In our new feature, we pose a few questions to help you better get to know our Board Members. President of the NeighborWorks Capital Board’s Jeanne Pinado, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets, Colliers International and former CEO of Madison Park Development Corp., a NeighborWorks affiliate, has served on the NeighborWorks Capital Board for 13 years.
Why are you on the NeighborWorks Capital Board? What motivates you as a Board Member?
I like the people (both board and staff) and really enjoy learning from the diversity and complexity of development projects that NWOs are working on across the country. We really enjoy meeting in person and I’ve missed that during COVID. We’re fortunate to have a talented Board of Directors that enjoy interacting with each other and are committed to the organization’s success. I’ve expanded my national network. I’ve enjoyed taking a leadership role on the Board and focusing on strategic decisions and planning for growth.
What are the highlights of being a Member of the Finance Committee?
I like the fact that we have strong committees that vet financial matters and lending activities. We use a consent agenda that includes minutes, financial and portfolio reports and the like, so we don’t have to spend time at board meetings on routine reports. I often ask a quick question both because I want to know the answer and to encourage others to not shy away from asking questions that pertain to the consent agenda.
What has your board experience with NeighborWorks Capital taught you about, or have you been able to take back to, your full-time position?
I love being part of a successful CDFI that impacts the lives of low- and moderate- income families across the country. I am always learning more about the field. When I traveled to Sacramento, CA, to visit my son during his summer internship, it was great to know a fellow board member in town. I had dinner with Michael Carroll and he gave us great advice on where to eat and things to do. NeighborWorks Capital CEO Jim Ferris is always willing to share. I used his template for succession planning for my organization (Madison Park Development Corporation.)
What are your proudest accomplishments on the Board?
Creating the governance committee and expanding the board’s expertise and racial diversity was a great accomplishment of this past year. The growth in assets and product diversity have been accomplishments that I’m proud of. During my time on the board I have seen NC grow its portfolio by over 1,200% and provide capital to more than 100 NeighborWorks organizations.
What’s gotten you through COVID quarantine – hobbies, book recommendations, a tv series?
I’ve gotten to spend more time with my adult children, which was a gift. I briefly took up bird watching, started a vegetable garden and planned a home renovation that’s currently underway.
