The Genesis Fund announced this week that Bill Floyd will step down from his position as executive director at the end of December, after leading the organization for 12 years. Bill has overseen a notable period of growth for the Genesis Fund, as the organization increased capital assets from $4M to $25M and transformed into a truly statewide organization. Founded in Lincoln County in 1992, the Genesis Fund is a mission-driven lender dedicated to supporting the development of affordable housing and community facilities throughout the state.

“We are grateful for Bill’s entrepreneurial and effective leadership over the past 12 years,” said Bill Shanahan, chair of the Genesis Fund’s Board of Directors. “During this time, he has built many new partnerships, expanded the reach of lending and programs, and cultivated a team that’s ready to lead the organization in its next stage of development.” Floyd will remain on staff as a Senior Strategic Advisor through the end of March, and will then retire after a 40-year career of service to Maine’s underserved communities.

The board of directors has unanimously chosen Liza Fleming-Ives, currently the Genesis Fund’s deputy director, as the organization’s next executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

“Liza was an obvious choice to lead the Genesis Fund at this juncture to expand the organization’s strategic work and impact in communities throughout the region,” said Shanahan. “Liza is a recognized leader in the industry with a deep commitment to the Genesis Fund’s mission. In Liza, we have a leader with the strategic vision, demonstrated management skills and strong connections with funding partners, investors and borrowers to lead this growing and dynamic organization.”

Fleming-Ives takes over leadership at a time when the organization is working to address some of the state’s most pressing challenges. The Genesis Fund is currently financing and supporting projects that will have wide reaching impact, including securing new child care options for families in Brewer, expanding food pantry services in Rockland, creating recovery homes for people struggling to overcome addiction in Caribou, preserving rural rental housing for seniors in Blue Hill and transforming inner city blocks in Lewiston to prevent childhood lead-poisoning.

“I am passionate about the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of people and communities that are struggling to meet their most basic needs for housing stability, food security and supportive services,” said Fleming-Ives. “It is an honor to be selected to lead the Genesis Fund and its talented and dedicated staff. I am deeply committed to working with our staff and board to invest our resources where they are needed most, in projects that respond to urgent needs while at the same time strengthening community organizations and expanding social and economic opportunities for all people.”

Liza has over 20 years of community development experience, 14 of which have been with the Genesis Fund. At Genesis, she has been responsible for developing strategic program initiatives, overseeing lending, leading policy advocacy and raising capital to secure resources for creating and preserving safe, stable and affordable housing and vital community facilities. Liza holds a B.A. in American Studies from Smith College and a master's in social work from the University of Michigan. She completed the Citi Leadership Program for Opportunity Finance and currently serves as chair of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition.

To find out more, visit the Genesis Fund at www.genesisfund.org