Harold Pettigrew

Harold Pettigrew is the president and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network, a national network of mission-driven financial institutions focused on expanding access to capital in underserved rural, urban, and Native communities. With more than two decades of experience in community and economic development finance, Pettigrew oversees Opportunity Finance Network’s strategic growth and direction, guiding a network of over 400 member institutions that collectively manage more than $1 billion in assets. Under Pettigrew’s leadership, Opportunity Finance Network has played a significant role in securing capital for community development financial institutions and advancing initiatives such as the Finance Justice Fund, which aims to increase resources for communities most in need.

Before joining Opportunity Finance Network, Pettigrew served as CEO of Washington Area Community Investment Fund, where he led the deployment of more than $70 million in capital to support small businesses, particularly those owned by women, entrepreneurs of color, and low- to moderate-income individuals. His career also includes leadership roles at Prosperity Now and the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development, as well as advisory work with World Bank and National League of Cities. Pettigrew’s expertise includes small business development, venture capital investing, workforce development, and public sector management. He has been a speaker at national forums including Aspen Institute, New York Times DealBook, and SOCAP 365.

Pettigrew’s work has been recognized with industry awards, including being named to the Washington Business Journal Power 100 list of influential business leaders. He is a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and has held fellowships with Opportunity Finance Network and Common Future. Pettigrew is frequently featured in media and at major conferences, and serves on advisory councils for the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. His work focuses on equitable economic opportunity, community finance, and policy advocacy.