Susan Thomas

Susan has spent her career lending and investing to support thriving communities that promote the long-term economic mobility of residents. As President of the Fifth Third Community Development Corporation (CDC), Susan leads the Bank’s efforts to invest equity capital in communities.

The CDC invests in low-income housing, new markets, and historic tax credit investments that support community revitalization efforts and the creation and preservation of affordable housing. It also makes investments to and collaborates with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), and investment funds focused on providing capital and services to under-financed individuals, companies, and communities.

Susan joined Fifth Third from the development authority in Cincinnati where she served as Executive Vice President and played a key role in the establishment of the county land bank. A public finance expert, she issued over $500 million in bonds for economic development projects and structured several impact investment opportunities.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Thomas was a Vice President with Morgan Stanley in New York and served as an aide to the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ms. Thomas holds a BA in Public Policy from Stanford University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

HFAi25 Session: Housing Credit Investor and Syndicator Forum