Cathy Semans serves as the Director of Lending at Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, where she leverages over 30 years of experience in community development to create innovative lending solutions that empower residents to achieve homeownership. With a clear goal of developing loan products that...
Cathy Semans serves as the Director of Lending at Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, where she leverages over 30 years of experience in community development to create innovative lending solutions that empower residents to achieve homeownership. With a clear goal of developing loan products that address market needs, Cathy has been instrumental in overseeing significant funding initiatives, including the successful management of $4.5 million in CityLIFT down payment loans in 2003 and $1.1 million in 2015. Her expertise in program development and community outreach has allowed her to launch groundbreaking products such as the 80/20 loan in 2015, which enables borrowers to bypass costly mortgage insurance, making homeownership more accessible.
Cathy’s role extends beyond just lending; she is deeply committed to stimulating economic growth within Baltimore City and County through her work with the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). By focusing on creative loan products tailored for Baltimore homeowners and purchasers, she plays a crucial role in the "Buying into Baltimore" initiative, which aims to revitalize neighborhoods and foster community stability. Her skills in grant writing, program management, and public policy further enhance her ability to secure funding and develop programs that meet the unique needs of the community.
Through her leadership, Cathy Semans continues to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families in Baltimore, ensuring that they have the resources and support necessary to purchase and maintain their homes. Her dedication to fostering sustainable homeownership reflects her unwavering commitment to community development and the mission of NHS.