Orson Watson Ph.D., is a seasoned Boston-based independent Philanthropic Advisor specializing in impact investing and inclusive economies. With over 25 years of experience working with foundations, donors, banks, and non-profits across the country, his sweet spot is designing effective ways to generate jobs, income, and wealth for people living in distressed communities. He is passionate about reducing the role of “middlemen” and getting critical resources to the intended end-users as efficiently and directly as possible.

Most recently, Orson was a partner in a private equity fund focused on Black and Latinx-owned businesses in Boston and an Advisor for Community Revitalization Programs at the Garfield Foundation. Recent consulting clients include Charles Schwab Bank, Key Bank, Santander Bank, The Energy Foundation, The Lincoln Land Institute, The Industrial Performance Center (MIT), the Barr Foundation, the Surdna Foundation, the Hitachi Foundation, the Boston Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Aspen Institute. Orson writes extensively and has served on several non-profit boards. A native of New York City, Orson earned his A.B. from Vassar College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in International Political Economy from the University of Virginia.