Dr. Laurence Hermelee - CEO, Institute of Econometrics and Democracy (CIED)

Dr. Laurence Hermelee brings a rich legacy of entrepreneurship, finance, education, and community empowerment to the CEO Institute of Econometrics and Democracy (CIED). With a career spanning more than five decades, Dr. Hermelee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the monetization and sustainable growth of diverse communities, particularly focusing on those historically disenfranchised, neglected, and passed over. His passion for leveraging business acumen to drive social and economic impact began to take root in 2013 when he was introduced to Marva Smith Battle-Bey, a pioneering force in South Los Angeles. After months of collaboration and trust-building, Marva formally welcomed him to her mission by dubbing him "Dr. Laurence," marking the start of a deep partnership in community development.

Dr. Hermelee’s educational foundation includes a degree from the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and advanced studies in the Harvard Executive Management Program, where he developed key insights into strategic management and leadership. These experiences shaped his approach to finance and community-focused entrepreneurship, providing a strong basis for his later work.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hermelee has held numerous influential positions, beginning with a decade-long tenure managing corporate development and capital budgets on Wall Street, where he oversaw $250 million annually. Later, as a managing officer of a Florida-based Savings and Loan, he spearheaded a rapid transformation of the institution, taking it public on the New York Stock Exchange and raising over $110 million in capital. Over his tenure, he opened 34 Savings and Loan branches and originated $2.4 billion in loans, further solidifying his expertise in the financial sector.

Dr. Hermelee continued to explore new opportunities, including acquisitions, equine-based ventures, and managing livery services, before pivoting to education. As an adjunct professor at Columbia College and through collaborations with the University of Guadalajara, he created groundbreaking programs focused on the monetization of art, sports management, and event development.

Today, Dr. Hermelee applies his extensive expertise to advancing the mission of CIED, empowering communities through innovative economic strategies. His work focuses on building sustainable ecosystems where stakeholders, especially those who have been overlooked, can thrive. Dr. Hermelee's unique blend of finance, education, and social entrepreneurship ensures that CIED is at the forefront of bridging economic gaps and fostering growth across industries and communities.