Seasoned Leader in Banking and Investments Returns to Eastern University’s Board of Trustees

Image via Eastern University.

Throughout her career, E. Shepard Farrar has combined her financial acumen with a deep commitment to service.

Eastern University has appointed E. Shepard Farrar, a seasoned leader in the banking and investment space and a passionate advocate for giving back through community service, to its Board of Trustees. 

A graduate of Eastern’s MBA in Economic Development program, Farrar earned her degree in 1995 while working as Vice President at CoreStates (now Wells Fargo) in Philadelphia. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Princeton University.

From 2007 through 2024, Farrar served as Head of Investments for the retirement plans of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and previously was Head of U.S. Equity of NRRIT and Head of U.S. and Private Equity at the UMWA H&R Funds. She served on Eastern’s Board of Trustees in the mid-2000s, prior to joining the IDB. Nearly two decades later, Farrar returns with expanded perspective, eager to contribute her energy and skills to serve her alma mater during its centennial year and beyond.

Throughout her career, Farrar has combined her financial acumen with a deep commitment to service. She has spent more than 30 years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing and serves on the boards of sustainable housing nonprofit Reall and environmental organization North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), as well as the National Association of Corporate Directors Capitol Area chapter. She coaches women with reacHIRE and is actively involved in philanthropy as Vice President of the Memton Fund, which provides grants to a wide range of charities, including an annual Society of French Historical Studies scholarship created in honor of her parents.

“Eastern’s mission, rooted in faith, reason, and justice, resonates with God’s call on my life, to serve in economic development, and has shaped my career, my approach to leadership and service,” Farrar said. “I’m honored to return to Eastern’s Board, to support the university as it enters its second century of transformation and impact, and to share its mission and principles in corporate and nonprofit boardrooms.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Shepard Farrar back to the board,” said Eastern President Dr. Ronald Matthews. “Her international expertise, deep sense of calling, and unwavering belief in Eastern’s vision will be a guiding force in the years ahead.”

With her remarkable blend of professional excellence and faith-based passion for community service, Farrar is poised to play a key role in shaping Eastern’s flourishing future.

Learn more about Eastern University and how its core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs.