Our Staff

Watchen has over thirty-five years of banking, development finance, small business lending, economic development, international development, affordable housing, and leadership experience. She has served numerous roles on local, national, and international levels. Before joining Baltimore Community Lending, Watchen worked as Chief of Party/Country Director of the international USAID-funded project “Investing for Business Expansion” (IBEX) project to provide access to finance and economic development in Libera. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Chief of the Party for the USAID-funded project “Liberia Agribusiness & Renewal Energy Development Activity.”   On the national level, Watchen has served as Vice President at several national banks in the U.S. including PNC Bank, Fleet Bank, and JPMorgan Chase among others. She is a graduate of Leadership Boston & Baltimore. She serves on Maryland Community Development Network and Morning Star Baptist Church Five CDC boards. She is also a board member of African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs and a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Consumer Advisory Board member. She is a certified PNC Women in Business Lender & Certified Trainer & Coach with the Nehemiah Project International Ministries. Watchen has been honored as one of the 100 Top Women Leaders in Baltimore by the Daily Record.   Watchen is pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Development & Leadership through Grand Canyon University . She holds a master’s degree in Business Management from Cambridge College in Massachusetts, a BA in Community Planning & Management from the University of Massachusetts, and a BA in French from the University of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.

Clarence is responsible for guiding our business expansion strategies, capital solutions, community development activities, and operational growth. He is a seasoned community development professional who has demonstrated a solid track record of successful leadership and related industry knowledge. His work in the public, private and community sectors has produced outcomes which have led to significant success in building and stabilizing communities. Clarence has completed programs in Executive Education at Cambridge University, Leadership Maryland, and Leadership Montgomery. He has an MBA from Howard University and a BBA from Winston-Salem University

Susan is responsible for the organization’s monthly financial statements, compliance filings, yearly audit preparation, budgeting and cash management. In addition, she oversees loan servicing, payroll processing and human resources. Susan joined Baltimore Community Lending in September 2010 as an Executive Assistant, was promoted to Office Manager, Assistant Controller, and Finance Manager before becoming CFO in 2020. She has prior experience in banking and accounting as well as a degree in both Economics and Psychology from Virginia Tech.

Pat is responsible for implementing fundraising campaigns, developing donor relationships, managing and directing daily operations, and providing executive leadership support. She has extensive experience in residential and small business lending as well as construction management. Her leadership roles have involved operations, loan origination, and servicing at various financial institutions. Pat serves on the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition, the Asset Building and Community Development Steering Committee, and the Baltimore Predatory Lending Task Force. She has a bachelor’s degree in History from Morgan State University.

Melissa is responsible for writing, publishing, and promoting the organization’s successes and accomplishments. She has more than a decade of marketing experience as founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit, digital marketing consultant, and provider of educator professional development. Melissa holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and a M.S. in Human Resources, both from Towson University; a Digital Marketing Professional certification from Digital Marketing Institute; and a Professional Certified Marketer in Digital Marketing certification from the American Marketing Association.

Edwina supports payment processing, accounts collections, accounts reconciliations, and other financial matters. She has a strong track record as a negotiator and result driven debt collector. Edwina can work in any environment and can adapt to complex situations. She has a BS in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance, both from Walden University.