Walt Brady coordinates all the mission-driven lending activities of the Community Loan Fund, prepares lending-related goals and work plans and supervises lending staff, volunteers and interns. Prior to joining the organization in July 2007, he worked for 12 years with JP Morgan Chase, including as an underwriter and a credit quality assurance analyst. His experience in traditional banking combined with his commitment to community-based economic development makes a wonderful match for the Community Loan Fund.

Dorian L. Wells originates, underwrites, closes and services loans while providing outreach and technical support to our nonprofit customers. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, Dorian has held various senior level positions in Development, Volunteer Management and Programs Management. During his more than 10 years serving on senior management teams, he worked extensively with nonprofit financing. Dorian holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Development and a Master of Divinity from a graduate school and seminary in the Philadelphia area. He also serves as the Sr. Pastor of the South Berne Congregational Christian Church.

Rich Lee is a life-long resident of Fulton County who joined our team in 2019 as a Community Development Lending Officer for the Mohawk Valley. Rich brings more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, and a commitment to community development. His contacts and commitment to business growth and expansion are also valuable assets as the Community Loan Fund looks to build our capacity in Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties.

Willow Olson joined the Community Loan Fund in 2011. In 2014, she became certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and began working directly with borrowers on financial statements and loan documents. Willow has a MS in Education from City University of New York and a BS in Sociology and Education from SUNY New Paltz. She serves on various financial, educational and community boards and committees. Willow and her family reside in rural Greene County.

Destiny Watkins began her career at the Loan Fund as an intern from the College of Saint Rose. Upon the completion of her internship, Watkins was hired to serve as the Training and Technical Assistance Associate. After two years of designing and leading workshops, she was promoted to Community Development Lending Officer. During her time on the Lending Team, Watkins helped dozens of small businesses successfully get financing. She also coordinates the Emerging Investors Network program. In 2022, Watkins was hired to lead the Training and Technical Assistance Program.

Rose Bordett is a native Upstate New Yorker who recently moved to the Capital Region. A graduate of SUNY Oswego she has worked in various educational roles for the last 10 years. Her most recent position was developing an online language learning program. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm for community involvement into her work and to explore the Capital Region’s many opportunities. She would like to bring the same sense of community and caring to the Community Loan Fund’s online learning programs.

Tina Ross brings more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry. Her office management and customer service expertise greatly contribute to the Community Loan Fund’s ability to further its mission. Tina lives in Watervliet with her two dogs and two cats.

Michael Martin began his career with the Community Loan Fund in April 2022 with over five years experience in community and public relations. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University possessing a B.A. in Public Administration, he has served as Chairman and Founder for the Village of Castleton-On-Hudson Tree City USA Board since it’s inception in 2019. Previously, Michael worked for two different government agencies where he managed all community relations media and events. Michael resides in Western Rensselaer County and looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm and dedication to assisting local community agencies and small businesses to the Loan Fund.

Jason Chicoine was hired in July of 2019 after graduating from Siena College with a BS in Business. While at Siena, he enjoyed the opportunity to work with Capital Region nonprofit organizations through the Nonprofit Excellence and Transformation (NEXT) Program. Jason is excited to continue this work by assisting the Loan Fund with grant writing and research. Jason and his family reside in Western Rensselaer County.

Melissa Snyder joined the Community Loan Fund in January 2024 as their Development Coordinator and is happy to connect with new and preexisting investors and donors with positive energy and enthusiasm. She is proud to be a part of an organization that creates opportunities for people and organizations to achieve their goals and thrive. A native of Colonie and a 2007 graduate from The College of Saint Rose with a BA in Public Communications, she is passionate about using her people, communications and organizational skills to make a positive impact on our immediate community. She has a background in media sales and worked previously in the development and community relations office of another local nonprofit. She resides with her husband and two cats in Coeymans and in her downtime, this bargain shopper enjoys researching and shopping for the best couponing/sales deals for the week at our local drug and grocery stores.

Ruth Kassel, Ph.D. joins the Community Loan Fund after many successful and impactful years as a professor at Siena College. Prior to her career in teaching, Dr. Kassel earned her Ph.D. in Spanish Sociolinguistics from the University at Albany. While at UAlbany, Dr. Kassel completed fieldwork with Mexican indigenous communities in diaspora and she contributes her passion for community development from this experience. During her career in higher education, Dr. Kassel coordinated the AmeriCorps interdisciplinary research program that brought together faculty, students, and community members from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals. This program ultimately launched critical community initiatives and programs such as; the South End Night Market and created theatre and virtual reality tours for historic sites in Albany. In addition to this, the program organized research to support United Way’s Summer Meals program and even supported the feasibility study for the Community Investment Trust.

Sarah Stewart started with the Community Loan Fund in December 2022. After spending nearly a decade in the security field, Sarah joins the Community Loan Fund as a lifelong Albany resident who is dedicated to our mission. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys participating in martial arts and dance and at one time was a small business owner. Sarah has long had a desire to assist small businesses in the Capital Region and enjoys bringing positive change to the spaces she inhabits.