August 15, 2024
DOROTHY ABREU
MEMBER, CIVIC FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Number of years with the Federation: Brand new!
Day job: Senior Vice President, Public Finance, PNC
Dorothy Abreu is a Senior Vice President for PNC, Public Finance, managing large government and non-profit relationships across Illinois and Missouri. Over the past three years Dorothy has directly structured and executed credit transactions of more than $2 billion and collaborated on more than $4 billion in issuance by PNC Capital Market partners. Prior to joining the public finance team in March 2021, she was the regional sales leader for PNC’s Community Development Banking team, guiding one of the largest and most impactful production units in the division. Dorothy holds more than 20 years of community development and commercial banking experience, working in both sales and underwriting capacities.
Throughout her career, Ms. Abreu has leveraged her strategic and analytical skills to create impact across sectors and communities, most notably supporting catalytic projects and service providers throughout Chicago, both directly as a banker and indirectly as a board member of various not-for-profit organizations, including The Civic Consulting Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, Southland Development Authority, and the Latino Policy Forum, in addition being appointed Board Chair of the Illinois Tollway in 2022. Dorothy has been recognized by employers for performance, and by Crain’s, CCLF, HACE, and Chicago United Business Leaders of Color for her professional accomplishments, leadership contribution, and community impact. Dorothy earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from North Park University and most recently received acceptance into Harvard Kennedy School’s master in public administration, 2025 cohort. She holds Series 52, and 63 securities licenses.
As a kid growing up in Chicago, you witnessed your father providing assistance and an open door to a number of displaced people arriving in the city from Cuba and Central America. How did your father go about that work, and how did observing it shape your values, perspectives and career priorities?
My father led by example. From a very young age, I witnessed him - a minister and dedicated community organizer - work tirelessly with the local alderman, police captain, and lieutenants – scheduling community meetings or intervening to translate or advocate as needed. He diligently connected displaced individuals to essential housing and language resources, and his heartfelt response to their needs taught me that core values of empathy and kindness must be combined with tangible support to drive meaningful change. As I’ve progressed in my career and life, I strive to lean in to understand what’s needed, recognize the value in everyone despite their circumstances, and lend support as I can.
In what ways do you engage with public sector and nonprofit organizations in your current role as senior vice president and relationship manager for PNC Public Finance?
In my current role, my impact occurs at the intersection of traditional banking and investment platforms. My primary responsibility is to understand and anticipate the financial needs of public sector and nonprofit clients and engage with them by:
- Building strong relationships: Success depends on working closely with public sector and nonprofit leaders to understand their unique challenges and goals, allowing us to tailor financial solutions to meet their needs.
- Providing comprehensive financial solutions: Various teams are engaged to leverage PNC’s wide range of products and services to offer customized solutions, including traditional banking services, investment products, and innovative financial strategies.
- Offering strategic advice: We provide strategic advice to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes, optimize their resources, and achieve long-term objectives.
By combining empathy and a deep understanding of the public sector and nonprofit landscape, I strive to bring meaningful financial solutions to the table, helping public sector and nonprofit organizations thrive and achieve their financial and community impact goals.
What public sector and nonprofit challenges do you see at this time and how do you prioritize them in helping those sector clients in meeting those challenges?
Public sector and nonprofit organizations face many of the same challenges as the general market, with added pressures relative to a pending fiscal cliff as pandemic-related relief funds are depleted. The increasing operating costs create pressure against budgetary constraints, all face accelerated technology growth and adaptation, both the benefits AI creates and the varied concerns related to cyber-security and the need to safeguard confidential information.
Prioritization occurs naturally as needs arise. Clients represent varied positions along the spectrum of business resiliency and cash flow optimization. The key is to focus on continuous improvement and exercise patience when inevitable challenges or impediments arise.
Your background includes significant time spent in board service roles. You are a past president of the Latino Policy Forum’s Board of Directors, where you remain on the board, and you currently also serve on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Chicago and Civic Consulting Alliance, in addition to the Civic Federation. You previously served on the boards of the Chicago Community Loan Fund, Chicago Commons and the Spanish Coalition for Housing. What are the through lines or organizing themes to investing your time, expertise and efforts in those particular organizations?
I dedicate my time, skills, and energy to organizations that resonate with my core values and career aspirations. These values include promoting sustainable economic development in underserved areas, access to critical resources, such as education and housing, and engendering hope through direct or indirect acts of kindness. Not unexpectedly, my board service has shifted with career progression, and as community needs have evolved; yet active board engagement consistently strengthens my dedication to creating positive transformations and supporting projects and organizations that enhance the well-being of our communities.
Serving concurrently as a board director for the Civic Consulting Alliance and the Civic Federation allows me to leverage my engagement with, and understanding of, both the public sector and nonprofit organizations. This dual involvement will enable me to analyze and provide strategic feedback to decision-makers and stakeholders, supporting informed decisions. It’s also an incredible privilege to serve alongside the experienced and accomplished leaders on each board.
The Latino Policy Forum strives to engage the Latino population in public decision-making. How have you measured progress on this front, and what are the next steps to continue advancing this work?
The Forum was founded as a grass-roots organization that leveraged Acuerdos (Gatherings) to collect and synthesize key issues impacting Latino communities. Today, the organization continues to leverage workshops to disseminate information and empower Latino families with knowledge and resources.
Relative to policy advocacy, the Forum continues to train and educate community members on the importance of advocacy and effective engagement with elected leaders. The organization also tracks legislative wins, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, and early childhood education and mental health services.
Next steps include continued advocacy for ongoing investments in early childhood education along with a new focus on increasing college graduation rates among Latinos. The forum will also continue to advocate for affordable housing policies and support for families facing housing challenges.
What’s your favorite Chicago hidden gem?
I have a deep appreciation for nature, and Chicago offers several hidden gems that I adore. One of my personal favorites within the city limits is Maggie Daley Park. Another delightful spot is an outdoor café area on the ground floor of the Art Institute, perfectly fitting the definition of a "hidden gem."
What advice would you give to anyone considering getting involved as a volunteer or board member with local nonprofit organizations?
Board service is heart work. When you are passionate about an issue or services provided you will undoubtedly find yourself investing many more hours than you had originally planned. However, that should not be a deterrent, as some of my fondest memories involve time spent supporting organizations or activities that have positively impacted individuals and communities. Emotional satisfaction is its own special reward.
What do you like to do for fun (besides volunteering!)?
I love to travel and explore new places. When traveling, I do my best to enjoy nature and go for a walk or hike on a local trail. I enjoy international movies and spending time with good friends – talking, laughing, and supporting one another. But my happiest place is at home with my kids.