Elyse Cherry

For more than a quarter century, I have been the CEO of BlueHub Capital, a national economic development organization with $1.2 billion in assets under management. I helped start BlueHub Capital as a founding Board member in 1985. We began with the idea that, if we could develop innovative financial solutions to address the changing needs of our communities, we could harness investment for underserved communities that would make all of our communities more stable, more connected, and more ready to tackle future challenges together. BlueHub Capital has grown exponentially. Since our founding, we have invested more than $2.4 billion to finance affordable housing, prevent foreclosure-related evictions, expand access to clean and renewable energy, create schools, community childcare and healthcare facilities, rehabilitate inner city real estate, and more, all in underserved communities. I also have a long history of leadership in the LGBTQ community. I chaired the Board of Directors of MassEquality during that organization’s historic fight for same sex marriage, a goal achieved in Massachusetts in 2004. I am Co-Chair of The Boston Foundation’s Equality Fund. I served for many years on the Board of GLAD and on the Board of LPAC (the Lesbian Political Action Committee). I have also played an active role in the political arena, raising money, supporting policies and legislation that build inclusive communities, and helping to assure that our elected officials have strong ties to the LGBTQ community.