Thelma Adams Johnson
Strategic Partnerships for Sharing Financial Risk
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
President / Chief Executive Officer
ACT! Albany Community Together, Inc.
Thelma Adams Johnson has served as the President/CEO of Albany Community Together, Inc. (ACT!) since 2002. Under her leadership, ACT! has provided over $9 million in access to capital and leveraged over $32 million in private capital to over 200 businesses, assisted in creating and/or retaining 850 jobs, and provided over 20,000+ hours in business development training and technical assistance to over 1200 businesses. Prior to joining ACT!, Thelma served as a Regional Resource Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs were she advocated for resources for small counties and municipalities. Thelma has spent over 30 years working to create an environment where small businesses can grow and thrive. She actively advocates for resources and opportunities for small business on the local, state, and federal level. Thelma is a certified Economic Development Finance Specialist through the National Development Council. Thelma has a BS in Accounting from Albany State University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a DBA from Northcentral University. She is an adjunct professor at Albany State University in the College of Business, serves on the Board of Downtown Development Authority for the City of Albany, Albany/Dougherty Land Bank Authority, Advisory Board of Lakeview Community Capital, LLC, serves on the Truist Southern GA Region Community Development Advisory Board, and serves on the board of Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN). Thelma has been named a Southwest Georgia 40 under 40 honoree, named Georgia’s Small Business Administration Financial Champion of the Year (2008), 2017 Opportunity Finance Network Fellow, recipient of the W. Smith Advocacy Award from the Sapelo Foundation (2022). In 2018, SunTrust Foundation recognized Thelma with a “Lighting the Way” award, for tireless work and efforts that meet the needs of the community. Thelma is a member of the African-American Alliance of CDFIs CEOs.
Kerrington Eubanks
Strategic Partnerships for Sharing Financial Risk
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Sr. Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships
Lendistry
With over 10 years of experience in banking, Kerrington Eubanks manages high-performing partnerships with financial institutions, philanthropic partners, and community organizations to deploy capital to underserved communities. Her background includes roles at Citizens Business Bank and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. where she was recognized for exceeding goals. Kerrington earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business & Language from the University of La Verne.
Lee Farmer
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Director of Financing, Community Asset Ownership
Nonprofit Finance Fund
Lee leads loan origination across northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and Colorado for Nonprofit Finance Fund, a national CDFI focused on boosting the collective success and power of nonprofits to advance racial equity and community wealth and well-being. Lee partners with community-centered organizations to provide facility and working capital loans across many different sectors in the nonprofit space, including affordable housing, healthcare, education and more. They also sit on the organization’s Strategic Innovation and Equity Council and spearheaded an Equity in Loan Origination working group internally. Prior to NFF, Lee spent five years in cooperative development, and before that worked as an analyst for various financial institutions. They received their Master of Arts at the University of California, Berkeley in sustainable development and their Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts at Boston University in finance.
Cassie Ferrer
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Vice President of Underwriting
Accion Opportunity Fund
Cassie Ferrer is the Vice President of Underwriting at Accion Opportunity Fund, bringing over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. With a proven track record in managing underwriting teams across small business, commercial, and private wealth departments, Cassie has held senior roles at financial institutions, including Citibank, Truist, and Wells Fargo.
Cassie holds an MBA and a BA in Finance, and she is currently a CPA candidate while pursuing her PhD in Finance. Based in Florida, she is committed to leveraging her expertise to develop impactful financial solutions that support underserved small business owners.
Kim Folsom
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Founder, Chairperson & CEO
Founders First Capital Partners
Kim Folsom is the co-founder and CEO of Founders First Capital Partners, LLC, (FFCP) a revenue-based investment and advisory support investment platform. FFCP is the largest private provider of growth funding for service-based businesses and the only minority and women-led, revenue-based venture platform with $100M in committed capital. FFCP is focused on partnering with employer-based, contract revenue generating small businesses ($250K to $5M), to provide them with flexible and non-dilutive funding, expertise and resources to achieve exponential growth in underserved communities. Since their founding in 2015 the firm has provided funding and growth support to over 200 companies.
As a social entrepreneur, Ms. Folsom is dedicated to leveraging the power of market forces and sound business practices to address disparities in revenue and job growth among businesses led by underrepresented founders. She has raised more than $30 million in institutional venture financing, created over 500 premium wage jobs and has founded or served as a key executive for multiple successful ventures, including showUhow (acquired by Sellpoints), DriveCam (now Lytx) and Seminarsource. Before devoting her energies to entrepreneurship, Ms. Folsom was an executive at National Dispatch Center, Luce Forward and Alltel Systematics and Great American First.
As part of her mission to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, Ms. Folsom teaches as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and business strategy at National University School of Business and Management. She earned her MBA degree from the University of Pepperdine and a bachelor’s degree in information systems a minor in economics from San Diego State University. As part of her commitment to ensure diverse future tech leadership, Ms. Folsom co-founded a STEM and Robotics enrichment program to benefit underrepresented middle school children living in Southern California.
Teresa Francis
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Loan Officer
Ohio Department of Development
Teresa Francis is a Loan Officer in the Ohio Department of Development’s, Minority Business Development Division (MBDD). She is responsible for assisting with the administration of the Ohio Micro, Women’s Business Enterprise and the Minority Business Direct Loans ensuring applicants meet the eligibility requirements of the programs. Her prior experience includes serving as a Small Business Underwriter and Quality Assurance Team Lead providing her with 10+ years of experience in business banking, and investments. At MBDD she has the opportunities to assist women and minority business gain access to capital to help grow their businesses. Teresa has studied Finance and Economics at Central State University and Wright State University. Teresa is a proud mom to her two sons.
Brinda Ganguly
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Executive Vice President
New York City Economic Development Corporation
Brinda Ganguly, is the Executive Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). At NYCEDC, she leads the Strategic Investments Group, overseeing the organization’s impact investing efforts. Brinda is passionate about using finance as a tool for social change and has more than 20 years of experience in the investment space, the bulk on transactions with a dual mission around generating financial returns and social impact. Prior to joining NYCEDC, Brinda was the Chief Operating and Chief Compliance Officer at Elevar Equity, an impact venture capital firm that invests in Latin America and India. Earlier in her career, she managed impact investing portfolios—across asset classes—at The Rockefeller Foundation, Living Cities, and the Open Society Foundation. Brinda has also worked at Citigroup, in the corporate investment bank, covering healthcare clients; and at Charles River Associates, an economic consulting firm. Brinda graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a BA in economics and Spanish, and she holds an MBA from Columbia Business School. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.
Clark Huang
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Head of Consumer Lending
Lendistry
Clark Huang leads Lendistry’s Consumer Lending division with over 20 years of experience in risk, analytics and product development sector of the financial industry. His specialties include marketing and risk analytics, strategy development and optimization, loan product development, risk management, portfolio and life cycle management, talent management and team building. Prior to joining Lendistry, Mr. Huang served as Chief Risk & Analytics Officer at Community Loans of America, VP of Global Risk & CRO of North America at DFC Global Corp., and SVP/Senior Director of Risk Exposure Management & Analytics at Citi. He holds a BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.
Marquise Jackson
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Senior Director of Business Development and Partnerships
Mission Driven Finance
Marquise is the Senior Director of Business Development and Partnerships for Mission Driven Finance. Before joining Mission Driven Finance, Marquise served as the Regional Director for San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network, where he led a network of nine service locations that provided counseling and training to small businesses. Marquise has a background in technology commercialization, market research, and economic development. A student of science, Marquise thinks it is interesting to observe how slight changes in technology, the economy, and knowledge can disrupt the landscape for businesses. Marquise says physics is the study of motion and what best describes him is being a student of the motion of business. Marquise is enthusiastic about building strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration that leads to expanding the village that supports the business ecosystem.
Linda MacFarlane
Strategic Partnerships for Sharing Financial Risk
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Executive Director
Linda MacFarlane oversees the operations and management of this $26 million, non-profit, community development financial institution serving the Capital Region of New York State. The Community Loan Fund focuses on start-up and expansion capital for BIPOC, women, and low-income business owners; training and technical assistance for businesses and entrepreneurs; and sustainable community development projects. In addition, Linda is the Executive Director of the Albany Center for Economic Success, a BIPOC small business incubator and community development facility located in Albany, NY. Linda serves on the Capital Region Economic Development Council, is chair of the NYS CDFI Coalition, and serves on several community boards.
Joann Massey
Strategic Partnerships for Sharing Financial Risk
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
President & CEO
Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE)
Dr. Joann Massey is the President and CEO for EDGE, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County. She is a recognized community leader with accolades such as 2023 MBJ Power 100, Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40, Leadership Memphis Executive Class 2014 and Top Performer Shelby County Government. She received the 2019 Blaze Award for Economic Justice and the 2021 Memphis Power 30. She was also recognized by the Tri-State Defender as a 2017 Woman of Excellence, a 3V Leading Lady of Shelby County and was also awarded the 2017 Partnership Award by WBEC. She is a 2017 Rose Center Fellow for Equitable Economic Development. Dr. Massey has been featured in national publications such as Fast Company and Forbes. She has been a guest panelist for several prestigious national conferences such as City Summit by National League of Cities, The Funders Network (TFN) Annie Casey Foundation, Results for America, as well as guest speaker for The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Her speaking engagements have been based on her expertise in economic, workforce and community development, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Massey has certifications in Economic Development from Harvard University, Executive Education Program; Managing Economic Development Organizations from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC); and as a Certified Compliance Administrator from Morgan State University. She is also a graduate of Benedictine University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) concentration in Finance. She holds a dual Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance degree from LeMoyne Owen College. She currently resides in East Memphis with her loving husband of 30 years and their amazing three adult children.
Leopoldo Peña
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Co-Founder
Presta
Leo’s previous experience has been centered around GovTech — most recently focused on expanding access to voting. He helped launch a mobile voting platform designed to securely cast votes in elections across the globe, allowing members of the US military to participate in general and midterm elections while serving abroad. Currently in Cleveland, Ohio, Leo holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Cornell University and is an alumnus of the Venture for America Fellowship.
Miranda Rodriguez
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Vice President, Operations
Lendistry
As VP of Strategy and Operations, Miranda leads program strategy, resource development and day-to-day operations for The Center. She is an impact-oriented leader passionate about advancing equitable economic development and wealth building strategies in low-income communities of color across the U.S. Prior to joining The Center, Miranda managed a robust set of economic inclusion and capacity building initiatives as Deputy Director at LISC LA. She brings 15 years of diverse experience in program design and implementation, budget management, and partnership development in the community economic development field to support The Center’s growing portfolio.
Everett Sands
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Chief Executive Officer
Lendistry
Everett K. Sands leverages his 20+ years of experience in banking to change the game for underserved small business owners who need access to responsible capital to reach the next level. Mr. Sands has shared his recommendations before Congressional committees and at conferences hosted by FORTUNE, the National Urban League, and several industry-related events. He has appeared as a subject matter expert on national business media, including CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg.
With past tenures at national and community banks including MDIs, Mr. Sands has closed more than $10 billion in finance transactions. His experience also includes structured finance transactions like New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones and secondary market transactions. Mr. Sands is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, an Advisory Board member of The Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR), and a Board member of The Center for Strategic Economic Studies and Institutional Development.
Keith Talley Sr.
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
President & CEO
LHOME (Louisville Housing Opportunities and Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund, Inc.)
Keith Talley Sr. was appointed as President and CEO of LHOME in April of 2022. Previous to this appointment Keith had an eight-year career with Louisville Metro Government. First as director of the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District. The agency is responsible for implementing the EPA’s Clean Air Act and local clean air regulations. Then as Chief of Community Building in the Mayor’s cabinet where he oversaw the Office of Resilience and Community Services, the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, the Air Pollution Control District, Parks and Recreation and the city’s Group Violence Intervention Program. Previously, he was deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
Prior to his work in government, Keith had an 18-year career in banking that focused on commercial lending, small-business development, affordable housing, and economic development. He was a commercial lender and the Executive Director of the National City Community Development Association, focusing on low-income affordable housing and historic tax credit transactions. He has taught small business start-up classes and participated in numerous community development seminars and training events. Following his work at National City Bank he was part of the startup team for the Louisville Community Development Bank as a Senior Vice-President and head of lending.
Keith has served on the board of numerous local non-profits, including the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, the Coalition for the Homeless, the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, and Louisville Central Community Centers. He was a 1990 Black Achiever and a 1999 Leadership Louisville graduate. In 2007, Keith received a Louisville Metro Council Black History Celebration Award for outstanding community service.
Keith is a Louisville native. He grew up in the Shawnee neighborhood and is a graduate of Central High School. He has Bachelor of Arts degree in economics with a minor in the interdisciplinary study of African history from Northwestern University.
Keith is an avid sports fan, with a particular devotion to the University of Louisville. He and his wife of 39 years, Vickie, have a son and a daughter.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
President & CEO
The Center By Lendistry
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk is a community development professional whose public service career spans more than two decades leading racial equity initiatives and billion-dollar governmental programs with the goal of building better communities for those in greatest need. As President and CEO for The Center by Lendistry, Tunua centers diverse and ready to be served small businesses to ensure access to the resources, technical assistance, and economic opportunities needed for success. The Center’s work begins with small businesses but also encompasses the communities in which they do business by elevating affordable housing and other community development revitalization efforts
Eugenia Vivanco
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Community Impact and Funding Director
RDF
Eugenia Vivanco serves as Raza Development Fund’s Community Impact and Funding Director. She has a background in international development and program monitoring and evaluation. Eugenia joined RDF in 2019 and leads their impact management and evaluation initiatives which include the recent implementation of an integrated financial-impact scorecard. She also runs point on fund development in support of the organization’s goal to grow philanthropic support for RDF’s mission. Eugenia has co-authored Five research priorities for CDFIs: Advancing financial inclusion through evidence-based practices emphasizing the need for better practices of impact measurement and evaluation in the community development space.
Fawn Zimmerman
Strategic Partnerships for Sharing Financial Risk
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Development Finance Data Collection and Measurement
Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Building Borrower Finance-Readiness
Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Equitable Lending Assessment Tools & Spreadsheet Solutions
Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Managing Director, CDFA Advisory Services
Council of Development Finance Agencies
Fawn Zimmerman is Managing Director of CDFA Advisory Services at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). In her role, Fawn assists development finance agencies nationwide with strategic planning, finance program development, grant writing assistance, and development finance education and training. She also leads initiatives to enhance capital access for underserved communities. Fawn oversees programming aimed at increasing funding for underserved small businesses and developing culturally relevant programs to boost investment in underserved farmers and ranchers.
Fawn holds a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Communication from The Ohio State University and has pursued postgraduate studies at Ohio University. Her career is deeply intertwined with her philanthropic goals, and she is committed to leveraging her creative, academic, and professional experiences to drive positive changes in the development finance sector.