Jennifer Isern

Dr. Jennifer Isern brings 21 years of experience in development in more than 50 countries,  including 5 years managing financial services and economic development programs in West Africa.  Dr. Isern joined CGAP in 1996 and is Lead Microfinance Specialist.  She coordinates CGAP's work in Africa and China and manages the regional team of CGAP staff working in decentralized offices. 

She has led several CGAP initiatives and authored more than 50 publications on money transfers, anti-money laundering, bank entry in microfinance, appraisal methods for networks and microfinance institutions, African microfinance, informal finance in India, international networks, and capacity building programs.

Prior to joining CGAP, Dr. Isern was the Regional Technical Adviser for economic development in West and Central Africa with CARE International, where she designed, managed, and evaluated microfinance institutions. In addition, she worked for USAID in Costa Rica and Senegal, UNDP in New York, AT&T’s international division, and other public and private sector consulting assignments.  Dr. Isern received her master’s degree from Princeton University and her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University; she is a CFA charterholder.