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Metta Smith
Chief Lending and Client Experience Officer at DreamSpring
Professional Background
Metta Smith is an accomplished leader in the field of microfinance, currently serving as the Chief Lending and Client Experience Officer on DreamSpring's Executive Team. Her extensive experience in lending program performance and her visionary approach to developing DreamSpring’s credit culture have been pivotal as the organization has successfully expanded its portfolio. Since joining DreamSpring in 2008 as an underwriter, Metta has proven to be an integral part of the team, leveraging her knowledge and skills to enhance the organization’s outreach and effectiveness in providing financial resources to small businesses.
Before her impactful tenure at DreamSpring, Metta honed her expertise in credit analysis during her time as a banker at Bank of Albuquerque, where she specialized in small business credit analysis. This foundational experience equipped her with the insights necessary to effectively evaluate and manage lending programs, setting the stage for her subsequent roles in DreamSpring.
Metta’s career has been marked by continuous growth and development, progressing from her initial role as an underwriter to higher leadership positions, including Vice President of Lending and Client Relations, and Director of Lending and Client Relations. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing client experiences and improving lending practices within the organization.
Education and Achievements
Metta Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. This educational background provided her with a unique analytical framework and a complex problem-solving skill set that she applies in her finance-related endeavors. Her academic achievements are complemented by her professional accomplishments, which include being named an Emerging Leaders in Microfinance Fellow by The Aspen Institute’s FIELD program in 2013— a recognition that underscores her leadership potential and dedication to advancing the microfinance sector.
Noteworthy Contributions
In her current role, Metta oversees the performance of DreamSpring’s lending programs, implementing strategies that foster growth and sustainability. She has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization’s credit culture, which is critical as DreamSpring continues to evolve and broaden the scope of its lending capabilities. Her previous roles within the organization have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of lending operations, enabling her to tailor the client experience to meet the diverse needs of small business owners seeking financial support.
Metta's active involvement with innovative volunteer groups, such as the Take Accion Task Force, further exemplifies her commitment to empowering small businesses. This task force, composed of bankers and business development specialists, was crucial in helping DreamSpring expand its lending capabilities, particularly into larger loan products, thereby broadening access to crucial financial resources for underserved communities.
As she continues to lead and inspire at DreamSpring, Metta remains focused on fostering a lending environment that is both accessible and supportive, ensuring that small businesses have the resources they need to thrive. Her work not only helps individual entrepreneurs but contributes to strengthening the overall economy in the communities served by DreamSpring.
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