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Your Dollars can Support Appalachia’s Next Chapter
For more than a decade, ACC has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs and strengthened local economies across Appalachia. Your donation to the new Gambrell Strategic Initiatives Fund will continue and expand this work, supporting leadership development, gap financing, technical assistance, and other critical tools for small businesses and communities. Please donate today!
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One of my mother’s favorite sayings was “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Those words speak to the importance of perseverance and tenacity, which will be critical as the CDFI industry enters a new year. We must strive to remain focused on mission and dedicated to supporting underserved communities and populations, despite the inevitable headwinds. Are you ready? Appalachian Community Capital is. Daniel Wallace, incoming President & CEO, will share his vision when he steps into the role in January and throughout 2026. ACC remains committed to continuing our work together with extraordinary partners in the Appalachian region.
As the year ends, I wish you and your families time to reflect and rejoice during this holiday season!
With Gratitude,
Donna
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ACC Names Daniel Wallace as Next CEO
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ACC is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has selected Daniel Wallace as the organization's next President & CEO, effective January 2, 2026. Daniel brings nearly 30 years of rural business development, community finance, and nonprofit leadership, most recently serving as President & CEO of the Green Bank for Rural America. His vision and experience will help guide ACC into its next chapter of growth and impact across Appalachia and rural America.
| | ACC - Truist Foundation Impact Report | | |
ACC’s latest impact report highlights how we used a $1.3M Truist Foundation grant to expand access to capital, strengthen small businesses, and advance data-driven solutions for underserved communities. The Truist investment reached 1,000+ small businesses, supporting women- and BIPOC-owned enterprises, driving job creation, and boosting economic resilience. It also allowed us to continue advancing the work of our Data Analytics Hub to help CDFIs better serve underinvested small businesses. Explore the full report.
| New CDFI Innovations Story: Capital Access Hub | |
ACC’s newest CDFI Innovations story spotlights the Capital Access Hub, a collaboration between Bridging Virginia and the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) helping small business owners access the right resources at every stage of their journey. In this feature, we follow Tawann’s path as she grows her business through coordinated support from the MBL, Kiva, the Capital Region SBDC, and Bridging Virginia. From technical assistance to securing two key loans, the Hub made it easier for her to strengthen and expand her operations. Read the story here.
| ACC Featured on PBS Life In The Heart Land Series | |
Donna Gambrell was recently featured on Season 3 of the PBS show Life in the Heart Land, a docuseries that presents rural America in a fresh light: as the source of innovative solutions and change. Donna was part of the Community Lending episode, which highlights how community lenders like ACC and its members are fueling opportunity, equity, and growth across rural America. Watch the Community Lending episode and all other episodes at vpm.org/heartland or on the PBS App.
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South Carolina Community Loan Fund Announces New CEO
The South Carolina Community Loan Fund has named Cynthia “Cindi” Watts Rourk as its new CEO. Rourk brings more than three decades of experience in community and financial development, with a strong record of advancing equitable access to capital and fostering economic opportunity across South Carolina. This announcement follows the retirements of CEO Nate Barber and President Deborah McKetty. Thank you, Nate and Deborah, for all you have done for your communities and organizations, and welcome, Cindi – we look forward to working with you!
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Woodlands Development & Lending Project on Film
Earlier this year, Woodlands Development & Lending and Coat of Arms Productions released a short film, The Land Kept Us, telling the story of their region of West Virginia through the lens of the historic Tygart Hotel redevelopment. Rehabilitated and owned by Woodlands, this unique project in Elkins, West Virginia has inspired unexpected and deep connections between the community and the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. The half-hour film is now making its way into regional film festivals and is available to watch online here.
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Kentucky Highlands Bus Tour Showcases Entrepreneurial Diversity and Local Impact
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) was pleased to host more than 60 participants for its annual bus tour, highlighting a cross-section of the remarkable Southeastern Kentucky businesses and organizations that have partnered with KHIC through its lending programs. The tour showcased advanced fabrics manufacturers, a housing developer, health facilities, a wholesale distribution company, and much more. Read a summary of the tour here.
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