Thursday, 29 October 2026 11:00 AM
Company Update
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2026 / The Arizona CDFI Network has appointed Andre T. Whittington as its inaugural Executive Director, effective December 1, 2026, marking an important step in the Network's development and its efforts to strengthen community finance across Arizona.
The appointment establishes dedicated executive leadership as the Network moves beyond its initial formation toward building the organizational capacity, partnerships and coordination needed to advance its long-term mission. Under an executive management agreement, Opemia Consulting will provide executive management and organizational development support, with Whittington serving as the Network's designated Executive Director. The Network's Board will retain governance, fiduciary and strategic oversight responsibilities.
Whittington is the founder and CEO of Opemia Consulting and a founding member of the Arizona CDFI Network. He has served as Co-Chair since its launch in February 2025 and will step down from the Board and Co-Chair role effective November 30, 2026, before assuming his executive responsibilities.
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) connect individuals, businesses and communities with responsible capital and financial services. Across Arizona, these institutions support small business development, affordable housing and broader community investment.
The Network's next phase will focus on strengthening relationships among its members, improving coordination with public and private partners and developing the institutional capacity to support a more connected community finance system.
"Arizona has strong community financial institutions doing important work across the state," Whittington said. "The opportunity before us is not simply to expand activity, but to strengthen how these institutions work together. By building the relationships, coordination and capacity that support responsible investment, we can create more durable pathways to economic opportunity for Arizona's communities."
Whittington previously served as Executive Director of Growth Partners Arizona, where he led a period of transformational growth, strengthening institutional capacity and expanding access to capital and business support statewide. His leadership spans organizational development, community finance and economic development. He also serves on the Arizona Finance Authority, Arizona Industrial Development Authority and Greater Arizona Development Authority boards, following appointments by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.
About the Arizona CDFI Network
The Arizona CDFI Network unites community development financial institutions to strengthen Arizona's community finance infrastructure through institutional collaboration, responsible capital access, strategic advocacy, and investment in small businesses, affordable housing and communities statewide.
Media Contact
Amber Cordoba, Co-Chair
Arizona CDFI Network
[email protected]
https://azcdfi.org
SOURCE: Arizona CDFI Network