Donna Gambrell

Donna Gambrell is an accomplished leader in community and economic development, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Appalachian Community Capital since May 2017, where efforts are focused on enhancing business lending in Appalachia through support of community development financial institutions. As an independent contractor through Donna Gambrell Enterprises LLC since 2014, Gambrell specializes in speaking, facilitation, and consulting on topics including community development and leadership for executives of color. Previous roles include Visiting Scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, where strategic initiatives for community development were advised, and Director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, marking a significant increase in funding for CDFIs. Gambrell's extensive experience also encompasses various positions at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with a focus on compliance and consumer protection. Educational credentials include a Master's degree in Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism from Towson University.