Pavlin Buchukov

CDFI Director

Pavlin Buchukov brings nearly two decades of experience in community development, lending, and relationship and asset management, with a special focus on economic and social empowerment. Over the course of a decade in his most recent role at Genesis LA, Pavlin led the organization’s lending strategy, deploying over $100 million in direct CDFI loans and over $300 million in New Market Tax credits.

Throughout his career, Pavlin has developed innovative lending products and programs, with a strong emphasis on cultivating relationships across public, private, and institutional sectors.

As Merritt’s CDFI Director, Pavlin will be responsible for expanding our service offering by building a new CDFI business from the ground up. This will include spearheading the effort to build, operationalize, and scale Merritt’s newest impact arm. He will lead the capitalization, certification, business development, packaging, and servicing of affordable housing finance projects related to this growth initiative.

In addition, Pavlin will deepen key relationships with developers and funders across California to further understand the financial landscape within the affordable housing ecosystem.