Mary Ellen Wiederwohl

A person is smiling in front of a brick wall, wearing a black blazer and a blue shirt.

Mary Ellen Wiederwohl (Louisville, KY), President and CEO, leads AFA’s work and team across the country. Prior to being appointed to this role in 2021, Mary Ellen led economic and community development for Louisville as the Chief Executive of Louisville Forward, the city’s economic development agency, and served as Mayor Fischer’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Strategic Initiatives. During her city tenure, Louisville experienced more than $17 billion in new capital investment, made substantial new investments in affordable housing and community-based efforts to invest in neighborhoods without displacement, and introduced industry-leading innovations in talent development and the future of work. She also served as Interim CEO of a Louisville-based CDFI and microlender. Mary Ellen’s career spans more than 25 years in the public affairs space, with deep experience and specialization at the state and local levels.

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