Gina Harman, Board Chair

Gina Harman is a former executive at Accion Opportunity Fund, a financial support system that provides small business owners with access to capital, networks, and coaching. A longtime proponent of social justice, she believes passionately in helping hard-working, determined people take control of their economic future so they can provide for themselves and their families while contributing to their communities.

Gina began her career in the nonprofit sector, serving in leadership roles including Executive Director of the Central Astoria Community Development Organization and Executive Director of the Washington Square Day Care Cooperative. After 12 years working for nonprofits, she honed her business leadership skills at Harman International, eventually serving as President of their $600 million consumer division.

In 2002, Gina joined the board of directors of Accion New York while working at Harman. She then joined Accion full time in 2008 as CEO of Accion New York and later Accion USA, bringing her commitment to the nonprofit sector full circle after more than 20 years. While at Accion New York, she embraced innovative, technology-driven approaches to enhance the quality and impact of lending and advising services for U.S. entrepreneurs.

Gina was instrumental in the creation of the Accion U.S. Network, and served as CEO until the merger with Opportunity Fund. She worked closely with Luz Urrutia to devise the vision for Accion Opportunity Fund, and served as its Chief Administrative Officer until recently stepping away.

Gina is currently the Board Chair of the Financial Health Network. In 2012, she was named to Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women. She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York, Empire State College, and is a graduate of the Nonprofit Management Institute at Columbia University.

Gina’s career has been dedicated to helping underserved small businesses, with strategic vision and deep understanding of entrepreneurs. She would be a valuable addition to the Accion Board, bringing both deep historical knowledge of Accion’s work in the US, as well as a commitment to serving small businesses across the globe.