OAKLAND, CA – Merritt Community Capital, a leading provider of equity capital for affordable housing in California, today announced that industry veteran Lisa Castillo will serve as the company’s new President. Ms. Castillo brings more than 25 years of industry leadership to the company.
Prior to joining Merritt, Lisa Castillo has served as Vice President of Originations for WNC & Associates, where she led tax credit syndication negotiation and origination efforts in the western region that placed more than $580 million in equity during her tenure. Previously, Ms. Castillo held senior executive roles in both public and private sectors, where she was responsible for the acquisition, finance and project management of affordable housing developments across the United States, as well as implementation of county housing programs. For the County of San Bernardino, Castillo & Company, National Community Renaissance, and National Housing Development Corporation, she spearheaded the cultivation of new business, secured hundreds of millions of dollars in equity and debt, oversaw regulatory compliance, expanded into new regional markets, and generated millions in revenue.
Lisa Castillo will succeed Barney Deasy, who has served as President of the company for more than twenty years. Deasy will continue to serve as an external consultant to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
Existing senior staff look forward to continuing Merritt’s long tradition of excellence with Ms. Castillo.
Christine Carr, Chairperson for the Merritt Community Capital Corporation Board of Directors, said, “After a long search to find a successor for our well regarded leader, Barney Deasy, we are thrilled to have Lisa Castillo join us to fill that role. She brings a deep knowledge of affordable housing and tax credit syndications and we look forward, with Lisa at the helm, to continuing Merritt’s accomplishments and outstanding track record in the market.”
About Merritt Community Capital Corporation
Merritt Community Capital Corporation provides equity capital for affordable housing throughout California, revitalizing neighborhoods through construction, rehabilitation, and long-term asset management. Since 1989, the company has financed more than 8,300 affordable homes, and invested more than $760 million in 20 separate funds. Merritt is the West Coast member of the National Association of State and Local Equity Funds (NASLEF) and continues to offer exceptional service to investors, developers and consultants of LIHTC affordable housing properties. For more information, visit www.merrittcap.org.