Press release from Mountain BizWorks:
The Mountain BizWorks Board of Directors has selected Matthew Raker to serve as the organization’s next Executive Director effective January 1, 2020. Raker has served the WNC-based community development financial institution, or CDFI, in a variety of management roles over the past five years and currently holds the position of Assistant Executive Director.
Raker will assume the helm as Patrick Fitzsimmons retires after having successfully led the organization for the past six years. “Under Patrick’s leadership, Mountain BizWorks has seen consistent growth,” said Gary Heisey, Mountain BizWorks board chair. “As we close out a banner year, we’re in the strongest position we’ve ever been both in terms of mission impact and financial health.”
Over the course of the year, Mountain BizWorks loaned more than $4 million to area businesses, with nearly 1,000 individuals participating in its business coaching and support services. More than 1,250 jobs were created or retained and more than 175 businesses started or expanded in 2019 thanks in part to the non-profit.
“Mountain BizWorks has been an important force in growing our local economy since it opened in 1989,” said Fitzsimmons. “We’ve provided over $30 million in financing to 1,500 businesses since our doors opened – helping to create more than 12,000 jobs. And, I’m confident Matt will carry our excellent track record successfully into the next 30 years.”
Raker brings nearly two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, regional economic development, and community finance to his new role – a quarter of which he garnered at Mountain BizWorks. He has spent the better part of his career working to create a vibrant economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Western North Carolina including serving at the former AdvantageWest Economic Development Group and having founded multiple small businesses. Raker will be Mountain BizWorks’ fifth executive director.
“With the support of our dedicated staff and engaged board, I have no doubt that the transition will be seamless,” said Raker. “There are so many people with great ideas and big dreams in Western North Carolina. Mountain BizWorks will be here with the guidance, resources, and funding needed to turn those dreams into realities.”
As Mountain BizWorks reflects on its history, the organization will host its annual year-end celebration on Wednesday, December 18, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Center for Craft. Throughout the evening, Mountain BizWorks staff and WNC’s entrepreneurial community will come together to toast the tenure of Fitzsimmons and welcome Raker into his new role.
More information about the celebration is available online at mtnbizworks.simpletix.com.
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