Co-Founder
Emily Halpern
Co-Founder
Emily Halpern draws on her over 25 years of experience in the investment and transaction sectors, focused on lower middle-market and small business investing. Her career spans from being the Co-Founder of TGC Impact Fund to significant roles at Brightwood Capital Advisors (SBIC), JPMorgan Asset Management, and RSM Private Equity Services, and being the founder of VUE Partners. Emily’s track record includes over $200 million in capital deployed. Her career experience ranges in funding from CDFIs to SBICs. She brings extensive investment knowledge, capital networks, and experience in capital raising and sourcing for businesses on their journey to the middle market. Emily enjoys golfing, spending time on the water, and keeping up as a foodie.
Interim COO
Jennifer Gennaro Oxley
Interim COO
Jennifer Gennaro Oxley is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of experience driving growth, innovation, and impact across nonprofit, corporate, education, and chamber sectors. Known for collaborative leadership, she empowers teams and builds strategic partnerships to achieve mission-driven goals. Currently Interim COO at The Capital Collective, she co-leads operations and strategy for a growing nonprofit in Richmond and Birmingham. As founding Executive Director of The Motley Fool Foundation, she built a $15M national charity advancing financial freedom for all through community programming, research and strategic alliances. Jennifer has routinely revitalized organizations including The Fulbright Association - merging operations, driving legislative wins, and modernizing governance. Her past roles with the U.S. Chamber and ERA highlight her ability to grow membership and revenue. She serves on several nonprofit boards, such as Leadership Greater Washington, and is committed to mentoring and community building.
Strengths: Strategy | Organizational Growth | Partnerships | Advocacy | Fundraising | Governance | Leadership
Education: Georgetown (Exec. Leadership) | UMass Amherst (B.S.)
Executive Director, Richmond
Jill Donaldson
Executive Director, Richmond
Jill brings over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and consulting and is a passionate advocate for business growth and economic development. Throughout her career, Jill has supported over 90 Virginia-based businesses through accelerator programs, mentorship, and strategic networking initiatives. As the Founder & CEO of PastryBase, LLC , she built an award-winning consumer-packaged goods brand, growing it from a farmers’ market stall to national and international distribution. Jill has served as President of the Virginia Specialty Food and Beverage Association and on the leadership teams of several James Beard Award-winning restaurants and bakeries. Jill deeply understands the business cycle of product ideation, development, launching, and scaling.
We’re proud to be backed by a passionate team, along with industry experts, business strategists, and scaling partners who support our programs, portfolio companies, and mission.
