Catherine Cawthon
Catherine Cawthon has stepped into a big role this year, becoming president and CEO of the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), a leading nonprofit low-income housing tax credit syndicator and financial intermediary.
Catherine Cawthon, president and CEO, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
While new to the post, she’s an industry veteran. She spent 21 years at Fifth Third Community Development Corp. (CDC), serving the last 11 years as president, overseeing the CDC’s housing tax credit and other investments that support community revitalization.
Working in affordable housing has allowed Cawthon to blend her skills in finance with her interest in community service. “Finding a way to help communities build a foundation with housing was a win-win,” she says. “It was great to be able to grow into that.”
Looking at the year ahead, Cawthon says OCCH will continue to focus on its core tax credit business, supporting both its investors and developers. Established in 1989, the nonprofit has raised more than $5 billion in equity and financed 50,000 affordable homes in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
The organization also has a growing community development financial institution (CDFI) affiliate and is looking at ways the CDFI can help communities recover from COVID-19-related challenges.
Throughout her career, Cawthon has made time to serve on the boards of different organizations and has made it a point to be an active leader. This has not only benefited the groups but helped in her own development, preparing her for her latest position, she says.
Cawthon serves on the boards of the Ohio Women’s Affordable Housing Network, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, and Ohio Housing Council. She’s a former chair of the Affordable Housing Investors Council and has also been on the board of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
The mother of three, Cawthon also has been active with The Mirth Project, which matches teens with their dream items. For example, if a youth wants to play sports but cannot afford the equipment, the organization will grant the items.
