25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
JEFFREY DIEHL | CEO and executive director, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
JEFFREY DIEHL, CEO and executive director of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, has big perspective for someone leading an organization in the nation’s smallest state. He’s also a pro-bono adviser with the United Nations Development Programme, and has 35 years of experience in global investment banking.
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“It’s what attracted me to the job here,” the Michigan native said of his work in Rhode Island. “I wanted to be doing good things for local communities.”
A quasi-public agency, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank finances investments that address infrastructure needs. Diehl said the finance programs have saved cities and towns millions of dollars in interest expense and energy costs, created or supported thousands of jobs and improved the environment. About $515 million has been invested in local infrastructure since Diehl took over in 2016.
His roles with the U.N. – his responsibilities require him to travel to New York City each quarter – and the infrastructure bank have goals in common, such as environmental sustainability. The bank oversees revolving loan funds for causes such as clean water and brownfields remediation.
“I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening internationally,” he said. At the same time, he enjoys the more hands-on involvement with the infrastructure bank.
As a past vice chairman with HSBC Bank, he was tasked with repairing relations with the U.S. government after the London-based bank was implicated in a money-laundering scheme. He successfully led the bank’s reorganization and rebranding, garnering awards and recognition, and rebuilding trust.
“It’s about fostering dialogue, getting buy-in as to why we are going in a certain direction, and being flexible and open,” said Diehl.
In Rhode Island, he’s streamlining processes and improving efficiencies, giving clients the ability to apply for loans or get disbursements online, getting loans into the local economy faster.
