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

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

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

Phone: 614-705-1300
Contact CDFA

	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... public, private and non-profit development finance agencies. Mr. Rittner runs the day-to-day operations of the Council including the organization’s various educational, advocacy, research, resources, and networking initiatives. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the CDFA Foundation. Rittner is one of the most vocal and recognized leaders of the development finance industry nationwide and has advised local, state, and federal leaders, including Presidents Biden and Obama, on economic development finance policy. Through his leadership and guidance, CDFA was successful in preserving private activity bonds and other critical development finance tools during the 2017 tax reform deliberations and has had numerous pieces of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. In 2021, Rittner successfully led a national effort to reauthorize and fund the $10B State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. He has written and crafted dozens of strategic finance plans for development finance agencies and advised communities through the world on development finance approaches. Rittner focuses on sustainable finance with an emphasis on infrastructure, clean energy, food systems, small business, and innovations in the development finance industry to drive sustainable outcomes. He has written extensively about impact ready initiatives that leverage and engage capital in ways that drive local sustainability in business and industry and the environment and economy. Rittner is a frequent speaker at local, state, and national conferences and events focused on economic development finance. He has been featured in The Bond Buyer, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, NPR and other national media publications concerning the advancement of development finance tools. He is the author of CDFA's highly acclaimed Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance and co-author of CDFA's Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency. Rittner is an adjunct faculty member at The Ohio State University and Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) and has completed the prestigious Oxford University Sustainable Finance Foundation Course. Mr. Rittner previously served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Financial Advisory Board and is a member of the Advisory Board for the National Community Fund I. Mr. Rittner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master's of City and Regional Planning degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Rittner was awarded the Ohio State University College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2016. (More)
	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.... Sheets came to CDFA in 2019, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit association management gained through positions at SSTI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Central Ohio, and the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. As VP of the Knowledge & Networks Division, Ms. Sheets implements strategies to expand, energize, and optimize CDFA’s portfolio of work including the CDFA Training Institute, CDFA Advisory Services, membership, sponsorship, and event activities. As Executive Director of the CDFA Foundation, Ms. Sheets designs and coordinates the Foundation’s activities, focusing on creating equitable and inclusive opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and communities involved in the development finance industry. She is deeply passionate about the Foundation’s mission and actively champions initiatives such as the CDFA Foundation Scholarship Program and the Caren S. Franzini Fellowship Program. She is skilled at connecting with people authentically and positively, leading to effective collaboration and shared success. Ms. Sheets holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations from Capital University. (More)
	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... strategic planning, staff development and leadership, and day-to-day management needs. Before joining CDFA, Jerad spent 20+ years as a creative director and strategist in the marketing industry, working with clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s across a variety of business sectors. A deep appreciation for non-profit, mission-based organizations led him to CDFA, where his design-thinking approach to developing new programming helps move the organization forward. (More)
	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... public policy experience in the non-profit and government sectors. He previously served on the staff of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He is an Army veteran and earned a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Karl is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organization Management. (More)
	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... overseeing all of the events, in-person and virtual, offered by CDFA, virtual training courses, webinars, CDFA Summer School, the Development Finance Certified Professional Program (DFCP), and the National Development Finance Summit. Previously, Genna served as a Director of Research & Technical Assistance, overseeing the projects and responsibilities of her team. She acted as a project manager for CDFA's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) efforts, supervising and executing all related publications, learning series, webinars, and communication strategies. Genna is a graduate of Ohio University where she earned a Master of Sociology with a focus on intersectionality and gender violence. Genna lives in Columbus, OH with her husband, daughter, son, and two rescue border collies. (More)
	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... initiatives to enhance capital access for underserved communities. Fawn oversees the CDFA Equitable Capital Loan Guarantee Program, aimed at increasing funding for underserved small businesses, and the CDFA–NASDA Foundation Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Access to Capital Program, which focuses on building a comprehensive agricultural resource database, offering hands-on technical assistance, and developing culturally relevant programs to boost investment in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Fawn holds a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Communication from The Ohio State University and has pursued postgraduate studies at Ohio University. Her career is deeply intertwined with her philanthropic goals, and she is committed to leveraging her creative, academic, and professional experiences to drive positive changes in the development finance sector. (More)
	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... housing, and finance, Lori brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Before joining CDFA, Lori served as Vice President at a nationwide mortgage company and as Chief Operating Officer of a local credit union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education and Adult Learning. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lori enjoys teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Sinclair Community College. (More)
	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... and passion for corporate event planning, and a drive to help create an enjoyable work culture at CDFA, Jen serves on CDFA’s SNL (Snacks and Learning) Committee. This committee plans a monthly meeting for staff to relax, have snacks, and learn more about each other. Jen also plans and executes CDFA’s staff retreats and team-building exercises. Jen graduated from Ohio University with an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. Before landing at CDFA, Jen spent 7 years in the human resources field and 8 years in office management/administration. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jen enjoys traveling and camping with her husband and pups. (More)
	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... finance tools. Through this initiative, Angela collaborates with communities across the country providing technical assistance and producing strategic plans for development finance strategies that meet infrastructure, agriculture, and small business needs to support equitable, local food economies. Angela leads CDFA’s Food Systems Finance Advisory Council, joining the food and finance industries, and administers CDFA’s Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, connecting food-related businesses and projects with development finance agencies. In 2021, she gained Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) certification through the CDFA Training Institute. A Navy Veteran, Angela holds two degrees from The Ohio State University: a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Food Policy from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and a Bachelor of Science from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. (More)
	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... manages CDFA’s Sponsorship as well as the Training Institute where she collaborates with organizations and individuals from across the globe to provide awareness and education within the industry. Ms. Moriarty’s career has been primarily in the non-profit sector, and she came to CDFA after working most recently as a Manager of Partner Success at Rev1 Ventures. She is a highly experienced facilitator with expertise in relationship building, collaboration, and communication. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Education. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Moriarty enjoys spending time with her very active family, including her 3 children and their dog. She loves doing anything outdoors and is an avid runner. (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... modern marketing. As the former CMO of Space Management Services, Ben has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, consistently exceeding targets and expectations. With years of independent contracting, Ben has honed his ability to engage new audiences and execute successful sales and events. His strategic approach to planning and promotion ensures that every campaign is meticulously crafted to achieve maximum impact. Ben’s expertise lies in creating compelling marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, making him an invaluable asset to CDFA. (More)
	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... in-person conferences. Ikhlas manages the CDFA Training Institute, including the Development Finance Certified Professional Program (DFCP). She is also responsible for meeting planning logistics for CDFA’s in-person conferences. Ikhlas received a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. (More)
	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... quality control. This includes the development and management of collateral, social media affiliations, and networking opportunities. Before joining CDFA, Mady worked as a content writer for a small social media company. Mady received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Social Justice Studies from Miami University, Oxford, and an Associate of Science from Zane State College. Outside her professional career, Mady enjoys exploring local coffee shops and restaurants, reading, and art. (More)
	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... husband in Ohio. However, she was excited to rejoin the workforce and become a valuable asset to CDFA. Ronita spent five years with Marion Technical College as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator where she founded the Diversity Club and taught "Dealing with Diversity" courses as an adjunct faculty member. She also performed public speaking in high schools to inform and educate the students about the advantages of exploring nontraditional courses as they navigated through school, college, and the workforce. Ms. Jackson also worked as an Insurance Agent where she honed her skills at cultivating relationships, delivering superb customer service, and developing prospect lists. Ronita is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. She is very proud to proclaim that as a mother of three (while pregnant with her fourth), she earned her Master’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Organizational Management. (More)
	Eric Silva CDFA Legislative Representative 202-930-1437 Eric Silva serves as CDFA's Legislative Representative in Washington, DC. Eric has been an instrumental part of CDFA's legislative success over the past two decades. Mr. Silva is a founding partner at NSGS. He began his career in Washington as a Fellow with the Congressional Hunger Center and the Corporation For Enterprise... Development before serving as an aide to Senator James Jeffords (I-VT) and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Prior to founding NSGS, Eric practiced law for more than eight years in the Government and Regulatory Affairs group of Winston & Strawn LLP, a major international law firm. Mr. Silva has significant experience in a number of policy areas, including tax, agriculture, financial services, health care, energy and the environment, and trade. Mr. Silva has successfully advocated for client interests on some of the most significant legislation of the past decade, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, the Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the 2008 and 2012 Farm Bills. While practicing law, Mr. Silva served as legal counsel to clients on matters related to the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Lobbying Disclosure Act and congressional and executive branch ethics rules. He also served as in-house counsel to a major law firm Political Action Committee. Mr. Silva received a B.A. from Boston College and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School. While at Boston College, he was a member of the University President’s Council on Student Formation and the recipient of the Congressman John Joseph Moakley Award for International Service. In law school, he competed on the Notre Dame International Moot Court Team and represented clients pro bono on a variety of matters through the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic. Eric proudly serves as a Board Director for the Congressional Hunger Center, Boston College Alumni Association, and the Belfast Beltway Boxing Project. (More)
	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... manages the logistics for webinars and courses, facilitating knowledge-sharing among development finance professionals. Andres holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University. (More)
	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... internal and external communication to enhance interdivisional cooperation and enable CDFA staff to reach our constituents effectively. Elise received a Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development from Oral Roberts University. (More)
	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... comprehensive education dedicated to the economic development finance industry. Additionally, she assists with the execution of online webinars and in-person conferences that address a variety of tools and topics within development finance. Miranda is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Her professional background has focused on educational programming at non-profit organizations, which led her to join the CDFA team in September of 2023. (More)
	Valeria Morales Associate Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1316

More Press Releases

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

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

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

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