New York, United States, December 2025 — The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), one of the nation’s largest community development financial institutions (CDFIs), has appointed Yvette Encarnacion as its new Chief People Officer. With more than $35 billion in urban and rural investments, LISC works to build vibrant, resilient communities across America.
Yvette has more than 25 years of experience in advancing people and culture strategies across diverse industries. Most recently, she led human resources for the Corporate and Latin American teams at NBCUniversal-Telemundo, overseeing workforce planning strategies, organizational development, and talent management.
Previously, she served as the senior vice president of human resources at Columbia Bank of New Jersey and at Carver Federal Savings Bank. She also held HR leadership roles at TIAA and JPMorgan Chase, as well as several global risk management and technology firms. “Yvette is a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” said Michael Pugh, LISC president and CEO. “She is known for her ability to align business objectives with people strategies, fueling high-performing teams and strong organizational cultures. I’m excited for the tremendous range of experience she brings to help our staff drive positive outcomes for people and communities across the country.”
“For any organization, the execution of strategy and the final work product is only as strong as the staff driving it,” Yvette shared. “That’s why people and culture strategies are so important—especially in a field like community development, where the need is so great and the stakes are so high. I am excited to be able to support the LISC staff working on the ground, every day, to help families, businesses and communities thrive.”
Yvette also spent 12 years as an adjunct instructor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, where she taught courses on leadership, management, and HR best practices. Over the years, she has volunteered her time to champion job readiness programs for New York City high school students, and she currently serves on the board of trustees for the New York Hall of Science, which advances STEM education for K-12 students.
“I am excited to be able to support the LISC staff working on the ground, every day, to help families, businesses and communities thrive.”
— Yvette Encarnacion, LISC Chief People Officer
Yvette holds a dual master’s degree in organizational and counseling psychology from Columbia University as well as a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the City College of New York.
About LISC
LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC works with residents and partners to close gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity so that people and places can thrive. Since its founding in 1979, LISC has invested $35.1 billion to create more than 530,457 affordable homes and apartments, develop 83.5 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space, and help tens of thousands of people find employment and improve their finances.
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