About me
Zach is vice president for economic opportunity at the Initiative Foundation where he oversees
the small-business lending program and Certified Community Development Financial Institution
(CDFI) work. Zach also oversees training and technical assistance for small businesses, and the
Initiators Fellowship program. He previously managed the Initiative Foundation’s community
philanthropy program and led its nonprofit development program. Zach has worked in public
safety and the financial industry. He also serves on the Baxter City Council and is the former
chair of the Crow Wing County HRA board. He holds a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in
criminology and Spanish language and literature from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, as
well as a master’s degree in negotiation and dispute resolution from Creighton University. He
was a 2022-2023 Policy Fellow through the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
