Damon Burns is a New Orleans native with over 15 years of experience in public finance, entrepreneurship, capital markets, and financial technology. Since July 2016, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Finance New Orleans, a quasi-government financial institution with a mission to invest in affordable housing, economic development, and climate resilience projects that improve the quality of life in New Orleans. Finance New Orleans encountered financial and operating challenges after Hurricane Katrina and the Great Recession which sparked a 90% decline in total assets. Burns is leading a plan to reestablish Finance New Orleans as a key investor in New Orleans’ economic growth. Early milestones include the implementation of a new business model focused on providing homeowners, businesses, and government agencies with green financial products designed to increase climate resilience and economic opportunity. In 2017, The Center for Community Investment selected Burns to participate in the Fulcrum Fellowship program with a goal of accelerating the strategic vision of Finance New Orleans.