Virginia 500 Spotlight: Catherine Buell

Published November 29, 2022 by Virginia Business

Director, Amazon Housing Equity Fund, Amazon.com Inc. Arlington County

WHAT WOULD A COMPETITOR SAY ABOUT YOU? Much like the Roomba vacuum cleaner, Catherine is “pleasantly persistent” and doesn’t give up. She will keep at it, work to find a middle ground and show results.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Don’t forget to have fun along the way! Life will take you by surprise in the most wonderful way, if you let it. 

WHAT MAKES ME PASSIONATE ABOUT MY WORK: I am deeply moved by the ability to help people. Much of my work is serving as a bridge builder — connecting highly resourced, sophisticated, caring business leaders with community leaders and organizations that are doing truly meaningful work.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT VIRGINIA? I would make it easier to build more affordable housing options across the state.

MOST RECENT BOOK READ: “Will,” by Will Smith and “True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart,” by Tara Brach

DID YOU KNOW? Buell leads Amazon’s housing equity fund, which has committed $795 million in loans and grants for 4,400 affordable residences in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

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