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Will Perreault
Chief of Staff at Self-Help Ventures Fund; Self-Help Credit Union; Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Professional Background
Will Perreault is an accomplished Community Development Finance professional with an impressive career spanning over 13 years across various sectors: public, private, and non-profit. His expertise in developing financial strategies and models has significantly contributed to advancing the mission of economic opportunity and community empowerment. Currently, Will serves on the executive team of Self-Help, a nationally prominent Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing financial services in underserved communities. Under his leadership, Self-Help has successfully deployed over $9.5 billion in community development loans and investments, targeting those who are often overlooked—people of color, women, rural residents, immigrants, and low-wealth communities.
At Self-Help, Will plays a crucial role, handling tasks related to financial analysis, corporate development, merger due diligence, and real estate transactions, while also assisting in the organizational strategy under the guidance of the Co-Founder and CEO, Martin Eakes. His impactful work demonstrates his commitment to promoting equitable economic development through strategic financial decisions.
Before joining Self-Help, Will’s career took him around the globe as he managed operations for a $42 million grant-making initiative based in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at crisis mitigation and promoting democratic governance following the tumultuous post-election violence in 2007. His experiences extend further into finance and impact evaluation roles with USAID, where he contributed to projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Somalia, and Haiti, focusing on financial inclusion and good governance.
His dedication to community development finance was showcased during his time at the National Economic Council in the Obama White House, where he concentrated on infrastructure investment, rural policy, and renewable energy strategies. Prior to these significant roles, Will worked in emergency response finance, coordinated volunteer efforts post-Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and actively contributed to initiatives in central Appalachia focusing on home repair for those in need.
Education and Achievements
Will is not only a practitioner but an academic as well. He holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Policy and Economic Analysis from Columbia University, where he engaged with complex issues in development finance. To further enhance his skills in community development, he has also completed certificates in Development Finance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a hub for community and economic development thought leadership.
His undergraduate studies culminated in a self-designed Bachelor's degree in Rural Poverty Studies and Community Development from Davidson College. This multifaceted educational background equips Will with a deep understanding of the structural inequalities that affect underprivileged communities and allows him to advocate effectively for policy changes that mitigate these disparities.
Will’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. He was recognized as a 2016 Aspen Ideas Fellow by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations for his visionary leadership in community development and was awarded the prestigious Bill Emerson Fellowship by the Congressional Hunger Center, reflecting his commitment to addressing hunger and poverty in innovative ways. Furthermore, his contributions earned him a Greenways & Open Space Honor Award from the Town of Chapel Hill, a testament to his work in enhancing public spaces and community health initiatives.
Achievements
Will's professional journey has been marked by significant achievements that speak volumes about his dedication and effectiveness in community development finance. His time at Self-Help has been characterized by numerous successes in deploying funds to enhance community resilience, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development.
His role in responding to Kenya’s post-election crisis demonstrated his capability to drive impactful change in challenging environments. The successful management of the $42 million grant initiative involved navigating complex political landscapes while ensuring that aid translated to substantial community upliftment.
While at the National Economic Council, Will was part of impactful initiatives that strengthened community development finance, showing his aptitude for blending robust economic policies with actionable community strategies. His analytical acumen played a key role in proposing infrastructure investments that led to the revitalization of underserved areas across the country.
These exemplary contributions and leadership roles define Will Perreault not only as a key player in community development finance but as an inspiring figure dedicated to fostering equitable access to economic opportunities for all. With proven studies and extensive fieldwork, he continues to advocate for sustainable, community-driven solutions that set new standards in the finance sector.
Tags
Community Development Finance
Self-Help Financial Institution
Economic Opportunity
Non-profit Sector
Public Policy
Financial Analysis
USAID Projects
Aspen Ideas Fellow
Bachelors in Rural Poverty Studies
Masters in Economic Analysis
National Economic Council
Democratic Governance
Infrastructure Investment
Community Empowerment
Social Impact Evaluation
Location
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