Stillman School alumna Pravina Raghavan, M.B.A. ’01, is the new CEO of Locus. Locus, a leading community
development financial institution (CDFI), has announced the appointment of Pravina
Raghavan as its new chief executive officer, effective September 2, 2025. Raghavan,
a longtime leader in public-private partnerships, small business innovation, and economic
development, will guide Locus into its next chapter amid a pivotal moment for the
CDFI industry.
Raghavan most recently served as director of the CDFI Fund at the U.S. Department
of the Treasury and previously led the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
(MEP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Earlier in her career,
she directed the Division of Small Business and Technology Development at Empire State
Development and held senior roles at the U.S. Small Business Administration and the
Department of Commerce.
“Now more than ever, communities are relying on institutions like Locus to unlock
opportunity and drive lasting change,” Raghavan said. “I look forward to building
on the organization’s strong foundation of connecting people and communities to economic
opportunity.”
In addition to her new role, Raghavan was inducted into the Seton Hall University
Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2023, recognizing her distinguished career and contributions
to economic development. A proud alumna, she is also a frequent judge and mentor in
entrepreneurship and innovation programs, continuing to support the next generation
of business leaders.
“Pravina brings a wealth of experience, a bold vision and a deep commitment to our
mission,” said Dixon Hanna, chair of the Locus Board of Directors. “The board is confident
that under her leadership, Locus will continue to grow, innovate and have greater
impact in the communities we serve.”
Founded in 2006, Locus has generated more than $4 billion in total impact across affordable
housing, clean energy, food systems and small business sectors. With Raghavan at the
helm, the organization enters its next phase of growth, expanding access to capital
and advancing opportunities nationwide.
“Pravina is a terrific role model for our students,” said Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Director Susan Scherreik, “and we are honored that Pravina is a long-serving advisory board member of CIE.”
Scherreik noted that Raghavan frequently mentors students and often serves as a judge
in the annual Pirates Pitch startup contest. “We congratulate Pravina on her most
recent success.”
Categories:
Alumni, Business
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