Accion Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Schlein, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, directs the global strategic vision for microfinance and fintech impact investing. Overseeing the organization's mission to expand financial access, Schlein manages high-level partnerships with international stakeholders and financial institutions. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments across emerging markets to ensure the scalability of inclusive financial products. By aligning the board of directors with long-term growth objectives, Schlein secures the necessary capital and institutional support to advance the non-profit's reach. Michael Schlein maintains a focus on sustainable economic development, ensuring that every investment supports the broader goal of poverty reduction. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Schlein drives the operational excellence required to maintain the company's status as a leader in the global impact investing sector while fostering innovation in digital financial services.

William Burrus, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, architects the internal governance frameworks and organizational culture necessary for scaling fintech impact solutions. Focusing on the operational integration of microfinance programs, Burrus coordinates with regional directors to optimize the delivery of financial services to underserved populations. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of market trends to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of the fintech landscape. By streamlining internal processes, Burrus enhances the efficiency of capital deployment across diverse geographic regions. William Burrus monitors the impact of these financial programs, ensuring alignment with the core mission of fostering economic inclusion. Through active engagement with global partners, Burrus strengthens the network of support for micro-entrepreneurs. This executive leadership ensures that the organization maintains a robust, scalable model capable of addressing the evolving needs of the global financial ecosystem while upholding the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.

Paulo Silva, the Chief Financial Officer at Accion, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization's global impact investing portfolio. Overseeing capital allocation, Silva ensures that all investments in microfinance and fintech align with the non-profit's long-term sustainability goals. This leadership role involves managing complex financial reporting, budgeting, and risk assessment processes to protect the organization's assets. By providing data-driven insights to the board, Silva supports informed decision-making regarding new market entries and product development. Paulo Silva monitors the financial performance of various regional initiatives, ensuring that capital is deployed effectively to maximize social impact. Through rigorous financial oversight, Silva maintains the transparency and accountability required by international donors and partners. This role involves balancing the need for financial growth with the mission-driven focus of the organization, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to the broader goal of expanding financial access for underserved communities.

Wole Ralph, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director at Accion, manages the intersection of human capital strategy and financial resource management. Overseeing the organizational structure, Ralph ensures that talent acquisition and development align with the budgetary constraints and strategic goals of the non-profit. This leadership role involves designing compensation frameworks and performance management systems that support a high-performing workforce dedicated to financial inclusion. By integrating financial planning with human resources, Ralph optimizes the allocation of personnel costs across various global initiatives. Wole Ralph monitors the effectiveness of internal training programs, ensuring that the team possesses the necessary skills to navigate the evolving fintech landscape. Through the alignment of organizational culture with fiscal discipline, Ralph supports the long-term stability of the company. This role requires a unique blend of financial acumen and people management, allowing the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director to foster an environment where talent drives the mission of expanding financial access.

Melissa Baez, the Chief Operating Officer at Accion, manages the day-to-day execution of global microfinance and fintech impact programs. Overseeing the administrative and operational infrastructure, Baez ensures that all regional initiatives align with the organization's overarching mission of financial inclusion. This leadership role involves optimizing internal workflows to support the rapid deployment of capital to underserved markets. By coordinating across departments, Baez facilitates seamless communication between the executive team and field operations. Melissa Baez monitors key performance indicators to track the effectiveness of impact investing strategies, ensuring that resources reach target demographics efficiently. Through the implementation of scalable operational systems, Baez supports the organization's growth and long-term sustainability. This role requires constant adaptation to changing market conditions, allowing the Chief Operating Officer to refine processes that directly improve the lives of micro-entrepreneurs while maintaining the operational integrity of the entire non-profit structure.

Salua Smith, the President's Council at Accion, provides high-level advisory support to the executive leadership team regarding strategic initiatives and organizational growth. Overseeing the alignment of council activities with the broader mission of microfinance and fintech impact, Smith facilitates collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners. This leadership role involves identifying emerging opportunities in the global financial sector that align with the organization's goals. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Smith contributes to the development of long-term strategies that enhance the impact of the non-profit's work. Salua Smith monitors the progress of key projects, ensuring that the council's recommendations translate into actionable results. Through active participation in strategic planning sessions, Smith helps navigate the complexities of the global market. This role requires a focus on innovation and sustainability, allowing the President's Council to provide the guidance necessary for the organization to maintain its position as a leader in the field of financial inclusion.

Esteban Altschul, the President, Accion Impact Management at Accion, directs the investment strategies and portfolio management for the organization's impact-focused initiatives. Overseeing the identification and evaluation of fintech opportunities, Altschul ensures that all investments contribute to the mission of expanding financial access for underserved populations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with portfolio companies and monitoring their social and financial performance. By providing strategic guidance to these companies, Altschul helps them scale their operations and increase their impact. Esteban Altschul coordinates with the broader executive team to ensure that impact management activities align with the organization's overall financial and social objectives. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, Altschul identifies new areas for investment that can drive sustainable economic development. This role requires a focus on both financial returns and social outcomes, allowing the President, Accion Impact Management to lead the organization's efforts in fostering innovation within the global microfinance and fintech sectors.

Chris Coxon, the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer at Accion, architects the brand identity and public messaging for the organization's global impact initiatives. Overseeing the development of strategic communication campaigns, Coxon ensures that the mission of microfinance and fintech inclusion resonates with diverse global audiences. This leadership role involves managing media relations, digital presence, and stakeholder engagement to amplify the impact of the organization's work. By crafting compelling narratives around the success of micro-entrepreneurs, Coxon drives awareness and support for the non-profit's programs. Chris Coxon coordinates with the executive team to ensure that all external communications reflect the core values and strategic objectives of the organization. Through the effective use of marketing analytics, Coxon optimizes outreach efforts to attract new partners and donors. This role requires a deep understanding of the global financial landscape, allowing the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer to position the organization as a thought leader in the impact investing sector.