As Director of Public Policy for LendingClub, Louis strives to create a financial system that uses technology innovation to treat people better. He joined LendingClub four years ago to develop and launch its small business lending program, using technology to reach the smaller businesses that traditional banks often don't. To date, about 7 of 10 borrowers tell LendingClub they're not otherwise accessing affordable capital, and the program sees about double the national representation of minority-owned businesses. Prior to LendingClub, Louis worked on access to capital and consumer financial protection at Self-Help, one of the leading nonprofit financial institutions in the US, and sister organization to the Center for Responsible Lending. He has also worked with Kiva and the Seattle City Council. Louis attended Wesleyan University and the MBA program at UC Berkeley. He likes to play banjo and surf.