Barbara's Story
I’ve spent over 20 years in the world of Community Development Impact Investing, but my passion for this work goes beyond numbers and financial strategies—
it’s personal.
For the past two decades, I’ve had a home in Mitchell County, North Carolina, in the heart of Appalachia. It’s a beautiful place, but one that faces significant challenges: 65% of the population here is food insecure, and the scars of mountaintop removal mining are a constant reminder of the cost of extractive industries. This community is part of my story, and it drives me to find ways to ensure that capital is used for good—to rebuild what has been broken and create opportunities where there have been few.
…rebuild what has been broken and create opportunities where there have been few.
I’ve always believed that investment should be purposeful, and that’s been the core of my work. I co-founded Community Capital Management in 1998, where I helped manage over $6 billion in community development investments. I served as Chief Impact Investment Officer, focusing on asset selection and community development research for the CRA Qualified Investment Fund. My work there, and throughout my career, has been about more than just financial returns—it’s about making sure that investments improve lives, create affordable housing, and support sustainable, socially responsible initiatives.
One of the projects I’m particularly proud of was my work with the Heron Foundation, where I focused on connecting marginalized people and places with capital markets. My goal was to help close the racial wealth gap by creating affordable homeownership opportunities for BIPOC communities. It’s work that feels deeply connected to the challenges I see in my own community in Appalachia—where opportunity can be scarce, and economic systems often feel stacked against the people living there.
…improve lives, create affordable housing, and support sustainable, socially responsible initiatives
One of the projects I’m particularly proud of was my work with the Heron Foundation, where I focused on connecting marginalized people and places with capital markets. My goal was to help close the racial wealth gap by creating affordable homeownership opportunities for BIPOC communities. It’s work that feels deeply connected to the challenges I see in my own community in Appalachia—where opportunity can be scarce, and economic systems often feel stacked against the people living there.
Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized for my contributions to the field.
- In 2008, I was named one of Institutional Investor Magazine’s “20 Rising Stars of Fixed Income.”
- At the NFMA’s 2023 Annual Conference, I was honored for my contributions to ESG investing.
- I’ve served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Municipal Finance Society since 2007 and have held various leadership roles, including Chair, Secretary, and Membership Chair.
My story in Appalachia and my work across the country—whether it’s revitalizing rural communities or addressing historical disinvestment in the Black Belt of Alabama—continue to shape how I approach investing.
At Alpha Impact Advisors, I bring that same commitment to helping my clients invest with purpose, ensuring their capital works to create not only financial returns but also lasting, positive change for communities and the environment.
For me, impact investing isn’t just about doing well financially—it’s about doing good in the world. It’s about finding solutions to complex problems and making sure that every dollar invested helps build a more sustainable, equitable future.
…build a more sustainable, equitable future.