Join us in welcoming Ham Lord, Raffi Freeman, and Frantz J. Bien-Aime, to the CCF Board of Directors and Wendy Weiss as the new co-chair of our Professional Advisors Council (PAC). All four individuals are shining examples of committed community members who share our values of the right to dignity, equity and justice, collaboration, and creativity and imagination.
“Wendy, Ham, Raffi and Frantz are civic leaders who bring immense expertise and commitment to our city. We are lucky to have their invaluable experience. Their contributions will extend our reach and deepen our impact in the Cambridge community,” said CCF President Geeta Pradhan. Learn more about these four leaders below.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Kristin Dzialo, our outgoing PAC co-chair, and Janet Steinmeyer, our outgoing board member for their tireless stewardship and dedication to CCF’s mission. Their contributions have paved the way for our continued success.
Wendy Weiss
As CCF continues to grow, Wendy’s experience and financial acumen are an invaluable resource. The Professional Advisors Council works closely with our development team, thinking creatively about how clients can partner with the community foundation to both leverage tax and planning advantages, and make a strong impact locally, and beyond. A longtime Cambridge resident, Wendy embodies CCF’s commitment to shared prosperity and social equity for everyone in the community. She’s served on our PAC for eight years.
An actively committed member of the CCF community, Wendy has been deeply engaged with the Foundation for many years, including in her role as a community reviewer for Community Fund grant applications. Wendy is the Principal and CEO of Weiss Financial Advisors, providing boutique financial advice to clients with a broad range of needs. She trained in business analytics and finance at Brandeis’ International Business School, so she could offer professional financial advice to women. She co-authored an article Your Money and Your Adult Children – The Challenges They Present with Ruth Nemzoff to encourage women to learn about their finances, to open communication across generations about important financial issues. Wendy has worked with CCF to encourage families to talk about to their children and grandchildren about charitable giving. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our reach within the Cambridge community. We are thrilled to continue our work together.
Hambleton “Ham” Lord
Ham is a steadfast advocate for community-driven innovation across New England. As a co-founder of three software companies early in his career—MicroChem Technologies, Polygen, and Advanced Visual Systems—Ham developed a keen understanding of how entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for positive change. In 2013, he co-founded Seraf with the goal of empowering angel investors to support ventures that reflect the collaborative and creative spirit of the region.
Ham’s commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs goes beyond his professional endeavors. He has authored numerous articles and co-authored books such as Fundamentals of Angel Investing and The Entrepreneur’s Journey, sharing his insights to help others navigate the complexities of early-stage investing. His work is deeply rooted in a belief that strong communities are built on innovation and shared success. As Chair Emeritus of Launchpad Venture Group and a former board member at Cambridge Trust, Ham has worked to ensure that the benefits of entrepreneurship extend to all corners of the community. As our Board trustee from Cambridge Trust, Ham brings experience and dedication that will help us continue to nurture a vibrant and inclusive Cambridge.
Raffi Freeman
As a community-focused leader, Raffi has demonstrated a profound commitment to resilience and social equity through his extensive work in both global and local contexts. As the Managing Partner and Co-founder of Izuba Energy, he has led projects that prioritize sustainability and community well-being, experiences that shape his dedication to fostering strong, connected communities in Cambridge.
Raffi’s commitment to Cambridge goes beyond his professional endeavors. He is extraordinarily involved in his community, actively supporting affordable housing initiatives as a board member of the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and working hands-on as a landlord dedicated to Section 8 and refugee tenants. His innovative approach and dynamic leadership align perfectly with CCF’s mission to reduce economic disparities and strengthen social cohesion. Earlier this year, he served as a judge of our Imagined in Cambridge! Award. We look forward to the unique insights and energy he will contribute to our collective efforts.
Frantz J. Bien-Aime
Frantz joins the Cambridge Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in financial management and leadership. As the Managing Director and Market Leader at Bank of America Private Bank, Frantz leads a team focused on delivering tailored investment strategies, philanthropy guidance, and comprehensive financial services to the bank’s most prominent clients. Over his 25-year career at Bank of America, he has held significant roles, including Global Head of Fixed Income, Currencies & Commodities (FICC) Business Controls, where he developed and implemented key operational frameworks for the Sales and Trading Businesses.
An active mentor and participant in several diversity councils, Frantz earned recognition in 2023 with his selection for Bank of America’s Annual Diverse Leadership Sponsorship program. His deep connection to Cambridge, combined with his financial acumen, will play a crucial role in advancing CCF’s mission of expanding economic mobility and strengthening social cohesion in our community. We are delighted to have Frantz’s leadership and vision on our board, representing a longstanding and highly valued partnership with our trustee bank, Bank of America, as we work toward a more equitable Cambridge.
