National recognition honors Bilonick’s leadership in expanding access to capital and strengthening a network of 200+ community economic development organizations 

NEW ORLEANS, LA, October 23, 2026 — NALCAB today announced that Marla Bilonick, President and CEO has received Opportunity Finance Network’s Executive Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership in advancing community development finance and expanding access to capital in communities underserved by mainstream financial institutions.

Presented as part of OFN’s Opportunity Honors, the Executive Leadership Award recognizes a CDFI executive whose vision and perseverance have driven transformative capital into underserved communities. 

Bilonick joined NALCAB as President and CEO in 2021 and has led the organization through a period of significant national growth. Under her tenure, NALCAB’s membership has nearly doubled, growing into a network of more than 200 CDFIs and community economic development nonprofits with reach across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 

Today, organizations within NALCAB’s network serve more than 3 million people annually. In 2025 alone, NALCAB borrowers originated more than 250,000 small-business loans totaling $245 million, expanding access to capital and economic opportunity in communities across the country. 

“Marla’s leadership has helped NALCAB grow tremendously in size, influence, and our ability to deliver resources where they are needed most,” said Henry Jiménez, Chair of NALCAB’s Board of Directors and President & CEO of Propel Nonprofits. “She has lived experience and is a practitioner at heart. She knows community development starts by listening to the organizations closest to their communities and ensuring they have the capital, capacity, and voice needed to succeed. This recognition reflects both the results of that leadership and the values she brings to community work every day.” 

During Bilonick’s tenure, NALCAB has expanded its lending and investment capacity, strengthened its national member network and increased its role as a convener and advocate within the community development finance sector. In 2026, NALCAB surpassed $50 million in cumulative loans deployed and now holds an active CDFI loan portfolio of more than $30 million, supporting small-business growth and affordable housing nationwide. 

“For the past 27 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people who believe that where you come from should never determine how far you can go. Our work is about seeing potential where others may not, investing in communities, and helping individuals create opportunity and ownership on their own terms.” Said Marla Bilonick, NALCAB President & CEO.  

Bilonick brings more than 25 years of experience in economic and community development, small-business development and community-based financial services. Prior to joining NALCAB, she served as Executive Director of the Latino Economic Development Center in Washington, D.C. 

“What connects this year’s honorees is not the geography they serve or the institutions they lead,” said Harold Pettigrew, OFN President & CEO. “It is a shared belief that communities deserve the tools, capital, and support needed to shape their own futures. We are proud to celebrate leaders whose work continues to strengthen opportunity across the country.” 

About NALCAB 
 
NALCAB is a one-of-a-kind CDFI intermediary with 200+ member CDFI and economic development nonprofit organizations working to maximize the economic contributions of the Latino population to the U.S. economy. NALCAB’s network reaches communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Learn more at nalcab.org.