New Executive Director Announcement

WASHINGTON C.A.S.H. NAMES DEREK BIRNIE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Accomplished community leader hired to head local microenterprise-focused nonprofit

July 6, 2011

SEATTLE, WA — Washington C.A.S.H. (Community Alliance for Self-Help) is pleased to announce that Derek Birnie is joining the organization as its new Executive Director. 

“After a thorough search, we feel fortunate to welcome such an outstanding leader to our organization. Derek’s commitment and enthusiasm for our mission of empowering low-income entrepreneurs is matched only by his experience developing impactful nonprofit organizations. His expertise comes at a key moment for Washington C.A.S.H. as we move our organization forward and continue our recent strong growth. We could not be more pleased to have Derek as our new Executive Director,” said Holli Harris, Washington C.A.S.H. board chair.

Derek Birnie has over twenty-two years in nonprofit leadership experience, having built a career focused on community development and community organizing. He has led a string of successful community-building efforts, including establishing the Montana Housing Trust Fund and engaging thousands of community leaders in the Cascade Agenda, a wide-reaching vision and program for vibrant communities in the Puget Sound region.

Most recently, as Executive Director of the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, Derek led the effort to assemble land, funding, and partners for a $9 million affordable housing and community revitalization project. He also oversaw youth and community engagement for several public-private partnerships, laying the groundwork for over $20 million invested in coalition efforts to improve the regional food system to address childhood obesity and other health disparities.

His expertise includes enhancing organizational capacities and resources, developing effective staff and volunteer teams, forging powerful new business partnerships and community alliances, and rolling out ambitious and successful new initiatives. 

"I’m excited and inspired by Washington C.A.S.H.’s commitment to economic justice in our communities combined with innovative, entrepreneur-driven solutions, which together create a powerful opportunity to unite a wide range of stakeholders,” said Birnie. “I've also been highly impressed by the dynamism of the board and staff. I'm looking forward to building upon the success and forward momentum of C.A.S.H.’s real-world empowerment of its clients and the communities they serve.”

Washington C.A.S.H. empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources—and unlimited potential. The program began in 1995 after founder Peter Rose traveled to Bangladesh and observed Grameen Bank providing small loans to groups of poor women. Peter was intrigued, and was sure that a similar peer lending based microfinance model could work in the U.S. When he studied the more complex U.S. business environment, however, he added something new: in-depth business training. 

Washington C.A.S.H.’s program has continued to evolve from its original microfinance inspiration, layering multiple initiatives to address the most critical needs for launching and sustaining small businesses locally. Today their strategy combines hands-on education, peer networking and support, coaching, access to capital, and other critical resources needed to launch and manage successful small enterprises.

In fiscal year 2011, Washington C.A.S.H. served more than 750 client entrepreneurs in the Puget Sound region, more than doubling its reach over three years. Since inception, well over 1,150 businesses have been started or expanded and more than $839,000 in microloans have been made by our program.

ABOUT WASHINGTON C.A.S.H.:
Washington C.A.S.H. (Community Alliance for Self-Help) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources—and unlimited potential. Our program provides the hands-on education, support, and access to capital needed to launch and manage successful small enterprises. We serve those in our community for whom traditional business development services are out of reach, with a focus on low-income, women, and minority populations. Working together, we are committed to the growth of small businesses, stronger communities, and brighter futures throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond. Learn more at: www.washingtoncash.org