NEW YORK, NY—Grow America, a national nonprofit that directs investment where it is needed most, today welcomes Adam Ennis as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Unanimously selected by the Grow America Board of Directors following an extensive nationwide search, Ennis officially assumes his new role today.
A Leader Ready for This Moment
Ennis brings more than 20 years of experience in community development finance, affordable housing, operations, and nonprofit leadership. Having served as Grow America’s Chief Operating Officer and, before that, as its Chief Financial Officer, he steps into the presidency with an unmatched understanding of the organization’s mission, operations, and strategic direction.
During his tenure as COO, Ennis played a pivotal role in aligning Grow America’s leadership and operating model with its long-term mission, modernizing organizational infrastructure, forging partnerships with investors, and strengthening governance. Under his stewardship, Grow America secured its first-ever A+ (Stable) rating from Standard & Poor’s. He also serves as an NMTC Advisory Board Member for Self-Help Ventures Fund.
“I am honored and excited to serve as President and CEO of Grow America. Having been part of this organization and its mission for nearly two decades, I know firsthand the talent, passion, and dedication of our staff and partners. I look forward to working together to build on Grow America’s legacy of success and find new ways to deepen our impact in the communities we serve.”
The Result of a Rigorous Search
Today’s transition is the culmination of a carefully planned process that began in January 2026, when then-President & CEO Daniel Marsh III announced his intention to retire. The Board of Directors immediately launched an extensive nationwide search, retaining Koya Partners, part of DSG Global, to identify candidates from across the community development field. The search attracted hundreds of applicants; the Search Committee conducted first-round interviews with nine highly qualified finalists before inviting five candidates to in-person interviews. The Board voted unanimously to select Ennis, announcing its decision on June 30, 2026.
“After a nationwide search and rigorous selection process, we are confident that we have found the best person to lead this organization,” said Board Chair Seth Bongartz. “His deep commitment to the mission and deep background within the community development space makes him the perfect leader to guide us into the future.”
A Strong Foundation for What’s Next
Ennis assumes leadership of an organization at the peak of its mission impact, built over decades of mission-driven work and, most recently, through the steady leadership of Daniel Marsh III, who assumed the CEO role in 2017 and guided the organization through a pivotal phase in both the organization’s and industry’s history. Marsh remains with Grow America as Special Advisor to the CEO, with his official retirement expected in early 2027.
“I’m proud of what Grow America has accomplished and even more excited about where the organization is headed,” said Marsh. “Adam is an exceptional leader, and together with our executive team, he is well positioned to build on our momentum, advance our mission, and lead Grow America into the next chapter and beyond.”
###
About Grow America: Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, Grow America, formerly NDC, has worked for over half a century fulfilling our mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. We direct capital to support the development and preservation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending, and the advancement of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure. Learn more at growamerica.org.
Contact: Allison Kelly, Director of Communications: AKelly@growamerica.org