Congratulations to Donna Gambrell on a Legacy of Impact and Leadership

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation joins partners across Appalachia and the nation in celebrating Donna Gambrell, President and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital (ACC), on her well-earned retirement. Donna's leadership has left an enduring mark on community development finance and the Appalachian region's pursuit of equitable prosperity.

Throughout her distinguished career, Donna has exemplified vision, collaboration, and compassion. Before leading ACC, she made history as the first African American woman to head the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, where she oversaw billions in investments into underserved communities nationwide. Her tenure strengthened the CDFI industry's capacity to deliver capital where it's needed most.

At Appalachian Community Capital, Donna transformed an idea into a regional force for good-mobilizing hundreds of millions in capital, building partnerships with foundations and federal agencies, and elevating the voices of rural and coal-impacted communities. Under her guidance, ACC became a trusted financial intermediary and policy advocate, ensuring that Appalachian entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community lenders have the tools to thrive.

Beyond her professional achievements, Donna is celebrated for her mentorship, integrity, and unwavering belief that local ownership and opportunity can change lives. Her influence will continue to inspire generations of leaders committed to inclusive economic growth.

From all of us at Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, congratulations, Donna, on an extraordinary career and a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your decades of service to the people and places of Appalachia.