Bond Unit Manager

Email Fariba, HERE

Fariba Khoie is the Bond Program Manager at California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). She joined IBank in 2014. Fariba is responsible for IBank conduit bonds sales, including Industrial Development Bonds, Exempt Facility Bonds, 501 (c) (3) Bonds, Public Agency Revenue Bonds, and Infrastructure State Revenue Fund Bonds. In addition, she manages continuing disclosure reports; reviews and monitors tax arbitrage reports and prepares annual surveillance reports to rating agencies.

Fariba brings vast experience to IBank from the State Treasurer’s Office where she served as a Treasury Program Manager. While there, she managed various municipal bonds sales, including Economic Recovery Bonds, General Obligation and Revenue Bonds for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Public Works Board. Fariba also managed Pooled Money Investment Account loans and Guaranteed Investment Agreements among other responsibilities. Before that, Fariba worked at the Department of Water Resources with Power Bonds and the Swap Portfolio. At the Department of Transportation she performed various accounting and fiscal duties. Fariba also has a wealth of experience in banking and financial analysis.

Fariba holds an MBA Degree in Finance from California State University Sacramento as well as a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Statistics from Shiraz University in Iran. She is a member of National Federation of Municipal Analysts.

Public Finance Specialist 

Email John, HERE

John Belmont is a Public Finance Specialist, Bond Unit, at IBank. John joined IBank in July of 2007. John is responsible for coordinating conduit bond sales and post bond issuance compliance.

Prior to his current role, John spent several years in the financial services industry and was Assistant Vice President, Business Development, for a local community bank. John also served as a loan officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Disaster Assistance Program. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Hayward, and an MS Marketing degree from Golden Gate University, San Francisco.

Loan Officer

Email Steven, HERE

Steven Wright is a Loan Officer in the Bond Financing Unit. Steven reviews and analyzes applications and bond documents for conduit revenue bond financing. Prior to his current role, Steven served as a Budget Officer with the California Department of Food and Agriculture where he oversaw several program budgets and personnel operations. Steven earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Agricultural Business from Alabama A&M University.

Loan Origination Manager

Email Lina, HERE

Lina Benedict is the Loan Origination Manager for the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and manages the direct lending programs – the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program, and the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) Center direct lending financing.

Lina joined IBank in January of 2016, and is responsible for managing and directing all credit and loan underwriting activities for the Loan Origination Unit.  Lina conducts extensive outreach at conferences and expos, speaking and presenting on behalf of IBank at various events including California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) events.

Lina has been in the lending industry for more than 20 years. Lina started her career working as a credit analyst and underwriter at Community Bank before joining Bank of America and holding positions from credit analyst, portfolio manager, SBA underwriter, commercial underwriter, and approval officer. Lina also worked as an SBA underwriter at Resource Capital CDC. Prior to joining IBank she was Vice President of Lending at Vision One Credit Union.

Lina holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Wright State University, and a Graduate Finance Certification from Southern Methodist University.

Municipal Finance Specialist

Email John, HERE

John Weir joined IBank in 2015 as a Staff Loan Officer with the IBank Bond Financing Unit. As a member of the bond unit, he was responsible for review of applications for the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to 501(c)(3) organizations and small manufacturing companies, including the review of program requirements, bond documents, managing bond closings, and the presentation of staff recommendations to the IBank Board.

In 2019, he transitioned to the Loan Origination Unit where he is responsible for guiding potential applicants through IBank’s ISRF loan programs including analysis of financial statements, repayment sources, project eligibility and drafting staff reports. He represents IBank in public forums, workshops and conferences, preparation of ad hoc reports, and development of written procedures.

He is also the primary developer of the databases used by the Bond Financing and Loan Origination Units which serve as the primary record source for all transactions, work modules for daily activities, and management reports to satisfy routine and ad hoc reporting obligations. He is currently developing a similar database for the Loan Servicing Unit that will interlink data between the two loan units.

Prior to joining IBank, Mr. Weir worked at the State Treasurers Office for the California Pollution Control Pollution Authority where he was responsible for post-issuance bond compliance and for the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee. He also has extensive experience with development of departmental procedures and the drafting of agency regulations for review and approval by the Office of Administrative Law. Previous to his employment in the public sector, Mr. Weir worked for over 15 years in the mortgage banking industry and was a vice president of underwriting for Liberty American Mortgage.

AGPA, Loan Origination and Servicing Units

Email Betty, HERE

Betty Bian is the Associate Governmental Program Analyst in the loan origination unit, where she performs analytical and consultative duties and services critical to administering the infrastructure State Revolving Fund Program (ISRF Program) and the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs Center (CLEEN Center) programs.

Prior to her current role, Betty worked 25 years in the banking industry in China. She worked for eight years with the Royal Bank of Scotland where she served as Branch Compliance Manager; 12 years at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ where she was the manager of the Planning Department. She also worked at Morgan Stanley Bank International as Head of Compliance. Betty has a master’s degree in Japanese Culture from Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Loan Officer-

Email Christina, HERE

Christina Vue is a Loan Officer in the direct lending programs – the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program, and the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) Center Program with IBank. Prior to her current role, Christina was a program analyst for the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) at the State Treasurer’s Office and an Air Resources Technician with California Air Resources Board. Christina graduated from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor in Political Science.

General Counsel

Email Fritz, HERE

William “Fritz” Pahland serves as General Counsel for IBank overseeing legal affairs relating to IBank’s financing programs. Pahland began his career at IBank in 2015 as Senior Staff Counsel, promoting to General Counsel in 2016.

Pahland brings a unique set of credentials to IBank, having started his professional career as a civil engineer with the County of Sacramento Public Works Agency more than 2 decades ago. He worked for a number of years managing a wastewater treatment plant expansion, coordinating the design-phase project administration for large diameter sewerage expansion projects, and designing flood control projects.

In 2001, Pahland launched his law career as an Associate in the litigation department at Miller Starr Regalia. There he advanced to Shareholder, and expanded his practice to include transactions, in addition to litigation.

Pahland has a plethora of experience relating to both infrastructure construction and bond financing, direct loans, guarantees and various forms of credit enhancement.

Pahland attended the University of California, Davis, where he received both a Juris Doctorate from the King Hall School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He currently holds licenses to practice both law and civil engineering in California.

Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs/Senior Staff Counsel

Email Stefan, HERE

Stefan Spich is the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Senior Staff Counsel for IBank. Prior to joining IBank in 2014, Stefan worked as Staff Counsel for the Drinking Water Program at the California Department of Public Health. Prior to state service he worked as a corporate and business attorney for a local Sacramento firm, and for Baker & McKenzie LLP in San Diego. Stefan earned his law degree from UC Davis King Hall, studied at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest and holds honors BA degrees in History and Politics from UC Santa Cruz.

Email Mary Hoang, Here

Mary Hoang is a legal assistant in the Legal Unit at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). She is new to state service. Her background includes customer service and sales in the automotive industry and being a legal assistant in a private practice.

Hoang graduated from California State University Sacramento where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Loan Officer

Email Megan, HERE

Megan Hodapp is a Loan Officer in the Small Business Finance Center where she assists California small businesses with accessing capital. Prior to her current position, Megan was a program analyst for the Office of the Small Business Advocate at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and for the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) at the State Treasurer’s Office. Megan graduated from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

AGPA

Email Yana, HERE

Yana Buryak is a Small Business Finance Center Analyst within the Small Business Finance Center. Prior to her current role, Yana was a Retirement Program Specialist at CalPERS. Prior to her state service, Yana worked as a mathematics and statistics tutor in the math lab of Sacramento City College. She loves numbers and analytical problems.

Yana has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from California State University, Sacramento.

SBFC Analyst

Email Anush, HERE

Anush Avetisova is a Small Business Finance Center analyst. Prior to her current role at IBank, Anush worked as a retirement specialist at CalPERS, assisting CalPERS members with Service, Disability, Industrial Disability Retirement benefits. Prior to CalPERS, Anush worked as an accounting assistant with Sterling Caviar, LLC and as an accountant/business owner of Sacramento Design Flooring Inc. Anush graduated from California State University, Sacramento with Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and MBA.

Senior Advisor for Climate Finance

Email Dan, HERE

Mr. Adler is Senior Advisor for Climate Finance at IBank and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Prior to this role, he was Vice President for Policy at the Energy Foundation, a partnership of grant makers advancing clean energy markets across the U.S. He was previously Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) and President of CalCEF Ventures, where he led the firm’s efforts to identify and catalyze transformational new investment theses across venture capital and project finance. He has served as senior analyst in the Division of Strategic Planning at the California Public Utilities Commission, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard and was senior staff for climate policy, and on the boards of the American Council on Renewable Energy, the Coalition for Green Capital, and the Vote Solar Initiative. He has a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and an MA in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Loan Servicing Manager

Email Ammer, HERE

Ammer Singh is IBank’s Loan Servicing Manager. In this role, Ammer manages and directs all elements of the loan servicing unit, which includes funding/ closing of Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) and California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) loans, processing disbursement requests and performing annual surveillance reviews.  

Singh has been involved with financial monitoring and oversight in California of affordable housing finance programs throughout his career. Prior to his current role, Singh was with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) where he was a Staff Services Manager I and worked in the Compliance Monitoring Unit to ensure development of low income housing tax credit projects and compliance with federal IRS Section 42 program regulations and CTCAC program regulations. Singh was responsible for critical agency contracts that provided financial asset management of tax credit projects and the development of energy efficient tax credit projects in California. During his time with CTCAC, Singh worked with energy consultants to ensure compliance with California title 24 energy efficiency standards and the development of several netzero energy tax credit projects in California. Prior to CTCAC, Singh was a Housing Finance Specialist in the asset management unit of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) where he ensured financial monitoring and oversight of multiple affordable housing developments in California. 

Singh graduated from California State University, Sacramento where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

Staff Loan Officer Specialist

Email Jim, HERE

Jim Rennie is a Staff Loan Officer in the Loan Servicing Unit. He has more than 30 years in the financial services industry in both the private and public sectors. Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Theatre at Case Western Reserve University, and Master of Business Administration at Golden Gate University.

Email Michelle, HERE

Michelle Jones started with IBank in February 24, 2020 as the Fiscal Manager. She is responsible for the oversight of the accounting financials and insuring the department maintains compliance. She brings 18 plus years of experience with the State of California. She has experience with budgets, human resources, management, state accounting and GAAP rules and requirements.

She has received multiple awards in her years with the state. State Controllers for accurate and completion of year statements. The Employment Development Department for leading a team to audit and issue unemployment to Californian’s during the 2009-2010 recession. Department of Health Care for volunteering on Emergency Drill and CalFire. Department of Health Care Services for solving a high level, high profile reconciliation for one of the department programs.

Senior Accounting Officer

Email Betty, HERE

Betty Daquiog-Correa a Senior Accounting Officer, performing complex loan/bond accounting duties and maintains and prepares the loan accounting records and reports, reconciles trustee bank accounts, and assists in preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Prior to her current role, Betty served for six years as an Accounting Officer with the California Department of Transportation in Accounts Payable. Before that she served as a Tax Auditor with the CA State Board of Equalization. Prior to beginning State service in 2000, Betty worked in the private sector as a Senior Accounting Analyst/Supervisor and in other General Ledger Financial/ Cost Accounting areas.

Betty holds a BA degree in Accounting from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and an AA degree in Liberal Arts from City College of San Francisco.

Senior Accounting Officer

Email Sheela, HERE

Sheela Caraway is a Senior Accounting Officer, where she is primarily responsible for maintaining the Small Business Program Accounting entries.

Sheela started at IBank as a Student Assistant while enrolled at California State University, Sacramento. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Sheela started a full-time position at IBank as an Accountant Trainee. Since then, Sheela has been promoted twice within IBank, first to an Accounting Officer before assuming her current role.

Student Assistant

Email Christopher, HERE

Christopher Cook is a Student Assistant at IBank. Christopher assists departments on special projects, working with IBank’s Fiscal, Small Business Finance Center and Legal teams.

Born in Northern California, Christopher grew up on the East Coast before returning west to complete his higher education goals. Christopher is currently working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento.

Accounting Officer Specialist

Email Tina, HERE

Tina Chuong is the Accounting Officer to the Fiscal Unit. Tina is responsible for the reconciliation maintenance of accounts and financial records for funds administered.

Prior to her current role, Tina was an Accounting Officer at the Department of Motor Vehicles, in the Revolving Fund Unit, where she gained experience in disbursements and travel-related reimbursements. Tina started her career as a student assistant while enrolled at California State University, Sacramento. Tina was a member of the Accounting Society at California State University, Sacramento, where she was appointed to a Secretary and a Community Service Director for the Board of Directors of Accounting Society. Tina earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accountancy concentration, at the California State University, Sacramento.

Deputy Director of Compliance and Chief Risk Officer

Email Jeffrey, HERE

Jeffrey Ingles is the Deputy Director of Compliance and Chief Risk Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). Since his appointment in May 2017, Ingles’ main duty is to analyze compliance and risk of all IBank programs with law, regulations, and guidelines as well as directives and requirements. In addition, Ingles performs critical services in the evaluation of program design, policies and procedures. He also conducts risk assessments, compliance examinations and reviews of all IBank programs.

Prior to IBank, Ingles has 23 years of State Service – with half of those years in auditing, compliance, and risk evaluation. Before assuming his current role, Ingles served as the Chief Auditor at the Department of Water Resources. Ingles’ State career began in 1997 as a Loan Officer with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (now the Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery). He followed that experience with assignments as an Associate Construction Analyst with the Department of the Youth Authority (now the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation); Staff Loan Officer (Supervisor) of the CLEAN Loan Program, and Chief of the Planning and Management Branch with the Department of Toxic Substances Control; and Innovative Finance Manager with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Prior to State service, Ingles worked in the private sector for the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care company, as a Senior Financial Analyst and in commercial banking as an Branch Manager, Financial/Credit Analyst, Internal Auditor, Loan Officer, and Operations Officer.

Ingles has a Master of Business Administration degree from National University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Sacramento. Ingles has also completed the Management Development Certificate Program from California State University, Sacramento.

Staff Services Manager Specialist

Email Judy, HERE

Judy Pernell-Stevens serves as the Compliance Manager for IBank, assisting all programs and departments. Prior to her current role, Judy served as a Staff Loan Office for the Small Business Finance Center as well as the Compliance Analyst for the Compliance unit.

Prior to joining IBank, Judy worked at California Pollution Control Financing Authority, in its California Capital Access Program for three years. In this role, Judy became a subject matter expert in Federal Awards while working in compliance and audit for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) federal program.

Before Judy became a civil servant, she worked as the Senior Administrator for a private consulting firm where she managed multi-million dollar contracts with an emphasis in compliance and audits to satisfy Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). In addition, she has managed numerous accounting employees during her 30 years in the private sector.

Judy earned her Bachelor degree in Education at the California State University of Sacramento.

Information Technology Specialist

Email Aleta, HERE

Dr. Aleta M. Jones is an Information Technology Specialist. Aleta currently serves as IBank’s computer programmer/website designer.

Prior to her current role, Aleta served at the Folsom Women’s Facility, teaching computer programming and entrepreneurship to reduce recidivism. Aleta has a Ph.D. in Religious Education with Credentialing in Christian Counseling from Pacific Northwest Seminary. Dr. Aleta Jones also attended the University of Phoenix (Doctorate of Business Administration).

Staff Services Analyst

Email Jaymie, HERE

Jaymie Lutz is the Staff Services Analyst in the Administrative Unit, where she serves as the main point of contact for the Executive Director and assists in duties such as procurement, contracts and board meetings.

Prior to her current role, Jaymie served as a Student Assistant and Office Technician for IBank where she assisted the External Affairs unit and the Executive Unit. Jaymie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California State University, Sacramento.

Retired Annuitant

Email Bobbie, HERE

Office Technician (Administrative)

Email Ella, HERE

Ella Clinton is IBank’s Office Technician where she serves at the initial point of contact for the public. She assists in the operations of the External Affairs Unit and the Executive Unit. Ella is new to state service. Before her role with IBank, she ran her own small business for seven years. Ella holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific in Economics with minors in French and International Relations.