Ana Simpson Begins as WHEDA Director of Business and Community Engagement

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has hired Ana Simpson as Director of Business and Community Engagement. Simpson’s team focuses on growing economic development statewide as well as promoting financing products and tools that support WHEDA’s multifamily lending activity.

Simpson has an extensive 20-year career in retail, business and corporate banking. She has served on numerous boards and community associations to help expand business development, entrepreneurship and wealth building opportunities for women, Hispanics and other diverse populations. Most recently she was the veterans business outreach center director for the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC). Although originally from New York, Simpson has lived in Wisconsin for over 30 years in both urban and rural areas. This unique perspective combined with her far-reaching career, have fueled her passion to help address the vast array of demands facing large and small communities.

“Ana is a seasoned financial professional with experience in banking, insurance, business development and partnership building,” said WHEDA CEO Joaquín Altoro. “Her comprehensive background is a tremendous asset for WHEDA. As a member of our senior leadership team, she will lead our efforts to build and strengthen relationships with municipalities, business leaders and community organizations to advance WHEDA’s mission in cities, towns and villages all across the state.”

“I look forward to utilizing my banking experience to lead a team of employees dedicated to growing economic opportunity in Wisconsin,” said Simpson. “I’m excited to leverage my community-based leadership style to help WHEDA expand affordable housing and economic development in underserved urban and rural markets.”

Simpson will work out of WHEDA’s Milwaukee office. She will travel throughout the state to promote WHEDA financing products as well as connect local municipalities to public and private resources that meet a community’s unique set of needs for economic growth. 

ABOUT WHEDA

For over 45 years, WHEDA, as an independent state authority, has provided low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. Since 1972, WHEDA has financed more than 75,000 affordable rental units, helped more than 130,000 families purchase a home and made more than 29,000 small business and agricultural loan guarantees. For more information on WHEDA programs, visit wheda.com or call 800-334-6873.