Amber Banks-Bond to Assume Role as President & CEO, Continuing Legacy of Advancing Black Economic Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2025
Orlando, Florida — The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (“The Alliance”) today announced that its esteemed Co-founder and CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr., will retire at the end of 2025. Since the Alliance’s official launch in 2020, Long has played a pivotal role in strengthening Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)—quadrupling membership, raising more than $50M funds for The Alliance and $4.2M in grants to members.
Under his visionary leadership, the Alliance has become a force in economic justice, advocating for Black-led CDFIs and their communities. With more than three decades of experience in economic development, Lenwood has led organizations through transformational growth, including his tenure at the Carolina Small Business Development Fund as visionary founder and president/CEO and as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Eva M. Clayton.
Stepping into the role of President & CEO will be Amber Banks-Bond, a seasoned leader committed to advancing racial and economic equity. As the current President, Amber brings a strong vision for the future of the Alliance and its continued impact on Black wealth-building and economic justice.
“Leading the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs has been my calling and one of the greatest honors of my life. From our first convening in 2018 to the national movement we’ve built today, I have witnessed the power of what’s possible when Black leaders unite with a shared vision for justice and self-determination. This work is rooted in love for our people, and I’m proud of the legacy we’ve created together,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., CEO of the Alliance. “As I pass the baton to Amber Banks-Bond, I do so with full confidence in her leadership and an unwavering belief in the continued rise of Black-led CDFIs and the communities we serve.”
“Lenwood is a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to economic justice and community development has elevated the voice and power of Black-led CDFIs nationwide,” said Donna Gambrell, Alliance Board Chair. “On behalf of the Board, I extend our deepest gratitude to Lenwood for building a strong and unshakable foundation. We are equally confident and proud to welcome Amber Banks-Bond as the next leader of the Alliance—her experience, passion, and strategic vision will carry this movement forward with strength and clarity.”
“It is both an honor and a profound responsibility to follow in the footsteps of Lenwood. His leadership has not only shaped the Alliance but inspired a new generation of equity-centered financial leaders,” said Amber Banks-Bond, President of the Alliance. “I am deeply committed to advancing the mission he built—strengthening Black-led CDFIs, amplifying our collective voice, and building lasting pathways to generational wealth for Black communities across the country. I step into this role with gratitude, humility, and fierce determination.”
The Alliance will celebrate Long’s leadership through a Thank You Tour in 2025, during which he will visit select members across the country to reflect on shared accomplishments and strengthen community ties, with a tribute at the June 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference in Charleston, SC.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Iyanna Peoples
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a coalition of more than 80 CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), comprising loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since 2018, The Alliance’s network collectively services all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a result, members are uniquely positioned to address issues related to housing and access to capital for African American populations and communities. Learn more about The Alliance and its programs at http://www.aaacdfi.org.
