Jesse F.

Jesse F. serves as the Regional Field Coordinator for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative at Appalachian Community Capital, focusing on the distribution of small business recovery grants post-Hurricane Helene. In parallel roles, Jesse has been a Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Strategy Advisor at a leading funding institution, overseeing strategic implementation to support 40+ member Community Development Financial Institutions. As Principal and CEO of Shining Rock Ventures, Jesse drives sustainable economic initiatives and advises multiple impact-oriented enterprises. Additional roles include Co-founder and Managing Partner of Impact WNC GP, LLC, Global Secretariat Co-Lead at CIFAR Alliance, and Board memberships with NRSP Microfinance Bank and Lokyata. Jesse's extensive experience in microfinance and climate resilience, complemented by a strong educational background in governance and economic development, underscores a commitment to fostering impactful ventures across diverse rural and urban landscapes.