Staff & Board

Bob Tucker is President of Chicago Community Loan Fund. Before January 2025, Bob was CCLF’s Interim President and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Programs. He led internal operations and provides strategic leadership to ensure CCLF executes its business plan and fulfills its mission to provide flexible, affordable and responsible financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development efforts and initiatives that benefit low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

Prior to joining CCLF, Bob was the Corporate General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer for Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS), where he oversaw all legal operations and developed strategies for managing and minimizing risk. Before NHS, he was a Partner at the law firm Chapman and Cutler LLP where he represented numerous lending institutions, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations and also served as the law firm’s Pro Bono Chair. Bob also has been a Freelance Writer for the Chicago Sun-Times and Pioneer Press, providing restaurant reviews and chef profiles.

He has extensive experience in credit analysis, working with a wide variety of loan products, and structuring complex financial and lending transactions, including matters involving bonds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits, and Tax Increment Financing.

Bob served as a Village Trustee on the Village Board of Oak Park, Illinois where he held roles on the Finance Committee and as a Trustee Liaison to the Oak Park Economic Development Commission. Bob has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Angela Dowell re-joined CCLF in August 2014 as the Controller. In September 2016, Dowell was promoted to Vice President of Finance and promoted again in 2018 to Chief Financial Officer. In this position, Angela is responsible for the accounting and finance operations of CCLF, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records and comprehensive set of controls, enhancing the accuracy of CCLF’s reported financial results, and complying with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards. In addition, Dowell oversees investor relations, including fundraising for new capital investments and maintaining existing investor relationships.

Dowell has held numerous accounting and finance roles over the past 10 years in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors and gives back to her community. She is a member of the Minority Advisory Board for Southern Illinois University’s College of Business. She is also a member of the Finance & Audit Committee for Disability CDFI Coalition and serves on the Not-for-Profit Committee for the Illinois CPA Society. Dowell additionally volunteers as a presenter on nonprofit finance and accounting for various groups.

Dowell is a CPA with a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration degree from DePaul University. She was recently awarded SIU-Carbondale’s College of Business ‘Emerging Saluki Leader Award.’ This award honors alumni who have graduated from the college within the past 15 years for their outstanding work within business, academia or government sectors, nonprofit organizations, and their community service. Dowell was recently named one of The Chicago Defender’s 2018 “Women of Excellence” award recipients and one of Crain’s Chicago Business‘ Notable Women in Finance in 2019. Additionally, after serving on the National Disability CDFI Coalition’s (NDCC) Finance and Audit Committee, Angela was elected 2019 Treasurer.

Lycrecia Parks, Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Portfolio Management, joined the CCLF team in 2011. She evaluates the credit risk of our loans and handles all post-closing portfolio management for CCLF.

Lycrecia holds an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a BA from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In all aspects of her career, Lycrecia has established and maintained relationships with CCLF’s contemporaries and borrowers. Under her leadership, Lycrecia has guided loans for developments that have helped re-establish some of Chicago’s most neglected communities, including XS Tennis in the Washington Park neighborhood, Jewel-Osco in the Woodlawn community, and Tierra Linda housing in Humboldt Park. Lycrecia conducts presentations at industry conferences as well as workshops outlining the lending process at CCLF. Most recently, she earned honors from Evanston, Illinois-based Rimland Services for supporting and guiding lending for eight different projects that benefit people with autism.

Lycrecia has served on the Loan Committee Board at South Side Community Federal Credit Union and serves on the Board for the Friends of STEM, an organization of parents, teachers and staff who seek to support the educational, financial and diverse experiences at STEM Magnet Academy. As a volunteer in the group, she has helped in fundraising efforts to provide the school with new Smartboards and other necessary technology to ensure the students receive the best STEM education.

Currently, Lycrecia sits on the board of Arab American Family Services, a nonprofit social service agency founded to provide comprehensive services to children, youth and families in  over 30 communities in the South Suburban Chicagoland area. Lycrecia believes in uplifting the community not only through your career, but by how you provide services to others and is teaching this value to her children.

Juan Calixto, CFRE, joined CCLF in May 2013 as Vice President of External Relations and was promoted to EVP of External Relations in June 2024. As EVP Juan directs all the external communications to ensure cohesive alignment with organization’s strategic goals and serves as solutions—based thought leader on the executive team. He directs the day-to-day fundraising, marketing and communications activities to enhance and support the overall mission of the organization and to assure that ample unrestricted and program funds are generated. He has over 30 years of nonprofit experience working in various leadership positions.

Prior to joining CCLF, Juan served as the Development Director for Mujeres Latinas en Acción and served in the same position at National Latino Education Institute (formerly Spanish Coalition for Jobs) securing funding from foundations, corporations, special events and individuals.

He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals where he received the President’s Award for service to the field of philanthropy. In addition, he earned a certificate in Community Development Finance from the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy and the Opportunity Finance Network. He is co-founder of Latinos in Development and Breakin’ It Down, a fundraising and nonprofit management conference targeting diverse professionals. Juan is also an Adjunct Faculty member of North Park University where he teaches proposal writing to foundations and corporations.  He was a volunteer on the Cook County Board of Ethics and the Alford-Axelson Award Review Committee for North Park University.

Juan holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University, and completed Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management Advanced Management Program on Executive Leadership.

Wendell Harris has over 20 years of commercial real estate, property management, and banking experience. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Lending Operations in December 2024. In March 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Lending Operations, after serving as Director of Lending Operations following a brief tenure as Senior Loan/Program Officer for CCLF.

Since 2011, he has underwritten investments at CCLF that leveraged over $967 million in real estate transactions that strengthen lower-wealth communities. He has held various positions in Treasury Management, Retail Management, Business Banking, and Commercial Real Estate at leading financial institutions such as Northern Trust, LaSalle Bank N.A., Charter One, GE Capital, and Urban Partnership Bank.  He also worked for Midway Broadcasting (WVON radio) in Marketing and Sales.

Wendell holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a certificate in Financial Analysis from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Accounting from Northern Illinois University. Wendell enjoys spending time with family, has a passion for classic cars, has volunteered as an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for Morgan Park High School and Fenger High School in Chicago, and looks forward to coaching again in the future.

Maurice Williams joined CCLF as Vice President of Economic Development with over 27 years of experience in community economic development and consulting.  He has provided leadership in a variety of community development initiatives, strategic financial management activities, and business development projects that required active community outreach and on-going public participation.

Maurice has vast experience in the fields of business administration, planning and development, personnel management, financial management, capital fundraising, public relations, and business and strategic planning.  He has planned, developed, financed and constructed over $826 million and 7.4 million square feet of big box commercial retail and industrial throughout Chicagoland including Whole Foods Midwest Distribution Center, Walmart Supercenter, Method Soap Industrial Plant, Ross Dress for Less, Planet Fitness, Meijer Supercenter, and has completed more than 220 projects ranging from affordable housing to Brownfield redevelopment to hospitals and institutional facilities.

Maurice developed the comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of Michigan Avenue, served as chairman of the Roseland Redevelopment Planning Board, coordinated and managed the first community loan production office of the First National Bank of Evergreen Park and the Old Kent Bank (acquired by Fifth Third Bank).  For several years, Maurice served as an adjunct professor at Trinity Christian College and was an instructor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) teaching in the Urban Developers Program and the Certificate of Non-Profit Management Program.  He currently instructs in the Chicago Rehab Network’s Community Development Empowerment Series.

Maurice is an astute business manager and critical thinker with an outstanding ability to build dynamic teams and generate strong sustainable results. His expertise includes crafting solutions to generate economic development while matching the needs of communities with the strategic objectives of corporate and local developers seeking investment opportunities. Maurice specializes in syndicated financing including debt, equity, New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and other leveraged capital.

He has served as a director and advisor on many nonprofit boards.  Maurice holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management – Chicago and a B.A. in Business/Sociology from Calvin College – Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On April 4, 2017, Maurice was pinned by the CCIM Institute as a Certified Commercial Investment Member Designee.

About CCIM:

The Designation

CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member. The CCIM lapel pin denotes that the wearer has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis, and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. CCIM designees are recognized as leading experts in commercial investment real estate.

Investment Expertise

Above all, the CCIM designation represents proven expertise in financial, market, and investment analysis, in addition to negotiation. Courses in these core competencies are taught by industry professionals, ensuring all material reflects the state of the industry. With this real-world education, CCIM designees are able to help their clients:

• Minimize risk
• Enhance credibility
• Make informed decisions
• Close more deals

Deborah Sabol joined CCLF in April 2014 as the Office Manager and was promoted to Director of Operations in May 2014 and VP in June 2024. In this position, Deborah is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of the organization along with IT management, facilities management and Human Resources.

Deborah is a seasoned professional with experience in sales support, project management and O2C. Prior to joining CCLF, sheheld various positions with Wm. Wrigley Jr Co., Hallmark Services Corporation (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and Stanley, Black & Decker.

Deborah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Development from DePaul University. In 2019, Deborah earned the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management organization.

Steve Rouse is General Counsel for the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF).  He is responsible for legal matters that impact CCLF.

Before February of 2025, Steve was in private practice for 39 years as a equity partner with the Molzahn, Reed & Rouse LLC law firm.

Steve has extensive experience in commercial transactions, corporate matters, and litigation, including litigation involving breach of commercial leases, condemnation, and mechanics lien cases concerning representing a multi-state property development/management company and a national grocery chain. He has Represented a multi-national startup company in the aviation industry, including negotiation and drafting of multi-jurisdictional partnership and ownership agreements. Steve has worked with a large multi-national commercial lender regarding commercial loans. Steve has Represented clients in the merger/buyouts of banks. Steve has represented numerous clients in the purchase and sale of business and professional practices. Steve has also represented various financial institutions in mechanics lien, foreclosure, condemnation, and commercial collection matters.

Steve received the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation Distinguished Service Award Winner for 2005; He was a Member and Chairman of the Village of Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals 1999-2009 and a Member of the Village of Oak Park Plan Commission 2009- 2015. He was on the Village of Forest Park Committee to determine the land use of the Altenhiem property in 2023.

Steve graduated from Bradley University with a Political Science degree. He then attended UIC Chicago Law School.

In his free time, Steve enjoys working on the rental properties he owns with his wife, as well as keeping up with his three grandchildren.

Robin Schabes is the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium Director at CCLF. In this role, Robin coordinates and supports the work of the Consortium, delivering on key responsibilities such as project pipeline mapping, project/investor matchmaking, technical assistance coordination, and facilitating the implementation of the Consortium’s action plan.

Robin is a practiced community economic development professional, and has held management-level positions in the nonprofit, public and private sectors focused on economic development and real estate development projects and initiatives.  Robin has direct experience and knowledge of multiple incentive programs including Opportunity Zone financing, tax increment financing, special districts and service areas as well as others to achieve community economic development objectives.

Prior to joining the Consortium team, Robin served as the Division Manager for the City of Napa’s Economic Development Division where she initiated and led myriad endeavors such as the creation of a policy framework and a proforma analysis tool related to local Opportunity Zones; the crafting of a competitive application resulting in Napa being selected as one of six cities nationally to participate in the National League of Cities new cohort focused on healthy communities; the launch of a multi-pronged placemaking/placebranding commercial corridor action plan; and the preliminary feasibility analysis of a work/live campus concept focused on the local creative and production industries.

Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Urban Studies from Northwestern University, a Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Master of Science in Real Estate degree from Roosevelt University’s Walter E. Heller College of Business.  Robin is a Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women in Real Estate Scholar and a member of the Alpha Sigma Gamma International Real Estate Honorary Society.

David Feinberg joined CCLF in 2021 as the Director of Coaching and Knowledge Transfer. In this role, David is responsible for the strategic implementation of CCLF’s technical expertise and special programs to build community development capacity and support Chicagoland’s thriving communities. He brings a deep knowledge of nonprofit real estate development and consulting with a specialty in educational facilities, community centers and social enterprises.

Over the course of his career, David has led the development of more than $250M and 1,000,000 sq. ft. of  non-profit and community centered real estate projects with a specialization in educational facilities, community centers and social enterprises. He offers familiarity and expertise with a variety of financing structures, including tax-credit programs, tax-exempt bonds, PRIs and TIFs. He is the co-founder of a nonprofit community developer and educator, and has designed and implemented student- and parent-centered design charettes, facilitated experiential learning programs in community development, and trained nonprofit leaders in finance, development and urban planning.

David was a 2019 Civic Leadership Academy Fellow and currently serves as an advisory member of the Community Ventures Program and as a Board Member of JCUA. He has previously held positions as an LSC representative and a state commissioner. David holds an MPL from the University of Southern California, a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Unit Planning from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Non-Fiction and Jewish Studies from Hampshire College. In his free time, David can be found coaching little league softball and baseball, hiking, biking, traveling with his family and reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction.

DeMario Greene joined CCLF in 2021 as Director of Policy and Government Relations. In this newly created role, DeMario is responsible for CCLF’s engagement in the public policy arena and advocacy for its legislative and regulatory priorities. He brings over ten years of policy experience, having served in various capacities in local, state and federal government.

DeMario began his career working on Capitol Hill focusing on foreclosure prevention in inner-city Baltimore, Maryland. This formative experience guided his work in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, focusing on housing, banking, transportation and small business legislative initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods in need of deep and meaningful investment. He also held a position with the Small Business Administration, aiding businesses and homeowners in their efforts to recover from federally declared disasters. Most recently, DeMario served as part of the Communications team for the Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., producing official correspondence and documents on behalf of the Mayor.

DeMario is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He has published two research papers in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Journal.

James A. Norris is Director of Lending Operations and collaborates with the Vice President of Lending Operations, Wendell Harris, to manage CCLF’s lending platform.  As Director, James assists the Vice President of Lending to develop and maintain visibility and relationships with for profit, nonprofits, relevant government, association networks, and others to promote CCLF.  James leads loan business development efforts throughout Chicagoland to build and maintain a strong loan pipeline.  Previously, Norris served CCLF as a Senior Loan/Program Officer II for four and a half years.  In addition to assisting with managing the business, James is responsible for sourcing and underwriting commercial credits while marketing to new borrowers and maintaining existing relationships with key borrowers.

James joined CCLF in October 2019. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In his free time, James is an avid podcast listener and enjoys martial arts, weightlifting and reading.

Aaron Akers is a member of CCLF’s Portfolio Management Team, serving as Senior Asset Manager. In this role, he administers CCLF’s construction and rehab loans, works with borrower compliance and assists in tracking social impact data.

He joined CCLF’s lending team in 2014 as a member of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Prior to that, Aaron was a Student Energy Auditor at the Bridgewater College Center for Sustainability, where he determined the economic feasibility and impact of various energy conservation measures.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater College in Virginia. In 2018, Aaron became certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC). His interests include sustainable design and cooking.

Kelly Shelton is a member of CCLF’s Portfolio Management team as an Asset Manager. She administers CCLF construction and rehab loans, works with borrower compliance and assists in tracking social impact data. She joined CCLF’s lending team in November 2017.  Kelly was previously an intern at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Masters Science degree in Real Estate from Roosevelt University.

Holly Kavis, Asset Manager, joined CCLF in February 2017.

In her previous position at CCLF, Holly was a Loan Closing Officer, she helped protect and secure CCLF’s security position through managing the loan closing process.

Before joining CCLF, Holly served as a Paralegal, focusing on the real estate industry, and has managed transactions and compliance measures involving affordable housing.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Robert Morris University, Chicago and a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from Roosevelt University.

Moleska Smith joined CCLF in 2022 as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Moleska is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of CCLF’s marketing, communications, and public relations activities; and ensuring compliance with the organization’s brand at all times. 

Moleska attended Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and attended Roosevelt University’s Master of Science Integrated Marketing Communications program. Prior to accepting her position at CCLF, Moleska served as the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Chicago City Treasurer’s Office. She has also worked at ShoreBank in Marketing as the Advertising Manager, Officer and McDonald’s Corporation as Project Manager, Director in Communications Services. Moleska brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the marketing and communications area.

Leanne Gehrig is the Development Manager for CCLF’s External Relations Team. She manages day-to-day fundraising to enhance and support the overall mission of CCLF; including grant writing and reporting, database management and donor cultivation. Leanne joined the team in July 2022.

Leanne holds a Master of Architecture from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. She began her career in architectural practice, and quickly made a vocational shift into community engagement and historic preservation. She has worked largely with the nonprofit community in a range of stewardship and development capacities, including program development, research, volunteer management, event planning and administrative support. Leanne completed a graduate certificate in Fundraising Management from North Park University’s School of Business & Nonprofit Management in May 2020.

Leanne is deeply involved with sustainability and civic engagement at her thriving community congregation. She enjoys exploring the city with her family, fine art photography and printmaking.

Eliana M. Mitropoulos joined CCLF in September 2023 as a Loan Program Officer. Eliana is an accomplished leader with 20 years of experience in business development, commercial lending, sales, operations, and marketing.  As a bilingual Consultant, she has served the Latino community, developing strategic partnerships and securing financing with leading financial institutions and lenders across the country. She has worked with a variety of loan products including real estate acquisitions and refinances, SBA loans, bridge lending, equipment financing and working capital loans.

Eliana holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Dominican University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University.  She is happily married with three beautiful children and enjoys spending her free time with family, attending sporting events and traveling.

Oliver P. Brown, Sr. began with CCLF in November of 2022 and currently serves as the Chicago Neighborhood ReBuild (CNR) Loan/Program Officer. 

As a former, CCO Mortgage/Charter One Bank Loan Officer and Credit Mortgage Specialist, Brown served more than seven years leading to over $9,000,000 in transactions to low-to-moderate income (LMI) borrowers while assisting over 400 clients with credit repair solutions and hosting countless workshops to First Time Homebuyers and homeowners seeking refinancing.  Brown’s focus areas were primarily the Southside of Chicago including but not limited to Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Woodlawn, South Shore, Pullman, Grand Crossing and Washington Heights.  Brown has a vast array of relationships in the 1–4-unit housing space that he’s cultivated through the years and now plans to position CCLF to support. 

Beyond Brown’s strong relationship skills, he is also a real estate investor and a licensed General Contractor (GC) in the 1–4-unit housing space.  Additionally, Brown has also managed and facilitated the role as Project Manager for various GCs throughout the Chicagoland area. 

Brown is a traditionally trained chef who in his spare time enjoys cooking for family and friends. He also enjoys traveling, reading and spending quality time with his 3 children. 

Valerie D. Thomas joined CCLF in September of 2023 as a Loan Closing Officer. She has been delivering full-spectrum residential sales and marketing services as a Real Estate Broker to her valued clients since 2007. Over the last 20+ years, she has also gained extensive knowledge and experience as a Commercial Loan Closer at one of the top three banks in America and several community banks in Illinois. She has closed multi-million-dollars loans for residential and commercial developers as well as small business owners throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Valerie is a residential and commercial real estate industry veteran. She also has her own investment portfolio and can relate to the needs and goals of CCLF borrowers. She has the desire to help people become homeowners and/or investors. Her background as a broker, a closer and a business owner have given her a high level of experience, leadership and professionalism in community development.

Valerie has a proven record of directly impacting her customer’s financial success and propelling smooth transactions by applying refined management, selling, and negotiation talents. She takes pride in serving borrowers by delivering exceptional service and establishing lifelong relationships. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, traveling around the globe and more. Valerie is a graduate of Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Allison Butts joined CCLF in October as Loan Closing Officer. Allison is a licensed real estate broker, and has developed comprehensive marketing solutions for sellers/lessors of residential and commercial real estate. Prior to joining CCLF she was a consultant to small to mid-size developers of market rate and affordable residential construction. She also held previous positions at Seaway National Bank as a Loan Review Officer and Mortgage Loan Officer.

Darryl Flenoy is Senior Technical Assistance Coordinator. He provides technical assistance to CCLF clients and external contracts, acquires property, economic forecasting and manages the inventory for the Chicago Neighborhood ReBuild Program. He oversees Workforce Development partnerships. He is also the project manager of over 70 active rehabilitation projects throughout Chicago.

Darryl joined CCLF in June 2021 and was previously a Technical Assistance Coordinator.

Darryl has completed the Philadelphia Doctorate Course, obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bradley University.

DeAndre Tanner joined CCLF in June 2014 as the Accounting and Finance Associate and was promoted to Staff Accountant in 2016. As Staff Accountant, DeAndre maintains investor files, codes and processes accounts payable and correspondence, manages office mail and assists with data availability for audits.

Prior to joining CCLF, DeAndre was an accounting intern at Chicago State University and at Youth Guidance. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Chicago State University and is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants.

Lorrena Diaz joined CCLF in May 2022 and serves as a Staff Accountant. In this role she assists with daily finance, accounting, and office operations; and preparation of financial reports, bank account management/reconciliations and investor compliance reporting.

Lorrena graduated with honors from Roosevelt University with a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting where she also played varsity soccer.

Ben Tanner is a member of the Portfolio Management Team, serving as a Portfolio Management Analyst. In this role, Ben is engaged in process improvement, loan administration, and new lending initiatives.

He joined CCLF in 2024 with prior work experience in corporate banking. Additionally, Ben gained
experience in the fields of asset management and impact investing as a student. Ben received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Utah.

His personal interests include baking and cooking, soccer, and the outdoors.

LaToya joined CCLF in May of 2023 as Loan Associate II. She provides critical and substantive support to the lending team, undertaking a diverse range of duties and responsibilities and works directly with the Vice President of Lending Operations.

LaToya is a forward-thinking and highly-organized professional with 20+ years of transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained in a cross sector of industries. From Business, Real Estate and Property Management, Accounting, Operations, Human Resources, and Project Management.

LaToya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Management from Robert Morris University.

With a proven track record of delivering exceptional results across multiple industries, LaToya is excited to leverage her skills, expertise, and passion for excellence to contribute to the success of CCLF lending team.

Amorita Falcon is a member of CCLF’s Portfolio Management team, serving as Portfolio Management Associate. In this role, Amorita provides critical and substantive support to CCLF’s lending, marketing and portfolio management programs, enjoying a wide range of duties and responsibilities.

She has worked on organizing in under-resourced communities, implementing assessment needs, and managing diversity initiatives to build sustainable bridges with minority communities. Prior to joining CCLF in February 2018, Amorita was a Research Assistant at the Metropolitan Planning Council and for the Chicago Community Trust, Elevated Chicago initiative. Most recently, Amorita was featured in the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) ON TO 2050 Profile sharing specific recommendations to CMAP’s plan addressing transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues.

Amorita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Latina/o Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 2019, she earned a Certificate in Community Development Finance, sponsored by the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy and the Opportunity Finance Network. Her interests include teaching Latin dance and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Ashley Cammiso joined CCLF in June 2024. In her role as the Investor Relations Associate, she builds and maintains relationships with individual, corporate, and religious investors, among others. She ensures that CCLF complies with the various covenants agreed to with its investors and assists the Chief Financial Officer with the creation and implementation of loan agreements to further the company’s mission of helping create communities where people thrive.

Ashley graduated in May 2024 from the University of Notre Dame with a major in Finance, minor in Poverty Studies, and certificate in International Business. She was a proud QuestBridge National Match Scholar and inaugural cohort member of the Business Honors Program, where she wrote her thesis on how varying attitudes toward poor women in the Global North and South influence policies of welfare and development aid, respectively. She studied abroad at Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil and received a Critical Language Scholarship to study Portuguese during her time there. Her other internship experiences include The German Marshall Fund in Wahington D.C. and The Holy See.

Her publications include filing an amicus brief for Dwayne Jones v. Jamaica before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, a review of Bahrain’s human rights abuses during the COVID-19 pandemic for the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, and a sanction request against high-ranking officials in Honduras under the Global Magnitsky Act to the U.S. Department of State.