Albuquerque, NM (January 25, 2024) — DreamSpring is delighted to announce its slate of Board of Officers for 2024, who are tasked with advancing the organization's mission of vitalizing communities through entrepreneurship. The announcement coincides with the milestone 30th anniversary of DreamSpring, a national nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) lender.
DreamSpring expresses its profound gratitude to Edmond Johnson, who has worked tirelessly to advance the organization's mission to propel financial equity and inclusion. After concluding two years of service as Chair, Edmond will ensure continuity through this transition by remaining on the 2024 board as Immediate Past Chair.
Edmond Johnson, DreamSpring Board Immediate Past Chair
"With immense pride for all we have accomplished together, and boundless promise for what the future holds, I am thrilled to pass the gavel to the new DreamSpring Board of Directors Chair,” says Edmond. “My successor, Anthony Sharett, has distinguished himself as a champion of economic opportunity at DreamSpring and throughout his career. I eagerly await his innovation, passion, and leadership as he guides DreamSpring into its next phase of impact.”
Anthony Sharett, DreamSpring Board Chair
Anthony Sharett assumes the role of Chair after serving as Vice Chair in 2023. As President of Pathward®, N.A. and Pathward Financial, Inc., he brings extensive experience in inclusive banking, legal compliance, and community stewardship to this key board position at DreamSpring.
"I am honored to lead the DreamSpring Board of Directors in building upon its 30-year legacy of empowering financial inclusion,” says Anthony. “Together with our staff, supporters, and clients, we'll continue to transform the alternative finance industry while uplifting communities through entrepreneurship."
Alice Rodriguez, DreamSpring Board Vice Chair/Chair Elect
Alice Rodriguez now serves Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the board. Having retired from more than 30 years as an executive at JPMorgan Chase and as a former Chair of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she stands as a passionate and highly knowledgeable advocate for entrepreneurship at DreamSpring.
Ginny Bayless, DreamSpring Board Treasurer
Ginny Bayless will continue her role as Treasurer, leveraging her exceptional financial acumen and dedication to community development in the service of strengthening DreamSpring's fiscal strategies.
Irvin Ashford Jr., DreamSpring Board Secretary
Irvin Ashford Jr. steps into the role of Secretary. As Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking at Charles Schwab, his steadfast commitment to community reinvestment, access to capital, and financial education are invaluable assets to DreamSpring’s mission and clients.
Bill Ridenour, Former DreamSpring Board Member
In addition to its executive leadership team, Betty Arkell, Jerrie Merritt, Yashoda Naidoo, and Kim Peone comprise the at-large 2024 DreamSpring Board of Directors. The organization would also like to thank and congratulate Bill Ridenour for his years of dedicated service to DreamSpring as a board member at large, which concluded at the end of 2023.
DreamSpring is deeply grateful to all current and former Board of Directors members for playing a vital role in steering the CDFI through three decades of impact. The organization is overjoyed to welcome its new slate of board leadership as it works toward a future of inclusive economic growth and resilient communities for all.
For more information about DreamSpring's board and staff, please visit DreamSpring.org/company/team.
About DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, the organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners in 27 states, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income earners, people with disabilities, and start-ups. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 48,796 loans totaling over $538 million to small businesses that support an estimated 65,138 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.