Kids & Family

Caswell Named CDFA Executive Director

Longtime public servant will lead Community Development Finance Authority in May.

The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) Board of Directors has announced today that Taylor Caswell will become its new executive director. Caswell will assume the post on May 5. He replaces former Executive Director Kathy Bogle Shields, who retired in January.

"CDFA is well positioned to be a key resource in revitalizing New Hampshire's economy – community by community," said Caswell.  "I look forward to working with community, nonprofit, and business leaders across the state to recognize and promote the deep-seated value NH places in its communities."

Caswell served as New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2005-2009. He has also worked for KeySpan Energy, Farmers Insurance Group, and former NH Congressman Bill Zeliff. Most recently, he has operated Caswell Strategies, an affordable housing and energy solutions consulting firm he founded in 2009. He was also the managing director for CleanGen Partners, which funds and develops solar photovoltaic systems.

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The Community Development Finance Authority, a quasi-government entity, operates a number of programs which provide funds and other resources for nonprofits and municipalities creating community development projects, such as affordable housing or job creation efforts. CDFA operates the state Investment Tax Credit program and administers the federal Community Development Block Grant program for New Hampshire.

“We have a great deal of confidence in Taylor,” said Janet Ackerman, Chair of the CDFA Board of the Directors. “He has a rare balance of public and private experience, covering community development, affordable housing, and energy efficiency. We anticipate he’ll challenge the organization and take it in new directions that will further strengthen New Hampshire’s communities.”

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Over the last six years, funds from CDFA programs have created and/or retained nearly 2,599 livable wage jobs with benefits; improved or supported creation of over 3,514 affordable and workforce housing units; and improved the lives of over 62,518 people in the state through water and sewer system improvements, transitional and homeless shelters, and neighborhood or community centers.

Caswell is a native of Littleton and currently resides in Hollis. He is the chairman of the NH CleanTech Council and the steering committee chairman for the State of New Hampshire Energy & Climate Collaborative. He has also served on the Hollis Land Protection Committee, the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board, the Audubon Society of NH, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, and the US Interagency Regional Council on Homelessness.

Some of Caswell’s honors include the Union Leader’s “40 Under 40,” the Outstanding Public Service Award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and the Young Alumni Achievement Award from Gettysburg College. He also received a special leadership recognition from the American Federation of Government Employees for his leadership at HUD.

Caswell enjoys alpine skiing and is a competitive road cyclist and coach. He’s also an avid backcountry hiker, having scaled 29 of New Hampshire’s 48 “Four-thousand Footers.”

About CDFA:

CDFA, created by legislation in 1983, is a nonprofit public instrumentality of the State of New Hampshire. CDFA administers nearly $20 million in funding resources, which includes a combination of state tax credits and federal Community Development Block Grant, Neighborhood Stabilization, and Energy Reduction Funds. CDFA supports the development of vibrant and resilient communities by providing resources for community development efforts. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170.

Submitted by The Community Development Finance Authority.


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