CDFA is governed by a 32-member Board of Directors. Policy is developed by the Board of Directors based on committee recommendations and concerns of the membership. Click on the (More) links to learn even more about CDFA’s distinguished leaders.

CDFA is managed by a professional staff headquartered in Columbus, OH. The staff and various advisors carry out the day-to-day administration of the Council. To contact a member of the staff or an advisor, use the following information.

Council of Development Finance Agencies
100 E. Broad Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-705-1300

	Toby Rittner President & CEO 614-705-1299 | Toby Rittner is the President & CEO of Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing hundreds of... public, private and non-profit development entities. Members are state, county and municipal development finance agencies and authorities that provide or otherwise support economic development financing programs. Mr. Rittner runs the day-to-day operations of the Council including the organization’s various educational, advocacy, research, resources and networking initiatives. Rittner is one of the most vocal and recognized leaders of the development finance industry nationwide and has advised state and federal government leaders, including President Biden and President Obama’s Administration Transition Teams, on economic development finance policy. Through his leadership and guidance, CDFA was successful in preserving private activity bonds and other critical development finance tools during the 2017 tax reform deliberations and has had numerous pieces of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. In 2021, Rittner successfully led a national effort to reauthorize and fund the $10B State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Rittner focuses on sustainable finance with an emphasis on infrastructure, clean energy food systems, small business and innovations in the development finance industry to drive sustainable outcomes. He has written extensively about impact ready initiatives that leverage and engage capital in ways that drive local sustainability in both the environment and economy. Rittner is a frequent speaker at local, state and national conferences and events focused on economic development finance. He has been featured in The Bond Buyer, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, NPR and other national media publications concerning the advancement of development finance tools. He is the author of CDFA's highly acclaimed Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance and co-author of CDFA's Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency. Rittner is an adjunct faculty member at The Ohio State University and Carnegie Mellon University teaching planning and finance for sustainable economic development. He is also a Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) and has completed the prestigious Oxford University Sustainable Finance Foundation Course. Prior to joining CDFA, Mr. Rittner was the Director of Legislative Affairs for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Mr. Rittner has also worked for the Franklin County, Ohio Board of Commissioners and the City of Gahanna, Ohio. Mr. Rittner previously served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Financial Advisory Board and is a member of the Advisory Board for the National Community Fund I. Mr. Rittner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master's of City and Regional Planning degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Rittner was awarded the Ohio State University College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2016. (More)
	Ariel Miller Senior Director, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1319 | 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. (More)
	Noelle Sheets Senior Director, Development and Director, CDFA Foundation 614-705-1304 | Noelle Sheets is the Senior Director of Development for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) and Director of the CDFA Foundation. Ms. Sheets has more than 20 years of experience collaborating with stakeholders through strategic partnerships that achieve shared goals and outcomes. Ms. Sheets joined CDFA in... 2019 with a broad range of experience within nonprofit associations including SSTI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Central Ohio, and the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. As Senior Director of Development, Ms. Sheets leads CDFA’s Development Division and is responsible for cultivating, building and enhancing CFA’s strategic relationships. She is skilled at connecting with people authentically and positively, leading to effective collaboration and shared success. In this role, she oversees conference logistics, sponsorship, membership, and partnership efforts and acts as CDFA’s Board Liasion. Ms. Sheets holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Capital University. (More)
	Theresa Treadway Senior Director, Operations 614-705-1312 | Theresa Treadway is the Senior Director of Operations for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Theresa is responsible for managing the operational functions that support CDFA’s long-term financial health. In this role, she optimizes existing resources and creates cost effective, efficient and secure... processes that assist all CDFA divisions in their mission to advance development finance knowledge, networks and innovation. Her responsibilities span over accounting, human resources, information technology, office management and Board compliance. Prior to her time at CDFA, Theresa was the Operations Manager for an SBA CDC in Charlotte, NC. In this role she gained extensive knowledge in operations and a passion for development finance. Theresa is a graduate of SUNY Empire State College with a degree in Business Administration. She is currently working towards her MBA at Winthrop University. (More)
	Jerad Groves Senior Director, Programming 614-705-1307 | As the Senior Director of Programming, Jerad Groves oversees the development, quality, and execution of CDFA’s programming, including education and professional development courses, online and in-person workshops and lectures, and a variety of networking events. As part of CDFA’s senior staff, Jerad contributes to the... organization’s strategic planning, staff development and leadership, and day-to-day management needs. Prior to his current role, Jerad served as CDFA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, during which he was responsible for all external marketing strategies, overseeing day-to-day communications, and developing ongoing marketing plans. Before joining CDFA, Jerad spent 20+ years as a creative director and strategist in the marketing industry, working with clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s across a variety of business sectors. A deep appreciation for non-profit, mission-based organizations led him to CDFA, where his design-thinking approach provides creative solutions and innovative ideas that help move the organization forward. (More)
	Genna Auteri Director, Programming 614-705-1303 | As the Director of Programming, Genna is responsible for overseeing all of the events, in-person and virtual, offered by CDFA and the day-to-day management of the Programming team. This includes virtual training courses, webinars, CDFA's Virtual Summer School, the Development Finance Certified Professional Program (DFCP),... and the National Development Finance Summit. She is responsible for the development and execution of the Infrastructure Finance Learning Series and the video production of the CDFA TV Finance Toolbox Series including a series on broadband financing and infrastructure financing. Previously, Genna served as a Director of Research & Technical Assistance, overseeing the projects and responsibilities of her team. She acted as a project manager for CDFA's SSBCI efforts supervising and executing all related publications, learning series, webinars, and communication strategy. Genna proudly serves as the President of CDFA's social committee and enjoys planning parties, staff retreats, and team building events for her coworkers. Genna is a graduate of Ohio University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies and a Master’s degree in Sociology with a focus on intersectionality and gender violence. Genna lives in Columbus, OH with her husband, daughter, and two rescue border collies. (More)
	Angela Blatt Director, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1306 | As Director of Research & Technical Assistance with the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Angela focuses on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded initiative “Defining the Food System Asset Class,” whereby CDFA explores opportunities for the advancement of local and regional food systems using development finance... tools. Through this initiative, Angela collaborates with communities across the country providing technical assistance and producing strategic plans for development finance strategies that meet infrastructure, agriculture, and small business needs to support equitable, local food economies. Angela leads CDFA’s Food Systems Finance Advisory Council, joining both the food and finance industries, administers CDFA’s Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, connecting food-related businesses and projects with development finance agencies, and manages the Food and Agriculture Finance Update monthly newsletter. In 2021, she gained certification as a Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) through the CDFA Training Institute. A Navy Veteran, Angela holds two degrees from The Ohio State University: a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Food Policy from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and a Bachelor of Science from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. (More)
	Mitchell Smith Director, Government & External Affairs 614-705-1308 | Mitchell Smith is the Director of Government and External Affairs at the Council of Development Finance Agencies. Previously, Mitchell worked for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission on the education research team and served as the committee staffer for the House of Representatives Primary and Secondary Education... Committee. There, Mitchell drafted legislation and completed legal research on behalf of the Ohio General Assembly. A native of Bentonville, Arkansas, Mitchell attended the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, where he received his B.A. in American Studies and Political Science in 2009 and was a punter for the Razorbacks. He went on to complete his M.A. in American History and then relocated to Ohio University to complete a Ph.D. in American History. His specialization is in American diplomatic history, politics, and culture. (More)
	Fawn Zimmerman Director, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1305 | 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. (More)
	Rachel Reilly Senior Advisor 202-975-9143 | Rachel Reilly is the Founder of Aces & Archers, a strategic advisory and consulting firm focused on addressing socioeconomic inequality by reimagining traditional models for economic growth and private investing. Rachel previously served as the Director of Impact Strategy at the Economic Innovation Group (EIG) where she... led the organization’s work to support communities, policymakers and investors catalyzing sustainable economic growth in Opportunity Zones across the nation. Prior to EIG, Rachel was the Director of Impact Investing at Enterprise Community Partners where she expanded community investment opportunities for people and businesses by leading Enterprise’s $100 million debt offering – the Impact Note – as well as policy and advocacy activities related to impact investing. She has a Master’s in Real Estate Development from the University of Maryland, and served two terms as an elected representative in Washington, D.C. (More)
	Eric Silva CDFA Legislative Representative 202-930-1437 | Eric Silva serves as CDFA's Legislative Representative in Washington, DC. Eric has been an instrumental part of CDFA's legislative success over the past two decades. Mr. Silva is a founding partner at NSGS. He began his career in Washington as a Fellow with the Congressional Hunger Center and the Corporation For Enterprise... Development before serving as an aide to Senator James Jeffords (I-VT) and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Prior to founding NSGS, Eric practiced law for more than eight years in the Government and Regulatory Affairs group of Winston & Strawn LLP, a major international law firm. Mr. Silva has significant experience in a number of policy areas, including tax, agriculture, financial services, health care, energy and the environment, and trade. Mr. Silva has successfully advocated for client interests on some of the most significant legislation of the past decade, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, the Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the 2008 and 2012 Farm Bills. While practicing law, Mr. Silva served as legal counsel to clients on matters related to the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Lobbying Disclosure Act and congressional and executive branch ethics rules. He also served as in-house counsel to a major law firm Political Action Committee. Mr. Silva received a B.A. from Boston College and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School. While at Boston College, he was a member of the University President’s Council on Student Formation and the recipient of the Congressman John Joseph Moakley Award for International Service. In law school, he competed on the Notre Dame International Moot Court Team and represented clients pro bono on a variety of matters through the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic. Eric proudly serves as a Board Director for the Congressional Hunger Center, Boston College Alumni Association, and the Belfast Beltway Boxing Project. (More)
	Ronita Jackson Manager, Membership 614-705-1300 | As the Membership Manager, Ronita is responsible for CDFA’s extensive database systems, as well as membership and sponsorship support helping to ensure CDFA member organizations receive the highest level of customer service. Prior to joining CDFA, Ms. Jackson was raising her four kids with her husband in Ohio. However, she... was excited to rejoin the workforce and become a valuable asset to CDFA. Ronita spent five years with Marion Technical College as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator where she founded the Diversity Club and taught "Dealing with Diversity" courses as an adjunct faculty member. She also performed public speaking in high schools to inform and educate the students about the advantages of exploring nontraditional courses as they navigated through school, college, and the workforce. Ms. Jackson also worked as an Insurance Agent where she honed her skills at cultivating relationships, delivering superb customer service, and developing prospect lists. Ronita is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. She is very proud to proclaim that as a mother of three (while pregnant with her fourth), she earned her Master’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Organizational Management. (More)
	Kristen Schuman Manager, Operations 614-705-1317 | In her role as the Manager of Operations at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Kristen Schuman oversees a range of critical functions essential to CDFA's daily operations, encompassing vendor management, office administration, human resources, IT, accounting, payroll and the maintenance of efficient... workplace procedures and practices in collaboration with the CDFA team. Kristen has a Master’s in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University and is both PHR and SHRM-CP certified. Prior to joining CDFA, Kristen used her expertise to build HR Operations from the ground up, as well as created a six week online certification preparation training course. She is passionate about driving operational excellence. Kristen brings over 15 years of human resource and customer service management experience across several industries, including retail, fitness, manufacturing and oil and gas. (More)
	Madeline Wilson Manager, Marketing & Communications 614-705-1311 | Madeline is the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Madeline is responsible for working with fellow CDFA team members to coordinate and execute the organization’s various activities related to outreach, marketing, communication, and quality control. This includes the... development and management of communication policies, collateral, social media affiliations, and networking opportunities. Prior to joining CDFA, Madeline worked as a content writer for a small social media company. Madeline received a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University, Oxford in English, with a minor in Social Justice Studies, and an Associate of Science from Zane State College. (More)
	Zeyu Zhang Manager, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1302 | Zeyu Zhang is a Manager of Research & Technical Assistance for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her focus areas include bond, infrastructure finance, energy, PACE, and P3. She contributes to the team by managing federal programs, conducting research on development finance-related topics, generating... reports, and performing data analysis. Zeyu received her Ph.D. degree in Mass Communication at Ohio University in 2021. She has expertise in media studies, research designs, and data analysis. She has a Master’s degree in Digital Storytelling from Ball State University. Prior to joining CDFA, she worked as a researcher, instructor, research assistant, and program assistant. She is excited to advance her career by deepening her knowledge in the field of development finance. (More)
	Ikhlas Ahmed Coordinator, Programming 614-705-1309 | Ikhlas Ahmed is a Coordinator in the Programming Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Ikhlas is responsible for helping coordinate the day-to-day administration of various CDFA programming events. She contributes to the team by assisting the Director of Programming in building and executing... events, coordinating logistics, facilitating marketing, and providing pre-event/post-event management. These events include online webinars and in-person conferences that cover a variety of development finance tools and topics. Ikhlas received a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. (More)
	Brendan Barry Coordinator, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1314 | Brendan Barry is a Coordinator of Research & Technical Assistance at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). His areas of focus include tribal finance, tax increment finance, brownfields finance, cannabis finance, and federal finance programs. Mr. Barry manages the CDFA Community Facilities Technical Assistance... Program for Tribal Communities; a program designed to assist tribal communities access financing for their community facilities infrastructure by utilizing the USDA's Community Facilities Program and other development finance tools. He's also contributed to the CDFA Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance 3rd Edition, the National Development Finance Summit, numerous policy papers, and various internal projects. Mr. Barry received a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. (More)
	Elise Adelmann Coordinator, Development 614-705-1318 | Elise Adelmann is a Coordinator of Development at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her role is to provide support in the management of CDFA’s extensive database and to coordinate with staff to ensure member and sponsor needs are met. She assists in facilitating effective communication internally and... externally to enhance interdivisional cooperation and to enable CDFA staff to effectively reach our constituents. Elise received a Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development from Oral Roberts University. (More)
	Andres Caro Coordinator, Research & Technical Assistance 614-705-1313 | Andres Caro is a Coordinator of Research & Technical Assistance at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). His primary areas of expertise encompass brownfields finance, clean energy finance, and minority lending finance programs. In addition to his core responsibilities, Mr. Caro contributes to the CDFA... Equitable Capital Loan Guarantee Program and supports the CDFA Foundation. Andres received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University. (More)
	Miranda Rike Coordinator, Programming 614-705-1301 | Miranda Rike is a Coordinator in the Programming Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Miranda assists with coordinating and executing various CDFA programming events, including online training courses, webinars, and in-person conferences that address a variety of tools and topics within... development finance. Miranda is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Her professional background has revolved around educational programming at non-profit organizations, which led her to join the CDFA team. (More)

More Press Releases

The CDFA Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development finance industry throughout their professional career. Winners have made innovative and lasting contributions that have had a great impact on the way development finance programs are operated, managed, and administered. This award honors those individuals and the significant legislative contributions to the advancement of new development finance tools, strategies, and approaches.

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CDFA Legal & Financial Disclaimer
CDFA is not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, financial or other advisory services, nor does CDFA intend that the material included herein be relied upon to the exclusion of outside counsel or a municipal advisor. This publication, report or presentation is intended to provide accurate and authoritative general information and does not constitute advising on any municipal security or municipal financial product. CDFA is not a registered municipal advisor and does not provide advice, guidance or recommendations on the issuance of municipal securities or municipal financial products. Those seeking to conduct complex financial transactions using the best practices mentioned in this publication, report or presentation are encouraged to seek the advice of a skilled legal, financial and/or registered municipal advisor. Questions concerning this publication, report or presentation should be directed to info@cdfa.net.

CDFA Non-Discrimination Policy
The Council of Development Finance Agencies does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran's status or national origin in its programs or activities, including employment, membership, participation and sponsorship. For questions or concerns regarding CDFA's Non-Discrimination Policy, please contact, Toby Rittner, CDFA's designated civil rights coordinator.

CDFA Cancellation Policy
Written cancellations received by email or mail on or before 10 business days prior to the start of the events you are registered for will receive a refund less a $75 administrative charge. No cancellations will be received or refunds issued after this date, however, a substitute may attend at no additional charge. No refunds are given for no-shows; however, the registrant may request that course materials be sent. CDFA is not responsible for cancellations that were sent but never received. Please call to confirm receipt of any such requests. A cancellation confirmation email will be sent within 10 days. Please contact CDFA if you do not receive a confirmation.