The Arizona IDA Management and Board of Directors
As of September 9, 2025
Arizona IDA Management
DIRK SWIFT
Executive Director
602-319-9620 | dirk.swift@arizonaida.com
Dirk Swift has served with the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AzIDA/Arizona IDA) since its inception in 2016 and was appointed Executive Director in May 2021. Prior to this role, he managed the Home Plus homebuyer down payment assistance program as Program Manager. Before joining AzIDA, Dirk spent six years with the Arizona Department of Housing, where he was instrumental in launching the Hardest-Hit Fund initiative and expanding the state’s down payment assistance efforts.
Before entering public service, Dirk built a successful 25-year career in the private sector as a mortgage banking professional. He led high-performing lending teams across both production and operations, in centralized and decentralized environments. Dirk’s experience spans retail, wholesale, and portfolio-acquisition channels, giving him a broad and deep understanding of the mortgage industry. His hands-on expertise in all facets of residential mortgage lending brings a practical, informed perspective to his current role in state service.
Dirk holds an M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University.
DANIEL A. DIALESSI, CFA
Chief Financial Officer
602-619-8445 | dan.dialessi@arizonaida.com
Dan began state service in 2016 and has been part of the Arizona Finance Authority (AFA)/Arizona Industrial Finance Authority (AzIDA) from the start. Initially with the Governors’ Office of Strategic Planning and Budget (OSPB), Dan was part of the team responsible for launching the Arizona Finance Authority and the Arizona IDA.
In early 2017 Dan joined the Arizona Finance Authority full time to serve as the CFO of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA), ultimately serving as Executive Director from 2019 to 2023. Under Dan’s leadership, WIFA was transformed from an underperforming, little-known program to a thriving national leader among State Revolving Fund administrators.
Prior to state service, Dan’s experience includes over a decade in financial services, with a focus on fixed income as a bond trader with a national brokerage firm and later portfolio design as a senior investment analyst for a multi-billion-dollar investment advisor. Dan is a CFA Charterholder and is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Economics and Philosophy.
CARSON FOLK
Conduit Bond - Business Development Officer
602-501-1979 | carson.folk@arizonaida.com
Carson is the Conduit Bond Business Development Officer for the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (Arizona IDA). In this role, he connects projects advancing affordable housing, healthcare, education, and community development with private capital made available through conduit financing structures.
Before joining Arizona IDA, Carson served as Rental Development Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH). During his tenure, he guided ADOH in awarding more than 9,000 affordable rental units, placing 5,000 units into service, and closing over $150 million in gap funding across 50 developments statewide. Carson brings extensive knowledge of federal programs and financing tools, enabling him to align resources and guide partners across the housing continuum. He is passionate about working alongside community stakeholders to continue addressing Arizona’s housing challenges.
Carson earned his Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Arizona State University. A lifelong Arizonan, he is dedicated to building a stronger future for communities throughout the state.
KELLY A. McGUIRE, ESQ.
Conduit Bond Issuer's Counsel
Kutak Rock LLP
480-429-5000 | kelly.mcguire@kutakrock.com
Kelly’s practice focuses exclusively on public finance and typically involves transactions utilizing conduit issuers. She serves as bond counsel and issuer’s counsel in tax-exempt and taxable financing transactions throughout the country. Kelly has expertise in the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds (including 4% LIHTC) and charter school financing transactions. She has also served as bond counsel in waste-to-energy and off-balance sheet student housing transactions.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Public Finance Law 2023-2024
ARIZONA IDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ROBIN ROMANO
President
- CEO, MariSol Federal Credit Union, a CDFI intermediary
- Advisory Board Member, Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation
Robin Romano has served as CEO of MariSol Federal Credit Union for more than 25 years, driving financial empowerment and community building. A former National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Examiner, Robin was recruited to MariSol FCU by its board of directors to repair the problems identified during the examination. Robin has served as Chair of the CFPB’s Credit Union Advisory Committee and is the current Chair for Inclusiv, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Intermediary.
Romano shared, “I’m looking forward to helping the Hobbs Administration further its mission for an Arizona for Everyone by fully utilizing the Finance Authority, increasing access to capital, and investing in projects that make a difference in long underserved communities.”
DAVID N. CASTILLO
Vice President
- CEO, Native Community Capital (NCC), a CDFI intermediary
Mr. Castillo serves as CEO of Native Community Capital – a 501c3 tax exempt, not for profit, Department of Treasury certified, Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with offices in New Mexico and Arizona. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations his primary role is to maintain and develop strategic partnerships with banks, public-sector agencies, as well as CDFI and foundation partners to raise public- and private-sector capital to support housing, community- and economic development financing on tribal lands.
Mr. Castillo is active in developing technical assistance services that build the capacity of tribal professionals and individual Native Americans in the use of debt financing through his various board affiliations, partnerships and through his work with the New Mexico Tribal Homeownership Coalition.
Mr. Castillo’s professional contributions to tribal community- and economic development field began in 1997 through work first with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. later in tribal government and financial institution settings, and since 2009 in the CDFI industry. Mr. Castillo is a trustee with the Vitalyst Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors for Southwest Native Assets Coalition, New Mexico Community Capital and the Housing Assistance Council. He also serves as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Community Advisory Council, and Enterprise Bank & Trust Community Advisory Board. Mr. Castillo holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University and an MBA from ASU. Mr. Castillo is of Nahua Indian descent.
Andre T. Whittington
Treasurer
- CEO, Growth Partners Arizona, a CDFI intermediary
Andre T. Whittington, an award-winning executive, U.S. Army Veteran, and CEO of Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz), stands at the forefront of Arizona’s economic transformation, propelling the organization from its regional roots to a powerhouse of statewide influence. Over the last six years, his strategic and organizational acumen has directed over $18 million in resources toward small businesses and nonprofit organizations, championing a future where financial inclusivity is not just an ideal but a reality. Andre’s leadership philosophy is characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and support for Arizona’s small businesses and nonprofits, driving remarkable progress across the state.
As a community leader, he serves on several boards supporting key nonprofit organizations, including Vice-Chair for Local First Arizona and a Board Member with Moonshot in Arizona. He also serves on the advisory council for MetaFund in Oklahoma and is a member of the Field Advancement Team for the Ecosystem Building Leadership Network. These community-focused positions underscore Andre’s commitment to nurturing small businesses, impacting communities, and driving economic vibrancy. Under his guidance, GPAz has pioneered expansive alternative lending and microfinancing initiatives, breaking down barriers to capital for Arizona’s most marginalized communities.
Andre’s journey is more than a narrative of professional success; it’s a beacon of impactful leadership fueled by service, collaboration, and a profound belief in the transformative power of unity and strategic partnerships. His efforts illuminate the path for those aspiring to make a difference, showcasing how visionary leadership can uplift communities and catalyze comprehensive economic development. Through Andre’s eyes, the future of Arizona’s economy is not just bright; it’s inclusive, innovative, and infinitely inspiring.
MARCEL DABDOUB
Secretary
- CEO of CID Holdings
Marcel Dabdoub is an entrepreneur, investor, and real estate developer in Tucson. He was named 2017 Businessman of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the boards of the Southern Arizona Community Foundation, the Arizona Forge Strategic Advisory Council, and the Casa Hogar Madre Conchita Girls Orphanage in Nogales, Sonora.
“Communities across our state and especially in Southern Arizona need investment and economic growth to help them thrive. I look forward to working closely with local partners and making the most of this opportunity to support smart investments in our future,” said Dabdoub.
KENNETH BURNS
Assistant Secretary
- CFO, Arizona Commerce Authority
Ken Burns serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), where he oversees teams responsible for financial incentive program administration, accounting, information technology, human resources and overall operations.
Prior to ACA, Mr. Burns served in a similar capacity for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council for more than seven years, where he was active on Finance, Audit, Resource Development and other strategic planning committees.
In addition to his economic development experience, Mr. Burns has served as an independent management consultant and with a regional CPA firm. His executive experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for two mid-sized law firms. He also served on the firms’ executive management committees.
In his earlier years, Mr. Burns held leadership positions in diverse industries including manufacturing, telecommunications and the construction trades.
He currently serves on the Clearinghouse CDFI Arizona Board of Advisors and volunteers on the Finance Committee for Florence Crittenton.
Mr. Burns earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Mathematics and Computer Science from Wayne State College in Nebraska and an MBA from Arizona State University. Mr. Burns has also completed University of Arizona’s Basic Economic Development Course and is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in Arizona.
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