As Executive Director of LISC NYC, Valerie is responsible for building on $3.1 billion in LISC NYC investments to spur affordable housing, business development, health and jobs in economically vulnerable neighborhoods through New York City. In this role, Valerie leads the team in developing a vision and advancing strategic policies and programs that foster economic equity and inclusion in impacted communities. Before joining LISC NYC in April 2020, Valerie was executive vice president at Empire State Development (ESD), as well as executive director of the agency’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development. Previously, she was vice president at Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and managing director at Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P). In addition to her extensive professional experience, she also serves on the advisory board for the Fordham Urban Law Center; is a director on the Fordham Law Alumni Association; and is a board member for BRIC Media Arts in Brooklyn. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in communications and a law degree from Fordham University, as well as a master’s degree and certificate in organization development from The New School.