Albuquerque, NM — DreamSpring is delighted to announce its 2025 Board of Directors, who are tasked with advancing the organization's mission of fostering economic opportunity and vibrant communities through inclusive entrepreneurship. The 2025 board’s exceptional knowledge and commitment to expanding financial access will guide DreamSpring’s work in the year ahead — the organization’s 31st year as a nonprofit small business lender.
Alice Rodriguez, DreamSpring Board Chair
In 2025, Alice Rodriguez is Chair of the Board of Directors after serving as Vice Chair/Chair Elect in 2024. A small business owner herself, Alice has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners today. She brings decades of leadership and expertise, including her tenure as an executive at JPMorgan Chase and former Chair of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“The power of entrepreneurship lies in its ability to transform lives and communities,” Alice says. “It is an honor to serve in this capacity and continue building pathways for small business owners to achieve their dreams.”
Anthony Sharett transitions to the role of Immediate Past Chair after serving as Board Chair in 2024. As President of Pathward®, N.A. and Pathward Financial, Inc., Anthony’s visionary leadership and passion for financial opportunity strengthened DreamSpring’s capacity to serve entrepreneurs across 27 states, advancing its mission to increase access to capital among small businesses.
DreamSpring is also honored to welcome Manny Alvarez to the 2025 board. Manny serves as an Independent Director at East West Bank and is Principal at BridgeCounsel Strategies LLC. Previously, as California’s chief banking and financial regulator, he championed consumer protection while fostering innovation in financial services. His extensive experience as an attorney, regulator, and leader will bring invaluable insights to advancing financial opportunity.
“DreamSpring is fortunate to have such exceptional leaders dedicate their time, talent, and vision to serving as board members,” says Anne Haines, President and CEO of DreamSpring. “Their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship strengthens the foundation of DreamSpring’s mission and ensures that we continue to create lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
The Board of Directors provides guidance and governance to DreamSpring’s work as a mission-driven lender. Board leadership has steered DreamSpring through the most significant moments in its history, including last year’s celebration of 30 years of supporting small business owners and the launch of the DreamUp Fund. The impact of this milestone and the organization’s ongoing work is highlighted in its 2023 Annual Report.
2025 DreamSpring Board of Directors
Alice Rodriguez
Board Chair; Retired Executive, JPMorgan Chase; Co-Owner, Kendall Milagro Inc.
Anthony Sharett
Immediate Past Chair; President, Pathward Financial
Ginny Bayless
Treasurer; Business & Financial Strategist, Community Investor for Impact
Irvin Ashford Jr.
Secretary; Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking, Charles Schwab
Manny Alvarez
Former Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Betty Arkell
Shareholder, Buchalter
Jerrie Merritt
Senior Vice President, Community Development Manager, Bank of Nevada
DreamSpring is deeply grateful to all current and former Board of Directors members for shepherding the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) through three decades of impact. The organization is pleased to welcome its 2025 board leadership as it works toward a future of economic growth and resilient communities for all.
To learn more about DreamSpring’s board and leadership, visit DreamSpring.org/company/team.
About DreamSpring
