Ponce Financial Group, Inc. Appoints New Member to the Board of Directors

Core Viewpoint - Ponce Bank and its parent company, Ponce Financial Group, have appointed Marlene Cintron as a Director of the Company, expanding her role from the Bank's Board of Directors, which is expected to enhance leadership in economic development and community-focused investment [1][9]. Group 1: Appointment and Background - Marlene Cintron has been appointed as a Director of Ponce Financial Group effective March 26, 2026, in addition to her role on the Board of Ponce Bank [1]. - Cintron is a lifelong Bronx resident with over three decades of experience in public policy, economic development, finance, and government relations, focusing on underserved communities [2]. - Her career includes significant roles such as Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert Garcia and Director of Latino Affairs for Mayor David Dinkins, showcasing her extensive public service background [3]. Group 2: Private Sector Experience - Cintron has held positions in the private sector, including Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs at Citibank and financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, where she supported women and nonprofit leaders [4]. - She co-founded the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce, promoting opportunities for women entrepreneurs [4]. Group 3: Economic Development Achievements - As President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Cintron led initiatives that reduced Bronx unemployment from 14% to under 6% and attracted over $9 billion in private investment [5][6]. - Her leadership resulted in the creation of over 44,000 new housing units and significant commercial developments, including FreshDirect's relocation to the Bronx [6]. Group 4: Federal Service and Impact - In 2021, Cintron was appointed by President Biden as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Region 2 Administrator, overseeing New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she facilitated a 20% increase in small business growth [7]. - She completed her federal service in January 2025, leaving a legacy of expanded small-business contracting and access to technical assistance [7]. Group 5: Community Advocacy and Education - Cintron is recognized for her commitment to community advocacy, having been a member of the Young Lords and championing civil rights and social equity [8]. - She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a master's degree in education administration from Fordham University, underscoring her educational background [8]. Group 6: Company Overview - Ponce Financial Group, Inc. is the holding company for Ponce Bank, which is a Minority Depository Institution and Community Development Financial Institution, primarily focused on mortgage loans and community investment [10].