About WIHEDC
Our Mission
The Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Our mission is to expand Native economic development by building the financial sovereignty of Native individuals, families, Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises and communities in Wisconsin.
Key Strategic Partner
Through collaboration, WIHEDC is building financial sovereignty for Native individuals, families, businesses, and communities by providing affordable lending opportunities and financial training.
Our status as a Key Strategic Partner with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) makes our work possible.
Our Impact
Together, WIHEDC’s four Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) coordinate and leverage resources to maximize access to loans, training and counseling to best serve Wisconsin Indian Country.
Through June 30, 2025, WIHEDC Members deployed business, consumer and housing loans totaling $58,837,941.
WIHEDC By The Numbers
Meet Our Team
Fern V. Orie, CEO
Ms. Orie brings more than 20 years of experience in housing and economic development in Indian Country, with a strong track record of leadership at both the state and national levels. Prior to joining WIHEDC, Ms. Orie served for two years as Chief Programs Officer and Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at the Oweesta Corporation, a national Native CDFI intermediary. For 14 years, she served as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, a statewide certified Native Community Development Financial Institution. In that role, she led the development and growth of housing, business, and consumer lending programs that expanded access to capital for Native communities across Wisconsin. Ms. Orie was also a co-creator and founding Chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indian Business Alliance, which has since evolved into the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation. Her leadership extends beyond WIHEDC. Ms. Orie serves on the Board of Directors and Loan Committee of Bay Bank, a Tribally owned bank in Wisconsin. She was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Governor’s Council for Financial Literacy and Inclusion, and remains active on several state and national boards focused on economic development and financial empowerment. In recognition of her leadership, Ms. Orie received the Nan Cheney March for Justice Award in 2021, along with additional honors in community development. Ms. Orie is an enrolled Tribal Member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
Kim Swisher, Coordinator
Kim Swisher has served as Coordinator for WIHEDC since 2017, supporting the organization’s programs, partnerships, and communications. In addition to her work with WIHEDC, Kim provides public relations, marketing and support for several Wisconsin Tribes and Tribal programs. Her experience includes supporting small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Northern Wisconsin. She is honored to serve WIHEDC and Wisconsin’s Tribes, and values the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the history, culture and the priorities of Wisconsin's Tribal Nations.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Becky Albert, Chairwoman
Becky Albert-Breed is an enrolled Tribal Member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and serves as Chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration. Ms. Albert-Breed brings extensive experience in financial management, auditing, and Tribal governance. Her professional background includes auditing roles with the City of Milwaukee, a large corporate bank, and Tribal government and gaming operations. Within the Ho-Chunk Nation, she has held several key financial leadership roles, including Treasurer, Business Finance Director overseeing casino operations, and Legislative Financial Examiner. In these roles, she has been responsible for financial oversight, strategic planning, and fiscal accountability. She was instrumental in advancing reforms to the Children’s Trust Funds for the Ho-Chunk Nation, leading to the establishment of the Trust and Investment Committee. This committee oversees and protects Tribal investment portfolios exceeding half a billion dollars, where she has served as Vice-Chair since its inception in 2011. Ms. Albert-Breed has also played a foundational role in Native CDFI development. She has served as Chairperson of First Nations Community Financial, now Cedar Growth, since its founding in 2010, and transitioned into the role of Executive Director in 2017. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to expanding access to capital and financial education for Native individuals and communities. Through her work with Cedar Growth and WIHEDC, she supports initiatives that promote homeownership, small business development, and long term financial stability. Ms. Albert-Breed has dedicated decades to volunteer service and nonprofit leadership, using her financial expertise to strengthen communities and advance economic opportunity.
Allyssa Verstoppen, Vice Chairwoman
Allyssa Verstoppen serves as Vice Chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation and is the Executive Director of Woodland Financial Partners, a Native Community Development Financial Institution. She assumed the role of Executive Director in August 2024 after serving as Director of Lending since joining the organization in January 2023. Ms. Verstoppen brings more than 10 years of experience in underwriting, credit analysis, and portfolio management within the business and agricultural lending sectors. Her background supports Woodland Financial Partners’ mission to expand access to capital and financial services for Native communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Ms. Verstoppen is a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Outside of her professional work, she is actively involved in her family’s custom harvesting business and enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family.
David Gouwens, Treasurer/Secretary
David Gouwens serves as a Director of the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation and as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, Inc., a role he assumed in March 2025. Mr. Gouwens joined the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund staff in 2019, following several years as a consultant to the organization beginning in 2011. His long standing involvement reflects a deep understanding of the organization’s operations, systems, and mission. Prior to his work with the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, Mr. Gouwens owned and operated an information technology consulting company. Earlier in his career, he served for nine years as IT Director for a multi-state finance company, where he developed core operational software and later advanced to the role of Operations Manager. Among his notable accomplishments, Mr. Gouwens led the rapid development of an IRA holding company, building the structure and systems within a three-month timeframe. He holds bachelor’s degrees in both physics and theater, bringing a unique blend of analytical and creative problem solving to his work in financial and organizational systems.
Job Openings with WIHEDC Members
Click on a Member's logo to view their website and opportunities: