Will Acuff
Fellow, Sagamore Institute
One Big Thing: Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, is scaling a model for neighborhood-based economic growth that has helped launch more than 1,800 entrepreneurs and generated $37.2 million in local impact in 2024 alone—driven by his core belief that ownership is a primary pathway out of poverty. Through his leadership with Sagamore’s The River Prosperity Project, he is expanding practical, community-rooted approaches to help low-income neighbors build wealth through small-business creation.
Three Things to Know
- Brings a multidisciplinary background spanning health policy research at Duke University and private-sector leadership as Director of Operations and Strategy for a Nashville-based software company
- Holds a master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary and is a recent Praxis Fellow, reflecting a commitment to faith-driven entrepreneurship and leadership
- Advises research physicians on applying agile methodologies to strengthen the design and execution of NIH-funded studies, bridging innovation practices with clinical research excellence
Biography
Before founding Corner to Corner, Will served as a research analyst in health policy at Duke University and later as Director of Operations and Strategy for a Nashville software company. He holds a master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary and is a recent Praxis Fellow. In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Will consults independently with research doctors, helping them apply agile methodologies to improve the design and execution of their NIH-funded studies.
His recent book, No Elevator to Everest, chronicles his family’s journey of faith and resilience while raising a son with a disability. Will and his wife, Tiffany, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of Raylan and Penelope. Outside of work, he enjoys running, reading, and multi-day motorcycle adventures.