Director, Lee County Economic Development Office, Fort Myers

John Talmage, FCLF Board MemberJohn Talmage is director of the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO). Mr. Talmage has more than 20 years' experience in City government and Economic Development and has developed a national reputation as a leader in innovative practices by pairing better information with capital development to create new approaches for economic development in underserved communities across the country. Talmage has spent his career working in economic development for both municipal governments and research organizations.

He also served as CEO of Social Compact, a research organization serving the federal regulatory community, cities around the country, and community development organizations. In New Orleans, Talmage served as the deputy director for economic development. Prior to that, Talmage worked in New York City, focusing on communities throughout north Brooklyn to address economic development matters.  John has been asked to serve on many national boards and committees to advocate for an asset-based approach, leading to opportunities to testify before Congress, work with the Federal Regulatory community, and join with mayors and community leaders throughout the nation to address the needs of underserved urban America.

John was selected to be the President/ CEO of the Social Compact Board of Directors in May of 2006. Social Compact scaled its market analytic, the Drill Down, under John's leadership, to document the market strengths of communities throughout the United States and abroad. John served as the Deputy Director for Economic Development for the City of New Orleans prior to joining Social Compact. John focused on business development issues, including workforce development, international trade and business recruitment and retention, in New Orleans. Before joining the Mayor's Office in New Orleans, John worked in New York City, primarily for the New York City Council. John collaborated with communities throughout North Brooklyn, while in New York, to address economic development, housing, and land-use matters. 

Mr. Talmage holds a BA in political science from Columbia University.

"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member

Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM

“We cannot thank FCLF enough for this partnership, creating permanent housing for our neighbors in need, and their commitment to Florida communities.” – Shannon Nazworth, President & CEO

Ability Housing

“FCLF is much more than a financing entity; they are the ultimate partner. They are on the front line protecting and building resources for the most vulnerable in our community."– Seth Eisenberg

Purpose Built Families Foundation

"We consider FCLF a valued partner and strong advocates for low-income communities and families. We look forward to many more years of working together." – Jennifer Westerbeck, Vice President

US Bancorp CDC

"We appreciate how the work of FCLF primarily benefits low- to moderate-income individuals and areas and supports the needs of our community." – Maria J. Thompson, Community Development Manager

Third Federal Savings

“We are proud to partner with FCLF on this project, which expands access to innovative, quality, comprehensive primary healthcare in our communities.” – Annie Neasman, President & CEO

Jessie Trice Community Health

“Thanks to FCLF we’re able to provide brand-new safe, affordable homes for 90 families in a sustainable mixed-use, mixed-income community." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Founder & Principal

Green Mills Group

"Our relationship with FCLF provides the capital to achieve long-lasting impact." – Terri Murray, Exec Dir

Neighborhood Renaissance

"We're thrilled to partner with FCLF to make our project a reality to serve generations of kids in our community." – Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

“FCLF addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr

CenterState Bank

"We appreciate the accomplishments your organization attains." - Robert Sucher, Executive VP

Sabadell United Bank

“The partnership with FCLF is very exciting for us – an essential component in providing greater access to fresh healthy food in downtown New Port Richey.” – Jeff Wright, Owner

Wright's Natural Market

"Trinity Health is happy to partner with FCLF. We look forward to seeing the impact in the communities you serve." – Sr. Kathleen Coll, SSJ, Administrator, Shareholder Advocacy

Trinity Health

"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney

JPMorgan Chase Foundation

“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, President/CEO

St. Jude Great Commission CDC

"BankUnited understands the challenges facing our communities; we applaud FCLF's efforts. Thank you for making our community a better place to live." – Katrina Wright, VP Comm. Dev.

BankUnited

"Aida Palms will be a lasting asset to the City of Lakeland. This revitalization wouldn't be possible without financing partners like FCLF." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Principal, Green Mills Group

Aida Palms

"The Fathers Table Foundation appreciates the services FCLF provides and the impact on the communities you serve. We believe in your organization and your mission." – Dan Gilardi, President

Fathers Table Foundation

“Expanding our facility with NMTC financing provides the Overtown community resources necessary to provide a fighting chance to break down barriers and break the cycles of poverty.” – Tina Brown, CEO

Overtown Youth Center

"FCLF staff shares our vision and commitment to serve needy families and provide a high quality education to all children." – Thomas Cole, Founder

Emma Jewel Charter Academy

Our Partners

FCLF staff and US Legislative staff at an event honoring Youth of the Year.
FCLF staff and US Legislative staff at an event honoring Youth of the Year.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
FCLF supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
FCLF supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
Nutritious snacks are a part of the healthy focused curriculum at Emma Jewel Charter Academy.
Nutritious snacks are a part of the healthy focused curriculum at Emma Jewel Charter Academy.
FCLF Chief Lending Officer visits with the Executive Director of Neighbor Up (formerly BNDC)
FCLF Chief Lending Officer visits with the Executive Director of Neighbor Up (formerly BNDC)
TD Charitable Foundation and TD Bank have supported FCLF's mission since 2006.
TD Charitable Foundation and TD Bank have supported FCLF's mission since 2006.
Rep. Daniel Webster visited FCLF staff.
Rep. Daniel Webster visited FCLF staff.
FCLF representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
FCLF representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
ASPIRA of Florida offers education & mentoring with a focus on low-income and Latino students.
ASPIRA of Florida offers education & mentoring with a focus on low-income and Latino students.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong communities.
FCLF Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
FCLF Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF CEO and one of our supporters visit the ASPIRA Arts Deco school.
FCLF CEO and one of our supporters visit the ASPIRA Arts Deco school.
FCLF and the NMTC Program renovated a historic building into a small business incubaor.
FCLF and the NMTC Program renovated a historic building into a small business incubaor.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF financing to Housing Programs, Inc. helps provide affordable homes for ownership.
FCLF financing to Housing Programs, Inc. helps provide affordable homes for ownership.
Emma Jewel Charter Academy offers education  for the whole child in Brevard County.
Emma Jewel Charter Academy offers education for the whole child in Brevard County.
New rental homes are available for farmworker families at Casa San Juan Bosco.
New rental homes are available for farmworker families at Casa San Juan Bosco.
The RCRI Conference allows FCLF staff to touch base with our religious supporters.
The RCRI Conference allows FCLF staff to touch base with our religious supporters.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
FCLF and NMTC are creating a new facility for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
FCLF and NMTC are creating a new facility for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
Greater Heights offers new, safe, affordable rental homes in what was formerly a high crime area.
Greater Heights offers new, safe, affordable rental homes in what was formerly a high crime area.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
FCLF Staff are on hand at conferences and events to discuss our programs.
FCLF Staff are on hand at conferences and events to discuss our programs.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, financed the land for farmworker rental housing with FCLF.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, financed the land for farmworker rental housing with FCLF.
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Core Purpose FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
Our Vision Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
Our Mission Our expertise and capital make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.