Opportunity Finance Network Expands Leadership for Enhanced Community Impact

Opportunity Finance Network Expands Leadership

In a move that underscores its commitment to community development finance, the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) has named two new Senior Vice Presidents, Bianca Prade and Francisco Lopez, to fortify its leadership team. This strategic addition comes at a crucial time, enabling OFN to deepen its impact on communities across America by promoting economic opportunities for all.

OFN, recognized as the leading investment intermediary in the nation, has a long history of fostering community development financial institutions (CDFIs). With over $1 billion in managed assets and a membership exceeding 470 CDFIs, OFN plays a vital role in ensuring that underserved communities access affordable financial products and services.

Brendon Miller, OFN's Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Head of Communications, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, "CDFIs are made for this moment, but being made for this moment does not mean standing still — it means investing in the leadership to drive impact." He highlighted Prade's extensive expertise in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement as a key asset for the organization.

Bianca Prade joins OFN with two decades of experience in the communications realm, having previously held leadership roles at notable firms such as Edelman and SKDK. Her background includes directing high-impact public affairs campaigns for influential brands and federal agencies, making her an excellent fit for OFN's vision and ambition.

The addition of Francisco Lopez as Senior Vice President of Innovation Programs complements this initiative as it aims to address persistent challenges faced by the community development finance sector. With a strong track record of aligning technology with strategy, Lopez brings over 20 years of experience in financial innovation and community development. His past endeavors include successful applications of technology in lending and capital deployment, bolstering the effectiveness of financial services for communities.

Amber Bell, OFN's Executive Vice President and Chief Programs Officer, emphasized the importance of innovative approaches, stating, "With the launch of OFN's Innovation Initiative — designed to tackle persistent challenges in our industry with fresh, forward-looking solutions — we are glad to have these visionary leaders at the table."

The Innovation Initiative that Lopez will oversee is geared towards systemic transformation within the community development finance industry. This initiative is expected to explore new avenues for addressing challenges, enhancing program effectiveness, and ultimately improving the economic conditions of the diverse communities served by OFN's network.

Since its inception in 1986, Opportunity Finance Network's members have facilitated over $124 billion in cumulative financing. This significant contribution has led to the creation or maintenance of nearly 3.4 million jobs, the establishment or expansion of over 1 million businesses and microenterprises, alongside supporting approximately 3 million housing units and 15,000 community facility projects.

With the strategic leadership of Prade and Lopez, OFN aims to build on this legacy while navigating the complexities of today's financial landscape. Their roles will not only help in driving impactful programs but also in enhancing the communication and outreach efforts necessary to foster greater collaboration within the finance sector and among community stakeholders.

As OFN continues its mission of opening doors to economic opportunities in underserved areas, the new leadership brings fresh insights and a wealth of experience to tackle existing and future challenges, ensuring that communities have access to the financial tools they need to thrive.