Big Bet: Invest in climate-resilient businesses, community-owned projects, and anti-displacement efforts to create jobs and help communities in Central Appalachia build lasting wealth.
Project: Invest Appalachia works to bring new investment into communities across Central Appalachia that have faced decades of economic decline and disinvestment. The organization raises and directs funding into local businesses, community-owned projects, and climate resilience efforts that create jobs and keep wealth in the region. By using flexible funding approaches, IA helps unlock opportunities in communities and sectors that traditional investors often overlook. Through IA’s work, Andrew’s project aims to support long-term economic stability, strengthen communities against climate shocks, and ensure residents can stay and thrive where they live.
Andrew is leading cutting-edge community investment strategies that further his lifelong commitment to a sustainable and equitable Appalachian region. As founding CEO of Invest Appalachia, he develops financial innovations that address critical capital gaps, reach underserved communities, and enhance collaboration. Andrew was born and raised on a family farm in the mountains of rural Western North Carolina. He has a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill (History and Political Science with Honors) and a MA in Sociology (Rural Development) from University of Granada, Spain. An alumni of BALLE/Common Future, Center for Community Investment, and Rural Futurism fellowships, he serves on multiple advisory boards.