Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, Secures $40 Million New Markets Tax Credit Allocation to Drive Job Creation and Access to Education, Healthy Foods, Healthcare, and Affordable Housing in Philadelphia and Central Pennsylvania.

Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, Secures $40 Million New Markets Tax Credit Allocation to Drive Job Creation and Access to Education, Healthy Foods, Healthcare, and Affordable Housing in Philadelphia and Central Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia, PA – [September 19th, 2024] – Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, is proud to announce the receipt of a $40 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. This latest allocation builds on the $30 million award received last year and underscores our organization’s ability to drive larger impact in the most distressed communities through projects that create jobs and access to healthcare, education, healthy foods and affordable housing.

Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, was selected as one of only 102 awardees from a highly competitive pool that requested a total of $15 billion. Only 34% of all applications were awarded this year, with just 40% going to CDFIs. The NMTC program helps economically distressed communities attract private investment capital. These investments help to fill project financing gaps by enabling investors to make larger investments than would otherwise be possible. Communities benefit from jobs created and the development of housing and public facilities such as health, education, and workforce development entities which stimulate overall community development.

“This $40 million allocation enables us to further our mission of fostering sustainable, vibrant communities,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund, together with FINANTA. “We are particularly excited to focus on impactful projects in Philadelphia, like the recently funded African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) headquarters project. This investment will allow us to support even more community initiatives that drive economic mobility and build wealth for families.”

Economic Growth with New Markets Tax Credits: Creating Jobs and Revitalizing Communities

The ACANA project, a highlight of our recent work in Philadelphia, involves the ground-up construction of a 41,000 sq. ft. campus in Southwest Philadelphia that will serve as ACANA’s headquarters and includes a community center, medical clinic, childcare facility, and more. This transformative project, partly funded by our NMTC allocation, will create at least 156 new permanent jobs and provide essential resources like childcare and food access to the community.

Another recent project funded by NMTC is the revitalization of a 17.5-acre manufacturing campus in Allentown, Pennsylvania, led by Marcon Properties. This initiative, supported by an $8 million investment from Community First Fund, aims to transform a previously blighted area into a hub of job creation and skilled workforce development, creating or retaining 82 full-time union jobs and 41 indirect jobs for residents.

There are three other projects which will close in the next few months utilizing NMTC allocation – a large supermarket and a healthcare center, both in downtown Reading, and a school in Allentown.

Community First Fund has now received a total of $160 million in NMTC allocations since 2013, which have supported projects such as:

• Workforce development centers
• Grocery stores in USDA-designated food deserts
• Affordable housing units
• Commercial redevelopment projects
• Schools and educational institutions
• Mixed-use community facilities
• Manufacturing development projects

Our completed NMTC projects have created upward of 2,000 jobs, 19,000 educational opportunities, 138 affordable housing units and increased healthcare capacity by almost 10,000 spots.

Media Contacts

Community First Fund and FINANTA

marketing@communityfirstfund.org

About Community First Fund, together with FINANTA

Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to fostering community ownership among immigrants, women, and communities of color through comprehensive financial products and services. For over 30 years, we have supported small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects in the greater Philadelphia area, Delaware, and New Jersey. In 2022, we opened Community First Fund Credit Union to offer fair, accessible financial products that help people build wealth. Our approach to fostering financial wellbeing and community revitalization includes being deeply integrated in the communities we serve, nurturing growth and opportunity.

For more information about Community First Fund and the NMTC Program, visit CommunityFirstFund.org/NMTC

The Community Grocer Partners with Community First Fund, together with FINANTA to Open Inaugural West Philadelphia Health Store

The Community Grocer Partners with Community First Fund, FINANTA to Open Inaugural West Philly Health Store

$900K loan supporting construction of new corner store concept slated for summer 2025

Philadelphia, PA – July 2024 – The Community Grocer, a revolutionary nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to nutritious food, has closed on a $900,000 loan from Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, to fund the construction of The Community Grocer’s first store at 627 S. 60th Street, Philadelphia.

The grand opening is planned for summer 2025 and the project has been further supported by pro bono assistance from the Ballard Spahr legal team.

Located in a predominantly non-Hispanic Black community in West Philadelphia, which faces high rates of food insecurity and diet-related diseases, The Community Grocer aims to transform the corner store experience.

The Community Grocer will offer meal kits with fresh ingredients and other products that are SNAP and WIC eligible at time of purchase. On separate premises within the building, a partnering 501c3 organization will have a workforce development kitchen to cook ingredient meal kits free of charge. Together, these organizations are pioneering retail access to nutrition, fostering community growth, and creating pathways to ensure the consistent consumption of fresh ingredients in communities with limited access.

“The Community Grocer’s unique approach is set to transform the health of West Philadelphia,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund. “We’re proud to support this project with investment and resources to tackle food insecurity and encourage healthier living in West Philly.”

Additionally, The Community Grocer will provide workforce development opportunities, community programming, and education courses, making it a vital piece of public infrastructure for the area.

“We are so grateful to be able to partner with Community First Fund, together with FINANTA,” said Eli Moraru, President and Co-Founder of The Community Grocer. “As a startup nonprofit, receiving financing support from a local CDFI was mission-critical to achieving our collective vision for a stronger, healthier tomorrow. At the end of the day, this is for our neighbors, and it would not be possible without the support of the Community First Fund and Ballard Spahr teams. Together, we are poised to pioneer a new pillar of nutrition and community access starting here in West Philadelphia.”

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Media Contacts

The Community Grocer

Eli Moraru, President and Co-Founder

emoraru@thecommunitygrocer.org

(202) 412-5771

Community First Fund and FINANTA

marketing@communityfirstfund.org

About Community First Fund, together with FINANTA

Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to fostering community ownership among immigrants, women, and communities of color through comprehensive financial products and services. For over 30 years, we have supported small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects in the greater Philadelphia area, Delaware, and New Jersey

In 2022, we opened Community First Fund Credit Union to offer fair, accessible financial products that help people build wealth. Our approach to fostering financial wellbeing and community revitalization includes being deeply integrated in the communities we serve, nurturing growth and opportunity.

Driving Change: Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, allocates $6M New Markets Tax Credits for ACANA Southwest Philly Revitalization

Driving Change: Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, allocates $6M New Markets Tax Credits for ACANA Southwest Philly Revitalization

PHILADELPHIA (May 9, 2024) – Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, proudly announces its partnership with the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) in Southwest Philadelphia on a transformative initiative that uses New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation. This project, part of a three-phase revitalization endeavor, underscores our commitment to fostering vibrant communities in the City of Philadelphia.

This project will develop a vacant lot into a new 41,000-square-foot campus which will serve as the headquarters for ACANA and house a community center, a medical clinic, a childcare facility, a restaurant featuring cuisine from African nations and the offices for several prominent elected officials.

“This project exemplifies what New Markets Tax Credits can achieve,” says Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund, together with FINANTA. “The new ACANA headquarters will spur economic development, provide resources, and attract new businesses and families to the area. We are proud to be a key part of its advancement.”

The new ACANA headquarters will be a cultural beacon in Africatown and is expected to create at least 156 new permanent jobs in the community, offer support to immigrants and established residents alike, create new retail space, and provide quality care to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

With a total project cost of $23 million, Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, has supplied both a NMTC allocation of $6 million and a $2.5 million leverage loan participation.

The financing structure also includes NMTC funding from PIDC, EB-5 investment from Global City Regional Center, owner equity, senior debt financing from United Bank of Philadelphia and bridge loans from The Reinvestment Fund and Beech Capital Venture Corp. The project received numerous grants and support from the Federal, State and City levels, including funds from the Philadelphia Commerce Department and Community Project Funding from Rep. Mary Gay Scalon.

A launch event for the project is scheduled for October 2024 with further details to be announced soon.

About Community First Fund, together with FINANTA

Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution which helps communities grow and thrive by providing loans and resources in places where it is not usually available. For over 30 years, we have supported small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects across southern and eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. In 2022, we launched Community First Fund Credit Union to serve our community by offering responsible financial products and creating financial equity through wealth building opportunities. For inquiries, contact marketing@communityfirstfund.org.  Learn more at communityfirstfund.org/nmtc

more information about this project: Voffee Jabateh on Philly’s new Africatown center – WHYY

New Markets Tax Credits 2024: Empowering Allentown: Community First Fund Invests $8 Million in Job Creation, Skilled Workforce

Empowering Allentown: Community First Fund Invests $8 Million in Job Creation, Skilled Workforce

Marcon Properties 17.5-acre Manufacturing Campus Revitalization in Lehigh Valley Moves into Next Phase

LANCASTER, Pa. (May 1, 2024) – Community First Fund proudly announces a partnership with Marcon Properties in Allentown, PA, on a transformative project that uses New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation. The project underscores our commitment to igniting economic growth through funding job-creating projects.

The project aims to revitalize a blighted 17.5-acre manufacturing campus in an area plagued by severe distress. This initiative will create the opportunity to access jobs and foster skilled workforce development in Allentown, contributing to community transformation.

“Our goal is to transform communities,” says Daniel Betancourt, President, and CEO of Community First Fund. “We are excited to be involved in a project that will create new quality jobs as well as skilled workforce development in Allentown.”

Eastern Exterior Wall Systems (EEWS), an affiliated company, will lease two of the buildings on the site, increasing manufacturing capacity and supporting jobs growth in the Lehigh Valley. This will create and retain 82 full-time union jobs and 41 indirect jobs, providing employment and training opportunities for residents.

“Marcon Enterprises and Marcon Properties are proud to work with our community to restore this prominent site overlooking Fountain Park and be a part of Allentown’s continuing industrial history.” said Jody Marcon, President, and CEO of Marcon Industries. “This project will allow us to expand our manufacturing capacity and provide employment and training opportunities for those in the neighborhood.”

The project has a total cost of $49 million and is aimed at addressing the community’s 25% poverty rate, unemployment twice the national average, and a median family income of 56.2% the national average. Community First Fund has allocated a $6 million NMTC investment and a $2 million leverage loan.

The financing structure also includes NMTC allocations from Building America’s CDE and Consortium America’s CDE, investments from Capital One, and loans from Fulton Bank demonstrating a commitment to community revitalization and economic development.

A media event for this next phase of construction was held May 15th, 2024.

About Community First Fund

Community First Fund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution which helps communities grow and thrive by providing loans and resources in places where it is not usually available. For over 30 years, we have supported small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects across southern and eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. In 2022, we launched Community First Fund Credit Union to serve our community by offering responsible financial products and creating financial equity through wealth building opportunities. For inquiries, contact marketing@communityfirstfund.org. Learn more at communityfirstfund.org/nmtc

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey joins Community First Fund, Lancaster City Leaders to witness New Markets Tax Credits impact

LANCASTER, PA – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) recently met with Community First Fund’s President and CEO Daniel Betancourt and Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer Joan Brodhead to visit the Spanish American Civic Association’s (SACA) Conestoga River Plaza to see firsthand the impact of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) in the local community.

Community First Fund was announced as a recipient of a $30 million NMTC allocation in September.

Senator Casey was joined by Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace, SACA CEO Jose Lopez and SACA Founder and CEO Emeritus Carlos Graupera to tour businesses in the Conestoga River Plaza and its surrounding neighborhood. The neighborhood was selected because it demonstrates how NMTCs can be used to revitalize distressed communities.

“Last week I saw a prime example of New Markets Tax Credits working to revitalize a community and grow the local economy, particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses,” said Senator Casey. “This federal funding has created or sustained more than 100 jobs and spurred growth beyond the shopping plaza itself, including new affordable housing development. I will continue working to support Pennsylvania communities as they create economic opportunities and growth for working families.”

Senator Casey met with local community members as well as Ada Rivera, owner of Home 1^st Realty and Adriano Gomez, owner of Brother’s Food Max. These are both businesses thriving in a community that has benefited from the NMTC Program.

The Conestoga River Plaza has served as a catalyst of change in the area since 2017. With the support of the NMTC Program the creation of the plaza shopping center created jobs, much-needed commercial retail outlets and a full-service grocery store.

“Projects like these are exactly the type of catalytic change we will support through our recent New Markets Tax Credit allocation,” said Community First Fund’s Betancourt. “We deeply appreciate Senator Casey’s support of projects like this that revitalize communities. They create quality jobs and support resources in our neighborhoods such as affordable housing, healthy food, and healthcare services.”

The NMTC Program is directed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and allocated to local Community Development Entities (CDEs). Community First Fund has been awarded a total of $120 million in NMTCs to revitalize low-income communities throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania since 2013.

For more information about previous projects and for announcements about new projects, visit communityfirstfund.org.

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About Community First Fund

Community First Fund is a private, independent non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available. As a social and economic justice organization, we seek to create positive change in the community by providing individuals and families, entrepreneurs, commercial real estate, and affordable housing developers as well as nonprofits with access to loans for projects that generate jobs, create housing opportunities and pathways to home ownership, essential community facilities, and that help to revitalize communities.

Since 1992, Community First Fund has provided loan capital to small business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community development projects in Lancaster County and the surrounding region. To advance our vision of building equitable and vibrant communities, we were driven to address the needs of the consumer market. In 2022, we launched Community First Fund Credit Union to serve underbanked residents by offering ethical financial products and services and creating financial equity through wealth building opportunities. communityfirstfund.org

You can download the full press release here.

Lancaster County Participating in Philadelphia Fed Program Focused on Inclusive Rental Housing

Lancaster, PA – Lancaster County is a participant in the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s fourth Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Cohort Program. The participating organizations are developing a multiyear plan to expand economic development opportunities for local renters and residents of color.

The cohort includes the following organizations:

Community First Fund
HDC MidAtlantic
Tenfold
Lancaster City Housing Authority

These organizations will spend the next 14 months working with the Philadelphia Fed and its partners, Neighborhood Works America and Race Forward, to:

– address the structural barriers that limit access to quality, safe, and affordable rental housing;
– partner with local housing organizations to ensure that housing programs and tenant-based supports mitigate rental housing challenges; and
– explore potential financing options and interventions that can increase housing opportunities within the community.

“One of the Federal Reserve’s goals is to strengthen regional economies,” said Theresa Singleton, senior vice president of the Community Development and Regional Outreach Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. “Communities that have safe and affordable housing options reach their full potential by attracting more workers, consumer spending, and economic growth.”

“Financial stability is nearly impossible when families are paying more than a third of their income on housing,” said Community First Fund President and CEO Daniel Betancourt. “We look forward to working with our long-time partners to view housing in Lancaster County through the lens of equity and inclusion. This will guide the actions we can take to help all families find safe and affordable places to live.”

“Housing isn’t just a roof over one’s head; it is an economic driver,” said HDC MidAtlantic President and CEO Dana Hanchin. “We will not realize Lancaster County’s full economic potential and vision for a thriving community for all unless we address this foundational issue. We are the solution. Together we can do better and do more.”

“Lancaster County is not unique in this housing crisis, but Lancaster is unique in our ability to work together,” said Tenfold CEO Shelby Nauman. “Through this process and with the support of many partners, we will recommend solutions which will not only benefit individual households that are struggling, but also our collective future prosperity. We know that our vacancy rate, lower than 95% of metro areas across America, is a limiting factor to our success.”

“The Lancaster City Housing Authority (LCHA) strives to provide affordable housing to the City’s most vulnerable residents. Over 63% of our resident population, residing at our Family sites, are a part of the Lancaster County workforce, contributing to the local economy,” said Barbara Ellis Wilson, executive director at LCHA. “In addition, the LCHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program and partners with over 200 private landlords, Housing over 900 families throughout the city. The Lancaster City Housing Authority strives and is committed to building partnerships to increase and maintain affordable housing and social services, for the greater Lancaster Community.”

The cohort is also engaging in housing webinars, coaching from national housing leaders, racial equity training, and peer learning with the other 10 participating communities from across the country.

Visit philadelphiafed.org for more information about the 2024 ROC Cohort Program.

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About Community First Fund

Community First Fund is a private, independent non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available. As a social and economic justice organization, we seek to create positive change in the community by providing individuals and families, entrepreneurs, commercial real estate, and affordable housing developers as well as nonprofits with access to loans for projects that generate jobs, create housing opportunities and pathways to home ownership, essential community facilities, and that help to revitalize communities.

Since 1992, Community First Fund has provided loan capital to small business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community development projects in Lancaster County and the surrounding region. To advance our vision of building equitable and vibrant communities, we were driven to address the needs of the consumer market. In 2022, we launched Community First Fund Credit Union to serve underbanked residents by offering ethical financial products and services and creating financial equity through wealth building opportunities. communityfirstfund.org

About HDC MidAtlantic

HDC MidAtlantic envisions a world where a safe, welcoming, affordable place to call home is open to everyone. We believe home shouldn’t be an impossible dream; it should be an attainable reality. We are resident advocates, trusted developers, property managers, community partners, and collaborators. We are part of the fabric of our towns and cities and have been working with our neighbors since 1971 to create real change and meaningful connections. As champions of the greater good, we are committed to advancing equity, we open the door to opportunities, and we are proud of the homes we build. HDC is a proud charter member of NeighborWorks America, a network of nearly 250 high-performing nonprofit organizations across the United States, including the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, dedicated to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

HDC owns and/or manages over 3,400 apartments, providing housing that is safe and affordable to those with lower incomes, focusing on seniors, families, and individuals living with disabilities. Serving nearly 5,000 residents in 72 communities located in urban, suburban, and rural areas across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, HDC builds hope and opportunity for all residents to reach their full potential by creating, preserving, and strengthening affordable housing communities. hdcweb.org

About Tenfold

At Tenfold, we are committed to sparking the power in all people to achieve equitable housing and financial security. We walk alongside our clients and help them unlock a new path forward to a brighter future. By collaborating as one team, we can take a holistic approach to serve as your trusted community partner. We are focused on achieving quality, fair and affordable housing that is inclusive to all people through proactive coaching, education, lending, and advocacy.

Together, the Tenfold team is multiplying its impact by leveraging our team’s combined expertise and community partners to develop new and innovative ways of addressing the wide range of critical housing needs within our community such as homelessness, renting, homeownership, and community lending. wearetenfold.org

About Lancaster City Housing Authority

The mission of the Lancaster City Housing Authority is to provide housing for low to moderate income individuals and families.

We strive to foster the development, ownership and successful management of housing programs while maintaining high standards and recognizing the residents as our ultimate customer. Our goal is to be an active partner in the community, working alongside landlords and city government to empower citizens towards self-sufficiency. lchapa.com

You can download the full press release here.

Community First Fund Appoints New Chief Credit Officer

LANCASTER, Pa. – Jan. 2, 2024 – Community First Fund, an independent non-profit community loan fund, is pleased to name Edward J. Gallagher as the organization’s new Chief Credit Officer.

With more than 25 years of tenure in community banking, Ed brings a depth of experience in sales, portfolio management, risk-rating assessment, credit underwriting analysis, development of loan policy and procedure, and oversight of lending and operations. His prior positions include Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking and Chief Lending Officer. He holds a B.S. from Wilkes University and an M.B.A. from the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University.

“We’re very pleased to add Ed Gallagher to our team of community banking experts,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund and Community First Fund Credit Union. “His experience and industry knowledge align well with our mission, and we look forward to everything he will accomplish with Community First Fund.”

Ed will work out of the Lancaster office and will be responsible for the organization’s credit risk and policy, lending operations, and asset management. He resides in Chester County with his wife and four children.

Community First Fund works to create financial equity through wealth building opportunities for individuals, families, and business owners, especially persons of color, women, and immigrants. The organization aligns capital, knowledge, and advocacy to advance access to financial services, business ownership, housing, and community development.

For more information, visit Community First Fund’s website or contact the organization via LinkedIn or Facebook, or via phone at (267) 236-7000 for Greater Philadelphia or (717) 393-2351 for Central Pennsylvania.

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About Community First Fund

Community First Fund is a private, independent, non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available. We seek to create positive change in the community by providing entrepreneurs, commercial real estate and affordable housing developers, as well as nonprofits with access to loans for projects that generate jobs, create housing opportunities, essential community facilities, and that help to revitalize communities.

www.communityfirstfund.org

Community First Fund Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

LANCASTER, Pa. – January 2, 2024 – Community First Fund, an independent non-profit community loan fund, is pleased to name Elizabeth Bennett as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer.

Bennett began her career in finance with Beard Miller CPA, where she worked on the Community First Fund account. Since then, she has tracked the organization’s growing impact and been impressed by its mission and proven work.

Bennett’s more recent experience includes her work with D & E Communications, where she served as the Internal Audit Manager, and as the Chief Financial Officer for the Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.

“Community First Fund is honored and excited to welcome Elizabeth Bennett to this role,” said Daniel Betancourt, president and CEO of Community First Fund and Community First Fund Credit Union. “Her expertise in the field and familiarity with Community First Fund will offer significant benefits to our organization and members.”

Bennett is a Certified Public Account and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Community First Fund works to create financial equity through wealth building opportunities for individuals, families and business owners, especially persons of color, women and immigrants. The organization aligns capital, knowledge and advocacy to advance access to financial services, business ownership, housing and community development.

For more information, visit Community First Fund’s website or contact the organization via LinkedIn or Facebook, or via phone at (267) 236-7000 for Greater Philadelphia or (717) 393-2351 for Central Pennsylvania.

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About Community First Fund

Community First Fund is a private, independent non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available. We seek to create positive change in the community by providing entrepreneurs, commercial real estate and affordable housing developers as well as nonprofits with access to loans for projects that generate jobs, create housing opportunities, essential community facilities, and that help to revitalize communities. www.communityfirstfund.org

Remembering Our Dear Friend and Partner, Adina Abramowitz

We would like to pay homage to our dear friend and partner, Adina Abramowitz.

Her unyielding commitment to economic and racial justice made her a force in the community development finance industry, as she challenged organizations to do their best to create real change in their communities.

And, to us at Community First Fund, Adina was an essential piece of our family.  For decades, she helped to shepherd our work toward our mission, and challenged us to make critical and consequential decisions as we strove to make our vision a reality. She was always available to offer guidance, with candor, and often, with a touch of humor.

Adina, the world is a better place because you walked in it. With profound gratitude and heartfelt sorrow we say goodbye.

Our hearts and prayers are with Adina’s wife, Naomi, family and friends. May her memory be a blessing. Indeed, for all of us at Community First, it always will be.

Community First Fund Announces New Senior Vice President & Chief Retail Officer

Jonathan Encarnación

Lancaster, PA – The Community First Fund Family of Companies is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Encarnación, Senior Vice President & Chief Retail Officer. In his new role, Jonathan will provide strategic direction, lead our efforts in growing our services, and guide the expansion of our credit union to new markets.   Jonathan is very familiar with the work of Community First Fund and our credit union from his many years of service as part of our Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Community First Fund Credit Union, Jonathan worked as a Senior Director with UPMC HealthPlan.  Jonathan’s professional experience also includes serving as the CEO/Executive Director of the Hispanic Center in Reading and early in his career, working as a commercial lender with Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia/Meridian) Bank.

Jontahan has served on many boards by gubernatorial appointment, including the Governor’s Commission on Latino Affairs, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Managed Care Delivery System Subcommittee and many others.

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