Accion Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Schlein, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, directs the organization's global strategy and operational execution. Schlein drives Accion's mission forward, focusing on expanding access to capital and financial services for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide. This leadership involves overseeing the integration of microfinance principles with innovative fintech solutions to create scalable impact. By fostering strategic partnerships and guiding investment decisions, Michael Schlein ensures Accion remains at the forefront of financial inclusion. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all major initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and small businesses through accessible financial tools, thereby strengthening communities and promoting economic mobility across diverse markets.

William Burrus, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, spearheads the strategic direction and overall governance of the organization. Burrus focuses on advancing Accion's long-standing commitment to microfinance and its evolution into modern fintech impact investing. This executive role involves cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, and beneficiaries, to amplify the organization's reach and effectiveness. By championing innovative approaches to financial inclusion, William Burrus ensures Accion's continued leadership in serving populations historically excluded from traditional financial systems. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include setting ambitious goals for global expansion and impact measurement, driving sustainable growth and positive social outcomes.

Susan Clancy, the Chief Financial Officer at Accion, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Clancy oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility across global operations. This critical role involves developing financial models that support Accion's impact investing strategies and microfinance initiatives, thereby maximizing social returns alongside financial sustainability. By maintaining robust financial controls and seeking innovative funding mechanisms, Susan Clancy strengthens Accion's capacity to serve entrepreneurs in underserved markets. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to risk management and compliance, safeguarding the organization's assets and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards worldwide.

Wole Ralph, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director at Accion, integrates human capital management with financial oversight to drive organizational effectiveness. Ralph directs human resources strategies, ensuring the development and retention of a high-performing global team aligned with Accion's mission. This dual role involves managing the financial aspects of HR operations, including compensation, benefits, and talent acquisition budgets, while also ensuring that HR initiatives support the company's broader financial objectives. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Wole Ralph enhances employee engagement and operational efficiency. The HR Chief Financial Officer & Director's focus is on building a robust organizational infrastructure capable of supporting Accion's expanding impact in financial inclusion.

Esteban Altschul, the President, Accion Impact Management at Accion, spearheads the organization's impact investing arm, driving capital towards innovative financial solutions. Altschul directs investment strategies focused on scaling fintech ventures and microfinance institutions that serve low-income populations. This leadership role involves identifying and nurturing high-potential investments that generate both financial returns and significant social impact. By cultivating a robust portfolio, Esteban Altschul ensures Accion's capital is deployed effectively to foster economic empowerment and financial inclusion across global markets. The President, Accion Impact Management's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of impact investing and advancing Accion's mission.

Salua Smith, the President's Council at Accion, provides strategic counsel and leadership support to the President & Chief Executive Officer. Smith contributes expertise to guide Accion's overarching mission in microfinance and fintech impact investing, focusing on key organizational priorities. This advisory role involves collaborating with senior leadership to refine strategies for expanding financial inclusion and enhancing operational effectiveness across global initiatives. By leveraging extensive experience, Salua Smith helps shape critical decisions that advance Accion's commitment to empowering underserved entrepreneurs. The President's Council's insights are instrumental in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities to maximize the organization's positive social and economic impact.

Chris Coxon, the Chief Communications Officer at Accion, shapes and disseminates the organization's narrative and strategic messaging globally. Coxon leads all external and internal communications efforts, amplifying Accion's impact in microfinance and fintech impact investing. This executive function involves developing comprehensive communication strategies that highlight the organization's achievements, advocate for financial inclusion, and engage diverse stakeholders. By managing media relations, digital presence, and content creation, Chris Coxon ensures Accion's mission resonates with a broad audience. The Chief Communications Officer's role is pivotal in building brand reputation and fostering understanding of Accion's vital work in empowering underserved communities worldwide.