NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Thursday, March 12, 2015

FINCA International, a leading microfinance organization based inWashington, D.C., is pleased to welcome Dr. Fred Seymour, a solar energy expert, to its Board of Directors. A pioneer of microfinance, FINCA is actively exploring the development of additional social enterprises that can deliver nonfinancial products and services, starting with solar energy.

Dr. Seymour is a co-founder of PrimeStar Solar Inc., where he also served as Vice President of Technology and led PrimeStar’s thin film process development effort. Dr. Seymour also conducted research on CdTe photovoltaic solar cells with a view towards commercialization, at the Colorado School of Mines. Prior to this, he spent 16 years with Newmont Mining Corporation and he also worked with General Electric’s Wind Renewable Energy Division on software to optimize wind turbine performance.

“I’m delighted to join the FINCA board at such an exciting time. Solar energy has tremendous potential to help change the lives of people who do not have access to a traditional electricity grid – more than 200 million people in Africa alone,” said Dr. Seymour. “Something as simple as a good quality solar lamp or small-scale multi-appliance installation can help make people and small businesses so much more productive,” he added.

According to Rupert Scofield, President and CEO of FINCA International, “Dr. Seymour will bring excellent insight to FINCA as we move forward in this area. For 30 years, FINCA has worked to advance the cause of financial inclusion for the unbanked in developing countries and emerging markets. We know our clients well and we understand their challenges. Now, our aim is to leverage FINCA’s network and expertise to help people at the base of the pyramid in other ways.”

Dr. Seymour holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Geology from Carleton College, a M.S. in Mathematics, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the Colorado School of Mines.