TEAM
RAY DAFFNER
PRINCIPAL
Ray has a deep commitment to creating economic opportunity in areas outside of the economic mainstream and to supporting businesses addressing pressing social needs.
Working at the intersection of policy and practice, Ray has led a range of innovative programs and structured investments to address persistent economic development challenges facing rural and underserved communities. With over 20 years of engagement in Appalachia and +30 years in the field of economic development, Mr. Daffner has worked with a broad spectrum of public, private and non-profit partners including: federal, state and local policy leaders; non-profit development organizations; social enterprises; and investors including banks, CDFIs, NMTC CDEs, Angel investors and philanthropy.
Collaborators and Colleagues
STEADFAST CITY
Develop Better – serving the needs of businesses, real estate developers, cities and non-profit organizations.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
Helping communities obtain resources for revitalization and key priorities.
APPALACHIAN INVESTORS ALLIANCE
Funding the future, empowering entrepreneurs.
RURAL SUPPORT PARTNERS
Rural Support Partners is a mission-driven management consulting firm working to deepen the impact of community economic development efforts and innovate the field of rural development.
CHARLIE SPIES
Extensive background with NMTC CDEs and Opportunity Zone QOFs.
DONNA FABIANI
CDFI Consulting Services with extensive track record in CDFI industry.
ENOCH ELWELL
Extensive background as community builder and advocate for small business founders. Dedicated to helping communities thrive through entrepreneurship.
GARY LINDNER
CDFI Consulting Services and organizational development, with extensive track record in CDFI industry.
MONICA MILLER
Community Economic Development, Strategic Planning Services, and Project Management, with extensive track record in Main Street development.
STEVE MERCIL
Extensive background with Angel Fund development and management.
Appalachian Development Finance Fellows
2021: Cody Taylor, Appalachian State University – https://mpa.appstate.edu/node/64
2022: outreach to begin Q2 2022