It is with mixed feelings that we announce that after having been a part of Mercy Housing and Mercy Loan Fund (MLF) for the past 14, including almost five years as President of MLF, Julie Gould left Mercy Loan Fund May 1^st. She plans to pursue her next career in urban planning consulting and documentary photography. We are sad to see her go as she has made quite an impact during her time at MLF.

Julie raised $50 million in new capital, increased total assets by 50%, received a coveted CDFI award four years in a row, oversaw our first loan to a community health center, increased loans outstanding by over 100%, hosted the first MLF-led congressional bus tour in DC, and built a high performing team that is doing a phenomenal job. She also chaired the MLF Board when she was a member of the Mercy Housing Board of Trustees. We thank Julie for her dedication and passion!

Those of you who have come to know Julie over the years will understand when we say that it is with great sadness that we say goodbye.  We wish her the best of luck in her new career.

Jason Battista, previously Vice President of MLF, became President of the Loan Fund on May 1^st. Since joining MLF in 2009, Jason has proven his ability to balance the mission and the business. This year, the Denver Business Journal recognized Jason with their prestigious 40 Under 40 award for young professionals. Along with his team, over the last five+ years, they have financed almost $100 million in affordable loans, leveraging $500 million in total projects. Julie recommended Jason as President not only because of his great achievements but also his commitment to the mission and vision of Mercy Housing.

Jason states: “Julie Gould has been the quintessential ‘lead-by-example’ leader at MLF, and one of my most consequential personal mentors.  I certainly have some large shoes to fill.  Julie is leaving MLF in a position of strength and has positioned us well for future success.  I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Julie for so many years and look forward to continuing her legacy of taking responsible risk, striving for social and economic justice, leading with compassion and humility, investing in people and the team, and cultivating a culture of excellence.”