Carl S. Brown

Carl S. Brown (he/him) serves as Vice President of Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives at Self-Help, a leading family of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) headquartered in Durham, NC. In this role, he leads community engagement, national partnerships, and strategic initiatives that expand access to capital, ownership, and economic opportunity for underserved communities across the country. Since its founding in 1980, Self-Help has provided more than $11 billion in financing to over 168,000 borrowers, helping families secure homes, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening essential community resources.

Brown’s technical assistance initiatives have strengthened Self-Help’s community relationships, expanded partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, preserved the legacy of African American financial institutions and community organizations, and supported small business borrowers and tenants across Self-Help owned properties.

As an executive on loan, Brown serves as Managing Agent and Acting President and CEO of Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union. Brown has played a central role in stabilizing, modernizing, and positioning the institution for long-term community impact. He provides executive oversight across all operational, financial, regulatory, and member service functions.

Brown’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to preserving the historic legacy of Richmond Heritage as one of the nation’s longstanding Black led credit unions. He works to strengthen the organization’s operational foundation in ways that sustain its cultural significance, financial independence, and role as a trusted community anchor.