August 20, 2025 - IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (IRC-CEO), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to fair and responsible credit, today announced the addition of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Eli Allen, Yanki Tshering, and Jon Vosper. These appointments strengthen the organization’s governance as it continues to advance its mission of increasing economic opportunity for refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities across the country.
The new board members bring deep expertise in inclusive finance, community development, and workforce advancement. Together, they join a dynamic nine-member board helping steer CEO’s strategy and long-term growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eli, Yanki, and Jon to the Board,” said Sean Carpenter, President of the IRC-CEO Board of Directors. “They each bring distinct experiences - from workforce development to impact finance to entrepreneurship - that will enrich our work and help guide CEO through its next chapter. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue building a more inclusive financial system that meets people where they are.”
“Our three new board members embody the values and vision at the heart of our work,” said Ariana Miller, Executive Director of IRC-CEO. “Their leadership and extensive experience will be critical as we expand our reach, deepen community partnerships, and demonstrate what fair and inclusive lending can achieve.”
Each of the new members brings a unique and valuable perspective to CEO’s work:
- Eli Allen is Senior Program Director at Civic Works, where he leads the organization’s Center for Sustainable Careers. He oversees innovative, sector-based training programs in areas such as utility infrastructure, roofing, and solar installation, as well as a YouthBuild program that supports career exploration for young adults. Eli also leads Civic Works’ job quality initiative, which helps employers strengthen workplace practices through coaching, technical assistance, and recognition. In addition, he manages a clean energy social enterprise that provides transitional employment opportunities for program participants while helping low- and moderate-income residents reduce their energy bills.
- Yanki Tshering is Executive Director of Accompany Capital, a CDFI that she founded in 1997 to provide financial services and support to immigrants and refugees. She brings more than two decades of experience in economic development and currently serves on several advisory boards, including the National Advisory Committee of IRC-CEO. Yanki has been widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to inclusive entrepreneurship.
- Jon Vosper is the Senior Director of Economic Empowerment for the International Rescue Committee, providing leadership on economic empowerment programming and creating equitable ownership opportunities for refugees, immigrants, and low-income families. With a 22-year career in economic empowerment, Jon has developed and managed programs focused on financial capability, asset building, workforce and career development, microenterprise, and New Roots. He co-led the creation of IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity and also developed IRC’s first CFE Fund-approved training curriculum for Financial Empowerment Center counselors.
CEO’s Board of Directors plays a key role in guiding the organization’s efforts to redefine what responsible finance can look like. These new appointments reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that diverse perspectives and lived experiences shape its work.
As CEO continues to grow, the leadership and insights of its Board will be essential in driving forward its vision: a financial system that works for everyone. With the addition of Eli, Yanki and Jon, CEO is even better positioned to advance equitable lending solutions that foster financial stability and open doors to opportunity for communities across the country.
About IRC-CEO
The IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund specializing in flexible, affordable, consumer and microenterprise loans to borrowers with limited access to traditional financing. Founded in 2015 based on a successful lending program at IRC San Diego, CEO currently provides loans in 20 U.S. states in partnership with trusted community organizations. Loans are offered in tandem with related training and services to help borrowers build assets, capitalize on opportunities, and transition into the financial mainstream. Learn more at www.irc-ceo.org and follow IRC-CEO on LinkedIn.
