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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
Contact CDFA

Toby Rittner Toby Rittner
President & CEO, CDFA and Chairman, CDFA Foundation
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)
Noelle Sheets Noelle Sheets
Vice President, CDFA and Executive Director, CDFA Foundation
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1304
Noelle Sheets is Vice President overseeing the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and Executive Director of the CDFA Foundation. She plays a pivotal role in shaping CDFA's future direction and ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of development finance.

Ms.... (More)
Jerad Groves Jerad Groves
Vice President
Strategy & Innovation Division
614-705-1307
As Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, Jerad Groves oversees the development and marketing of new CDFA programming, including education and professional development courses, workshops and lectures, and a variety of networking events. As part of CDFA’s senior staff, Jerad contributes to the organization’s overall... (More)
Jamie Karl Jamie Karl
Senior Director
Advocacy and Government Affairs
614-705-1310
As senior director of advocacy and government affairs, Jamie Karl is responsible for helping lead the CDFA’s efforts to protect and strengthen critical development finance tools by highlighting their importance to federal policymakers, agency leaders, and their staff.  

Karl has more than two decades of executive-level... (More)
Genna Auteri Genna Auteri
Senior Director
Strategy & Innovation Division
614-705-1303
As Senior Director of the Strategy & Innovation Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Genna is responsible for fostering collaboration and communication among team members and stakeholders, ensuring that project goals align with CDFA’s mission. Genna has had many responsibilities at CDFA including... (More)
Fawn Zimmerman Fawn Zimmerman
Managing Director, CDFA Advisory Services
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1305
Fawn Zimmerman is Managing Director of CDFA Advisory Services in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). In her role, Fawn assists development finance agencies nationwide with strategic planning, finance program development, and obtaining CDFI certification. She also leads... (More)
Lori DeWine Lori DeWine
Managing Director
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1308
Lori DeWine is Managing Director of the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) where she oversees the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and Revolving Loan Fund programs. With over 20 years of experience in education, affordable... (More)
Jennifer Lindsey Jennifer Lindsey
Director
Operations & Finance Division
614-705-1317
Jennifer Lindsey is Operations Manager in the Operations & Finance Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). In her role, Jen assists with managing the operational functions that support CDFA. Jen focuses on human resources, office management, accounting, and information technology. With a background... (More)
Angela Blatt Angela Blatt
Director
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1306
As a Director in the Knowledge & Networks Division at 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... (More)
Katie Moriarty Katie Moriarty
Director
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1314
Katie Moriarty is a Director in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Ms. Moriarty leads the organization’s National Development Finance Summit, held annually to bring together leaders and experts from the development finance industry from around the world. She also... (More)
Ben Lewis
Manager, Marketing
Strategy & Innovation Division
614-705-1315
Ben Lewis is a Marketing Manager in the Strategy & Innovation Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). With a degree from The Ohio State University and extensive experience in innovative technology, viral marketing, and sales, he has the skills to navigate and thrive in the dynamic landscape of... (More)
Ikhlas Ahmed Ikhlas Ahmed
Manager
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1309
Ikhlas Ahmed is a Manager in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). In her role, Ikhlas oversees the planning and execution of various CDFA events, coordinating logistics, arranging expert contributors, and facilitating marketing efforts for both online webinars and... (More)
Madeline Wilson Madeline Wilson
Manager, Marketing
Strategy & Innovation Division
614-705-1311
Mady is a Marketing Manager in the Strategy & Innovation Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Mady is responsible for working with fellow CDFA team members to coordinate and execute the organization’s marketing calendar and various activities related to outreach, copywriting, communication, and... (More)
Ronita Jackson Ronita Jackson
Manager, Membership
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1300
As a Manager of CDFA's Knowledge & Networks Division, 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... (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)
Andres Caro Andres Caro
Coordinator
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1313
Andres Caro is a coordinator in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). His responsibilities span research, technical assistance, and coordination of grant contracts. Andres assembles and curates content for newsletters, ensuring members are informed and engaged. He also... (More)
Elise Adelmann Elise Adelmann
Coordinator
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1318
Elise Adelmann is a Coordinator in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). She provides key administrative support for a range of roles including sponsor relations, database management, contract and grant compliance, and marketing. She assists in facilitating effective... (More)
Miranda Rike Miranda Rike
Coordinator
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1301
Miranda Rike is a Coordinator in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Miranda is responsible for coordinating the administration of various CDFA virtual and in-person events. Primarily, Miranda orchestrates the CDFA Training Institute, which offers the nation’s most... (More)
Valeria Morales
Associate
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1316
Sara Tallon
Coordinator, Knowledge & Networks Division
Knowledge & Networks Division
614-705-1302

-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

  • Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
  • BNY Mellon
  • Bricker Graydon 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
  • The Bond Buyer
  • U.S. Bank
  • Wells Fargo Securities
Become a Sponsor