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Unlocking Economic Growth: The Center by Lendistry Expands Leadership Board

Update Expanding Leadership to Foster Economic Growth The Center by Lendistry, a prominent nonprofit dedicated to supporting diverse small businesses, has recently announced a strategic expansion of its Board of Directors. This expansion, which includes three new members with impressive backgrounds, aims to strengthen the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and close the wealth gap across communities. The New Faces in Board Leadership The newly appointed board members—John Keisler, CEO of Sunstone Management; Jennifer Quevedo, Senior Vice President at California Community Reinvestment Corporation (CCRC); and OC Isaac, Chief Lending Officer at TruFund—bring extensive experience in economic development, capital deployment, and community investment, setting the stage for The Center’s ambitious growth plans. In announcing these leadership changes on April 15, 2026, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry, emphasized their transformative potential. He stated, "Each brings deep expertise in economic development, capital deployment, and community investment. Their leadership will help us execute on our strategic priorities and continue to build pathways to wealth for the entrepreneurs and communities we serve." This vision encapsulates the essence of The Center’s operations, which centers around empowering small businesses and fostering inclusive economic opportunities. Why This Matters The Center has emerged as a national leader in equitable small business support, providing essential technical assistance, administering substantial relief programs, and spearheading innovative responses to disasters and economic challenges. By incorporating leaders who have a proven track record of advancing inclusive economic growth, The Center aims to leverage their insights to further enhance its initiatives in closing the wealth gap. Insights from the New Board Members Each new board member carries unique expertise that complements The Center’s ongoing projects. John Keisler's background in public-private partnerships is pivotal in advancing collaborative efforts that can uplift small businesses. Jennifer Quevedo's focus on structuring mission-driven capital will undoubtedly promote equitable investment strategies, particularly in historically underserved communities. Meanwhile, OC Isaac's experience in designing impactful lending programs is crucial as The Center continues to innovate its financial services tailored for underserved entrepreneurs. The Center’s Vision for Economic Empowerment Looking forward, The Center has outlined a Strategic Plan for 2026-2028 aimed at expanding small business growth, advancing generational wealth, and strengthening organizational capacity to scale impacts nationally. This plan identifies critical areas where the board's expertise will accelerate the organization’s efforts. By aligning its strategic priorities with the talents of its board members, The Center is poised to make significant strides in creating economic opportunities for diverse small businesses. Current Events and Their Implications With current economic uncertainties and rising challenges for small businesses, the addition of these accomplished leaders highlights an urgent necessity for organizations like The Center to adapt and innovate. Their appointments come at a crucial time, as recovery strategies post-pandemic and responses to economic disruptions become paramount. Organizations must embrace leadership that understands the landscape of small business challenges and can navigate evolving economic conditions. Take Action to Support Small Businesses The success of initiatives led by The Center by Lendistry hinges not only on organizational goals but also on community support. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and their resilience and growth can significantly impact local communities. As the organization enhances its operations, partnering with them—whether through advocacy, investments, or even patronage—can amplify their mission and strengthen the economy for all. In conclusion, the expanded board leadership at The Center by Lendistry signifies a pivotal shift towards reinforcing economic equity. When communities come together to support local entrepreneurs, the collective impact can lead to lasting change.