Guest Speakers

Jeff Merkowitz

Senior Advisor CDFI Fund

Jeff brings both policy and on the ground experience in the areas of housing finance and community development. He previously served as director of operations and legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. Jeff also worked for a CDFI, creating the financial infrastructure to manage the organization’s affordable housing development, small business, and New Markets Tax Credit loan programs.

Adam Zimmerman

CEO of Craft3

Adam is the CEO of Craft3, a not-for-profit, community development financial institution serving all of Oregon and Washington. Founded in 1994, Craft3 has invested over $600 million in improving the economic, ecological, and family resilience of communities in the Pacific Northwest region. Adam has played an integral role in growing Craft3 to a $175 million organization with eight offices across two states.

Keith Bisson

President of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)

Keith, president of CEI and previously the senior vice president, managed CEI’s small business advising, natural resources, and workforce development programs. Keith serves on the Board of Directors of United Way of Midcoast Maine and Family Focus. He is also on the advisory board of Four Directions Development Corporation.

Moderator

Kim Penn

Climate Coordinator NOAA Office for Coastal Management

Kim is Acting Communities Programs Manager for NOAA Office for Coastal Management. Kim oversees implementation of the National Coastal Zone Management Program, a state-federal partnership with 34 Great Lakes and coastal states and territories that balances coastal resource use, economic development, and conservation. She also works to connect coastal partners to resources that can help advance community resilience.

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