Next month, the Financial Health Network will celebrate 20 years of improving financial health for all at our EMERGE conference (there’s still time to secure your spot for this not-to-be-missed anniversary event). The impacts we’ve made along the way wouldn’t be possible without the deep dedication of our people. Improving financial health for all requires collaboration, empathy, and a desire to reshape the mindsets of many, so that we might reimagine the financial system of the future.

In the latest installment of our Alumni Spotlight series, two former colleagues share how they’re applying lessons from the Financial Health Network to invest in the success of small businesses and communities. If you missed them, catch up on our prior Alumni Spotlights featuring Alejandra and Chandni, and Thea and Kimberly.

Years at the Financial Health Network: 2009-2020
Previous Role at the Financial Health Network: Senior Director, Programs
Current Role: Chief Investment Officer at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Then
When Josh Sledge joined the Financial Health Network in 2009, he was enthusiastic about providing his financial capabilities expertise to help the relatively young organization carry out its mission. Since then, he’s witnessed the Financial Health Network’s growth at scale – feeling a sense of pride in driving the company’s impact. 

Josh actively contributed to shaping the organization’s perspective on financial capability and managing the Financial Capability Innovation Funds, which accelerated innovation by investing in nonprofit-led financial health solutions. Notably, he spearheaded the launch of the Nonprofit-Fintech Exchange, which fostered impactful collaborations between fintech entrepreneurs and community organizations. His influence resulted in over a dozen partnerships aimed at creating solutions for financial health. He also became an authority on small-dollar credit, collaborating with diverse partners on research, policy, and innovation initiatives that would better serve consumer needs. 

Reflecting on his tenure, Josh fondly recalls moments like ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell during Financial Capability Week and hosting the Financial Health Network’s EMERGE conference(twice!). Josh’s contributions exemplify the Financial Health Network’s commitment to advancing financial health and innovation.

Now
Josh currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, where he manages the investing program. He focuses on utilizing foundation assets to bolster and finance local projects, amplifying the foundation’s impact on the community. Josh’s strategic approach ensures that these initiatives harmonize with the organization’s overarching goals, while his keen eye for innovation consistently unearths new opportunities for community investment. 

He has also been instrumental in driving progress across various critical areas, including the promotion of affordable housing, the facilitation of wealth building for entrepreneurs, and the vital financing of nonprofit infrastructure development. Through his dedication and expertise, Josh continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the foundation’s mission and fostering positive change within the Kalamazoo community.

“I’m fortunate that I can continue working in ways that build financial health while focusing on my hometown community. My experience at the Financial Health Network helped me understand different community stakeholders’ unique capabilities and motivations, unlocking exciting opportunities for innovation and impact,” he says.