Cambridge, MA – Root Capital, a nonprofit social impact investor that supports agricultural enterprises in Latin America, Africa and southeast Asia, today announced Scott Amero and Sophie Romana as the next co-chairs of the board of directors. Former Root Capital Board Chair, Ana Zacapa, has completed her term as chair but will remain a member of the board of directors.
Scott Amero had been a supporter of Root Capital for many years before joining the board in 2022. A longtime advocate for conservation issues, he also serves on the boards of Rare, the Harbor Funds, The Nature Conservancy Massachusetts chapter, Adventure Scientists, and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Scott will draw from his extensive background in financial services in his new role as board co-chair, having served as the former Vice Chairman and global Chief Investment Officer for Fixed Income at BlackRock from 1990 to 2010.
“Root Capital has a complex, multifaceted mission that is very compelling,” said Scott Amero. “Smallholder agriculture is an incredibly important sector with a lot of risk, and Root’s mission of supporting the sector is essential. I am honored to take on the responsibilities of serving as board co-chair alongside Sophie.”
Sophie Romana brings over 20 years of experience in economic gender equity and financial inclusion to her new role as board co-chair. She began her career as a humanitarian relief worker in Rwanda, working primarily with women and children, and then transitioned to the private equity sector. In 2018, Sophie founded Althaë Strategy, where she works with international organizations, donors, and financial institutions to design and implement strategies and solutions that promote economic gender equity and financial inclusion.
“Root Capital is constantly asking itself how it can have even more impact,” said Sophie Romana. “I am excited to take on a leadership role within an organization that is relentlessly rethinking, evaluating, and adjusting in order to ensure it is best fulfilling its mission.”
“We’re delighted to have Sophie and Scott taking on the role of board co-chairs,” said Willy Foote, Root Capital’s founder and CEO. “Together, they bring a wealth of relevant experience in finance, climate action, inclusion of women and youth, and organizational management. I know they’ll continue the tradition of excellence in the role as exemplified by outgoing chair Ana Zacapa. Their leadership will be invaluable to Root Capital’s work to build the prosperity and resilience of rural agricultural communities.”
A complete list of Root Capital’s Board of Directors can be found here.