Communities Unlimited Welcomes Michael Rivera

as New Director of Lending

Communities Unlimited is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michael Rivera as the new Director of Lending. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Communities Unlimited plays a crucial role in supporting underserved communities, and Michael’s extensive experience in lending makes him the perfect fit for this important position.

With years of experience in lending, particularly in working with underserved communities, Michael Rivera brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as Director of Lending at Communities Unlimited.

“We are very pleased to have Michael as our Director of Lending. Michael has years of experience in lending, specifically working with underserved communities,” says Ines Polonius, CEO of Communities Unlimited, “His ability and desire to further our mission is an incredible asset to our organization.”

Michael’s professional and life experience have shaped him into an exceptional leader. His commitment to making a positive impact and driving sustainable change aligns perfectly with the mission of Communities Unlimited. We are confident that under Michael’s guidance, our lending programs will continue to expand and thrive, benefiting even more individuals and businesses in need.

As the Director of Lending, Michael Rivera will oversee Communities Unlimited’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program. This program encompasses a diverse range of portfolios, including small business, consumer, and commercial, with assets totaling $17 million. Michael’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success and growth of these lending programs.

“This opportunity brings together my passion for assisting underserved populations and rural communities,” Michael said, “I can’t wait to help Communities Unlimited develop what is an already strong Lending Department even further.”

Communities Unlimited’s mission is to move rural and under-resourced communities in areas of persistent poverty towards sustainable prosperity. By connecting people to innovative solutions, Communities Unlimited aims to address the inequities and disinvestment that have hindered these communities for generations. With Michael Rivera as our Director of Lending, we are confident in our ability to deliver on this mission and make a lasting impact.

In fiscal year 2023 alone, Communities Unlimited made 244 loans totaling an impressive $7,163,141. These lending programs have already made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and businesses within our service area. By providing access to much-needed capital, Communities Unlimited is empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in underserved communities.

For more information about Communities Unlimited’s lending programs and how they can benefit your community or business, visit our website at https://communitiesu.org/lending/. We are dedicated to serving our customers and providing them with the support they need to succeed.

About Communities Unlimited, Inc.:

Communities Unlimited, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that works side-by-side with small businesses, communities, and families in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas to create fair access to resources to sustain healthy businesses, healthy communities, and healthy families. CU takes a community-based, regional approach to solving the challenges that threaten a community’s survival. Our diverse technical know-how and geographic expertise make CU uniquely qualified to partner with Southern communities. To find more information, visit http://www.CommunitiesU.org/. Communities Unlimited, Inc. is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer, lender, and provider.