Celebrating Gina Nisbeth: 2025 Recipient of the Robert E. Ibanez Award
On June 2, 2025, Novogradac proudly announced Gina Nisbeth as the recipient of the prestigious Robert E. Ibanez Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Development. This accolade, first introduced in 2024, honors individuals whose vision and leadership have significantly impacted the field of community development.
Nisbeth, who is the founder and president of 9th and Clinton, a firm dedicated to providing expert advisory and investment structuring services, has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of low-income communities. Her expertise is built upon more than twenty years at Citi, where she held multiple influential positions. For instance, she directed a structured lending and investment group and was responsible for managing a vast $1 billion in new markets tax credit (NMTC) investments. These roles have positioned her as a pivotal figure in promoting affordable housing and community revitalization.
In addition to her impressive corporate background, Nisbeth co-founded Open Access, a national fellowship program aimed at increasing diversity within community development finance by enhancing representation of Black and Latinx professionals. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry reflects her comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities.
"Being awarded in someone's honor carries a profound responsibility,” Nisbeth remarked during the announcement. “It is about respecting their legacy while fulfilling a commitment to continue driving impactful work in community development." This profound sense of duty underscores her approach not just to her work but to the community she serves.
Nisbeth's educational qualifications are noteworthy; she is an alumnus of Rutgers College, where she was part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics Honor Program, later earning a Master of Business Administration from Temple University's The Fox School of Business. Her robust academic background complements her hands-on experience and innovation in the sector.
The 2025 Robert E. Ibanez Award will be formally presented to Nisbeth at the Novogradac 2025 Spring New Markets Tax Credit Conference, set to take place on June 5-6 at The Fairmont in Washington, D.C. At this event, industry peers will gather to celebrate achievements and share insights into the future of community development.
Greg Clements, a partner at Novogradac and chair of the conference, expressed, "We are honored to celebrate Gina Nisbeth for her outstanding contributions. She has been a driving force in community development and NMTC for decades, and her influence is felt widely across the community."
Nisbeth's recognition is reminiscent of the late Robert "Bob" Ibanez, after whom the award is named, who dedicated a significant portion of his life to enhancing community development and policy initiatives. Ibanez's commitment, which included five years at Novogradac and thirteen at the CDFI Fund, laid a foundation that continues to inspire current and future leaders in the field.
For those interested in learning more about the award and how to nominate candidates for 2026, further details can be found at the Novogradac website. In a world increasingly focused on community initiatives and social responsibility, the recognition of leaders like Gina Nisbeth serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for the future of community development.
Nisbeth, who is the founder and president of 9th and Clinton, a firm dedicated to providing expert advisory and investment structuring services, has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of low-income communities. Her expertise is built upon more than twenty years at Citi, where she held multiple influential positions. For instance, she directed a structured lending and investment group and was responsible for managing a vast $1 billion in new markets tax credit (NMTC) investments. These roles have positioned her as a pivotal figure in promoting affordable housing and community revitalization.
In addition to her impressive corporate background, Nisbeth co-founded Open Access, a national fellowship program aimed at increasing diversity within community development finance by enhancing representation of Black and Latinx professionals. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry reflects her comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities.
"Being awarded in someone's honor carries a profound responsibility,” Nisbeth remarked during the announcement. “It is about respecting their legacy while fulfilling a commitment to continue driving impactful work in community development." This profound sense of duty underscores her approach not just to her work but to the community she serves.
Nisbeth's educational qualifications are noteworthy; she is an alumnus of Rutgers College, where she was part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics Honor Program, later earning a Master of Business Administration from Temple University's The Fox School of Business. Her robust academic background complements her hands-on experience and innovation in the sector.
The 2025 Robert E. Ibanez Award will be formally presented to Nisbeth at the Novogradac 2025 Spring New Markets Tax Credit Conference, set to take place on June 5-6 at The Fairmont in Washington, D.C. At this event, industry peers will gather to celebrate achievements and share insights into the future of community development.
Greg Clements, a partner at Novogradac and chair of the conference, expressed, "We are honored to celebrate Gina Nisbeth for her outstanding contributions. She has been a driving force in community development and NMTC for decades, and her influence is felt widely across the community."
Nisbeth's recognition is reminiscent of the late Robert "Bob" Ibanez, after whom the award is named, who dedicated a significant portion of his life to enhancing community development and policy initiatives. Ibanez's commitment, which included five years at Novogradac and thirteen at the CDFI Fund, laid a foundation that continues to inspire current and future leaders in the field.
For those interested in learning more about the award and how to nominate candidates for 2026, further details can be found at the Novogradac website. In a world increasingly focused on community initiatives and social responsibility, the recognition of leaders like Gina Nisbeth serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for the future of community development.
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