John McLean
Chief Financial Officer John is a financial professional with diverse experiences across multiple industries including public accounting, non-profit, manufacturing, community development financing, education and banking. He accrued his financial expertise over 20 years of quality performance with proven effective debt and equity credit management. He has been able to leverage these experiences into various consulting […]
Kara Ulmer
Chief Operating Officer Kara is a leader recognized for achieving results with creativity, collaboration, and excellence in both nonprofit and for-profit industries. As a leader of operations, Kara is responsible for ensuring robust, efficient infrastructure and processes to allow WACIF to serve entrepreneurs in the D.C. area with excellence. This includes technology support, project management, […]
Kimberly D. Gayle
Chief Programs Officer (CPO) Kimberly D. Gayle provides leadership and management oversight of Wacif’s small business and entrepreneurship advisory services and technical assistance initiatives. Before Wacif, she was the Regional Director for the Minority Business Assistance Center led by the State of Ohio’s Minority Business Development Division and hosted by the Columbus Urban League. The […]
Messay Derebe
Messay Derebe is the General Director of the Anacostia Arts Center (AAC), where she oversees daily operations, strategic growth, and a major redevelopment project to reimagine the Center’s future. With over 15 years of experiences that spans finance, arts management, social impact, and government service, she rejoined Wacif after previously serving as the founding Program […]
Megan Carras
Chief Development and Communications Officer, Head of Sustainability Megan has extensive experience in fundraising, research, and writing and is passionate about using these skills to support low-income entrepreneurs in the D.C. area. Most recently, Megan worked as a non-profit fundraising consultant, supporting a range of organizations across the U.S. with their grants programs. She has […]