Staff

Matthew Ides, Executive Director

Matthew has 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector and a Masters degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Before coming to Sparc he worked in community and economic development, community planning, affordable housing, and urban policy in Chicago and New York City. At Sparc Matthew is responsible for multi-family housing and commercial development, fundraising, staffing the executive and nominating committees, and building community relationships.

Allison Sharkey, Business Development Program Manager

Allison joined Sparc in October 2006 to pursue our work in small business development and commercial corridor revitalization. Allison has organizing experience both locally and internationally, including community development experience in Saint Paul. She is a graduate of the Organizing Apprenticeship Project and has a B.A. from Carleton College. Allison has her certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional, staffs the Business Development Committee, and speaks Spanish.

Seth Benziger, Real Estate Development Program Manager

Seth is responsible for all of Sparc’s real estate development work, including single family and duplex housing projects, multi-family housing projects, and commercial buildings. Previously, Seth spent five years coordinating our home improvement loan and grant programs. Seth has a B.A. from Macalester College, is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional, is LEED accredited, and staffs our Housing Development Committee. He is currently working on obtaining his real estate license.

Bonmey Vang, Housing Program Coordinator

Bonmey is responsible for coordinating all of Sparc's loan and grant programs for residential customers. Bonmey joined Sparc after working for 10 years in the banking industry and volunteering for several other nonprofit organizations. Bonmey has a B.A. from the University of Washington and is fluent in Hmong.

Frank Sprandel, Construction Specialist

With more than 17 years of industry experience, Frank provides construction management support for our home improvement loans and monitors progress on development projects. He provides home inspections, energy audits, and general contracting services to our home owners and small businesses.

Cindy Anderson, Office Manager

Cindy has been at Sparc for 20 years and provides administrative support. Coming from ten years in the mortgage industry, she produces and files loan documents, runs the accounting system, takes minutes at board meetings, and keeps the office in good working order.