STAFF DIRECTORY
BILL ASH
Managing Director of Financial Services
Bill Ash serves as Interim President & COO of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. Prior to this role, Bill oversaw the Rhode Island Industrial Facilities Corporation bond issuance (RIIFC), Rhode Island Industrial Recreation-Building Authority mortgage insurance (IRBA), Renewable Energy Fund (REF), State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and the Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF) programs. Bill manages the administration, business and policy decisions of the various financial services programs to assure compliance with board actions and policies.
Professional Background
Bill has more than 25 years’ experience working with businesses as a lender, consultant and investor. Previously, Bill held positions as managing director of M & A at Oppenheimer & Co. and senior managing director of The Tron Group — a Boston-based turnaround and business advisory firm. He also managed two SBIC mezzanine funds where he was responsible for the fund management, capital calls and ultimate exit of over 30 investments and operating companies. During the mid-90s, Bill was the venture capital manager for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation where he assisted companies in their strategic and financial planning, M & A, and raising equity and debt capital. Earlier in his career, Bill worked for various regional and national banks in ABL lending, workout, credit and field examination positions.
Education
Bill graduated from the SUNY New York Maritime Academy with a BS degree in Transportation Management and Economics, completed a graduate certificate in finance from Harvard University and a M.B.A. from the University of Rhode Island. Bill is a member of the board of directors for the Turnaround Management Association Northeast chapter, American Bankruptcy Institute and is certified in LEAN Manufacturing.
