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. Overseeing the expansion of capital deployment across 44 states, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between organizational goals and the needs of rural and urban communities. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and securing the financial health of the non-profit. By prioritizing sustainable development initiatives, Michael Rubinger directly influences the long-term economic trajectory of thousands of counties. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for impact measurement, ensuring that every dollar invested generates measurable social change. Through constant engagement with the Board and regional partners, Rubinger secures the resources necessary to scale community-based programs effectively, ultimately strengthening the national footprint of the organization.

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. Overseeing the allocation of capital across diverse regional portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the integrity of all financial reporting and investment strategies. This role involves balancing risk management with the mission-driven objective of providing affordable financing to underserved markets. By optimizing the balance sheet, Christina Travers supports the organization's ability to leverage private and public funds for community projects. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates closely with the executive team to maintain liquidity and long-term solvency, enabling consistent support for 35 cities and rural counties. Travers drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that every investment aligns with the broader mission of fostering economic equity and stability throughout the national network.

Barbara Libove, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Local Initiatives Support, supports the fiscal management and accounting operations of the organization. Overseeing the day-to-day financial controls, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that all regional projects receive accurate and timely funding. This role involves managing internal audits and compliance procedures to maintain the highest standards of financial integrity. By assisting in the development of annual budgets, Barbara Libove helps the organization allocate resources effectively across 35 cities and rural counties. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works closely with the finance team to monitor cash flow and investment performance, ensuring that the institution remains financially robust. Libove provides critical support to the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring that all financial operations align with the broader mission of fostering community development and economic opportunity throughout the national network.

Sharon Dwyer, the COS To the President at Local Initiatives Support, manages the administrative and strategic flow of the office of the President. Overseeing the prioritization of executive tasks, the COS To the President ensures that the President remains focused on high-impact initiatives that drive community development across the country. This role involves preparing critical briefings and managing external communications that represent the organization's mission to stakeholders and partners. By facilitating seamless interaction between the President and the broader leadership team, Sharon Dwyer ensures that strategic directives are executed with precision. The COS To the President monitors the progress of key organizational goals, providing the necessary support to maintain momentum in 35 cities and rural counties. Dwyer optimizes the executive schedule and communication channels, ensuring that the leadership team remains aligned with the core objectives of the institution.

John Smith, the President Local Fuels at Local Initiatives Support, directs the specialized energy and infrastructure initiatives that support community development. Overseeing the deployment of resources for local energy projects, the President Local Fuels ensures that underserved regions gain access to sustainable and affordable power solutions. This role involves managing partnerships with local utility providers and community organizations to implement energy-efficient infrastructure. By focusing on the intersection of energy and economic development, John Smith helps reduce costs for residents and businesses in 44 states. The President Local Fuels coordinates with the broader executive team to integrate energy initiatives into the overall community development strategy. Smith drives the growth of the energy portfolio, ensuring that these projects contribute to the long-term economic stability and environmental sustainability of the communities served by the organization.

Tahirih Ziegler, the Chief of Staff at Local Initiatives Support, coordinates the daily operational activities and strategic priorities of the executive office. Overseeing cross-departmental communication, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational initiatives remain synchronized with the mission of supporting community development across 44 states. This role involves managing high-level projects and facilitating decision-making processes that impact the entire non-profit structure. By streamlining internal workflows, Tahirih Ziegler enhances the efficiency of the leadership team, allowing for more agile responses to emerging community needs. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison between various departments, ensuring that strategic goals are translated into actionable tasks. Ziegler maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving challenges faced by rural and urban communities throughout the national footprint.

Joseph DiFilippi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Local Initiatives Support, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support a national community development financial institution. Overseeing the implementation of secure data systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that the organization can effectively track and report on the impact of investments across 44 states. This role involves modernizing technology platforms to improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. By integrating advanced analytics, Joseph DiFilippi enables the team to identify underserved areas that require targeted financial support. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that all information assets remain protected. DiFilippi drives the technological strategy, ensuring that the organization leverages digital tools to maximize its reach and effectiveness in both urban and rural markets.

Yvette Encarnacion, the Chief People Officer at Local Initiatives Support, directs the human capital strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the team possesses the expertise required to drive community development initiatives. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that attracts and retains top talent dedicated to the mission of the non-profit. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Yvette Encarnacion empowers employees to excel in their roles across 44 states. The Chief People Officer manages performance evaluation systems and compensation structures, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and aligned with organizational goals. Encarnacion drives initiatives that promote employee engagement and well-being, ensuring that the organization maintains a high-performing team capable of addressing the complex challenges faced by the communities served.

Lillyanne Alexander, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel at Local Initiatives Support, manages the legal framework and regulatory compliance for the organization. Overseeing all contractual agreements and legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel ensures that the institution operates within the bounds of federal and state laws. This role involves providing legal guidance on complex financial transactions and community development projects. By mitigating potential liabilities, Lillyanne Alexander protects the organization's assets and reputation. The Chief Legal Officer & Associate General Counsel works closely with the executive team to navigate the regulatory landscape of the community development financial institution sector. Alexander drives legal strategy, ensuring that all partnerships and investments are structured to minimize risk while maximizing the positive impact on the communities served across the national footprint.