PeopleFund announces new Chief Information and Operations Officer
Laura Alatorre Kvalheim, accomplished fintech executive, joins Texas’ small business lender
Austin, Texas – PeopleFund is pleased to announce Laura Alatorre Kvalheim as the organization’s new Chief
Information and Operations Officer. A seasoned financial services and technology executive, Ms. Kvalheim’s
career includes positions at Washington Mutual, JP Morgan Chase, Oportun, ACCION Opportunity Fund, and
various startups as well as her own consulting company and food truck business. She is also a proud mentor
and member of Latinas in Tech.
In addition to her passion for people, digital transformation, and product design and development Ms.
Kvalheim brings decades of experience in financial services operations that include underwriting and
reconsiderations, fraud detection, and management, payment processing, quality control, service excellence,
revenue-generating strategies and legal collections.
“I’m thrilled about joining PeopleFund and be a part of an organization that impacts and strengthens so many
small businesses in our community through our innovative products, services, and education.” explained Ms.
Kvalheim. “As a small business owner and fintech executive, I deeply understand that innovation is needed to
bring equity and inclusion to our financial systems. I believe PeopleFund is at the forefront of driving much
needed change into the communities we serve.”
“Laura is an exceptional leader with a proven understanding and passion for our industry and the clients we
serve. She has been instrumental in transforming and scaling financial services and CDFI organizations in the
US”, said Gustavo Lasala, PeopleFund President and CEO, “Laura is one of the best business partners I had
the honor to work with. I look forward to working with her again, increase our operational efficiency and deliver
best in class experience as we expand PeopleFund products and services in hard-to-reach and diverse
communities.”
Founded in 1994, PeopleFund has lent $190 million to over 4,700 small businesses, delivered more than
25,000 hours of business education and technical assistance, and created more than 18,500 jobs across
Texas.
Contact: Jenny Palecek, SVP Philanthropy and Investor Relations
Phone: [email protected]