Baltimore Community Lending is proud to announce the hiring of our sixth President and CEO. Watchen Harris Bruce, a resident of the Baltimore area has a very distinguished and broad professional career with more than thirty years of experience implementing initiatives in international development, banking, investment facilitation, private sector development and economic and community development. Her experience includes lending with Bank of New England, Chase Bank and PNC Bank where she was certified as a Woman Business Banker and Advisor; community development experience with the City of Boston; Community Development lending as Vice-president and Community Development Manager with Fleet Bank, Senior Management Consultant with NeighborWorks America; Community Investment and Economic Development Manager with the Federal Home Loan Bank; and business and enterprise development in international financing though USAID.

Ms. Bruce also has an extensive background in investment analysis, reviewing local and federal government capital and operating funding applications (i.e. CDFI (FA/TA/NMTC/SBA/USDA).

William "Bill" Ariano, Jr. is completing his fourth year as President and CEO of BCL A nationwide search for a successor started in March of this year and included an inclusive search committee made up of BCL Board members and several outside volunteers. Over sixty people applied and after due diligence by David Pearson, Personnel consultant, six finalists were recommended to the committee. Three outstanding individuals were then interviewed by the search committee and the BCL/BBL staff, and the search committee recommended two finalists to the BCL Board which made the final decision.

Michael Tagg, Board and Search Committee Chair said, "We are excited about our choice of a person to continue the progress that we have achieved. We welcome Watchen to join BCL as the President and CEO as we continue to work together to provide access to the capital which is important for the growth of Baltimore City."

Ms. Bruce added, "As a service leader, I appreciate the opportunity extended me and the privilege to serve the people of Baltimore. I look forward to building on the success of my predecessors and working with all stakeholders to support the revitalization and strengthening of underserved neighborhoods in Baltimore."

Bill Ariano added, "I am very pleased to be able to welcome a person with the tremendous skills and experience that Watchen has. She will continue the outstanding work that the organization and staff is doing at BCL and BBL and I am sure that she will help grow the organization to an even greater success . I am committed to helping to provide as positive and smooth transition as possible. My four years of work strengthening the reputation of BCL, and assisting staff expand our activity has been a great capstone to my community development experience which started in the early 1970's. "