Staff & Board

Bob Tucker serves as President of the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF). Appointed in January 2025 after serving as Interim President, Bob also served as CCLF’s Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of Programs. He leads the organization’s strategic vision in partnership with the Board of Directors. As CCLF’s chief mission steward, Bob oversees a comprehensive portfolio of nonprofit financing and support services and is responsible for the effective execution of the organization’s strategic and operational priorities.

Bob brings extensive experience in credit analysis and complex financial structuring across a broad range of loan products. His expertise includes transactions involving tax-exempt bonds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).

Before joining CCLF, Bob served as Corporate General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. Earlier in his career, he was a Partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP, where he advised clients on sophisticated financial and legal matters.

He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Emory University in Atlanta.

He is actively engaged in civic leadership, serving as President of the Board of Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc., Board Chair of the Collaboration for Early Childhood, Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Housing Forward, and Treasurer of the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.

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.

Angela 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. She additionally volunteers as a presenter on nonprofit finance and accounting for various groups.

Angela 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. Angela 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 was promoted to Executive Vice President of Lending Operations and Equity in 2025 at the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF). Prior to moving into his new role at CCLF, Wendell served as the Vice President of Lending Operations (2019) and the Director of Lending Operations (2015) following a brief tenure as Senior Loan/Program Officer (2013). Under his leadership, the loan portfolio has grown by 372%, since 2015.

Wendell has held various positions in Treasury Management, Retail Management, Business Banking, and Commercial Real Estate at leading financial institutions such as Northern Trust Bank, LaSalle Bank N.A., Charter One Bank, GE Capital Real Estate, and Urban Partnership Bank. Harris also worked for Midway Broadcasting (WVON radio) in Marketing and Sales.

He is an Advisory Council Member of the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF), a member of the City of Chicago’s Cut the Tape Task Force, a Community Advisory Council Member for Associated Bank, a Community Advisory Board Member for C3 Impact Fund, and a board member for Growing Home. Growing Home is a USDA-Certified Organic urban farm, workforce development center and non-profit social enterprise in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago.

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. In addition to his formal education, Wendell is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), that is trained in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs).

Since 2011, Wendell has underwritten investments that leveraged over $1.084 billion in real estate transactions that strengthen lower-wealth communities.

Wendell enjoys spending time with family, is very nostalgic about cars, is a gym shoe fanatic, loves music, and has volunteered as an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for Morgan Park High School and Fenger High School in Chicago.

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 Director of Asset Management. In this role, he leads and manages the asset management functions, including loan portfolio performance, collateral review and evaluation, loan servicing, construction process management, special asset management, and social impact/compliance reporting.

Prior to his current role, Aaron was a CCLF Senior Asset Manager.

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.

Moleska Smith is the Director of Marketing and Communications. She 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.

Kelly Shelton is a member of CCLF’s Portfolio Management team as a Senior Asset Manager. In this role, she administers CCLF’s construction and rehab loans, works with borrower compliance and assists in tracking social impact data. Previously, she was an Asset Manager. 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.

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.

LaToya is the Loan Operations and Programs Manager. She 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.

Ben Tanner is a member of the Portfolio Management Team, serving as an Asset Manager. He administers CCLF construction and rehab loans, works with borrower compliance and assists in tracking social impact data. Ben began his tenure at CCLF as a Portfolio Management Analyst where he was 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.

Taylor Jackson joined CCLF in 2025 as the Programs Manager.  With over a decade of client services and administrative professional experience in nonprofit, corporate, and community-based settings. She has worked with organizations such as Rotary International, School District 65, and the YMCA, building strong skills in customer service, project coordination, and data management. She is committed to using organization, communication, and technology to create more equitable communities.

In recent years, she began a Fellowship in 2024 with Open-Access and was partnered with the CCLF. She conducted research, analyzed data, and completed additional training focused on social impact. In 2023, she was selected to be part of the nationwide initiative Change Collective, a Leadership and Development cohort that focused on fostering community engagement and social impact. The program reshaped her focus on community building and daily operations- with long-term goals in housing and economic development. She is excited to bring an inquisitive mind to such a great team.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Civic Leadership from Indiana State University.

Lemanuel McKnight joined CCLF in 2026 as IT Manager, where he oversees the development and implementation of technology strategies that ensure system reliability, security, and operational efficiency.

Lemanuel is an experienced technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in banking and technology organizations where he has focused on leveraging technology to strengthen operations, manage risk, and support sustainable growth. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with executive leadership to align technology strategy with organizational mission, improve efficiency, and promote responsible stewardship of resources. He brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and strategic planning, along with a collaborative leadership style rooted in accountability and service.

Lemanuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from American Intercontinental University and a Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.

Outside of work, Lemanuel enjoys traveling and spending time with his spouse, often catching up on the many television series they follow together.

Patrick Bromley is the Office Manager. He joined CCLF in 2025 as the Office Coordinator providing administrative support for meetings and day-to-day operations.

Previously, he has provided administrative assistance to organizations in Education, EOR services, Technology and more.

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and is also a represented Voice Actor.

Allison Butts is Senior Loan Closing Officer. She 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.

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.

Rolando Negrón Rodriguez joined CCLF in 2025 as a Portfolio Management Analyst where he helps advance equitable development through responsible lending, financial analysis, and long-term portfolio stewardship. With experience in affordable housing finance and community development, Rolando works closely with mission-driven borrowers to ensure the sustainability and impact of projects across Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Before joining CCLF, he supported the development of supportive and affordable housing with Full Circle Communities.

Rolando holds a Master’s in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is passionate about using finance as a tool to empower communities and expand access to opportunity.

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.

Daniel Gutierrez joined CCLF in November 2025 and serves as a Loan Associate. In this role, he supports the team with a multitude of tasks throughout the lending lifecycle.

Daniel is a proud Chicago native, born and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood. He is very passionate about the power of financial literacy and champions others in their pursuit of generational wealth. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. In his free time, he enjoys going on runs with his dog, trying new restaurants around the city, and attending live music performances.

Amorita is a member of the Finance & Accounting team serving as the Investor Relations Associate. In her current role, she assists the organization with the collection of financial, portfolio, and social impact data both for investor compliance, investor applications, and organizational grant applications. She has thorough knowledge of CCLF’s lending footprint and analyzes our social impact data to demonstrate our financial position for circulation to external stakeholders and investors. In her former role on the Portfolio Management team as an Associate, she also has experience in loan servicing, monitoring impact data, and serving as a liaison across departments.

She is an emerging leader and community development specialist with extensive experience in providing administrative support to equitable, community-based initiatives. 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 2023, she also participated in Bank of America’s year-long leadership development program, Emerging Leaders Program, under the tutelage of Calvin Holmes receiving the Neighborhood Builders Racial Equity Award 2023. Her interests include instructing Latin dance courses, hiking and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Sophia Frohna joined CCLF in 2026 as a Portfolio Management Associate. In this role, they perform a variety of tasks to maintain and derive insights from CCLF’s loan portfolio, supporting the team in its mission to provide responsible, nimble financing to underserved Chicagoland communities.

Prior to joining the team, Sophia worked in the Structured Finance Credit Ratings division at S&P Global.

Sophia graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Informatics with an emphasis in Bioinformatics and a minor in Chemistry.

In their free time, they enjoy cooking, going on long walks, and collecting unusual cassettes from local record stores.

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.