Pathway Lending’s Hank Helton Elected Chair of CDFI Coalition
Washington, DC (April 4, 2024) – Hank Helton, EVP and Chief Stakeholder Officer of Pathway Lending, Tennessee’s largest non-depository Community Development Financial Institution headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the CDFI Coalition during its March 15th meeting in Washington, DC.
The CDFI Coalition, formed in 1992, is the unified national voice of community development financial institutions. This year celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the passage of the Community Development Financial Institutions Bill which created the CDFI Fund at the US Department of Treasury.
“Hank’s leadership and expertise is a true asset to the Coalition, and its work bringing fair access to financial resources for America’s underserved people and communities,” said Coalition spokesperson Bob Rapoza.
Helton is a founding member of Pathway Lending, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. As Chief Stakeholder Officer, Hank leads the cultivation and management of relationships with financial institutions, philanthropy, and local, state, and federal agencies.
“It’s a privilege and honor to serve as Chair of the CDFI Coalition, dedicated to advancing access to capital and resources for communities nationwide,” said Helton. “I extend my gratitude to the departing Chair, Ceyl Prinster, President and CEO of the Colorado Enterprise Fund, for her outstanding leadership. I am eager to build upon the progress already achieved to make an even greater impact.”
Helton was appointed as the Director of Development and Affordable Housing for Nashville/Davidson County Metropolitan Government from 2001-2007. Under Helton’s direction, the city received national attention for its initiatives and was recognized repeatedly for its creative and innovative approach to community development, particularly in the areas of affordable and downtown housing.
Helton also has more than a decade of experience at The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, advising financial institutions on safe, sound, and profitable community investment activities. His work has been recognized in the Harvard University Innovations in American Government Brookings Press publication “Governing by Network: The New Shape of the Public Sector,” highlighting his efforts in building collaborations between public, for-profit, and non‐profit organizations.
Hank holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Planning and Development with a concentration in finance from Georgia State University, Atlanta. He is also certified as a Housing and Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.
About the CDFI Coalition
Through its member organizations, the Coalition represents CDFIs working in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This national network of CDFIs includes community development loan funds, community development banks, community development credit unions, microenterprise lenders, community development corporations and community development venture capital funds. The CDFI Coalition coordinates industry wide initiatives to increase the availability of capital, credit and financial services to low-income communities across the nation. The Coalition recently published a 30th Anniversary Report to celebrate three decades of success. For more information, visit www.CDFI.org
About Pathway Lending
Pathway Lending is a Nashville-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that propels economic growth in under-resourced communities. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, Pathway has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact to become a leading community-focused lender in the Southeast. Through its lending and advisory programs, Pathway has financed over 1,500 businesses, delivering more than $525 million in direct lending through its small business, affordable housing, and climate-related loan funds. These efforts have supported more than 30,000 jobs, created 2,400 affordable housing units, and generated $9.8MM in annual energy cost savings.
To learn more about the entrepreneurs and communities that Pathway Lending serves, visit PathwayLending.org.