Contact: Katie Taylor 510-830-3231 katie@mainstreetlaunch.org
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Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and the Citi Foundation Select Jen Leybovich, Vice President – Strategy & Development for Prestigious Citi Leadership Program for Opportunity Finance
Jen Leybovich is One of 48 Professionals Nationwide Chosen for Second Year of Unique Professional Development Program Initiative Developed ‘by CDFIs for CDFIs’ to Advance Opportunity Finance Expertise Nationwide
Oakland, February 24, 2015 – OBDC Small Business Finance announced today that Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and the Citi Foundation have selected Jen Leybovich, Vice President – Strategy & Development, OBDC Small Business Finance, as one of 48 community development financial institution (CDFI) professionals who will participate in the second annual Citi Leadership Program for Opportunity Finance.
Developed by CDFIs for CDFIs, the unique industry-wide initiative launched in 2014 and prepares participants to lead transformational change, ensures strong leadership at all levels of the industry, and promotes leaders that represent the diverse communities that CDFIs serve.
Jen’s role at OBDC includes development, marketing, impact assessment, programs, lending to young entrepreneurs, and organizational strategy. Prior to joining the organization, Jen completed her M.B.A. at Yale School of Management, where she focused on economic development & social enterprise and interned at Nonprofit Finance Fund in the Lending Division. Before business school, Jen was Associate Director at Orr Associates, Inc., where she worked on marketing, fundraising, nonprofit management, events, and strategy consulting for nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C. and New York. Jen holds a B.A. in Business Economics and minors in Accounting and Political Science from University of California, Los Angeles. OBDC Small Business Finance was founded in 1979 and works to create economic opportunity by empowering entrepreneurs. Through innovative partnerships we provide business owners with capital, education, and relationships that allow them to flourish. Our collaborative approach helps our borrowers create jobs and stimulates economic development in low-to-moderate income communities.
Jacob Singer, CEO of OBDC Small Business Finance, is thrilled that Jen is participating in this program: “There is not a better candidate than Jen Leybovich for the Citi Leadership Program for Opportunity Finance. Her dedication, experience, and passion for transforming communities through empowerment make her an asset to both OBDC and this program. We are excited to support her professional growth through this opportunity.”
Jen Leybovich is among a group of emerging, mid-career, and executive level professionals from CDFIs in 20 states and the District of Columbia. These participants represent many CDFI types and focus areas, including affordable housing finance, business and microenterprise, community facilities, and consumer finance. (Visit ofn.org to see the full list of participants.)
“The first year of the Citi Leadership Program was a resounding success, and we look forward to working with this next group of professionals,” said Mark Pinsky, President and CEO of OFN. “OFN welcomes these leaders to the program. Across the board, each selected participant demonstrates commitment to leading structural and systemic change in the opportunity finance industry. We are thankful for the Citi Foundation’s longstanding support of CDFIs and its dedication to developing talent, which will enable the industry to continue to raise the bar in how we serve low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged communities.”
Beginning in January, the 2015 cohort will meet four times over eleven months and follow a curriculum that OFN developed with the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania.
“When we have a strong roster of talented and dedicated professionals leading the CDFI industry, we have the potential to create a much deeper impact in the low-income communities that CDFIs serve,” said Brandee McHale, Chief Operating Officer of the Citi Foundation. “This program enables individuals at all levels of their careers to create a road map for personal and professional success while thinking strategically about how to influence the opportunity finance industry for generations to come.”
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About OBDC Small Business Finance
Our mission is to create economic opportunity by empowering entrepreneurs. Through innovative partnerships, we provide business owners with the capital, education, and relationships that allow them to flourish. Our collaborative approach helps our borrowers create jobs and stimulates economic development in low-to-moderate income communities. Our vision is to empower small business owners to succeed, transforming their lives and helping their communities thrive. More information is available at: mainstreetlaunch.org.
About Opportunity Finance Network
OFN, the leading network of private financial institutions, creates growth that is good for communities, investors, individuals, and the economy. Members of OFN are community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that deliver responsible lending to help low-wealth and low-income communities join the economic mainstream. Through 2012, OFN’s Network originated more than $33.3 billion in financing in urban, rural, and Native communities, and financed development/rehab of 960,000 housing units, started or expanded nearly 94,000 business and microenterprises, and helped create or maintain nearly 600,000 jobs. More information is available at: www.ofn.org.
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.citifoundation.com.
