Our Story

Our Mission

Baltimore Community Lending supports the revitalization and strengthening of underserved communities throughout the Baltimore metro area through innovative and flexible financial assistance designed to promote community development.

Our Story

Baltimore Community Lending is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and mission-based lender serving the Baltimore metro area. We’re 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending products to help low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. We’re making loans to real estate developers and small business owners committed to developing underserved neighborhoods.

​We work with the government, foundations, financial institutions, community stakeholders, anchor institutions, and small business owners early in the planning process to provide small-to-mid-sized capital solutions leading to a more diverse and economically balanced Baltimore region.​

Since our inception in 1989, BCL has sought to strengthen neighborhoods through flexible financing. Click here to see our impact. In 2018, we expanded our lending products to include small businesses based on a recognition of community needs and BCL’s capabilities amongst a variety of stakeholders throughout the city.

1989

Baltimore Community Development Financing Corporation (CDFC) is established under the Baltimore City government, in partnership with local banks and foundations.

2002

Baltimore CDFC transitions into Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL), an independent agency that received certification as a Community Development Financing Institution (CDFI) by the US Department of Treasury.

2018

Baltimore Business Lending (BBL) is established as a subsidiary to provide funding to underserved small business owners.

2020

Watchen Harris-Bruce becomes the President & CEO of Baltimore Community Lending; BBL merged into BCL, resulting in the establishment of our Small Business Division and the Real Estate Division.

BCL launches a three-year strategic plan and a five-year capital growth plan to move us closer to our goal of self-sufficiency.

2021

BCL hosts “Re-Imagine Baltimore” at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum — a fundraising event to share information about and raise funds for our future Business Development and Resource Center.

2022

We expand our service area to include the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), specifically Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.

2023

We officially acquire the building that is slated to become our Business Development and Resource Center and office headquarters.

Baltimore Community Lending Statements

Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Statement

At Baltimore Community Lending, we are committed to revitalizing and strengthening underserved communities that face ongoing oppression due to systemic inequities. We support the creative and productive capacity of our staff, board of directors, stakeholders, and partners who represent a wide array of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our ability to fulfill our mission is strengthened when we include the perspectives of individuals who represent a variety of differences, which may include but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical and cognitive abilities, culture, religion, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic background.

Our work is focused on removing barriers for real estate developers and entrepreneurs who are unable to access mainstream financing. Black, Indigenous, and people of color and women disproportionately face these barriers as a consequence of historical and current economic disenfranchisement. Thus, our work emphasizes helping these populations join the economic mainstream. We believe in fostering intentional economic inclusion so that all individuals can have access to capital and thrive in clean, healthy, safe, and vibrant communities.

Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with federal law and U. S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202 622-0367 (fax), or emailrcomplaints@treasury,gov (email).

Our Staff

Our highly skilled team is experienced in making affordable lending to small real estate developers and small business owners committed to developing underserved neighborhoods.​ Meet the team membersworking behind the scenes.

Executive Team

Watchen Harris Bruce

President and CEO

Clarence Snuggs

Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Small Business Lending Division

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Walter Lara

Loan Officer (Bilingual/Spanish)

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Atsouco Saint Louis

Technical Assistance Associate

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Sean Chrysostom

Small Business Training & Development Officer

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Bonnie Crockett

Vice President & Director of the Small Business Lending Division

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Don Cutwright

Loan Officer, Small Business Lending Division

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Ulric Donawa

Loan Officer, Small Business Lending Division

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David Freeman

Small Business Training & Development Officer

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Jaclyn Whitley

Small Business Associate, Small Business Lending Division

Real Estate Lending Division

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Reno Pratt

Loan Officer & Loan Analyst

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Sean Russell

Vice President & Chief Lending Officer

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Ned Fields

Manager of Building Facilities and Construction

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Dierdra Pressley

Loan Officer, Real Estate Lending Division

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Tracy Evans

Loan Officer, Real Estate Lending Division

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Roy Miller

Loan Administration Coordinator, Real Estate Lending Division

Administration & Finance

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Vachee’ Anderson

Administrative & Fundraising Assistant

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Jessica Brockington

Marketing & Communications Officer

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Susan Kelly

Chief Financial Officer

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Patricia “Pat” Clements

Major Gifts Cultivator, Operations Administrator, and Executive Assistant

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Edwina Vinton

Loan Portfolio Manager and Finance Assistant

Our Boards

Our governing and advisory boards help us implement creative and innovative solutions, leading to significant results for our funders, investors, communities, and program participants.

Our Governing Board

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George A. von Zedlitz

Governing Board Membe

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JEFFREY C. WILKE

Governing Board Member

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MICHAEL TAGG

Governing Board Chair

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ANTONY GROSS

Governing Board Treasurer

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LINDA HARRINGTON

Governing Board Secretary

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ALEX AARON

Governing Vice Chair

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ALICE KENNEDY

ALICE KENNEDY

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PAUL GRAZIANO

Governing Board Member

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WATCHEN HARRIS BRUCE

PRESIDENT & CEO

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GERARD JOAB

Governing Board and Advisory Board Member

Our Advisory Board

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Maurice Ames

Advisory Board Member

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PAUL TAYLOR

Advisory Board Chair

Matt-Calhoun

MATT CALHOUN

Advisory Board Member

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STEPHANIE CHIN

Advisory Board Member

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WATCHEN HARRIS BRUCE

PRESIDENT & CEO

RANDALL JAMES

Advisory Board Member

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GERARD JOAB

Governing Board and Advisory Board Member

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MARY MILLER

Advisory Board Member