PROVIDENCE – Barbara Fields, executive director of Rhode Island’s Local Initiatives Support Corporation since 1991, has been named as President Barack Obama’s appointee to serve as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regional administrator of New England.
Fields, expected to begin her new duties in April, opened the local LISC office 20 years ago as a single person operation.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
Learn More
“[Fields] had the vision to see what it takes to build strong, vibrant communities,” said Jeanne Cola, Rhode Island LISC chair. “Her holistic approach and ability as a leader to bring stakeholders together and get results has improved the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders.”
During Fields’ tenure at the organization, LISC has made $180 million equity investments in multifamily housing and more than $30 million in economic development investments across Rhode Island, funding affordable housing developments and neighborhood revitalization projects statewide.
In a news release on Friday, the organization highlighted Fields’ efforts to expand its scope beyond and commercial developments to include public safety, child care and workforce development.
Rhode Island LISC recently provided funding to Our Neighborhoods program initiatives in Providence and Woonsocket, as well as to the Family Success Centers and Financial Opportunity centers.
LISC is a nationwide organization that helps local communities gain access to capital and has invested $10 billion in urban and rural revitalization efforts.
