Scott Mc Donald
About Scott Mc Donald
Scott McDonald serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer at Root Capital, where he has worked since 2022. He has held various leadership roles in organizations focused on development and philanthropy, including the International Rescue Committee and The ONE Campaign.
Current Role at Root Capital
Scott McDonald serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer at Root Capital, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on mobilizing capital for initiatives that empower women and young people in rural communities. His efforts contribute to Root Capital's mission of strengthening market connections for small agricultural businesses in economically vulnerable regions. He is based in Los Angeles and Cambridge, MA.
Previous Experience
Prior to his current role, McDonald held various significant positions. He worked at The Climate Group as International Development Director from 2008 to 2009, and at International Medical Corps as Director of Development & Campaigns from 2019 to 2020. He also served as Senior Advisor for Resource Development at International Medical Corps from 2018 to 2019, and as Vice President of Institutional Philanthropy & Partnerships at the International Rescue Committee from 2012 to 2016.
Educational Background
Scott McDonald has an extensive educational background. He studied at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he earned a certificate in Data Analysis for Management. He also completed the Social Finance Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Additionally, he holds an MBA from Questrom School of Business, Boston University, and a Master's Degree in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art. He achieved a Master of Arts from The University of Edinburgh.
Contributions to Development Initiatives
McDonald has been instrumental in delivering financial training aimed at enhancing the capabilities of agricultural businesses in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. His work includes integrating conservation practices into financial training programs to help preserve vulnerable ecosystems. He has also contributed to Root Capital's investment of $1.9 billion, which has improved the lives of over six million people in farming communities.
Board Membership and Leadership Roles
Scott McDonald served on the Board of Directors at Root Capital from 2020 to 2022. His leadership experience extends to various organizations, including his role as Chief Development Officer at The ONE Campaign from 2020 to 2022 and as Director of Development at the Clinton Global Initiative from 2007 to 2008. He also held the position of Director at the Guggenheim Museum and Director of Business and Program Development at the Milken Institute.