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)
	Angie Page Chief Innovation Officer Strategy & Innovation Division 614-705-1298 As the Chief Innovation Officer over the Strategy & Innovation Division of the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Angela leads the organization's next wave of innovation in Business Development, Project & Program Operationalization, Strategic Planning, IT Strategy, Leadership Development, and Corporate... Transformation. She plays a pivotal role in shaping CDFA's future direction and ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of Development Finance. Prior to assuming her current position, Angela spent more than 15 years working in the private sector. She brings a wealth of expertise in Visual Analytics, Data Storytelling, Business Intelligence, Anthropology, Finance, Macroeconomics, Credit, Growth and Business Development Strategy, Product Management, Vendor Management, Cost and Process Optimization, P&L, Cash Flow Management, Corporate Compliance, Risk Management, Contract Management, Category Management, Supplier Diversity, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Angela holds a degree in Anthropology from Universidad de Los Andes and a Master's degree in Financial Economics from Ohio University. (More)
	Noelle Sheets Vice President and Director, CDFA Foundation Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1304 Noelle Sheets is the Vice President for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) and Director of the Knowledge & Networks Division and the CDFA Foundation. Ms. Sheets has more than 20 years of experience collaborating with stakeholders through strategic partnerships that achieve shared goals and outcomes. Ms.... Sheets joined CDFA in 2019 with a broad range of experience within nonprofit associations including SSTI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Central Ohio, and the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. As the Director of the Knowledge & Networks Division, Ms. Sheets is responsible for cultivating, building and enhancing CDFA’s strategic relationships. She is skilled at connecting with people authentically and positively, leading to effective collaboration and shared success. In this role, she oversees conference logistics, sponsorship, membership, and partnership efforts and acts as CDFA’s Board Liasion. Ms. Sheets holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Capital University. (More)
	Fawn Zimmerman Managing Director, CDFA Advisory Services Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1305 Fawn Zimmerman is the Managing Director of CDFA Advisory Services with the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), where she leads initiatives to enhance capital access for underserved communities. She 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. In her role, Fawn also manages the advisory services team at CDFA, assisting development finance agencies with strategic planning, finance program development, and obtaining CDFI certification. Fawn holds a BA 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)
	Genna Auteri Senior Director Strategy & Innovation Division 614-705-1303 As the Senior Director of the Strategy & Innovation Division, Genna is responsible for overseeing all of the events, in-person and virtual, offered by CDFA and the day-to-day management of the Programming team. This includes virtual training courses, webinars, CDFA's Virtual Summer School, the Development Finance Certified... Professional Program (DFCP), and the National Development Finance Summit. She is responsible for the development and execution of the Infrastructure Finance Learning Series and the video production of the CDFA TV Finance Toolbox Series including a series on broadband financing and infrastructure financing. 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 SSBCI efforts supervising and executing all related publications, learning series, webinars, and communication strategy. Genna proudly serves as the President of CDFA's social committee and enjoys planning parties, staff retreats, and team building events for her coworkers. Genna is a graduate of Ohio University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies and a Master’s degree in 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)
	Jerad Groves Senior Director, Marketing Strategy & Innovation Division 614-705-1307 As the Senior Director of Marketing with the Strategy & Innovation Division, Jerad Groves oversees the development, quality, and execution of CDFA’s programming, including education and professional development courses, online and in-person workshops and lectures, and a variety of networking events. As part of CDFA’s... senior staff, Jerad contributes to the organization’s strategic planning, staff development and leadership, and day-to-day management needs. Prior to his current role, Jerad served as CDFA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, during which he was responsible for all external marketing strategies, overseeing day-to-day communications, and developing ongoing marketing plans. 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 provides creative solutions and innovative ideas that help move the organization forward. (More)
	Theresa Treadway Senior Director Operations & Finance Division 614-705-1312 Theresa Treadway is a Senior Director of the Operations & Finance Division of the the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Theresa is responsible for managing the operational functions that support CDFA’s long-term financial health. In this role, she optimizes existing resources and creates cost effective,... efficient and secure processes that assist all CDFA divisions in their mission to advance development finance knowledge, networks and innovation. Her responsibilities span over accounting, human resources, information technology, office management and Board compliance. Prior to her time at CDFA, Theresa was the Operations Manager for an SBA CDC in Charlotte, NC. In this role she gained extensive knowledge in operations and a passion for development finance. Theresa is a graduate of SUNY Empire State College with a degree in Business Administration. She is currently working towards her MBA at Winthrop University. (More)
	Angela Blatt Director Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1306 As Director of Knowledge & Networks Division with 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 both the food and finance industries, administers CDFA’s Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, connecting food-related businesses and projects with development finance agencies, and manages the Food and Agriculture Finance Update monthly newsletter. In 2021, she gained certification as a Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) 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
	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). Ikhlas is responsible for helping coordinate the day-to-day administration of various CDFA programming events. She contributes to the team by assisting the Director of her Division in building and executing... events, coordinating logistics, facilitating marketing, and providing pre-event/post-event management. These events include online webinars and in-person conferences that cover a variety of development finance tools and topics. Ikhlas received a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. (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)
	Jennifer Lindsey Manager Operations & Finance Division 614-705-1317 Jennifer Lindsey is a Manager of the Operations & Finance Division for the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her responsibilities will include supporting accounting, human resources, information technology, and office management. Jen graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelors of Science in... Communication. After graduation, she spent some time as a Human Resources Manager for a company in her hometown of Circleville Ohio. Most recently, prior to coming to CDFA, Jennifer was the Administrative Manager for an ecommerce company in Central Ohio. In her free time, Jen enjoys traveling and camping with her husband and pups. (More)
	Madeline Wilson Manager Strategy & Innovation Division 614-705-1311 Madeline is a Manager of the Strategy & Innovation Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Madeline is responsible for working with fellow CDFA team members to coordinate and execute the organization’s various activities related to outreach, marketing, communication, and quality control. This... includes the development and management of communication policies, collateral, social media affiliations, and networking opportunities. Prior to joining CDFA, Madeline worked as a content writer for a small social media company. Madeline received a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University, Oxford in English, with a minor in Social Justice Studies, and an Associate of Science from Zane State College. (More)
	Zeyu Zhang Manager, Resource & Content Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1302 Zeyu Zhang is the Manager of Resources & Content in the Knowledge & Networks Division of the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her focus areas include bond, infrastructure finance, energy, PACE, and P3. She contributes to the team by managing federal programs, conducting research on development... finance-related topics, generating reports, and performing data analysis. Zeyu received her Ph.D. degree in Mass Communication at Ohio University in 2021. She has expertise in media studies, research designs, and data analysis. She has a Master’s degree in Digital Storytelling from Ball State University. Prior to joining CDFA, she worked as a researcher, instructor, research assistant, and program assistant. She is excited to advance her career by deepening her knowledge in the field of development finance. (More)
	Elise Adelmann Coordinator Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1318 Elise Adelmann is a Coordinator within the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Her role is to provide support in the management of CDFA’s extensive database and to coordinate with staff to ensure member and sponsor needs are met. She assists in facilitating effective... communication internally and externally to enhance interdivisional cooperation and to enable CDFA staff to effectively reach our constituents. Elise received a Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development from Oral Roberts University. (More)
	Ryan Burton Coordinator Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1316 Ryan Burton is a Coordinator of the Knowledge & Networks Division of the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Ryan’s area of focus is in policy, legislation, equitable development, and equitable access to transportation and public transportation networks. Ryan is also responsible for working interdepartmentally... to undertake various research projects and technical assistance endeavors. Ryan is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a B.S. in City and Regional Planning. While at Ohio State, he shared responsibility for several field projects such as creating a vibrant, walkable, equitable downtown business district in Salem, Ohio and formulating a public engagement plan for the City of Lima, Ohio. He has also worked with Ohio State to create a disaster mitigation plan as well as a resilience policy for East Palestine, Ohio in the wake of Norfolk Southern Railway’s highly publicized derailment there in February of 2023. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling, hiking, gym-going, politics, automotives, and spending time with his one year old Westie, Finley. (More)
	Andres Caro Coordinator Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1313 Andres Caro is a Coordinator of Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). His primary areas of expertise encompass brownfields finance, clean energy finance, and minority lending finance programs. In addition to his core responsibilities, Mr. Caro contributes to the CDFA Equitable... Capital Loan Guarantee Program and supports the CDFA Foundation. Andres received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The Pennsylvania State 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 assists with coordinating and executing various CDFA programming events, including online training courses, 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 revolved around educational programming at non-profit organizations, which led her to join the CDFA team. (More)
	Quentin Sheets Associate Knowledge & Networks Division 614-705-1310 Quentin Sheets is an Associate in the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). Quentin is responsible for helping with the day-to-day administration of various CDFA programming events. He contributes by assisting the programming team in executing events, completing research... tasks, and providing post-event analysis. These events include online webinars and in-person conferences that cover a variety of development finance tools and topics. Quentin is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and playing collegiate football at Marietta College. (More)

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.

Learn More

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.