Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation's leading network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) who invest in low-income and low-wealth communities to help them join the economic mainstream, has hired Wanda Speight as the executive vice president of financial services. In this key position, Wanda will be responsible for the overall strategy, development, implementation, and risk management of OFN's financial services.

Cathy Dolan, OFN's chief operating officer said, "We are thrilled to welcome Wanda to OFN. With over 15 years of experience as a business strategist and finance expert, she will help fulfill and advance the Strategic Plan of the organization as a member of our executive management team."

In this position, Wanda will develop and manage OFN's Financing Fund by overseeing lending policies and processes, loan and investment underwriting, portfolio management, reviews, and reporting. She will also be responsible for the design and implementation of new financing products, services, and systems for OFN to help develop a high-volume financing system benefiting economically disadvantaged people and communities, and for charting the future course for the financing services of OFN.

Prior to OFN, Wanda was the Relationship Manager in the Commercial Real Estate Division at Sovereign Bank where she oversaw strategy development and implementation, negotiated high level financial ventures, and product cross-selling and customer service. Wanda's professional experience also includes more than five years at GMAC Commercial Mortgage, and experience in the CDFI field as the Director of Lending for The Reinvestment Fund, an OFN Member CDFI.

Wanda received her MBA at Drexel University and graduated from Dickinson College with a BA in Economics. She also has an American Institute of Real Estate Appraisal Certification from the Temple University Real Estate Institute. Additionally, Wanda is a member of the strategic planning committee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.

"I am honored to have been appointed to this important position at such a pivotal time at OFN, so I can contribute my financial expertise to the organization's Strategic Plan, and help to shape the future of the industry. I'm also pleased to again be a part of the CDFI industry serving low-income and low-wealth people and communities."

Download a high resolution headshot of Wanda Speight at http://www.opportunityfinance.net/press/photos.aspx.

Opportunity Finance Network
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the leading network of private financial institutions, creates growth that is good for communities, investors, individuals, and the economy. Members of OFN are community development financial institutions (CDFIs) who deliver responsible lending to help low-wealth and low-income communities join the economic mainstream. Over the past 30 years, the opportunity finance industry has provided more than $30 billion in financing to underserved markets nationwide. In 2008, OFN Members financed more than 200,000 jobs, 600,000 housing units, 50,000 businesses and microenterprises, and 6,000 community facility projects. www.opportunityfinance.net

Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network is the leading network of private financial intermediaries that delivers both sound returns and real opportunities for low-wealth people and communities in the U.S. Opportunity Finance Network Members originated more than $12.5 billion in financing in non-conforming urban, rural, and native communities through 2006. This generated or maintained 175,710 jobs; 39,583 businesses; 533,394 housing units; and 5,858 community facility projects. More information is available at www.opportunityfinance.net.

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