NNDF announces new executive director

Northwest Native Development Fund (NNDF) announced Monday that Jordan Ruiz is the non-profit lender's new executive director.

"I am honored to have been chosen as the Executive Director of NNDF," Ruiz said in statement issued Monday. "I will work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of this organization. I will lead NNDF with empathy and compassion. The amazing staff at NNDF will continue to work toward and never lose sight of our mission."

NNDF's mission is to foster economic and financial independence for native people by assisting in the development of personal assets through financial and entrepreneurial education as well as providing access to capital through creative lending products, increasing ownership and economic opportunities.

Previously its lead loan officer, Ruiz has been with NNDF for almost three years and will now lead organization.

"I would like to thank the NNDF Board of Directors for their vote of confidence in my ability to foster the organizational growth we all envision. I would like to thank the staff for their faith in my leadership. A very heartfelt thank you to family, friends, and community members who have supported me throughout the years," Ruiz said.

She steps into the role to take over following the departure of Ted Piccolo.

"We are saddened by Ted Piccolo's departure, and we hope the best for him. It has been a pleasure to serve NNDF under Ted's leadership as a board member; it is humbling to step into his shoes during the transition in time," said Interim Executive Director Kimberly Peone.

NNDF is governed by its Board of Directors: Kenneth Stanger, president; Molly Morris, vice-president; Terry Payne, secretary; Marina TurningRobe, member.