ICA Staff

ICA’s Staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals.  Our consultants have extensive experience in community economic development and business creation and have earned advanced degrees in related fields.

• Gerardo Espinoza, Interim Executive Director.
  Currently serving as the Interim Executive Director, Mr. Espinoza has been Executive Director of LEAF, an affiliate of the ICA Group, since July 2008. Mr. Espinoza has over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry including banking and investment management. In both fields he researched and analyzed a wide spectrum of companies in different industries and sectors, in the U.S. and overseas. He served as Vice President for the First National Bank of Chicago and as Senior Vice President at Baring Asset Management and John Hancock Funds where he co-managed global investment portfolios of over $1 billion. At LEAF he is responsible for the daily operations of the Fund as well as for the establishment of goals and strategic initiatives in coordination with the Board of Directors. Mr. Espinoza has a MA in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard University. Throughout his professional career he has served as Board Member or pro bono consultant to several non-profit organizations that provide social services in the Boston area. gespinoza@ica-group.org

• Janet Van Liere, Senior Business Consultant.
  Ms. Van Liere’s focus at ICA is feasibility analysis and business planning relating to our Community Jobs work. She also coordinates member services  for the Alternative Staffing Alliance.  Ms. Van Liere holds a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and has worked with small business owners and local groups in the US and Africa on venture development. jvanliere@ica-group.org

• David Hammer, Senior Business Consultant.
  Mr. Hammer has over ten year’s worth of experience conducting research and analysis in the not-for-profit sector. His focus at ICA includes feasibility analysis; business planning; data analysis and modeling; and strategic planning. Prior to joining ICA in 2008, Mr. Hammer worked as a research analyst for numerous labor unions including SEIU, UNITE HERE and the United Steelworkers of America. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts. dhammer@ica-group.org