Local Initiatives Support Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Local Initiatives Support has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and human capital development.

Committed to fostering economic opportunity, Local Initiatives Support drives community development initiatives across thousands of rural counties and urban centers to ensure sustainable growth and equitable access to essential resources.

Leadership Roles at Local Initiatives Support

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Rubinger
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christina Travers
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Libove
  • COS To the President - Sharon Dwyer
  • President Local Fuels - John Smith
  • Chief of Staff - Tahirih Ziegler
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Joseph DiFilippi
  • Chief People Officer - Yvette Encarnacion
  • Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel - Lillyanne Alexander
  • Michael Rubinger - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Rubinger, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the overarching strategic vision for this national community development financial institution. Rubinger architects long-term growth initiatives that expand the reach of capital investments into underserved urban and rural markets across 44 states. By aligning organizational goals with the mission of fostering economic resilience, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that community development projects receive necessary funding and institutional backing. Michael Rubinger maintains active engagement with the Board to refine operational priorities and secure the financial health of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of national programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives impact across 2,100 rural counties. This leadership role requires constant coordination with regional directors to scale effective community solutions. Ultimately, Rubinger secures the long-term viability of the institution while advancing the core mission of community empowerment.

    Christina Travers - Chief Financial Officer

    Christina Travers, the Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, manages the complex fiscal architecture required to sustain a large-scale community development financial institution. Travers oversees the allocation of capital across 35 cities, ensuring that financial resources effectively support local development projects. By directing treasury operations and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the organization's balance sheet. Christina Travers collaborates with executive leadership to optimize investment strategies that drive economic growth in diverse geographic regions. This role involves managing institutional risk while maximizing the impact of charitable funds. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of lending programs into rural counties. Travers ensures that all fiscal activities align with the broader mission of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary financial stability to empower communities through sustainable investment and strategic resource management.
    Christina Travers

    Barbara Libove - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Libove, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, supports the fiscal health of the organization by managing internal accounting controls and financial compliance. Libove oversees the day-to-day financial operations that underpin the institution's community development lending activities. By monitoring budget performance and expenditure tracking, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach target communities efficiently. Barbara Libove works closely with the finance department to maintain accurate reporting standards across all 35 cities. This role involves analyzing financial data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost reduction. Through diligent oversight, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer strengthens the financial foundation required for large-scale community investment. Libove provides critical support to the executive team regarding fiscal policy and risk management. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the financial capacity to fulfill its mission of supporting community development initiatives.

    Sharon Dwyer - COS To the President

    Sharon Dwyer, the COS To the President at Local Initiatives Support, manages the administrative and strategic priorities of the office of the President. Dwyer coordinates executive communications and ensures that the President remains informed on critical developments across all 44 states. By facilitating meetings and tracking key performance indicators, the COS To the President enables the leadership team to execute the organizational mission effectively. Sharon Dwyer oversees the flow of information between the President and other C-suite leaders to ensure cohesive decision-making. This role involves managing complex schedules and prioritizing initiatives that support community development. Through proactive coordination, the COS To the President drives the implementation of strategic goals. Dwyer maintains a focus on organizational excellence and operational efficiency. Ultimately, the COS To the President provides the essential support required for the President to lead the institution in its efforts to foster economic growth and community resilience.

    John Smith - President Local Fuels

    John Smith, the President Local Fuels at Local Initiatives Support, directs the specific energy-related initiatives that support community development in rural and urban areas. Smith oversees the operational strategy for fuel-based programs that provide essential resources to underserved populations. By managing partnerships with energy providers, the President Local Fuels ensures that communities have access to reliable and affordable energy solutions. John Smith collaborates with regional directors to implement programs that address the unique needs of the 2,100 rural counties served by the institution. This role involves optimizing supply chains and distribution networks to maximize the impact of energy initiatives. Through strategic leadership, the President Local Fuels drives the expansion of programs that foster economic stability. Smith aligns these efforts with the broader mission of the organization to promote community resilience. Ultimately, the President Local Fuels provides the specialized expertise required to deliver critical energy services to communities in need.

    Tahirih Ziegler - Chief of Staff

    Tahirih Ziegler, the Chief of Staff at Local Initiatives Support, coordinates the daily operations and strategic initiatives of the executive office. Ziegler facilitates communication between departments to ensure that organizational objectives remain synchronized across all 44 states of operation. By managing high-priority projects, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on scaling community development efforts. Tahirih Ziegler monitors the execution of corporate policies and ensures that internal processes support the mission of the institution. This role involves bridging the gap between executive strategy and operational implementation. Through effective project management, the Chief of Staff drives efficiency in the delivery of services to rural counties and urban centers. Ziegler maintains a clear focus on organizational alignment and performance metrics. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff optimizes the internal workflow to support the long-term success of the institution and its commitment to community development.

    Joseph DiFilippi - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Joseph DiFilippi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the technological infrastructure that powers the organization's community development efforts. DiFilippi architects scalable digital systems to manage data across 2,100 rural counties and 35 cities. By overseeing cybersecurity and information technology strategy, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that the institution operates securely and efficiently. Joseph DiFilippi integrates advanced data analytics into the decision-making process to better target community needs. This role involves modernizing internal platforms to improve collaboration among staff and external partners. Through the implementation of robust IT solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across the entire organization. DiFilippi aligns technology investments with the broader mission of fostering economic opportunity. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer provides the digital tools necessary for the institution to scale its impact effectively.

    Yvette Encarnacion - Chief People Officer

    Yvette Encarnacion, the Chief People Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the human capital strategy to attract and retain talent dedicated to community development. Encarnacion oversees recruitment, professional development, and organizational culture across the entire institution. By fostering an inclusive work environment, the Chief People Officer ensures that the staff remains aligned with the mission of supporting 35 cities and rural counties. Yvette Encarnacion implements performance management systems that drive employee engagement and productivity. This role involves developing training programs that equip the workforce with the skills necessary to address complex community challenges. Through strategic talent management, the Chief People Officer supports the growth and stability of the organization. Encarnacion collaborates with other executives to ensure that human resources policies reflect the values of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer builds the organizational capacity required to sustain long-term impact in the communities served.
    Lillyanne Alexander, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel at Local Initiatives Support, manages the legal framework governing the institution's community development activities. Alexander oversees regulatory compliance and contract management across all 44 states of operation. By providing legal guidance on complex financial transactions, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel ensures that all initiatives adhere to federal and state laws. Lillyanne Alexander mitigates institutional risk by drafting and reviewing agreements that support community development projects. This role involves collaborating with the finance and operations teams to ensure that legal structures support the organization's mission. Through diligent legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel protects the interests of the institution and its partners. Alexander maintains a focus on ethical standards and regulatory excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel provides the legal foundation necessary for the organization to operate effectively and achieve its goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Local Initiatives Support Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Local Initiatives Support?
    Local Initiatives Support is led by Michael Rubinger (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christina Travers (Chief Financial Officer) and Barbara Libove (Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Local Initiatives Support’s executive team?
    The executive team of Local Initiatives Support includes leaders such as Michael Rubinger (President & Chief Executive Officer), Christina Travers (Chief Financial Officer), Barbara Libove (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Local Initiatives Support have?
    Local Initiatives Support has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Local Initiatives Support’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Local Initiatives Support includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, COS To the President, President Local Fuels.