Kenneth D. Bland Jr.
Secaucus
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in impact investing, community development finance, and grant making. Successfully led a $20MM capital raise strategy to develop products aimed at enhancing economic mobility and community development in New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Proficient in affordable housing finance, supportive housing finance, CDFI finance, nonprofit finance, and commercial real estate finance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Corporate Social Responsibility
Prudential Financial
Newark
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Directed the philanthropic place-based grantmaking strategy to foster inclusive and equitable growth in Newark, NJ.
- Cultivated stakeholder partnerships that enhanced economic development, upward economic mobility and financial prosperity.
- Led a $20MM portfolio that invested in various community development sectors including affordable housing, education, small business and arts and culture.
Senior Director - Community Engagement
Nonprofit Finance Fund
New York
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Establish relationships with community stakeholders across targeted nonprofit sectors in NYC, NJ and Philadelphia.
- Identify capital voids in key markets to curate new products.
- Lead on NJ BEACON Initiative.
- Raised $20MM to deploy in NJ for Affordable Housing and Community Facilities.
- Curated products for deployment throughout low income communities in NJ.
- Developed pipeline for product deployment.
Director - Community Engagement
Nonprofit Finance Fund
New York
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Cultivated relationships with community stakeholders across targeted nonprofit sectors.
- Led the New Jersey BEACoN (Building Equitable Assets for Communities and Nonprofits) Initiative to expand Nonprofit Finance Fund's footprint and expansion into New Jersey.
- Identified capital voids in key markets to develop innovative financial products.
- Secured $20 million in capital for deployment in NJ focused on affordable housing and community facilities.
Vice President - Relationship Manager (Business Banking)
Valley Bank
Totowa
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Originated, underwrote, serviced, and closed nonprofit, CRE, and C&I loans.
- Maintained and serviced assigned portfolios to ensure optimal performance.
- Monitored credit quality changes to mitigate risk exposure.
- Structured and priced credit facilities in alignment with Valley Bank’s policies.
Director - Impact Investing
Nonprofit Finance Fund
New York
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Structured, underwrote, and closed investments, loans, and New Markets Tax Credit transactions.
- Provided technical assistance and strategic partnership for nonprofit organizations.
- Collaborated internally to achieve budgetary targets and enhance processes.
- Developed networks to align NFF financing with organizational mission and strategy.
- Led New Jersey Lending Initiative to broaden funding access.
- Spearheaded National Church Real Estate Initiative to support community development.
Assistant Vice President - Community Lending
Valley Bank
Totowa
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Originated, underwrote, serviced, and closed processes for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.
- Maintained and serviced assigned portfolios while ensuring close customer contact for satisfaction.
- Monitored changes in credit quality to uphold Valley Bank's standards.
- Structured and priced credit facilities in accordance with established credit policies.
- Prepared comprehensive packages for credit approval circulation and presented to appropriate credit authority.
- Ensured timely renewal of lines of credit to avoid disruptions.
- Oversaw handling of customer transactions, including advances and payments.
Assistant Vice President - Credit Analyst (Middle Market)
TD Bank
Piscataway
07.2018 - 03.2019
- Conducted financial analyses of loans, industries, and customers to inform decision-making.
- Performed underwriting analysis of borrowers' character, creditworthiness, and financial conditions.
- Managed a portfolio valued at $50MM, ensuring optimal performance.
- Prepared timely approval memorandums for presentation to lending and credit authorities.
- Participated in customer meetings to gather specific information and address inquiries.
Commercial Lender
Magyar Bank
New Brunswick
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Originated and analyzed commercial real estate, industrial loans, and nonprofit organization loans.
- Conducted in-depth industry and market analyses, portfolio assessments, and credit line adjustments.
- Managed a $40 million loan portfolio, optimizing performance and risk.
- Oversaw implementation of CRA Lending Initiative to enhance community engagement.
- Facilitated Teller/Platform Professional Development Training to improve staff competencies.
Community Development Lending Officer
New Jersey Community Capital
New Brunswick
02.2016 - 09.2017
- Originated and analyzed commercial loans across diverse sectors, including affordable housing, education, economic development and nonprofits.
- Conducted comprehensive loan portfolio management, ensuring efficient underwriting and closing processes.
- Managed a $10MM loan portfolio, maintaining rigorous standards for performance and compliance.
Small Business Lending Lead
Magyar Bank
New Brunswick
02.2015 - 02.2016
- Originated 7a/504 SBA loans in compliance with SOP underwriting policies.
- Conducted comprehensive due diligence including financial, management, and market assessments.
Skills
- Impact investing
- Relationship management
- Community development finance
- Grant making and program management
- Affordable housing finance
- Nonprofit governance and finance
- Commercial real estate underwriting
- Supportive housing finance
- Professional development and business growth
- SBA and commercial underwriting
- Portfolio management strategies
- Charter school finance expertise
- Public relations and communications
- CRA and HMDA compliance
Conferences Courses
- TD Bank Formal Credit Training Program, TD Bank
- Community Development Finance, NeighborWorks America
Timeline
Director, Corporate Social Responsibility
Prudential Financial
10.2024 - 07.2025
Senior Director - Community Engagement
Nonprofit Finance Fund
01.2024 - 10.2024
Director - Community Engagement
Nonprofit Finance Fund
09.2023 - 01.2024
Vice President - Relationship Manager (Business Banking)
Valley Bank
07.2022 - 09.2023
Director - Impact Investing
Nonprofit Finance Fund
07.2021 - 07.2022
Assistant Vice President - Community Lending
Valley Bank
08.2019 - 07.2021
Assistant Vice President - Credit Analyst (Middle Market)
TD Bank
07.2018 - 03.2019
Commercial Lender
Magyar Bank
09.2017 - 06.2018
Community Development Lending Officer
New Jersey Community Capital
02.2016 - 09.2017
Small Business Lending Lead
Magyar Bank
02.2015 - 02.2016
Similar Profiles
Task MorelandTask Moreland
NA at The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Prudential FinancialNA at The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Prudential Financial
Sujan PillalaSujan Pillala
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Developer at Prudential FinancialMicrosoft Dynamics CRM Developer at Prudential Financial
Ethan NadeauEthan Nadeau
Quality Coach, Subject Matter Expert at Prudential FinancialQuality Coach, Subject Matter Expert at Prudential Financial
Ram KakarlaRam Kakarla
Salesforce Functional Lead at Prudential FinancialSalesforce Functional Lead at Prudential Financial
Shreya ShahShreya Shah
Founder & Creative Director at JALSA by Shreya (www.jalsabyshreya.com)Founder & Creative Director at JALSA by Shreya (www.jalsabyshreya.com)