South Carolina Community Loan Fund appoints new CEO

A statewide non-profit organization focused on equitable access to capital for home ownership has named a new leader.

South Carolina Community Loan Fund has named Cynthia “Cindi” Watts Rourk as its next CEO, effective Oct. 27. The announcement follows the planned retirements of co-leaders Nate Barber and Deborah McKetty, who announced their transition earlier this year after four years of joint leadership, according to a news release.

“Cindi brings a demonstrated history of executive leadership, strategic financial management, and a deep-rooted commitment to equitable access to economic opportunity,” said Martin Livingston, chair of SCCLF’s board of directors, in the release. “She understands how strategic investment and mission-driven lending can transform communities, and we are thrilled to welcome her to lead SCCLF into its next chapter.”

Rourk brings more than three decades of experience in community and financial development, with a strong record of advancing equitable access to capital and fostering economic opportunity across South Carolina, the release stated. Her leadership has been defined by expanding lending programs, developing affordable housing initiatives, and strengthening partnerships that drive sustainable community growth.

“I am deeply honored to lead SCCLF as its next CEO,” Rourk said. “For more than two decades, SCCLF has proven that strategic investment and mission-driven capital can be powerful catalysts for change in our communities. I am committed to building upon this strong legacy, expanding reach, and ensuring that access to capital is never a barrier to opportunity for small businesses, housing developers, and community leaders across South Carolina. Together, we’ll continue our work of investing in communities and creating opportunities for all.”

The CEO search was led by The Boland Group in partnership with SCCLF’s board of directors. The search committee was co-chaired by Torrey Rush, past board chair, and Quinetha Frasier, board member, with participation from Martin Livingston, Ginny Stroud, Nate Harrison, Adolphus Johnson, and Charles Dew.

The committee interviewed nine candidates before narrowing the field to three finalists. The Boland Group fielded applications from more than 60 candidates and conducted interviews with 31 stakeholders to inform the search process, the release stated.

SCCLF is a mission-based lender and nonprofit loan fund that transforms and revitalizes communities throughout South Carolina, according to the release. Established in 2004 as a local affordable housing trust fund (the first of its kind in the state), SCCLF has expanded over the years in both geographic scope and lending products and services.  SCCLF is a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) that is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The mission of SCCLF is to advance equitable access to capital to build assets and benefit communities and people most in need of economic opportunity. Its primary function is developing projects and activities designed to employ communities and stimulate economic activity, including small business development, entrepreneurial training, financial empowerment, affordable housing, and community revitalization.