OZ MAGAZINE 2022 Top 25 Influencers issue 2.2 | Page 80

80 OPPORTUNITY ZONE MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 2

GEOFF DAVIS

SORENSON IMPACT CENTER

As CEO of the Sorenson Impact Center , Geoff Davis leads the strategic direction and vision for one of the leading organizations in global impact . Davis has dedicated his life to championing social impact and equipping the next generation of social impact leaders . Over his distinguished career , he has founded , co-founded , or advised more than 25 startups and impact-oriented investment funds , as well as served on the boards of 14 companies . He earned a master ’ s degree from Harvard ’ s Kennedy School and a bachelor ’ s degree from Brigham Young University . He resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and three daughters .

WHY DO YOU THINK THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE INCENTIVE IS IMPORTANT FOR DISTRESSED AREAS ?
The OZ program is a promising early policy to help address one of the biggest needs in distressed communities - access to capital . The incentive helps fund projects such as affordable housing , downtown revitalization , and innovative businesses that might not otherwise come to fruition . With our own projects , like our Rural Opportunity Zone playbook , we have seen proactive communities connected with impact-focused investors meet important needs and even invite further investment that can change trajectories .

SUSAN ROUNDS

DEUTSCHE BANK

In her current role , Susan Rounds often suggests Opportunity Zone strategies to clients as she works with them on matters of tax and estate planning . Many times , OZs provide a solution due to the tax benefits , but often the role of the OZ investment as an integral part of the family legacy is even more important . Rounds makes frequent presentations across the country and her articles have been featured in leading publications . She sits on the Editorial Board of Opportunity Zone Magazine and has been elected to the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame ® – Class of ‘ 22 . Professional designations include JD , CPA , LLM , TEP , AEP ® ( Distinguished ) Nominee .

WHY DO YOU THINK THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE INCENTIVE IS IMPORTANT FOR DISTRESSED AREAS ?
The Opportunity Zone initiative shines a spotlight on underprivileged areas within our midst and demonstrates the truth in the adage that energy flows where attention goes . Savvy investors and real estate professionals know that the tax relief will translate to a ready financial benefit and this creates an immediate incentive to appraise the situation — to drill down and understand the circumstances leading to the current deflated condition in the area . When this happens , innovative solutions come to mind and strategies begin to take shape . In the end , the tax benefits serve as a reward for those who invest their time and money in the pursuit of transforming a community and improving the lives of those who live and work there .
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