Steve Boice

When the Deal Goes Bad
Tuesday May 14 3:15 - 4:00 PM

Manager - Business Finance
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Steve Boice has over 18 years of experience working in the commercial loan, economic development, and banking industry. As the Manager of Business Finance at CHFA, Mr. Boice leads a team of commercial loan officers that provide over $100M a year through its various loan and economic development programs to small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Mr. Boice has experience with providing both permanent and construction loans on commercial, residential, and affordable projects, as well as lending on New Markets Tax Credits, Industrial Development Bonds, and Brownfields projects. In addition, he has experience in portfolio and credit risk management, as well as underwriting complex multifamily loan transactions involving historic and affordable housing tax credits, HUD risk share insurance, and FFB.

Mr. Boice is currently a Board Member of the Economic Development Council of Colorado as well as a former member of the B-Side Capital SBA 504 Loan Committee. He is also a Board Emeritus member of Think 360 Arts for Learning.

Andrew Bracker

Innovative RLFs
Tuesday May 14 4:15 - 5:00 PM

Brownfields Manager
City of Kansas City

As Brownfields Manager for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Andrew has over 26 years of experience in brownfields redevelopment, including revolving loan funds and other federal and state grants and incentives, environmental assessment and cleanup, community involvement, and economic development. He has secured, administered, and implemented over $26 million in federal and state grants and incentives for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated properties and related projects.

Under Mr. Bracker, the Kansas City Brownfields RLF has helped revive industrial properties and areas, reposition federal defense assets, repurpose historic buildings as cultural icons, fill gaps in food deserts, and remove toxic lead and asbestos from vacant lots for affordable housing, all in environmental justice communities. He led the formation of brownfield coalitions that support regional local governments across county and state lines. Andrew has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and has served on the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission. In previous employment, he practiced environmental law in California in the areas of air quality, Superfund litigation, and hazardous waste regulation.

Elijah Davis

Innovative RLFs
Tuesday May 14 4:15 - 5:00 PM

Research Officer
Drexel University

Elijah E. Davis is a research officer at the Nowak Metro Finance Lab, where he focuses on small business finance, place-based economic development, development finance, and public procurement. He joins the Lab as a community economic development leader and practitioner, previously serving as program director of Urban Impact, Inc., a community economic development nonprofit based in the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument District and Fourth Avenue Historic District. In addition to co-leading the organizational refresh of a legacy nonprofit, he developed, led and managed a new portfolio of programs including COVID-19 business support, community-based microlending, small business capacity-building programs, community planning, and placemaking initiatives that resulted in new levels of corporate philanthropic and public investment for the organization. Previous to his role at Urban Impact, he worked as an analyst in business advisory services, assisting small-to-midsize firms. 

For his work in Birmingham, Alabama, he was awarded Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2022. Building off his local work in Birmingham, Elijah continues his advocacy nationally in neighborhood economic development, and in recognition of his work, he was named a Next City Vanguard in 2023. Elijah earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Brett Doney

Designing Your RLF
Monday May 13 1:15 - 3:00 PM

President & Chief Executive Officer
Great Falls Development Authority

Brett Doney leads the Great Falls Development Authority, a public/private economic development partnership serving the 12-county Great Falls Montana trade area. Doney has over 30 years of experience in urban and rural community economic development. Prior positions include: President/CEO of Enterprise Maine, a family of community economic development organizations dedicated to creating economic opportunity and enhancing the quality of life in rural western Maine; Director of the Ft. Devens Reuse Center, a 9,600 acre army base redevelopment planning effort in Massachusetts; and, President of Doney Associates, a Boston-based consulting firm focused on urban revitalization, public/private real estate development, and innovative economic development.

Doney’s team efforts have won awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Economic Development Council, the International Economic Development Council, the National Association of Development Organizations, the Finance Authority of Maine, the Montana Economic Developers Association, and the National Brownfield Conference. His professional certifications include Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR), Senior Leader of Corporate Real Estate (SLCR), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), RMA Credit Risk Certification, Federal Grants Management, and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma. Doney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Masters in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Doney has taught, given presentations, and served on technical advisory teams for a variety of state, national and international economic development and industry organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Montana Economic Developers Association, the Great Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (Chair), the Downtown Development Partnership of Great Falls (Chair), and the Upper Missouri River Heritage Area Planning Corporation. He serves on the International Economic Development Council’s Accreditation and Public Policy Advisory Committees, as the Montana Government Relations Chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers, and on the McLaughlin Research Institute’s National Development Council. He is an active Rotarian and past President of the Great Falls Rotary Club.

Jennifer Emens-Butler Esq.

Pre- and Post-Loan Closing
Tuesday May 14 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Director of Closing
Vermont Economic Development Authority

Jennifer Emens-Butler is the Director of Closing for the Vermont Economic Development Authority in Montpelier. In her role, she supervises the loan closing team and oversees all loan closings, reviewing documentation for compliance with laws, policies and procedures.
Prior to joining VEDA, Jennifer was the Director of Education and Communication for the Vermont Bar Association, following her long-term service on VBA's Board of Managers, and as VBA Past-President. Prior to 2016, Jennifer practiced law in the field of business and consumer bankruptcy at Obuchowski & Emens-Butler, PC in Bethel for nearly 20 years following her federal clerkship in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont. In her practice, Jennifer was an active presenter at local and national seminars and taught Bankruptcy Law for the Vermont Law School's General Practice Program.
Jennifer is currently serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Aspire Living & Learning, an organization that provides treatment and services for neurodiverse children and adults in several states and as Corporator for Northfield Savings Bank. She lives in East Montpelier with her family and enjoys paddleboarding with her Cavapoo in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. She also enjoys nature photography, exploring all the beauty that Vermont has to offer.

Shelly Gross-Wade

The Decision Process
Tuesday May 14 12:15 - 2:00 PM

Principal Consultant
Bay Crossing Consulting

With a 40-year legacy in public-private management, Shelly is a thought leader in economic development, business, and mission-driven finance. Throughout her career as a public servant, advocate, and financial leader, Shelly opened doors to capital for aspiring small businesses, improving access to capital for small, women, minority, and socially-disadvantaged businesses throughout the State of Maryland. At Bay Crossing Consulting Services, Shelly offers her breadth of expertise to clients in the economic development, business, and nonprofit sectors. Shelly was the first African American and the first woman to serve as President and CEO of FSC First, which provides creative financing solutions to small businesses in Maryland. During her 24 years of leadership, FSC First managed more than 10 distinct loan programs to support unbanked and under-banked small, women, minority, and socially-disadvantaged businesses and rapid growth companies. Passionate about entrepreneurship, Shelly led FSC to close over $100 million in loans for small, women, minority, and socially-disadvantaged businesses and attracted over $1.4 billion in public/private funds. Before joining FSC First, Shelly served as the Incentive Fund Manager and facilitated industrial revenue bond transactions at Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation for over a decade. In this capacity, she helped local businesses locate, expand, and invest in their local communities. A proud Maryland native, Shelly is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College and Anne Arundel Community College. She is also a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and Leadership Maryland. A nationally-certified Economic Development Finance Professional,Shelly continually deepens her skill sets and connects her clients with the tools for prosperity. Rooted in faith, community, and family, Shelly spends down time with her son, daughter-in-law, bonus daughter, grandchildren, and husband of 30-plus years. She loves entertaining, live jazz, crab feasts, and power boating on the Chesapeake Bay.

Jeffry Harris

RLF Management
Monday May 13 3:15 - 4:15 PM

Partner
Bricker Graydon

Jeffry Harris’ practice spans the experience gained during his career working in Ohio’s economic development. Grant administration, financial incentives modeling and negotiations, nonprofit board governance, Ohio Sunshine Laws, abandoned property redevelopment, and handling federal funds all were touch points gleaned from his positions in state, county, and municipal government work in Ohio. Jeffry now advises clients – in both the public and private sectors – in the legal aspects of running programs, accessing funds, and implementing financial tools.

As a public finance attorney in the firm, Jeffry is counsel to local governments, county land banks, private developers, and nonprofit organizations. Jeffry is helping lead the firm’s efforts to compile and direct clients to public incentives and funding tools for housing rehabilitation and construction in their communities.

Jeffry especially enjoys helping clients understand the quantitative effects of legal concepts in public finance settings. A fan of multi-tabbed spreadsheets, he works with others at the firm to model real property tax exemption mechanisms, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Enterprise Zone and CRA tax abatements. Jeffry strives to help clients determine if the “juice is worth the squeeze” when considering various public development incentives; are the upsides (filling gaps in capital stacks) worth the downsides (reporting, contractual obligations, prevailing wage, and procurement requirements) in using government funding.

Mitchell Harrison

Designing Your RLF
Monday May 13 1:15 - 3:00 PM

Revolving Loan Fund Coordinator and Americas Competitiveness Exchange Coordinator
U.S. Economic Development Administration

Mitchell Harrison serves the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program Coordinator for the $1 billion grant-funded RLF portfolio. Additionally, Mitchell leads EDA’s work with the Americas Competitiveness Exchange.
 
Working from Washington, DC, he leads efforts to strengthen portfolio management and program impact by working with RLF Administrators across EDA’s regional offices. Before this, he managed a regional portfolio of RLFs as well as a diverse portfolio of economic development projects along the U.S.-Mexico border with EDA’s Austin Regional Office. Mitchell joined EDA in Austin, TX as a Presidential Management Fellow upon completing his master’s degree in Regional Planning at Cornell University. Mitchell served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras with the municipal development program after completing a B.A. in International Management and Political Science at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Jackie Lewis

RLF Management
Monday May 13 3:15 - 4:15 PM

Partner
Bricker Graydon

Jacquelin (“Jackie”) Lewis is a partner in Bricker Graydon LLP's Public Finance group and practices in the areas of public finance, public law, and economic development with an emphasis on school and local government law, housing and tax incentives in connection with development projects. Jackie also advises on the issuance of municipal bond and lease purchase transactions for municipalities, school districts, and other Ohio political subdivisions, and provides general counsel services to political subdivisions with respect to various issues of public law.

In addition to her work in the bond financing space, Jackie works with public and private clients to negotiate economic development incentives and establish economic development programs, such as tax increment financing (TIF), new community authorities (NCAs), and community reinvestment areas (CRAs). Jackie also works in the firm's housing practice, assisting developers utilize existing tools and new programs in connection with housing developments. 

Jackie formerly served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, legislative liaison to the Ohio Treasurer of State and Ohio Attorney General and as a legislative aide in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly.

Sandra Lopez

The Decision Process
Tuesday May 14 12:15 - 2:00 PM

Fund Loan Officer
B: Side Capital & B: Side Fund

As a bilingual loan officer at B:Side, Sandra is passionate about seeing entrepreneurs succeed and achieve their goals. With 10 years of financial experience, she has helped hundreds of business owners gain access to capital, she has a deep understanding of the unique challenges that an entrepreneur experiences, and also how to secure the necessary funding to start, grow and sustain their business. Sandra is a dedicated small business advocate and she believes that small businesses are the key to our economic growth.

In addition, Sandra advocates for latina's in the community through her work with the Latina Equity Foundation, is a regular speaker at Mi Casa Resource Center in Denver, and part of the Fiestas Patrias planning committee in Colorado Springs. She believes access to capital and economic prosperity is obtainable regardless of an individuals' geographic and ethnic background. 

Joy Melton

Marketing Your RLF Program
Monday May 13 4:15 - 5:00 PM

Business Development Specialist/Loan Fund
Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Joy Melton is the Loan Fund Manager at Northwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission in Spooner, WI. Joy has been involved with small business and economic development since 2021. During this time, she has consulted businesses and individuals to start up, expand or grow. Melton builds operational strategy through her ability to help business owners and entrepreneurs answer tough questions and map out a road to success though mission focused business planning, marketing strategy and strategic visioning.

Ariel Miller

Understanding Revolving Loan Funds
Monday May 13 12:15 - 1:15 PM

Senior Director, Research & Technical Assistance
Council of Development Finance Agencies

Ariel Miller is the Senior Director of Research & Technical Assistance with the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). During her time at CDFA, she has conducted research and data collection, written numerous publications, and developed curriculum on topics including access to capital programs, equitable economic development, infrastructure finance, federal finance, tax credit programs, and food system finance. Ariel also leads technical assistance engagements with development finance agencies for strategic planning, finance program development, and CDFI certification. In this role, she contributes to the organization’s strategic planning, staff development, and day-to-day management, in addition to leading the Research & Technical Assistance team. Ariel received her Master of City and Regional Planning degree from The Ohio State University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Lina Moeller

Designing Your RLF
Monday May 13 1:15 - 3:00 PM

Loan Origination Manager
IBank

Lina Moeller is the Loan Origination Manager for the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and manages the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program, a direct loan program.  Lina joined IBank in January of 2016, and is responsible for managing and directing all credit and loan underwriting activities for the Loan Origination Unit.  Lina conducts extensive outreach at conferences and expos, speaking and presenting on behalf of IBank at various events including California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) events. Lina has been in the lending industry for more than 28 years. Lina started her career working as a credit analyst and underwriter at Community Bank before joining Bank of America and holding positions from credit analyst, portfolio manager, SBA underwriter, commercial underwriter, and approval officer. Lina also worked as an SBA underwriter at Resource Capital CDC. Prior to joining IBank she was Vice President of Lending at Vision One Credit Union. Lina holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Wright State University, and a Graduate Finance Certification from Southern Methodist University.

Leopoldo Peña

Innovative RLFs
Tuesday May 14 4:15 - 5:00 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.

Gina Slater Parker

When the Deal Goes Bad
Tuesday May 14 3:15 - 4:00 PM

President & CEO
Long Island Development Corporation

Gina Hill Slater Parker, President & CEO, Long Island Development Corporation (LIDC), the Long Island region’s leading business development finance agency. Additionally, Ms. Hill Slater Parker is the President & CEO, Long Island Small Business Assistance Corp (LISBAC), a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) with the US Department of the Treasury. Under Ms. Hill Slater Parker’s leadership, LISBAC is leading the way in micro lending innovation. Ms. Hill Slater Parker is a long time small business advocate and active contributor to small business needs, locally, nationally, and internationally. With over thirty years of experience in business, Ms. Hill Slater Parker maintains corporate membership, serves and/or served on numerous organizations, boards and committees in order to further economic development goals and small business initiatives. Including: Asian Women In Business - Black Women Enterprises – Long Island Dress for Success – Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce – Long Island’s Business & Professional Women - Nassau County Comptroller’s Minority-Owned Business Enterprise/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, Advisory Committee – Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) - National Women’s Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) – National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Trustee - Child Care Council of Nassau County, Board Member - Long Island Association (LIA) – Euro-American Women’s Council (EAWC), Global Vice Chair.

Peter Truog

Innovative RLFs
Tuesday May 14 4:15 - 5:00 PM

Co-Founder
Presta

After working in management consulting, Peter moved to Northeast Ohio to work in community and economic development, and later launched The Opportunity Exchange. He has contributed to the US Impact Investing Alliance's OZ Impact Reporting Framework, co-authored a paper on green energy in Opportunity Zones, and written for the Brookings institution.

Stephen Ursich

Pre- and Post-Loan Closing
Tuesday May 14 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Vice President
Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance

Stephen Ursich earned his B.S. in Economics from The University of Scranton. He graduated with honors from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PBA) School of Commercial Lenders and the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking.

In June 2016, Stephen joined NEPA Alliance, where he oversees the Business Development Division. He specializes in SBA and Economic Development Lending. He has nearly 25 years of banking experience, focusing on retail and commercial lending. He has extensive knowledge in banking procedures, cash flow analysis, business analysis and loan structuring.

Stephen has served as a Business Consultant with the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, specializing in Marcellus Shale-related business activities. He served on the Board of Directors of The Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce for 7 years and was its President for 2 ½ years. He is currently Vice President of Forest City Regional School District Board Director as well as the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. In addition, he serves as the Chairman of the Herrick Township Planning Commission in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, as well as being the President of the Union Dale Volunteer Fire Company. Stephen is also the owner of two self-storage businesses located in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties.

Stephen resides in Union Dale, PA with his wife Margaret; he has five daughters.

Fawn Zimmerman

Welcome and Overview
Monday May 13 12:00 - 12:15 PM

Director, Research & Technical Assistance
Council of Development Finance Agencies

Fawn Zimmerman is a Director of Research & Technical Assistance at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) working to create, develop, and execute programming which will help underserved communities gain more access to capital. She is responsible for working on the CDFA Equitable Capital Loan Guarantee Program designed to bring more capital to minority small businesses and the CDFA–NASDA Foundation Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Access to Capital Program focused on curating an extensive database of agricultural resources, providing hands-on technical assistance, and developing culturally significant programming to encourage increased investment in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Fawn studied at Ohio University as a post graduate and holds a BA with honors in Communication from The Ohio State University. She also has extensive experience working within the real estate industry in sales, investing, marketing, and operations; and, she has provided leadership in a variety of settings including classrooms, training sessions, production sets, and writing projects. She has long united her career goals with her philanthropic ones, and looks forward to applying her creative, academic, and work experiences together to promote positive changes within the development finance landscape.