The DreamSpring Team

Charles McElrath is a nationally recognized community development and financial services leader with more than 35 years of experience expanding access to capital and economic opportunity. Throughout his career, Charles has worked across banking, commercial lending, and community development finance, building a reputation for pairing strong financial performance and meaningful community impact. As a champion for underserved communities, he is particularly known for developing scalable lending strategies that help entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Prior to joining DreamSpring, Charles served as Senior Vice President of Commercial and Community Development Lending at Vista Bank, where he was instrumental in community investment efforts and drove transformational growth in lending activity. He previously spent 14 years as President and CEO of Southern Dallas Development Corporation, a community development financial institution focused on increasing access to capital in one of the most economically challenged regions of Texas. During his tenure, the organization generated more than $75 million in loan commitments while maintaining exceptional portfolio performance.

Charles has also held leadership positions with major financial institutions such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, and several communmity banks, giving him a unique perspective across both traditional and mission-driven finance. Raised in a household of modest means, Charles believes deeply in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and create generational opportunity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.

As DreamSpring’s CEO, Charles is focused on building upon the organization’s 30-year legacy of empowering entrepreneurs while scaling innovative lending and support programs that create economic mobility and strengthen communities across its multi-state footprint.

With more than 30 years of extensive banking experience with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessors, Alice applies her financial leadership acumen to several local and national service roles — including acting as Chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — for which she has received many awards and accolades. 

As head of the JPMC Community Impact Organization, Alice provided strategic counsel and served an integral leadership role in community engagement initiatives and localization strategy. In this capacity, she collaborated with Corporate Responsibility to bring together the best of business, philanthropy, and policy efforts to drive inclusive economic growth. In her last role with JPMorgan Chase, Alice led the Path Forward Initiative, a $30B commitment to advancing racial equity. Today, she is a co-owner at Kendall Milagro Inc., a boutique home builder with two decades of experience in the Dallas area. 

Irvin Ashford, Jr. is the Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking for Charles Schwab. In this role, Ashford manages a team with a focus on ensuring compliance of firm operations with standards of fairness and equity, as well as regulatory requirements safeguarding banking customers, including mandates under the Fair Lending Act and consumer protections from Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices. He worked with Comerica Bank from 2000-2023, most recently as Chief Community Officer, overseeing community reinvestment nationally. He and his team established the Comerica Money $ense program to teach sound financial principles to audiences that include pre-kindergarten students, seniors, and small businesses. Irvin serves on the board of directors for the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation, the Dallas Theater Center, Kym’s Kids, and Focus on Teens. The New York native has also garnered several awards and honors. Among them: Savoy Magazine recognized Irvin as one of its 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America; in 2019, the University of Dallas inducted him into the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to community and economic development initiatives in diverse and underserved communities. In 2016, Irvin became the first two-time winner of the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award. He received the Individual Achievement DiversityFirst Award from the Texas Diversity Council, and the Driving Diversity Advocacy Award for Outreach from the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. The National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association also have recognized him for his leadership and support of programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and communities in Dallas.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Ginny actively supports leaders and organizations that are creating a prosperous, vibrant, and equitable community for all Rocky Mountain residents.

From 2018-2019, Ginny was interim President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. Prior to joining The Foundation,Virginia was consulting Chief Financial Officer for The Boppy Company. She also provided strategic financial planning services to middle-market companies for acquisitions, financings, capital restructurings, and succession planning.

Earlier in her career, Ginny was a partner with The Wallach Company, a Denver-based investment bank, leading mergers and acquisitions for public and private companies. Before joining The Wallach Company, she held various finance positions with Wiland Services, Boettcher and Company, and Bankers Trust Company.

Ginny currently serves on the board of directors of Professional Assist Corporation and is chair of the audit committee. Previously she was chair of the board of trustees of The Denver Foundation. She has also served on the boards of Concepts Direct, Inc., Scholars Unlimited, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.

Betty Arkell is a shareholder at Buchalter, with more than 40 years of experience as a corporate and securities lawyer. Her clients include startup, emerging growth, and established companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds. Betty specializes in corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, corporate restructurings, and general corporate counseling.  She also has experience in the formation of private and public venture capital funds.  Betty’s prior employment experience includes Equity Shareholder at Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C.in Denver, and nearly 10 years in the Venture Capital/Leveraged Buyout Group of Kirkland & Ellis, where she was a partner. In addition to serving on the board of DreamSpring, Betty is involved in numerous community and nonprofit organizations. 

Marisa Barrera leads DreamSpring’s mission-driven work to build economic opportunity for undercapitalized entrepreneurs. Her tenure includes service as Chief Impact Officer, where she carried a portfolio of organizational priorities including board and staff development, stewardship, and governance. She has been a member of the DreamSpring team since 1996, when she joined the organization as a Loan Officer. Marisa is a recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New Mexico Financial Services Advocate of the Year Award, and she has been recognized by New Mexico Business Weekly as a 40 Under 40 business leader. Marisa is a former board member of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a national association of more than 1,000 microenterprise development programs and partners in the United States. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and is an undergraduate alumna of the University of New Mexico.

Darcie DeFoe, Marketing & Brand Director for DreamSpring, has more than 15 years of strategy and planning experience in Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, digital marketing, and e-commerce. From automated and digital to in-person channels, she is highly engaged in process and design improvements while helping align sales and marketing teams to achieve client delight across the brand experience. Her focus is on digital and sales strategy development and project management, including content and resource management. Darcie works as a catalyst on sales teams to streamline operating procedures, bring clients to the forefront, and encourage lasting relationships with the brand through data analysis, educational content, and growing brands’ digital footprints. 

As DreamSpring's Accounting Manager, Natalie supports asset stewardship, budgeting and fiscal management, development of financial statements, and implementation of accounting best practices — all while directly supervising the organization's finance team. Prior to her decade of service at DreamSpring, Natalie led project management and financial reporting for PNM Resources and purchasing and inventory for Factory Express, Inc. Natalie enjoys connecting with her community and recently earned her Master of Business Administration. 

Shady Ereifej began working at DreamSpring in 2016; today, he supports the organization’s lending and finance teams as an Accountant I. Working with other DreamMakers is his favorite aspect of the work he does. 

As DreamSpring’s Client Success Manager, Jaquelyn Faustine loves working with DreamSpring’s clients — talking to them and hearing their stories, successes, and aspirations for the future, as well as understanding how to improve their experience from beginning to end. Helping small business owners who need assistance as they continue on in their entrepreneurial journey brings her joy. DreamSpring’s mission resonates deeply with Jaquelyn, who started working with the organization in 2015 because she wanted to change her community for the better.  

As a DreamSpring Loan Closer, Brianna Galvan specializes in loans under $20,000 and assists our Client Success team with account questions from clients. She also works as a Loan Navigator, helping potential clients with their loan product and application questions. Before becoming a DreamMaker in 2022, Brianna honed her customer service skills as a receptionist in a dental office, where she helped patients get seen and figure out insurance co-pays. 

Junior Software Developer Kashish Jain became a DreamMaker in 2023, building on his degree in computer science and engineering and strong background in backend development for web applications. His favorite part of working at DreamSpring is the collaborative team culture, brimming with opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. “Everyone is supportive and willing to help, which creates a positive work environment,” he says. “Additionally, the opportunity to work on interesting products and learn from experienced professionals has been invaluable in my growth as a junior software developer.” 

With a passion for uplifting communities through economic development and racial equality, Toni Johnson first joined DreamSpring as a Community Lending Officer in 2019. She has grown with the company to manage a team of lending supervisors and loan officers across multiple states, where she cultivates new relationships and builds strong referral networks. A small business owner herself, Toni loves to use small business tools, resources and business coaching to create resilient business owners, provide a path to financial wellness, and fortify entrepreneurs with their goals and brand visibility. Toni holds Financial Coaching, Small Business Strategists, and Economic Development certifications. 

Senior Loan Officer Amy Lapidus specializes in business financing including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and commercial real estate. She is skilled in productivity consulting and training, sales management, small business/consumer lending, and customer experience. Amy is a finance professional with an Associate's degree focused in sales, merchandising and marketing. Since becoming a DreamMaker in 2023, Amy has most enjoyed helping people achieve business goals and dreams that create jobs, as well as working with her colleagues. 

Suzette Longfellow is an experienced financial professional with three decades of experience providing audit and management advisory services. Prior to joining DreamSpring in 2021, she most recently served as a Managing Director at KPMG, where she was responsible for coordinating single and financial statement audits of public sector and non-public sector entities. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and the Association of Government Accountants. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of New Mexico and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New Mexico. She was recognized as the ALPFA Executive of the Year in 2014 and the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants Women to Watch Emerging Leader in 2005.

Alexa Marban is a dedicated Community Lending Officer with a passion for empowering small businesses. Alexa’s community-centered approach focuses on fostering strong relationships and connecting local businesses with essential resources and access to capital. She brings expertise in processing loans up to $50,000 and supporting entrepreneurs across all industries and sectors in achieving their goals. When she’s not making small business dreams a reality, Alexa channels her love of dogs into supporting animal welfare initiatives. 

Laura Marrich is an award-winning writer and editor who became DreamSpring’s Senior Communications Specialist in 2022. Over her two decades in journalism and marketing, Laura’s work has received numerous regional and national honors including recognition from the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Press Women Association, and the American Advertising Awards (the ADDYs). Laura also holds a Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification. As a storyteller from New Mexico, Laura is inspired by the vision and endurance of people who fight for their dreams. She seeks to use her skills and privilege to hold a megaphone up to communities that have been muted by systemic barriers. 

Jerrie E. Merritt serves as senior vice president and division community development manager for Bank of Nevada. Her banking career spans more than 40 years. Jerrie’s responsibilities include the progression and coordination of all economic development programs and projects, community development, as well as liaison responsibilities with state and local agencies, nonprofit development groups, and other participants in the community. She is chair of the board of directors for Work Force Connections and lends her experience and expertise to United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, and Valley Hospital Medical Center. She is past board chair for Help of Southern Nevada. Jerrie has also served on the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine Community Advisory Board and the UNLV Library Advisory Committee.   

Emery Nez-Whitfield has been helping DreamSpring clients succeed since 2023. As a Client Success Specialist, Emery reaches out to small business owners, researches their unique needs, and connects them with the resources they need to thrive. While working one-on-one with business owners, he also identifies emerging patterns that entrepreneurs are facing, enabling DreamSpring to provide better technical assistance. Emery enjoys maintaining a strong connection with DreamSpring clients on a day-to-day basis. Prior to DreamSpring, Emery's experience as a wholesale jewelers’ supply associate involved helping small business owners navigate supply chain and industry challenges. Emery's background as a third-generation jeweler and silversmith — skills he learned from his grandparents — has made him well versed in the opportunities, rewards, and challenges of being an artist and solopreneur. 

As Credit Risk Manager, Felix Ruiz oversees loan processing, underwriting, and credit reporting functions at DreamSpring, ensuring the financial health of the small businesses we support. With an extensive background in both commercial and consumer lending, Felix became a DreamMaker in 2021. Felix’s professional passion is helping serve the underserved.  

As a Portfolio Quality Officer, Joe Sanchez works closely with lenders, clients, and third-party agencies to support DreamSpring’s collections and portfolio quality efforts. Joe has a background in retail and commercial banking, and his experience includes serving as a commercial lender for BBVA Compass bank for over a decade. During his banking career, Joe focused on tribal lending and was a recipient of a Banker Award for best production among his regional peers. Prior to his current role, Joe joined DreamSpring in 2014 as a lender, helping small business clients access needed funding. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing guitar and has been a choir leader at his church for more than 20 years. 

Ernest Sankeshwar, a Senior Software Developer who joined DreamSpring in 2018, is passionate about applying his 13 years of technical experience toward projects that make a difference. Ernest’s career has touched on diverse applications including Mobile Device Management, BidPress, MGage, and Abacus — spanning fintech, e-commerce, health, mobile payments, and personal productivity. Ernest enjoys mentoring and training others, while also valuing thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to learn from those around him. In his free time, Ernest enjoys photography. “I love how DreamSpring has positive impact on clients,” Earnest says. 

Portfolio Quality Officer Yolanda Segura has been a dedicated member of the DreamSpring team since 2006, beginning as an administrative assistant and moving into key roles including loan processor and loan operations administrator. In her current role, she monitors our portfolio and helps clients successfully complete their repayment agreements. Yolanda’s educational background includes an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, as well as certificates in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Payroll Clerk, and General Business. She values the inclusive and collaborative culture at DreamSpring, where people are committed to mutual learning and support. 

Metta Smith, Chief Credit Officer, is a member of DreamSpring’s executive team, overseeing the organization’s lending program performance while spearheading the development of DreamSpring’s credit culture as the organization has expanded its portfolio. She was selected in 2013 as an Emerging Leaders in Microfinance Fellow by the Aspen Institute’s FIELD program. She joined the DreamSpring team in 2008 as an underwriter after serving as a member of the Take DreamSpring Task Force, an innovative volunteer group of bankers and business development specialists who helped DreamSpring expand lending capabilities into larger loan products. She continues community board service with the New Mexico Climate Investment Center as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, and is a member of Accion Opportunity Fund’s New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board and Mission Driven Finance’s Advance New Mexico Advisory Committee. Since taking over leadership of the lending team in 2012, Metta has supported the team’s efforts to grow the loan portfolio from $8 million to $130 million. Prior to DreamSpring, Metta was a banker, specializing in commercial credit analysis at Bank of Albuquerque. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Analisa Anaya-Smith, Senior Director of Finance, is a member of the leadership team, overseeing the accounting and finance operations of the organization. She is responsible for accomplishing the objectives of the finance department through strategic planning, organization, and management of all functions required to ensure maximum return on financial assets. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge through her tenure at DreamSpring. After joining in 2009, growing from an Accounting Administrator role to the Accountant Supervisor, Controller, and most recently to the Senior Director, she protects the assets of the organization by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls, policies, and procedures. Analisa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of New Mexico. 

Audit Specialist Bill Tye is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP) who joined the DreamSpring team in 2019. Feeling like DreamMakers are part of a family and an overall sense of adaptability are Bill’s favorite things about working at DreamSpring.  

Charles McElrath is a nationally recognized community development and financial services leader with more than 35 years of experience expanding access to capital and economic opportunity. Throughout his career, Charles has worked across banking, commercial lending, and community development finance, building a reputation for pairing strong financial performance and meaningful community impact. As a champion for underserved communities, he is particularly known for developing scalable lending strategies that help entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Prior to joining DreamSpring, Charles served as Senior Vice President of Commercial and Community Development Lending at Vista Bank, where he was instrumental in community investment efforts and drove transformational growth in lending activity. He previously spent 14 years as President and CEO of Southern Dallas Development Corporation, a community development financial institution focused on increasing access to capital in one of the most economically challenged regions of Texas. During his tenure, the organization generated more than $75 million in loan commitments while maintaining exceptional portfolio performance.

Charles has also held leadership positions with major financial institutions such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, and several communmity banks, giving him a unique perspective across both traditional and mission-driven finance. Raised in a household of modest means, Charles believes deeply in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and create generational opportunity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.

As DreamSpring’s CEO, Charles is focused on building upon the organization’s 30-year legacy of empowering entrepreneurs while scaling innovative lending and support programs that create economic mobility and strengthen communities across its multi-state footprint.

With more than 30 years of extensive banking experience with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessors, Alice applies her financial leadership acumen to several local and national service roles — including acting as Chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — for which she has received many awards and accolades. 

As head of the JPMC Community Impact Organization, Alice provided strategic counsel and served an integral leadership role in community engagement initiatives and localization strategy. In this capacity, she collaborated with Corporate Responsibility to bring together the best of business, philanthropy, and policy efforts to drive inclusive economic growth. In her last role with JPMorgan Chase, Alice led the Path Forward Initiative, a $30B commitment to advancing racial equity. Today, she is a co-owner at Kendall Milagro Inc., a boutique home builder with two decades of experience in the Dallas area. 

Irvin Ashford, Jr. is the Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking for Charles Schwab. In this role, Ashford manages a team with a focus on ensuring compliance of firm operations with standards of fairness and equity, as well as regulatory requirements safeguarding banking customers, including mandates under the Fair Lending Act and consumer protections from Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices. He worked with Comerica Bank from 2000-2023, most recently as Chief Community Officer, overseeing community reinvestment nationally. He and his team established the Comerica Money $ense program to teach sound financial principles to audiences that include pre-kindergarten students, seniors, and small businesses. Irvin serves on the board of directors for the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation, the Dallas Theater Center, Kym’s Kids, and Focus on Teens. The New York native has also garnered several awards and honors. Among them: Savoy Magazine recognized Irvin as one of its 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America; in 2019, the University of Dallas inducted him into the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to community and economic development initiatives in diverse and underserved communities. In 2016, Irvin became the first two-time winner of the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award. He received the Individual Achievement DiversityFirst Award from the Texas Diversity Council, and the Driving Diversity Advocacy Award for Outreach from the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. The National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association also have recognized him for his leadership and support of programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and communities in Dallas.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Ginny actively supports leaders and organizations that are creating a prosperous, vibrant, and equitable community for all Rocky Mountain residents.

From 2018-2019, Ginny was interim President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. Prior to joining The Foundation,Virginia was consulting Chief Financial Officer for The Boppy Company. She also provided strategic financial planning services to middle-market companies for acquisitions, financings, capital restructurings, and succession planning.

Earlier in her career, Ginny was a partner with The Wallach Company, a Denver-based investment bank, leading mergers and acquisitions for public and private companies. Before joining The Wallach Company, she held various finance positions with Wiland Services, Boettcher and Company, and Bankers Trust Company.

Ginny currently serves on the board of directors of Professional Assist Corporation and is chair of the audit committee. Previously she was chair of the board of trustees of The Denver Foundation. She has also served on the boards of Concepts Direct, Inc., Scholars Unlimited, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.

Betty Arkell is a shareholder at Buchalter, with more than 40 years of experience as a corporate and securities lawyer. Her clients include startup, emerging growth, and established companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds. Betty specializes in corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, corporate restructurings, and general corporate counseling.  She also has experience in the formation of private and public venture capital funds.  Betty’s prior employment experience includes Equity Shareholder at Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C.in Denver, and nearly 10 years in the Venture Capital/Leveraged Buyout Group of Kirkland & Ellis, where she was a partner. In addition to serving on the board of DreamSpring, Betty is involved in numerous community and nonprofit organizations. 

Marisa Barrera leads DreamSpring’s mission-driven work to build economic opportunity for undercapitalized entrepreneurs. Her tenure includes service as Chief Impact Officer, where she carried a portfolio of organizational priorities including board and staff development, stewardship, and governance. She has been a member of the DreamSpring team since 1996, when she joined the organization as a Loan Officer. Marisa is a recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New Mexico Financial Services Advocate of the Year Award, and she has been recognized by New Mexico Business Weekly as a 40 Under 40 business leader. Marisa is a former board member of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a national association of more than 1,000 microenterprise development programs and partners in the United States. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and is an undergraduate alumna of the University of New Mexico.

Darcie DeFoe, Marketing & Brand Director for DreamSpring, has more than 15 years of strategy and planning experience in Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, digital marketing, and e-commerce. From automated and digital to in-person channels, she is highly engaged in process and design improvements while helping align sales and marketing teams to achieve client delight across the brand experience. Her focus is on digital and sales strategy development and project management, including content and resource management. Darcie works as a catalyst on sales teams to streamline operating procedures, bring clients to the forefront, and encourage lasting relationships with the brand through data analysis, educational content, and growing brands’ digital footprints. 

As DreamSpring's Accounting Manager, Natalie supports asset stewardship, budgeting and fiscal management, development of financial statements, and implementation of accounting best practices — all while directly supervising the organization's finance team. Prior to her decade of service at DreamSpring, Natalie led project management and financial reporting for PNM Resources and purchasing and inventory for Factory Express, Inc. Natalie enjoys connecting with her community and recently earned her Master of Business Administration. 

Shady Ereifej began working at DreamSpring in 2016; today, he supports the organization’s lending and finance teams as an Accountant I. Working with other DreamMakers is his favorite aspect of the work he does. 

As DreamSpring’s Client Success Manager, Jaquelyn Faustine loves working with DreamSpring’s clients — talking to them and hearing their stories, successes, and aspirations for the future, as well as understanding how to improve their experience from beginning to end. Helping small business owners who need assistance as they continue on in their entrepreneurial journey brings her joy. DreamSpring’s mission resonates deeply with Jaquelyn, who started working with the organization in 2015 because she wanted to change her community for the better.  

As a DreamSpring Loan Closer, Brianna Galvan specializes in loans under $20,000 and assists our Client Success team with account questions from clients. She also works as a Loan Navigator, helping potential clients with their loan product and application questions. Before becoming a DreamMaker in 2022, Brianna honed her customer service skills as a receptionist in a dental office, where she helped patients get seen and figure out insurance co-pays. 

Junior Software Developer Kashish Jain became a DreamMaker in 2023, building on his degree in computer science and engineering and strong background in backend development for web applications. His favorite part of working at DreamSpring is the collaborative team culture, brimming with opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. “Everyone is supportive and willing to help, which creates a positive work environment,” he says. “Additionally, the opportunity to work on interesting products and learn from experienced professionals has been invaluable in my growth as a junior software developer.” 

With a passion for uplifting communities through economic development and racial equality, Toni Johnson first joined DreamSpring as a Community Lending Officer in 2019. She has grown with the company to manage a team of lending supervisors and loan officers across multiple states, where she cultivates new relationships and builds strong referral networks. A small business owner herself, Toni loves to use small business tools, resources and business coaching to create resilient business owners, provide a path to financial wellness, and fortify entrepreneurs with their goals and brand visibility. Toni holds Financial Coaching, Small Business Strategists, and Economic Development certifications. 

Senior Loan Officer Amy Lapidus specializes in business financing including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and commercial real estate. She is skilled in productivity consulting and training, sales management, small business/consumer lending, and customer experience. Amy is a finance professional with an Associate's degree focused in sales, merchandising and marketing. Since becoming a DreamMaker in 2023, Amy has most enjoyed helping people achieve business goals and dreams that create jobs, as well as working with her colleagues. 

Suzette Longfellow is an experienced financial professional with three decades of experience providing audit and management advisory services. Prior to joining DreamSpring in 2021, she most recently served as a Managing Director at KPMG, where she was responsible for coordinating single and financial statement audits of public sector and non-public sector entities. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and the Association of Government Accountants. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of New Mexico and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New Mexico. She was recognized as the ALPFA Executive of the Year in 2014 and the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants Women to Watch Emerging Leader in 2005.

Alexa Marban is a dedicated Community Lending Officer with a passion for empowering small businesses. Alexa’s community-centered approach focuses on fostering strong relationships and connecting local businesses with essential resources and access to capital. She brings expertise in processing loans up to $50,000 and supporting entrepreneurs across all industries and sectors in achieving their goals. When she’s not making small business dreams a reality, Alexa channels her love of dogs into supporting animal welfare initiatives. 

Laura Marrich is an award-winning writer and editor who became DreamSpring’s Senior Communications Specialist in 2022. Over her two decades in journalism and marketing, Laura’s work has received numerous regional and national honors including recognition from the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Press Women Association, and the American Advertising Awards (the ADDYs). Laura also holds a Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification. As a storyteller from New Mexico, Laura is inspired by the vision and endurance of people who fight for their dreams. She seeks to use her skills and privilege to hold a megaphone up to communities that have been muted by systemic barriers. 

Jerrie E. Merritt serves as senior vice president and division community development manager for Bank of Nevada. Her banking career spans more than 40 years. Jerrie’s responsibilities include the progression and coordination of all economic development programs and projects, community development, as well as liaison responsibilities with state and local agencies, nonprofit development groups, and other participants in the community. She is chair of the board of directors for Work Force Connections and lends her experience and expertise to United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, and Valley Hospital Medical Center. She is past board chair for Help of Southern Nevada. Jerrie has also served on the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine Community Advisory Board and the UNLV Library Advisory Committee.   

Emery Nez-Whitfield has been helping DreamSpring clients succeed since 2023. As a Client Success Specialist, Emery reaches out to small business owners, researches their unique needs, and connects them with the resources they need to thrive. While working one-on-one with business owners, he also identifies emerging patterns that entrepreneurs are facing, enabling DreamSpring to provide better technical assistance. Emery enjoys maintaining a strong connection with DreamSpring clients on a day-to-day basis. Prior to DreamSpring, Emery's experience as a wholesale jewelers’ supply associate involved helping small business owners navigate supply chain and industry challenges. Emery's background as a third-generation jeweler and silversmith — skills he learned from his grandparents — has made him well versed in the opportunities, rewards, and challenges of being an artist and solopreneur. 

As Credit Risk Manager, Felix Ruiz oversees loan processing, underwriting, and credit reporting functions at DreamSpring, ensuring the financial health of the small businesses we support. With an extensive background in both commercial and consumer lending, Felix became a DreamMaker in 2021. Felix’s professional passion is helping serve the underserved.  

As a Portfolio Quality Officer, Joe Sanchez works closely with lenders, clients, and third-party agencies to support DreamSpring’s collections and portfolio quality efforts. Joe has a background in retail and commercial banking, and his experience includes serving as a commercial lender for BBVA Compass bank for over a decade. During his banking career, Joe focused on tribal lending and was a recipient of a Banker Award for best production among his regional peers. Prior to his current role, Joe joined DreamSpring in 2014 as a lender, helping small business clients access needed funding. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing guitar and has been a choir leader at his church for more than 20 years. 

Ernest Sankeshwar, a Senior Software Developer who joined DreamSpring in 2018, is passionate about applying his 13 years of technical experience toward projects that make a difference. Ernest’s career has touched on diverse applications including Mobile Device Management, BidPress, MGage, and Abacus — spanning fintech, e-commerce, health, mobile payments, and personal productivity. Ernest enjoys mentoring and training others, while also valuing thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to learn from those around him. In his free time, Ernest enjoys photography. “I love how DreamSpring has positive impact on clients,” Earnest says. 

Portfolio Quality Officer Yolanda Segura has been a dedicated member of the DreamSpring team since 2006, beginning as an administrative assistant and moving into key roles including loan processor and loan operations administrator. In her current role, she monitors our portfolio and helps clients successfully complete their repayment agreements. Yolanda’s educational background includes an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, as well as certificates in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Payroll Clerk, and General Business. She values the inclusive and collaborative culture at DreamSpring, where people are committed to mutual learning and support. 

Metta Smith, Chief Credit Officer, is a member of DreamSpring’s executive team, overseeing the organization’s lending program performance while spearheading the development of DreamSpring’s credit culture as the organization has expanded its portfolio. She was selected in 2013 as an Emerging Leaders in Microfinance Fellow by the Aspen Institute’s FIELD program. She joined the DreamSpring team in 2008 as an underwriter after serving as a member of the Take DreamSpring Task Force, an innovative volunteer group of bankers and business development specialists who helped DreamSpring expand lending capabilities into larger loan products. She continues community board service with the New Mexico Climate Investment Center as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, and is a member of Accion Opportunity Fund’s New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board and Mission Driven Finance’s Advance New Mexico Advisory Committee. Since taking over leadership of the lending team in 2012, Metta has supported the team’s efforts to grow the loan portfolio from $8 million to $130 million. Prior to DreamSpring, Metta was a banker, specializing in commercial credit analysis at Bank of Albuquerque. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Analisa Anaya-Smith, Senior Director of Finance, is a member of the leadership team, overseeing the accounting and finance operations of the organization. She is responsible for accomplishing the objectives of the finance department through strategic planning, organization, and management of all functions required to ensure maximum return on financial assets. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge through her tenure at DreamSpring. After joining in 2009, growing from an Accounting Administrator role to the Accountant Supervisor, Controller, and most recently to the Senior Director, she protects the assets of the organization by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls, policies, and procedures. Analisa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of New Mexico. 

Audit Specialist Bill Tye is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP) who joined the DreamSpring team in 2019. Feeling like DreamMakers are part of a family and an overall sense of adaptability are Bill’s favorite things about working at DreamSpring.  

Charles McElrath is a nationally recognized community development and financial services leader with more than 35 years of experience expanding access to capital and economic opportunity. Throughout his career, Charles has worked across banking, commercial lending, and community development finance, building a reputation for pairing strong financial performance and meaningful community impact. As a champion for underserved communities, he is particularly known for developing scalable lending strategies that help entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Prior to joining DreamSpring, Charles served as Senior Vice President of Commercial and Community Development Lending at Vista Bank, where he was instrumental in community investment efforts and drove transformational growth in lending activity. He previously spent 14 years as President and CEO of Southern Dallas Development Corporation, a community development financial institution focused on increasing access to capital in one of the most economically challenged regions of Texas. During his tenure, the organization generated more than $75 million in loan commitments while maintaining exceptional portfolio performance.

Charles has also held leadership positions with major financial institutions such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, and several communmity banks, giving him a unique perspective across both traditional and mission-driven finance. Raised in a household of modest means, Charles believes deeply in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and create generational opportunity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.

As DreamSpring’s CEO, Charles is focused on building upon the organization’s 30-year legacy of empowering entrepreneurs while scaling innovative lending and support programs that create economic mobility and strengthen communities across its multi-state footprint.

With more than 30 years of extensive banking experience with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessors, Alice applies her financial leadership acumen to several local and national service roles — including acting as Chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — for which she has received many awards and accolades. 

As head of the JPMC Community Impact Organization, Alice provided strategic counsel and served an integral leadership role in community engagement initiatives and localization strategy. In this capacity, she collaborated with Corporate Responsibility to bring together the best of business, philanthropy, and policy efforts to drive inclusive economic growth. In her last role with JPMorgan Chase, Alice led the Path Forward Initiative, a $30B commitment to advancing racial equity. Today, she is a co-owner at Kendall Milagro Inc., a boutique home builder with two decades of experience in the Dallas area. 

Irvin Ashford, Jr. is the Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking for Charles Schwab. In this role, Ashford manages a team with a focus on ensuring compliance of firm operations with standards of fairness and equity, as well as regulatory requirements safeguarding banking customers, including mandates under the Fair Lending Act and consumer protections from Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices. He worked with Comerica Bank from 2000-2023, most recently as Chief Community Officer, overseeing community reinvestment nationally. He and his team established the Comerica Money $ense program to teach sound financial principles to audiences that include pre-kindergarten students, seniors, and small businesses. Irvin serves on the board of directors for the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation, the Dallas Theater Center, Kym’s Kids, and Focus on Teens. The New York native has also garnered several awards and honors. Among them: Savoy Magazine recognized Irvin as one of its 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America; in 2019, the University of Dallas inducted him into the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to community and economic development initiatives in diverse and underserved communities. In 2016, Irvin became the first two-time winner of the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award. He received the Individual Achievement DiversityFirst Award from the Texas Diversity Council, and the Driving Diversity Advocacy Award for Outreach from the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. The National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association also have recognized him for his leadership and support of programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and communities in Dallas.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Ginny actively supports leaders and organizations that are creating a prosperous, vibrant, and equitable community for all Rocky Mountain residents.

From 2018-2019, Ginny was interim President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. Prior to joining The Foundation,Virginia was consulting Chief Financial Officer for The Boppy Company. She also provided strategic financial planning services to middle-market companies for acquisitions, financings, capital restructurings, and succession planning.

Earlier in her career, Ginny was a partner with The Wallach Company, a Denver-based investment bank, leading mergers and acquisitions for public and private companies. Before joining The Wallach Company, she held various finance positions with Wiland Services, Boettcher and Company, and Bankers Trust Company.

Ginny currently serves on the board of directors of Professional Assist Corporation and is chair of the audit committee. Previously she was chair of the board of trustees of The Denver Foundation. She has also served on the boards of Concepts Direct, Inc., Scholars Unlimited, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.

Betty Arkell is a shareholder at Buchalter, with more than 40 years of experience as a corporate and securities lawyer. Her clients include startup, emerging growth, and established companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds. Betty specializes in corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, corporate restructurings, and general corporate counseling.  She also has experience in the formation of private and public venture capital funds.  Betty’s prior employment experience includes Equity Shareholder at Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C.in Denver, and nearly 10 years in the Venture Capital/Leveraged Buyout Group of Kirkland & Ellis, where she was a partner. In addition to serving on the board of DreamSpring, Betty is involved in numerous community and nonprofit organizations. 

Marisa Barrera leads DreamSpring’s mission-driven work to build economic opportunity for undercapitalized entrepreneurs. Her tenure includes service as Chief Impact Officer, where she carried a portfolio of organizational priorities including board and staff development, stewardship, and governance. She has been a member of the DreamSpring team since 1996, when she joined the organization as a Loan Officer. Marisa is a recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New Mexico Financial Services Advocate of the Year Award, and she has been recognized by New Mexico Business Weekly as a 40 Under 40 business leader. Marisa is a former board member of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a national association of more than 1,000 microenterprise development programs and partners in the United States. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and is an undergraduate alumna of the University of New Mexico.

Darcie DeFoe, Marketing & Brand Director for DreamSpring, has more than 15 years of strategy and planning experience in Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, digital marketing, and e-commerce. From automated and digital to in-person channels, she is highly engaged in process and design improvements while helping align sales and marketing teams to achieve client delight across the brand experience. Her focus is on digital and sales strategy development and project management, including content and resource management. Darcie works as a catalyst on sales teams to streamline operating procedures, bring clients to the forefront, and encourage lasting relationships with the brand through data analysis, educational content, and growing brands’ digital footprints. 

As DreamSpring's Accounting Manager, Natalie supports asset stewardship, budgeting and fiscal management, development of financial statements, and implementation of accounting best practices — all while directly supervising the organization's finance team. Prior to her decade of service at DreamSpring, Natalie led project management and financial reporting for PNM Resources and purchasing and inventory for Factory Express, Inc. Natalie enjoys connecting with her community and recently earned her Master of Business Administration. 

Shady Ereifej began working at DreamSpring in 2016; today, he supports the organization’s lending and finance teams as an Accountant I. Working with other DreamMakers is his favorite aspect of the work he does. 

As DreamSpring’s Client Success Manager, Jaquelyn Faustine loves working with DreamSpring’s clients — talking to them and hearing their stories, successes, and aspirations for the future, as well as understanding how to improve their experience from beginning to end. Helping small business owners who need assistance as they continue on in their entrepreneurial journey brings her joy. DreamSpring’s mission resonates deeply with Jaquelyn, who started working with the organization in 2015 because she wanted to change her community for the better.  

As a DreamSpring Loan Closer, Brianna Galvan specializes in loans under $20,000 and assists our Client Success team with account questions from clients. She also works as a Loan Navigator, helping potential clients with their loan product and application questions. Before becoming a DreamMaker in 2022, Brianna honed her customer service skills as a receptionist in a dental office, where she helped patients get seen and figure out insurance co-pays. 

Junior Software Developer Kashish Jain became a DreamMaker in 2023, building on his degree in computer science and engineering and strong background in backend development for web applications. His favorite part of working at DreamSpring is the collaborative team culture, brimming with opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. “Everyone is supportive and willing to help, which creates a positive work environment,” he says. “Additionally, the opportunity to work on interesting products and learn from experienced professionals has been invaluable in my growth as a junior software developer.” 

With a passion for uplifting communities through economic development and racial equality, Toni Johnson first joined DreamSpring as a Community Lending Officer in 2019. She has grown with the company to manage a team of lending supervisors and loan officers across multiple states, where she cultivates new relationships and builds strong referral networks. A small business owner herself, Toni loves to use small business tools, resources and business coaching to create resilient business owners, provide a path to financial wellness, and fortify entrepreneurs with their goals and brand visibility. Toni holds Financial Coaching, Small Business Strategists, and Economic Development certifications. 

Senior Loan Officer Amy Lapidus specializes in business financing including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and commercial real estate. She is skilled in productivity consulting and training, sales management, small business/consumer lending, and customer experience. Amy is a finance professional with an Associate's degree focused in sales, merchandising and marketing. Since becoming a DreamMaker in 2023, Amy has most enjoyed helping people achieve business goals and dreams that create jobs, as well as working with her colleagues. 

Suzette Longfellow is an experienced financial professional with three decades of experience providing audit and management advisory services. Prior to joining DreamSpring in 2021, she most recently served as a Managing Director at KPMG, where she was responsible for coordinating single and financial statement audits of public sector and non-public sector entities. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and the Association of Government Accountants. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of New Mexico and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New Mexico. She was recognized as the ALPFA Executive of the Year in 2014 and the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants Women to Watch Emerging Leader in 2005.

Alexa Marban is a dedicated Community Lending Officer with a passion for empowering small businesses. Alexa’s community-centered approach focuses on fostering strong relationships and connecting local businesses with essential resources and access to capital. She brings expertise in processing loans up to $50,000 and supporting entrepreneurs across all industries and sectors in achieving their goals. When she’s not making small business dreams a reality, Alexa channels her love of dogs into supporting animal welfare initiatives. 

Laura Marrich is an award-winning writer and editor who became DreamSpring’s Senior Communications Specialist in 2022. Over her two decades in journalism and marketing, Laura’s work has received numerous regional and national honors including recognition from the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Press Women Association, and the American Advertising Awards (the ADDYs). Laura also holds a Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification. As a storyteller from New Mexico, Laura is inspired by the vision and endurance of people who fight for their dreams. She seeks to use her skills and privilege to hold a megaphone up to communities that have been muted by systemic barriers. 

Jerrie E. Merritt serves as senior vice president and division community development manager for Bank of Nevada. Her banking career spans more than 40 years. Jerrie’s responsibilities include the progression and coordination of all economic development programs and projects, community development, as well as liaison responsibilities with state and local agencies, nonprofit development groups, and other participants in the community. She is chair of the board of directors for Work Force Connections and lends her experience and expertise to United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, and Valley Hospital Medical Center. She is past board chair for Help of Southern Nevada. Jerrie has also served on the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine Community Advisory Board and the UNLV Library Advisory Committee.   

Emery Nez-Whitfield has been helping DreamSpring clients succeed since 2023. As a Client Success Specialist, Emery reaches out to small business owners, researches their unique needs, and connects them with the resources they need to thrive. While working one-on-one with business owners, he also identifies emerging patterns that entrepreneurs are facing, enabling DreamSpring to provide better technical assistance. Emery enjoys maintaining a strong connection with DreamSpring clients on a day-to-day basis. Prior to DreamSpring, Emery's experience as a wholesale jewelers’ supply associate involved helping small business owners navigate supply chain and industry challenges. Emery's background as a third-generation jeweler and silversmith — skills he learned from his grandparents — has made him well versed in the opportunities, rewards, and challenges of being an artist and solopreneur. 

As Credit Risk Manager, Felix Ruiz oversees loan processing, underwriting, and credit reporting functions at DreamSpring, ensuring the financial health of the small businesses we support. With an extensive background in both commercial and consumer lending, Felix became a DreamMaker in 2021. Felix’s professional passion is helping serve the underserved.  

As a Portfolio Quality Officer, Joe Sanchez works closely with lenders, clients, and third-party agencies to support DreamSpring’s collections and portfolio quality efforts. Joe has a background in retail and commercial banking, and his experience includes serving as a commercial lender for BBVA Compass bank for over a decade. During his banking career, Joe focused on tribal lending and was a recipient of a Banker Award for best production among his regional peers. Prior to his current role, Joe joined DreamSpring in 2014 as a lender, helping small business clients access needed funding. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing guitar and has been a choir leader at his church for more than 20 years. 

Ernest Sankeshwar, a Senior Software Developer who joined DreamSpring in 2018, is passionate about applying his 13 years of technical experience toward projects that make a difference. Ernest’s career has touched on diverse applications including Mobile Device Management, BidPress, MGage, and Abacus — spanning fintech, e-commerce, health, mobile payments, and personal productivity. Ernest enjoys mentoring and training others, while also valuing thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to learn from those around him. In his free time, Ernest enjoys photography. “I love how DreamSpring has positive impact on clients,” Earnest says. 

Portfolio Quality Officer Yolanda Segura has been a dedicated member of the DreamSpring team since 2006, beginning as an administrative assistant and moving into key roles including loan processor and loan operations administrator. In her current role, she monitors our portfolio and helps clients successfully complete their repayment agreements. Yolanda’s educational background includes an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, as well as certificates in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Payroll Clerk, and General Business. She values the inclusive and collaborative culture at DreamSpring, where people are committed to mutual learning and support. 

Metta Smith, Chief Credit Officer, is a member of DreamSpring’s executive team, overseeing the organization’s lending program performance while spearheading the development of DreamSpring’s credit culture as the organization has expanded its portfolio. She was selected in 2013 as an Emerging Leaders in Microfinance Fellow by the Aspen Institute’s FIELD program. She joined the DreamSpring team in 2008 as an underwriter after serving as a member of the Take DreamSpring Task Force, an innovative volunteer group of bankers and business development specialists who helped DreamSpring expand lending capabilities into larger loan products. She continues community board service with the New Mexico Climate Investment Center as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, and is a member of Accion Opportunity Fund’s New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board and Mission Driven Finance’s Advance New Mexico Advisory Committee. Since taking over leadership of the lending team in 2012, Metta has supported the team’s efforts to grow the loan portfolio from $8 million to $130 million. Prior to DreamSpring, Metta was a banker, specializing in commercial credit analysis at Bank of Albuquerque. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Analisa Anaya-Smith, Senior Director of Finance, is a member of the leadership team, overseeing the accounting and finance operations of the organization. She is responsible for accomplishing the objectives of the finance department through strategic planning, organization, and management of all functions required to ensure maximum return on financial assets. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge through her tenure at DreamSpring. After joining in 2009, growing from an Accounting Administrator role to the Accountant Supervisor, Controller, and most recently to the Senior Director, she protects the assets of the organization by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls, policies, and procedures. Analisa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of New Mexico. 

Audit Specialist Bill Tye is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP) who joined the DreamSpring team in 2019. Feeling like DreamMakers are part of a family and an overall sense of adaptability are Bill’s favorite things about working at DreamSpring.