Accion Executive and Leadership Team

William Burrus, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, directs the overarching strategic vision for global microfinance initiatives. Burrus architects long-term growth plans while overseeing the expansion of fintech impact investing across diverse international markets. By aligning organizational goals with the mission of financial inclusion, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that capital reaches underserved populations effectively. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine investment frameworks and operational standards. William Burrus maintains a focus on scaling non-profit impact through rigorous financial discipline and strategic partnerships. Through the implementation of robust governance models, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the organization. Ultimately, Burrus drives the pursuit of systemic change within the global financial landscape, ensuring that every initiative supports the core objective of economic empowerment for marginalized communities worldwide.

Michael Schlein, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Accion, manages the external relations and high-level advocacy efforts for the organization. Schlein drives the development of strategic alliances with global financial institutions to bolster fintech impact investing. Overseeing the broader market presence, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the non-profit maintains a competitive edge in the microfinance sector. This role requires frequent engagement with international stakeholders to promote financial inclusion policies. Michael Schlein focuses on the operational execution of large-scale investment programs that target systemic poverty reduction. By fostering innovation in digital financial services, the President & Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of the organization into emerging markets. Through consistent leadership, Schlein strengthens the reputation of the firm as a leader in social impact, ensuring that all strategic activities align with the long-term vision of creating inclusive financial systems.

Paulo Silva, the Chief Financial Officer at Accion, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary management for the global non-profit. Silva architects the financial reporting structures that support microfinance and fintech impact investing activities. Overseeing the allocation of capital across various regional portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the mission of financial inclusion. This leadership role involves managing complex audit processes and maintaining transparency with donors and investors. Paulo Silva monitors the financial health of the organization to support sustainable growth in emerging markets. By optimizing internal financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates fiscal risks while maximizing the impact of every dollar invested. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, Silva provides the necessary data to inform strategic decision-making at the executive level. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term financial viability required to sustain the organization's global operations.

Wole Ralph, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director at Accion, manages the intersection of human capital strategy and fiscal resource management. Ralph architects internal policies that align workforce development with the financial objectives of the organization. Overseeing the integration of talent management with budgetary constraints, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director ensures that the non-profit maintains a high-performing team capable of executing complex fintech impact investing projects. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures that attract top-tier talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Wole Ralph monitors organizational efficiency to ensure that human resources support the broader mission of global microfinance. By streamlining internal processes, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director fosters a culture of accountability and performance. Through strategic oversight of both personnel and financial assets, Ralph drives the operational success of the organization, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to tackle the challenges of financial inclusion.

Esteban Altschul, the President, Accion Impact Management at Accion, directs the specialized division focused on measuring and maximizing the social impact of investments. Altschul architects the frameworks used to evaluate the effectiveness of microfinance and fintech projects in emerging markets. Overseeing the impact management team, the President, Accion Impact Management ensures that all investments deliver measurable improvements in financial inclusion. This leadership role involves collaborating with investment teams to integrate social performance metrics into the core business model. Esteban Altschul monitors the outcomes of various programs to ensure alignment with the organization's mission of poverty reduction. By analyzing data from diverse regional operations, the President, Accion Impact Management provides actionable insights that guide future investment strategies. Through the rigorous application of impact assessment tools, Altschul drives the organization's commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every project contributes meaningfully to the goal of global economic empowerment.

Salua Smith, the President's Council at Accion, directs advisory efforts to support the executive leadership team in strategic decision-making. Smith architects collaborative initiatives that bridge the gap between high-level governance and operational execution. Overseeing the council's contributions, the President's Council ensures that diverse perspectives inform the organization's approach to microfinance and fintech impact investing. This leadership role involves facilitating discussions on long-term sustainability and market expansion. Salua Smith monitors emerging trends in the non-profit sector to provide the executive team with valuable insights. By fostering a culture of strategic inquiry, the President's Council drives the development of innovative solutions to complex financial inclusion challenges. Through consistent engagement with the leadership team, Smith strengthens the decision-making process, ensuring that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served. Ultimately, the President's Council provides the guidance necessary to maintain the organization's focus on its core mission.

Chris Coxon, the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer at Accion, directs the global brand strategy and public messaging for the organization. Coxon architects campaigns that highlight the impact of microfinance and fintech investments on underserved communities. Overseeing the dissemination of information to stakeholders, the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer ensures that the mission of financial inclusion remains at the forefront of public discourse. This leadership role involves managing media relations and digital presence to amplify the reach of the non-profit. Chris Coxon monitors market sentiment to refine communication strategies that resonate with diverse global audiences. By crafting compelling narratives around impact investing, the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer drives engagement and support for the organization's initiatives. Through strategic brand positioning, Coxon strengthens the visibility of the firm, ensuring that the message of economic empowerment reaches key decision-makers and potential partners worldwide.

Maria Hermida, the Chief Legal, Compliance and Risk Officer at Accion, directs the legal framework and regulatory adherence for all global operations. Hermida architects the risk management protocols that protect the organization during complex fintech impact investing activities. Overseeing the compliance department, the Chief Legal, Compliance and Risk Officer ensures that all microfinance initiatives meet international legal standards. This leadership role involves navigating the regulatory landscapes of various countries to facilitate secure and ethical investment practices. Maria Hermida monitors potential legal threats to the organization and implements mitigation strategies to safeguard assets. By establishing robust governance policies, the Chief Legal, Compliance and Risk Officer maintains the integrity of the firm's operations. Through constant vigilance and legal expertise, Hermida supports the organization's mission by ensuring that all activities remain within the bounds of global law, thereby protecting the reputation and long-term stability of the non-profit.