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Melvin Carter

Senior Advisor

Melvin is a nationally recognized systems innovator and two-term Mayor of Saint Paul known for advancing equity-centered, community-driven change. As chief executive of an $800 million municipal enterprise, he has led transformative public-private partnerships, guided the city through overlapping crises, and launched nationally recognized models such as Community-First Public Safety and CollegeBound Saint Paul. Melvin brings operational rigor and a deeply human leadership philosophy focused on generational impact and inclusive economic growth.

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Drinal Foster

Chief Impact Officer

Drinal oversees performance measurement, operational excellence, and long-term impact tracking for GroundBreak Coalition, ensuring its transformational goals are matched by disciplined execution. A 30-year Wells Fargo veteran and Senior Vice President, she has led enterprise-wide operational and customer engagement initiatives with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. An award-winning executive and civic leader, Drinal brings deep systems expertise to align strategy, accountability, and innovation in building a more inclusive financial system.

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Mike LaFave

Chief of Staff

Mike serves as Chief of Staff for the GroundBreak Coalition, overseeing governance, operations, and coordinated implementation as the organization expands its impact. With more than 25 years of senior leadership in community development—including roles at Family Housing Fund, Project for Pride in Living, and Neighborhood Development Center—he has dedicated his career to expanding access to housing, capital, and entrepreneurship. Mike brings strategic discipline and partnership-driven leadership to advance equitable wealth building across Minneapolis–St. Paul.

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Gwen King-Lunde

Executive Administrator & Operations Coordinator

Gwen serves as Executive Administrator and Operations Coordinator for the GroundBreak Coalition, strengthening cross-functional coordination and ensuring the organization’s operations run seamlessly in service of its mission. With a background in nonprofit administration, executive support, and program management, she brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, and high-level communications.

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Eric White

Chief Investment Officer

Eric leads the Capital Mobilization aspects of the GroundBreak Coalition, ensuring that our financial institution and community lending partners in entrepreneurship, homeownership, and neighborhood development are working seamlessly in support of the wealth builders we serve. With nearly 20 years experience in impact and investing, mobilizing hundreds of millions of dollars for economic justice at Cogent Consulting, the Bush Foundation, and The Financial Services Consulting Group, mobilizing capital equitably is his life’s work.

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Adair Mosley

CEO

Adair leads the GroundBreak Coalition with a deep commitment to equity-driven transformation and creating new pathways for generational prosperity across Minnesota. With more than a decade of experience leading social impact organizations—including serving as CEO of African American Leadership Forum and President & CEO at Pillsbury United Communities—his career has been dedicated to rallying talent, launching innovative initiatives, and building a more equitable financial system for all.

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What is ABH (Advancing Black Homeownership)?

This first-of-its-kind program combines flexible underwriting criteria with financial assistance to help Black or African-American buyers overcome historically inequitable housing practices and buy their first home. The ABH Community Fund is a collaboration between the Minnesota Homeownership Center, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Build Wealth Minnesota, NeighborWorks Home Partners, PRG, Inc., Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and GroundBreak Coalition.

A Call to Chosen Hope & Collective Action

Dear GroundBreak Coalition Members,

A few weeks ago, I posed a question on LinkedIn (where I hope you’ll join me). I asked what this moment requires of its leaders, a question that I’ve wrestled with as an individual and community member.

I shared my reflection that this moment calls upon each of us to think bigger and move more boldly. It demands chosen hope – hope we commit to, act upon, and carry forward together. Hope that moves with urgency yet sustains itself. Hope that is radical in its insistence that our systems can change, and that our communities deserve better.

I remain committed to chosen hope. That is why I am so deeply honored and excited to begin today as the first CEO of the GroundBreak Coalition. GroundBreak is more than an initiative; it represents the next significant leap forward for our region. GroundBreak calls for nothing less than transformation for individuals, families, and our entire community. Envisioned and brought to life by a broad coalition and dedicated team, GroundBreak represents a shared commitment to disrupt the status quo and create a financial system that works for everyone.

GroundBreak’s momentum is already clear. Since May, we have made over $36 million available to enable home, business, and property ownership, building the foundation for generational wealth and vibrant neighborhoods. Critically, these dollars unlock millions more from mainstream financial institutions.

For example, in 2024, GBC contributed $1.6M in capital to support the Advancing Black Homeownership Community Fund pilot, which provided downpayment assistance and entry cost to 74 new homeowners totaling $3,231,328. This ABH Community Fund is a collective effort, with several organizations working together to bring the program to the community. Partners include the Minnesota Homeownership Center, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Build Wealth Minnesota, NeighborWorks Home Partners, PRG, Inc., and Project for Pride in Living (PPL).

With an average first mortgage of $219,322, these downpayment loans unlocked over $16 million in home loans from our financial institutions—leverage of more than 5:1. As our systems come online, GroundBreak expects to see similar leverage in support of small businesses and commercial development.

GroundBreak is poised to build on this momentum: scaling our impact, broadening our coalition of funders and partners, and expanding the flow of capital to meet the pent-up demand across our communities.

I am especially excited to learn from and listen to you, the coalition members who have shaped this vision and carry it forward every day.

I step into this role with gratitude and determination. Together, we will reimagine what’s possible, build enduring wealth, and embrace what chosen hope demands of us – belief in a better future for us all. The work continues and it accelerates now.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. Let’s get to work.

With gratitude and resolve,

Adair Mosley
Chief Executive Officer
GroundBreak Coalition

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