Local Initiatives Support Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Rubinger, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the overarching strategic vision for this national community development financial institution. By overseeing operations across 35 cities and 2,100 rural counties, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that capital flows effectively into underserved markets to catalyze economic growth. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align organizational goals with the mission of supporting community development initiatives. Michael Rubinger maintains a focus on scaling impact through innovative financial products and robust local partnerships. By prioritizing long-term stability, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the capacity of local organizations to revitalize neighborhoods. Through this comprehensive approach, the executive secures the necessary resources to expand the reach of the organization across 44 states, ultimately driving systemic change in the American landscape.

Carl Zimmerman, the Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, manages the entire fiscal health and capital allocation strategy for the organization. Overseeing the financial reporting, budgeting, and investment portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all community development initiatives remain adequately funded and fiscally sound. This role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while optimizing the deployment of capital across 44 states. Carl Zimmerman drives the financial planning process, working closely with the Board to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability. By analyzing market risks and identifying new funding streams, the Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of the organization. This leadership position requires precise management of assets to maximize the impact of every dollar invested in community development. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability necessary for the organization to continue its mission of revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting economic opportunity nationwide.

Barbara Libove, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, manages the day-to-day accounting operations and financial compliance for the organization. Overseeing the internal audit processes and the preparation of financial statements, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that all regional offices adhere to strict fiscal policies. This role involves monitoring cash flow and managing the financial reporting systems that support community development investments. Barbara Libove drives the accuracy of financial data, providing the necessary insights for the Chief Financial Officer to make informed strategic decisions. By supervising the accounting team, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the financial records across 44 states. This leadership position requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all funding is accounted for and utilized according to the mission of the organization. Through rigorous financial management, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the overall stability and growth of the institution.

Sharon Dwyer, the COS To the President at Local Initiatives Support, manages the daily operational requirements and strategic agenda of the President. Overseeing the scheduling, correspondence, and high-priority communications for the executive office, the COS To the President ensures that the leadership team remains focused on critical community development objectives. This role involves preparing briefings and coordinating meetings with external stakeholders and board members. Sharon Dwyer drives the alignment of the President's schedule with the broader strategic goals of the organization. By managing the flow of information, the COS To the President facilitates rapid decision-making and ensures that the President remains informed on all major regional initiatives. This leadership position requires exceptional organizational skills to maintain the pace of operations across 44 states. Through dedicated support, the COS To the President enables the executive leadership to effectively advance the mission of the organization.

Tahirih Ziegler, the Chief of Staff at Local Initiatives Support, coordinates the internal operations and strategic priorities of the executive leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized across all 35 cities and rural regions. This role involves managing high-level projects and facilitating communication between the President and other senior leaders. Tahirih Ziegler drives the efficiency of the executive office by streamlining decision-making processes and tracking progress on key initiatives. By managing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief of Staff allows the leadership team to focus on the core mission of community development. This position requires a deep understanding of the organizational structure to effectively resolve operational bottlenecks. Through proactive management and strategic alignment, the Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the organization, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most impactful community development programs.

Joseph DiFilippi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the technological infrastructure and digital strategy for the organization. Overseeing the implementation of secure data systems and software platforms, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that staff across 35 cities have the tools necessary to manage community development projects effectively. This role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions and protecting sensitive financial data. Joseph DiFilippi drives the digital transformation of the organization, integrating new technologies to improve operational efficiency and reporting accuracy. By managing the IT department, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer supports the data-driven decision-making required for successful community investment. This leadership position requires constant innovation to keep pace with the evolving needs of the organization. Through robust technological support, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer enables the organization to maintain its national reach and impact.

Yvette Encarnacion, the Chief People Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the human resources strategy and talent management for the organization. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of community development. This role involves fostering an inclusive culture that attracts top talent to support operations in 35 cities and rural counties. Yvette Encarnacion drives the implementation of performance management systems and training programs to enhance staff capabilities. By managing the organizational structure, the Chief People Officer supports the growth and retention of the team. This leadership position requires a focus on building a resilient workforce capable of addressing complex community challenges. Through strategic talent acquisition and development, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization has the human capital necessary to execute its ambitious goals across 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. Overseeing the legal risks associated with community development investments, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel ensures that all contracts and partnerships adhere to federal and state regulations. This role involves providing guidance on complex financial transactions and protecting the interests of the organization. Lillyanne Alexander drives the legal strategy, working closely with the executive team to navigate the regulatory landscape across 44 states. By managing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel supports the safe and effective deployment of capital. This leadership position requires deep expertise in non-profit law and financial regulations. Through proactive legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel secures the organization against potential liabilities, allowing for the continued pursuit of its mission.

Clare Boulet, the Deputy Director at Local Initiatives Support, manages the execution of community development programs within urban markets. Overseeing the implementation of housing and commercial revitalization projects, the Deputy Director ensures that regional initiatives align with the broader mission of the organization. This role requires close collaboration with local stakeholders to identify specific neighborhood needs and deploy financial resources efficiently. Clare Boulet drives the operational success of these urban programs by streamlining project workflows and monitoring performance metrics. By facilitating communication between field offices and the national headquarters, the Deputy Director maintains high standards of project delivery. This leadership position supports the expansion of economic opportunities in densely populated areas, ensuring that community development efforts remain responsive to evolving market conditions. Through diligent oversight, the Deputy Director contributes to the overall growth and effectiveness of the organization in major metropolitan centers.

Logan Gatti, the Deputy Director at Local Initiatives Support, focuses exclusively on the expansion and management of rural development initiatives across the 2,100 counties served by the organization. By architecting strategies for agricultural and small-town economic support, the Deputy Director ensures that rural communities receive the necessary capital to thrive. This role involves coordinating with regional partners to address unique infrastructure and housing challenges inherent in non-urban environments. Logan Gatti drives the development of specialized financial products tailored to the needs of rural populations. By optimizing the distribution of funds, the Deputy Director enhances the impact of community development efforts in remote areas. This leadership function requires constant monitoring of regional economic trends to adjust program delivery accordingly. Through targeted investment and strategic planning, the Deputy Director secures the long-term viability of rural projects, reinforcing the commitment of the organization to broad geographic inclusivity.