Local Initiatives Support Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Local Initiatives Support has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and organizational development.

Committed to fostering economic opportunity, Local Initiatives Support drives community development initiatives across urban and rural landscapes 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 plans that expand the reach of capital investments into 35 cities and thousands of rural counties. By aligning organizational goals with the mission of supporting community development, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that resources effectively reach underserved populations across 44 states. Michael Rubinger maintains active engagement with the Board to secure institutional stability and mission-driven impact. Through the oversight of high-level partnerships, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the capacity of local organizations to execute transformative projects. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market needs to refine the national strategy. Ultimately, Rubinger drives the organization toward achieving measurable improvements in economic mobility and community resilience.

    Christina Travers - Chief Financial Officer

    Christina Travers, the Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for this major community development financial institution. Travers manages the complex financial architecture required to support initiatives across 44 states, ensuring that funds are deployed efficiently to maximize social impact. By directing investment strategies and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the organization's balance sheet. Christina Travers collaborates with external partners and investors to secure the capital necessary for large-scale community projects. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of risk management and compliance protocols to protect the institution's assets. Through the optimization of financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of programs into rural counties and urban centers. Travers ensures that fiscal policies remain aligned with the long-term mission of fostering economic opportunity and sustainable community development.
    Christina Travers

    Barbara Libove - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Libove, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, supports the fiscal operations and financial planning functions of the organization. Libove focuses on the granular management of accounting systems and internal controls that underpin the institution's community development work. By assisting the Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that regional offices across 44 states receive accurate financial guidance and support. Barbara Libove monitors budget performance and resource allocation to maintain the financial sustainability of various community initiatives. This role involves coordinating with audit teams and financial departments to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. Through the implementation of robust financial processes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer facilitates the efficient distribution of capital to urban and rural projects. Libove contributes to the overall stability of the organization by maintaining precise financial records and supporting the strategic financial goals established by the executive leadership team.

    Sharon Dwyer - COS To the President

    Sharon Dwyer, the COS To the President at Local Initiatives Support, coordinates the strategic agenda and administrative functions for the office of the President. Dwyer manages the flow of information and priorities between the President and the broader leadership team to ensure cohesive execution of the organization's mission. By facilitating high-level meetings and tracking key performance indicators, the COS To the President supports the alignment of organizational activities with the goals of community development. Sharon Dwyer handles complex scheduling and communication tasks that allow the President to focus on external partnerships and national strategy. This role involves synthesizing data from various departments to provide the President with actionable insights. Through the management of executive projects, the COS To the President ensures that the organization remains focused on its commitment to urban and rural revitalization. Dwyer maintains a high standard of operational support, enabling the executive team to drive impactful change across 44 states.

    John Smith - President Local Fuels

    John Smith, the President Local Fuels at Local Initiatives Support, directs the specific operational initiatives focused on energy-related community development and infrastructure support. Smith architects programs that provide essential resources to rural counties and urban centers, ensuring that energy access aligns with the broader mission of economic revitalization. By managing the specialized operations of the Local Fuels division, the President Local Fuels ensures that projects are executed with precision and efficiency across the organization's national footprint. John Smith collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate energy-focused initiatives into the institution's comprehensive community development strategy. This leadership role involves overseeing project delivery and ensuring that energy-related investments generate measurable social and economic benefits. Through the management of this specific division, the President Local Fuels contributes to the organization's goal of fostering sustainable and resilient communities. Smith drives the growth of these initiatives by identifying new opportunities for impact in underserved regions.

    Tahirih Ziegler - Chief of Staff

    Tahirih Ziegler, the Chief of Staff at Local Initiatives Support, manages the daily operational flow and strategic priorities for the executive office. Ziegler coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure that the organization meets its ambitious goals for community development across diverse geographic regions. By facilitating communication between leadership teams, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal processes and enhances organizational efficiency. Tahirih Ziegler monitors the execution of key projects, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of the institution. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leaders to address emerging challenges in urban and rural development sectors. Through the management of complex workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the implementation of national programs that provide critical financial and technical assistance. Ziegler maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the executive team remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served by the organization.

    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 and digital strategy for the organization. DiFilippi architects scalable data systems that enable the institution to track and manage community development projects across 35 cities and 2,100 rural counties. By overseeing the integration of advanced software and secure network solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that staff members have the tools necessary to execute complex development initiatives. Joseph DiFilippi manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive financial and community data. This leadership role involves aligning technology investments with the organization's mission to improve economic outcomes. Through the modernization of digital platforms, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. DiFilippi ensures that the technological foundation remains robust enough to support the organization's expansive national footprint and diverse operational requirements.

    Yvette Encarnacion - Chief People Officer

    Yvette Encarnacion, the Chief People Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture for the institution. Encarnacion architects talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement programs that support the diverse workforce operating across 44 states. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains the expertise needed to drive community development initiatives. Yvette Encarnacion manages performance management systems and compensation structures that align with the mission-driven nature of the work. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to build a resilient and high-performing team capable of addressing complex social challenges. Through the implementation of strategic HR policies, the Chief People Officer supports the overall health and productivity of the organization. Encarnacion ensures that the workforce remains motivated and equipped to deliver high-quality support to urban and rural communities throughout the country.
    Lillyanne Alexander, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel at Local Initiatives Support, manages the legal framework and regulatory compliance for the organization's community development activities. Alexander provides critical guidance on complex financial transactions, partnership agreements, and governance matters that span 44 states. By overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel ensures that all initiatives adhere to federal and state regulations governing non-profit financial institutions. Lillyanne Alexander mitigates institutional risk by reviewing contracts and advising on legal strategy for large-scale community investments. This role involves working closely with the executive team to navigate the legal complexities of urban and rural development projects. Through the provision of sound legal counsel, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel protects the organization's interests and supports the successful execution of its mission. Alexander maintains a focus on compliance and ethical standards to uphold the institution's reputation.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    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.