Dueck led the organization through significant period of change and growth . Sachs is long-time NESsT executive with more than two-decade track record of success in capital raising, impact investing, and social impact.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – April 17, 2025 – (Originally published to Business Wire) NESsT, a leading global impact investor and venture philanthropist, today announced that Chad Sachs has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Sachs has held a series of senior management roles with NESsT since joining in 2019, most recently as Chief Investment Officer. He brings deep experience in the worlds of finance and social impact that will further reinforce NESsT’s mission of developing sustainable communities and building an inclusive economy. Outgoing CEO Kirsten Dueck is working closely with Sachs and the NESsT Board of Directors to ensure a smooth leadership transition as she departs the organization.
“Chad’s depth of expertise, financial acumen, and unwavering passion for social impact make him uniquely suited to lead NESsT into our fourth decade,” said Board Chairman, Lord Mervyn Davies. “His appointment signifies an exciting new chapter for the organization, ensuring that we will continue to foster innovation and inclusivity, create dignified employment, and drive systemic change.”
Sachs has over two decades of experience in renewable energy investment and capital raising. Prior to joining NESsT in 2019, he founded two successful companies focused on developing and operating solar power plants and raised over $1.1 billion. Since joining NESsT, he has led the investing activities of the NESsT Lirio Fund, disbursing over $11 million in loans to nineteen social enterprises and supporting over 7,600 people in marginalized communities throughout Latin America.
“The opportunity to lead such a vital organization is a true honor, and I look forward to working with our committed team, trusted partners, and engaged Board to further the profound impact NESsT creates,” said Sachs. “Over the past six years, I’ve seen how our unique approach positions high-performing enterprises in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe to realize their full potential, making a tangible impact now while paving the way for a world where everyone can thrive.”
Dueck’s tenure was marked by significant achievements. In her time as CEO, NESsT increased the number of people positively impacted by NESsT programs from more than one million to 3.3 million people from under-represented communities around the world; maintained and grew key collaborations and partnerships, including with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, Cisco Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and other global impact leaders; and secured a $4 million commitment to NESsT’s Lirio Fund. Under her leadership, NESsT saw a critical expansion of work to support migrants and refugees with dignified employment, strengthened international networks supporting the Amazon bioeconomy, and expanded investment in missing middle social enterprises to accelerate impact.
“NESsT stands at the intersection of immediate action and visionary change, and I am proud to have led this remarkable organization,” Dueck commented. “Our team’s exceptional contributions to the field continue to support thousands of social entrepreneurs to flourish across regions and cultures. Chad has been an invaluable partner throughout my tenure, and I am excited to see him lead the organization to even greater heights.”
Lord Mervyn Davies added, “On behalf of the Board, I thank Kirsten for her leadership during a hugely important transition period, as we’ve confidently moved from a founder-led challenger in a burgeoning field to a modern, international enterprise. Her talent for creating innovative solutions and organizational strategy has been instrumental in advancing our mission and improving the lives of more than a million people in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe. We are grateful for her work and are thrilled that Chad will step up and ensure a smooth transition as NESsT continues to thrive at a time when our mission is more profound than ever.”
For more information about NESsT and its mission to support entrepreneurs and communities, visit www.nesst.org.
About NESsT:
NESsT invests in enterprises that create quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. Since its founding in 1997, NESsT has invested over $41M and trained and supported over 37,000 entrepreneurs across 50 countries. It has accelerated and financed more than 300 enterprises, in total sustaining more than 129,000 formal jobs and improving the lives of 3.3 million people from under-represented communities around the world.
Contacts:
Michele Crater Aguilar
Communications Manager, NESsT Global
mcrater@nesst.org