Gustavo Bidart

About Gustavo Bidart

An innovative, solutions‑driven leader with 30+ years of experience in Corporate and Government Relations, Community Reinvestment, Economic Development, Capital Raising, and Philanthropy. Skilled in elevating organizational brands, aligning business strategies with community needs, and driving outreach initiatives that strengthen visibility and impact. Proven convener of cross‑functional executive teams across Business Development, Social Impact Investing, Government Relations, and Community Development.A seasoned executive with a strong record in strategic leadership, high‑impact business development, and political acumen. Recognized for forging effective public–private partnerships and managing community investment portfolios that deliver award‑winning, measurable results. Known for developing leaders, fostering deep executive and employee engagement, and cultivating a collaborative, mission‑driven culture.

Experience

1. Vice President, Economic and Community Development

   Civic Communities

   Apr 2016 — Present · San Diego, CA, US

   Driving strategy in support of the CEO by shaping and executing Civic Community Partners’ (CCP) comprehensive community and business development vision. Leads the development of the organization’s annual Community Reinvestment Strategic Plan, leveraging CCP’s Community Development Entity (CDE) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to deploy solution‑based financing, investments, and philanthropic capital that deliver new community facilities, programs, and benefits.•Charged with expanding CCP’s capital under management by developing new capitalization instruments and cultivating a pipeline of prospective investors. Results: Since 2021, secured more than $10 million in Program Related Investments and grants from national intermediaries, banks, and foundations to strengthen Civic’s Community and Economic Development lending and its capacity‑building training programs for small businesses. •Identify and convert market opportunities into new financing strategies, products, and services that advance CCP’s strategic goals. Results: Launched and manage the Building Business Success Lending and Capacity Training Program, expanding capital access and technical assistance for small businesses, engaging over participants and generating more than $3 million in lending activity•Serving as the Interim Executive Director for the San Ysidro Community and Economic Development (SYCEDC) organization (A.K.A San Ysidro BID), providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the organization and its business community. Key responsibilities include advising and partnering with the Board of Directors, managing staff and contractors, and steering BID’s business retention and attraction strategy. Results: Include establishing SYCEDC as the new management entity, activating space for public benefit, and coordinating Small Business Procurement training to strengthen local business capacity.

Education

• University of San Diego

  Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Business Administration and Management, General

  1988 — 1992

Skills

• Corporate Citizenship
• Non-Profit Board Development
• Strategic Partnerships
• Investments
• Consumer Lending
• Public Speaking
• Philanthropy
• Business Development
• Public Relations
• Board of Directors
• Program Management
• Leadership
• Retail Banking
• Business Innovation
• Credit
• Mortgage Lending
• Banking
• Finance
• Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Commercial Lending
• Strategic Planning
• Procurement Initiatives
• Loans
• Public Affairs
• Leadership Development
• Customer Service
• Nonprofits
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Commercial Banking
• Organizational Development
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Relationship Management