Gary Lindner planned departure August 2019
In January, Gary Lindner submitted a letter of resignation to Board Chair, Yolanda Davila, with an intended departure date of August 2, 2019, which coincides with his nine year anniversary at the helm of PeopleFund.
In 2010, Gary Lindner was recruited to be PeopleFund President & CEO from his former position as ACCION Texas Chief Operating Officer, where he served in that capacity for six years. Before that he had a distinguished 29 year career in the Air Force. He was a highly decorated combat veteran and earned promotion to Colonel and Command Pilot. He also was a Senior Vice President for four years with San Antonio based Southwest Business Corporation.
The Board challenged Gary to professionalize and grow the organization. He brought on a high-energy staff with impeccable professional credentials that grew PeopleFund from a five-county, Central Texas service area to a statewide lender (254 counties) with a wide variety of loan products and services to meet the needs of small business owners.
Former Board Chair Cloteal Davis Haynes, a charter board member, has maintained contact with Gary since 2010. She noted, “We hired Gary because we felt that he was the right person to lead PeopleFund to the next level. He far exceeded our expectations and continues as an ardent champion of social and economic justice for small business owners across Texas. Gary is a highly respected non-profit leader at the local, state, and national level”.
Over the past eight years small business loan production has increased over 400% with 97% of loans to target market of minority, women and veterans, and those in low income areas. Client small business owner success has dramatically increased thanks to over 20,000 hours of annual business education and training.
Nikki Graham, Board of America, Austin Market President has witnessed the transformation of PeopleFund. “Under Gary’s leadership, PeopleFund has become a champion for all Texas small business owners but especially women and veterans. ‘ I have a tremendous amount of respect for Gary for his service to our country and for translating those skills to lead a successful nonprofit’ It was indeed a pleasure to invest in PeopleFund over the years and announce the organization as Bank of America’s 2016 Neighborhood Builder Award winner.”
Since 2011, PeopleFund has secured over $150 million in loan capital, grants, and new markets tax credits for underserved Texas small business owners and non-profit organizations. Under Gary’s leadership, PeopleFund achieved national attention for lending excellence and garnered numerous awards at various levels. It is active in public policy activity at national, state, and local levels.
Connie Evans, President & CEO, Association of Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) had this to say, “ Colonel Lindner convinced me to lead AEO, and he subsequently served as national Board Chair at a pivotal time in AEO history. His leadership and confidence in my credentials put AEO on a positive trajectory that continues to this day.”
“Gary has assembled a superb team that provides a multitude of benefits to Texas small business owners and non-profits.” commented Yolanda Davila, People Fund Board Chair. “He will continue to serve as President & CEO to August 2019. Soon the Board will create a Transition Committee to begin a national search for his successor. Gary has pledged his full support to assist in the leadership transition to ensure PeopleFund continues to thrive and prosper.”
Gary Lindner shared these thoughts: “It has been my great fortune to serve as a CEO in military, corporate, and non-profit sectors. My role at PeopleFund is the most personally and professionally rewarding ever. I will continue to give 100% through August. When the Board hires my successor, I am committed to ensure a smooth transition. After that, I will be able to devote time for business, philanthropic, civic, and personal commitments.”