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About CDFA

The Council of Development Finance Agencies is 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 as well as a variety of non-governmental and private organizations including bankers, underwriters, attorneys, financial advisors and other organizations interested in development finance.

The Council was formed in 1982 with the mission to strengthen the efforts of state and local development finance agencies fostering job creation and economic growth through the use of tax-exempt and other public-private partnership finance programs. Today, CDFA has one of the strongest voices in the development finance industry and regularly communicates with Capitol Hill, state and local government leaders and the Federal Administration. The Council provides a number of avenues for assisting the development finance industry including education, advocacy, research, resources and networking. CDFA is ultimately the conduit linking development finance professionals together.

-Board of Directors

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.

-Staff

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 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... (More)
Angie Page
Vice President of Development Finance
614-705-1298 |
As the Vice President of the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Angela leads the organization's next wave of innovation in Business Development, Project & Program Operationalization, Strategic Planning, IT Strategy, Leadership Development, and Corporate Transformation. She plays a pivotal role in shaping... (More)
Jerad Groves 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... (More)
Ariel Miller 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... (More)
Noelle Sheets 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... (More)
Mitchell Smith Mitchell Smith
Senior Director, Government & External Affairs
614-705-1308 |
Mitchell Smith is the Senior 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... (More)
Theresa Treadway 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... (More)
Genna Auteri 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),... (More)
Angela Blatt 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... (More)
Fawn Zimmerman 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... (More)
Eric Silva 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... (More)
Ikhlas Ahmed Ikhlas Ahmed
Manager, Programming
614-705-1309 |
Ikhlas Ahmed is a Manager 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,... (More)
Ronita Jackson 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... (More)
Madeline Wilson 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... (More)
Zeyu Zhang 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... (More)
Elise Adelmann 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... (More)
Brendan Barry 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, cannabis finance, and federal finance programs. Brendan manages the CDFA Community Facilities Technical Assistance Program for Tribal... (More)
Ryan Burton Ryan Burton
Coordinator, Government & External Affairs
614-705-1316 |
Ryan Burton is a Coordinator with the Government & External Affairs Division with the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Ryan’s area of focus is in policy, legislation, equitable development, and equitable access to transportation and public transportation networks. Ryan is also responsible for working... (More)
Andres Caro 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... (More)
Miranda Rike 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... (More)
Jennifer Lindsey
Coordinator, Operations
614-705-1317 |
Jennifer Lindsey is the Operations Coordinator for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her responsibilities will include supporting accounting, human resources, information technology, and office management.

Jen graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelors of Science in Communication. After graduation,... (More)

-CDFA Press Releases

-Lifetime Achievement Awards

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.

Learn More

-Policies


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.


CDFA National Sponsors

  • BNY Mellon
  • Bricker Graydon LLP
  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
  • Business Oregon
  • CohnReznick
  • Frost Brown Todd LLP
  • Grow America | Formerly NDC
  • Hawes Hill and Associates LLP
  • Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
  • Ice Miller LLP
  • KeyBanc Capital Markets
  • Kutak Rock LLP
  • McGuireWoods
  • MuniCap, Inc.
  • NW Financial Group, LLC
  • PGAV Planners, LLC
  • Raza Development Fund
  • SB Friedman Development Advisors
  • Stifel Nicolaus
  • U.S. Bank
  • Wells Fargo Securities
  • Z. The Bond Buyer
Become a Sponsor