner who understands both the numbers and the business behind them.
At CK, he works closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to drive financial clarity, operational discipline, and smart growth. He believes strong finance leadership isn’t just about reporting results — it’s about helping teams make confident, informed decisions that move the agency forward.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, Nick carries that foundation with him: direct, hardworking, and grounded. He takes pride in building strong relationships, leading with integrity, and creating systems that allow creative teams to do what they do best.
Let’s meet Nick!
What’s the version of your origin story you don’t put on LinkedIn?
My origin story is about growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods and persevering through adversity to become the man I am today.
Which dream did you outgrow? Which one won’t go away?
I outgrew my dreams of becoming an NBA player a long time ago, but the one I won’t let go is just making my family proud.
Was your career a choice, an accident, or a survival instinct?
It was a survival instinct. I originally went to school to be a math teacher, but realized I didn’t have the skills to teach an entire class something as complicated as that. So, as a numbers lover, I switched my major to finance, and the rest is history.
Your favorite Chicago Dive.
Not really a dive bar, but I do love the Aberdeen Tap.
What’s a risk you took that looked insane to everyone else but felt necessary to you?
Taking solo trips across the country to go to once in a life time concerts.
Tell us a story that’s 100% true and still sounds like bullshit?
Andre 3000 once came to my Airbnb in France to hang out, and we went to dinner after.
What lie do you tell yourself to keep going?
Chicago winters aren’t that bad.
You wake up in a film universe? What is it? Who do you play?
I think it would be Dodgeball and I would play on the Average Joe’s team.
What’s something people assume about you that’s completely wrong?
That I’m more outgoing than I truly am. I’m an introvert at heart.
List in order of love: Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox.
Bulls, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, Cubs
What does success look like when nobody’s watching?
Success is putting in all the hard work while no one is watching. Everyone sees the accolades and accomplishments, but no one sees the lack of sleep, the sacrifices made earlier in life, instead of hanging with friends, staying home to study, and other behind-the-scenes things.
What does 2026 look like for you?
2026 looks like a year of growth, personally and professionally.
To see others on The Reel Black List, click here.
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