A highly dedicated and results-oriented leader with over twenty years of experience in nonprofit and community development, homeownership advocacy, and economic empowerment. Passionate about dismantling systemic barriers to access and opportunity, with a firm commitment to advancing racial equity, economic justice, and inclusive community development. Proven track record in executive leadership, strategic vision, organizational growth, and building impactful partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Seeking an Executive Director position to lead an organization in creating transformative change, fostering sustainable growth, and driving systemic solutions that champion equity and justice in Minnesota's communities.
Hi, I’m
Jessica James
Brooklyn Park
Summary
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Land Bank Twin Cities, Inc.
Community Lending Program Manager
10.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Lead loan policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission to increase affordable housing access for marginalized communities
- Oversee borrower intake, underwriting, and loan closeout processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Manage relationships with borrowers and community partners, facilitating economic development initiatives and fostering collaborative partnerships
- Contribute to strategic planning and special initiatives to enhance community lending opportunities and equitable access to resources
Associated Bank
AVP, Community Residential Loan Advisor
10.2021 - 10.2024
Job overview
- Cultivate relationships with businesses, housing organizations, and government agencies to address the financing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals
- Drive economic development by promoting and facilitating mortgage loan programs for underserved communities
- Champion partnerships aimed at advancing financial literacy and reducing systemic barriers through education and resource development
- Lead outreach efforts to foster community engagement and strengthen the organization’s mission to promote economic equity
Shared Capital Cooperative (CDFI)
Commercial Loan Administration Director
11.2018 - 10.2021
Job overview
- Directed commercial loan portfolio, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation strategies that align with the organization’s mission of advancing economic justice for BIPOC communities
- Led and mentored a team of loan officers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and developing effective financial strategies
- Provided leadership in strategic planning for commercial lending initiatives, focusing on resource development, impact measurement, and organizational sustainability
- Oversaw the development of risk management practices and compliance protocols to ensure ethical lending practices
OneMain Financial Services
Consumer Loan Underwriter III
02.2015 - 10.2018
Job overview
- Analyzed consumer and auto loan applications, ensuring compliance with lending policies while minimizing risk
- Led initiatives to improve underwriting efficiency and reduce systemic barriers to financial access for underserved populations
- Provided mentoring and training to junior staff on best practices in risk assessment, underwriting, and customer service
DE Capital Mortgage
Mortgage Loan Document Specialist5
01.2013 - 04.2014
Job overview
- Managed mortgage documentation processes to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and quality control standards
- Supported borrowers through the document preparation process, ensuring clear communication and transparency in loan procedures
Education
National American UniversityRoseville, MN
B.S. from Business Management & Administration
09.2004
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Board Governance & Engagement
- Racial Equity & Social Justice Advocacy
- Financial Stewardship & Fundraising
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy Development & Advocacy
- Organizational Development & Capacity Building
- Program Development & Impact Measurement
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Team Building & Staff Development
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) - Board Treasurer – January2019
- National Association of Real Estate Brokers Twin Cities (NAREB TC) - Board Member & Events Committee Chair – March2022
- Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) - Loan Committee Member – September2024
- City of Lakes Community Land Trust (CLCLT) - Board Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair – October2021 – November2024
- Minnesota Mortgage Association (MMA) - DEI Committee Co-chair – January2023 – January2024
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ADVOCACY
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ADVOCACY
- Planning Committee, Twin Cities Diversity Homeownership Fair (2022-2023)
- Panelist, Financial Literacy Strategies, Homebuyer Education Workshops (PRG, PPL, Model Cities)
- Facilitator, Cooperative Finance Strategies for Disinvested Communities
- Represented at events such as Juneteenth MN, Urban League Family Days, and various local community initiatives.
Timeline
Community Lending Program Manager
Land Bank Twin Cities, Inc.
10.2024 - Current
AVP, Community Residential Loan Advisor
Associated Bank
10.2021 - 10.2024
Commercial Loan Administration Director
Shared Capital Cooperative (CDFI)
11.2018 - 10.2021
Consumer Loan Underwriter III
OneMain Financial Services
02.2015 - 10.2018
Mortgage Loan Document Specialist5
DE Capital Mortgage
01.2013 - 04.2014
National American University
B.S. from Business Management & Administration
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