Susan Hammond

Susan Hammond is the relationship manager for Fahe, a Native community development financial institution (CDFI) that serves rural Appalachia and other rural and Native communities. She develops strong partnerships and collaborations with Native CDFIs through training, expertise, and support to access the secondary mortgage market.

Susan is a tribal member of the Penobscot Indian Nation in central Maine. She has dedicated her career to growing investments in Native economies and communities. She graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. in business administration and worked with the Penobscot Nation tribal government in various roles, including vocational education, economic development, health and housing, and served eight years on the Tribal Council. This work opened her eyes to the deep systemic changes needed in tribal communities, particularly housing.

Susan has 20 years of experience in the Native CDFI sector. She founded Four Directions Development Corporation (FDDC) in 2001 served as its executive director until January 2022. FDDC is a Native CDFI in Orono that serves Maine’s four Native tribes.

Susan serves on numerous boards, including FDDC, Oweesta Corporation, Coastal Enterprises Inc., Venture Fund, Northern Light Health Eastern Maine Medical Center, and Bangor Savings Bank.