For more than thirty years, Barragán has served in leadership positions with organizations focused on community lending and economic development. He is a nationally recognized expert on economic development loan funds, organization capacity building, and strategic resource generation. Over the last three years, Roberto served as Chair, Vice Chair and member for the inaugural Federal Reserve Board of Governors Community Advisory Council. Roberto Barragan is an experienced non profit organization professional who specializes in serving as an interim President/Executive Director and performing non profit turnarounds, including managing critical compliance and fund development challenges. For the past 3 years, he has provided impactful nonprofit assessments, and community development finance solutions to cities, associations, microlenders and small business lenders, including fund raising, and capital development. Aquaria specializes in strategic planning for CDFIs and other nonprofits across the United States , while providing financing and credit solutions for minority owned businesses in California. Aquaria has assisted in raising $20 million in loan capital and $3,700,000 in grant and government support nationally for CDFI's and other community based organizations. Three years ago, Barragan led the VEDC to national prominence as a highly regarded and industry leading small business lender originating millions annually in small business loans to minority borrowers. Under his leadership and innovation, the VEDC increased its assets from $10 million to over $70 million in under 10 years, while he personally raised over $100 million in debt and grant capital. Additionally, he redefined how African American and Latino entrepreneurs can access capital through partnerships with financial institutions and corporations and launched numerous business programs including Business Opportunity Funds in Chicago and New York, and the National African American Small Business Loan Fund. Under his direction and leadership during a 21-year career, the VEDC helped thousands of businesses succeed.