New Leadership Position to Support Continued Growth
Austin, Texas, October 8, 2026 — PeopleFund today announced the appointment of Walt Postlewait as Chief Lending Officer. Postlewait, the first to hold this role in the history of the organization, brings more than 30 years of experience in commercial lending, banking, and community development finance.
Postlewait spent more than 12 years at Craft3, one of the largest regional Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) on the West Coast, where he held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Lending Officer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating and Finance Officer. He helped grow the organization’s assets from $32 million to $115 million and annual lending from $14 million to $55 million. Most recently, Postlewait held senior positions in CDFI lending and credit risk while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in financial technology and real estate. His experience includes complex commercial lending, New Markets Tax Credits, SBA, USDA, and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
“Walt brings an exceptional combination of lending expertise, operational leadership, and a proven record of scaling mission-driven financial institutions,” said Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund. “Creating this position is an important milestone for PeopleFund. As we continue to grow, we need experienced leadership to strengthen our lending capabilities, develop our team, and expand our reach. Walt has done this successfully before, and we are excited to have him lead this next chapter.”
As Chief Lending Officer, Postlewait will lead PeopleFund’s lending operations, working closely with other areas across the organization to expand access to responsible capital across Texas. He will initially focus on strengthening PeopleFund lending operations, developing a high-performing team, and advancing strategic initiatives, including complex financing transactions to crate economic opportunity in underserved communities.
“I’m excited to join PeopleFund at such an important stage in its growth,” said Postlewait. “The organization has built a strong foundation and a clear commitment to the entrepreneurs and communities it serves. I look forward to working with the team to expand lending, strengthen our capabilities, and help more small businesses across Texas access the capital they need to succeed.”
Postlewait joins PeopleFund during a period of significant growth. Since 2019, the organization has tripled its balance sheet, surpassing $115 million in assets, while growing its cumulative economic impact from $500 million to more than $1.4 billion. PeopleFund continues to expand its lending programs, Small Business Accelerator, rural initiatives, and participation in the national Veteran Loan Fund.
About PeopleFund
Founded in 1994, PeopleFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and an SBA lender. PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability by providing responsible financing, education, and resources to entrepreneurs who can’t access capital from mainstream financial institutions. Since its founding, the organization has supported more than 6,000 small businesses, helped create or retain nearly 26,000 jobs, and generated more than $1.4 billion in direct economic impact across Texas. Learn more at www.peoplefund.org.
Media Contact
Jenny Palecek, SVP, Philanthropic Partnerships