Ron Hockley

Executive Director

Ron’s journey—from the Alaskan backwoods to more than 40 countries—has uniquely prepared him to lead The NEO Fund. Holding a Master’s in Cross-Cultural Studies, his passion for development work began during a year-long internship in the Philippine islands. That formative experience sparked a lifelong commitment to compassionate, sustainable change, and set the stage for decades of leadership in both business and nonprofit sectors.

As founder of five nonprofit organizations in Europe, Latin America, and the US, Ron is a visionary leader with deep expertise in organizational leadership, international development, and poverty alleviation. He launched The NEO Fund in a garbage dump, and has grown it into a microfinance institution empowering communities in Guatemala, India, and Nicaragua. With an eclectic background that includes roles as a factory worker, IT manager, bartender, and leadership coach, Ron brings an uncommon blend of insight, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit.