Welcome to Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, small business loan products for the Lehigh Valley!
Our Team
Meet the Team
Christopher Hudock
Associate Executive Director of Business Development
Christopher Hudock is the Associate Executive Director, Business Development, for Rising Tide Community Loan Fund providing leadership and direction as well as technical assistance to potential and current borrowers. With more than 32 years of lending experience, 15 of which have been at the Rising Tide, Chris is skilled in business plan development, financial analysis, loan packaging, organizational budgeting, policy development, and employee supervision.
Prior to joining Rising Tide, Chris was a Financial Specialist for Wachovia Bank, a Loan Officer for Waypoint Bank, and the Lending Manager for People First Federal Credit Union. He holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science with an Accounting concentration from Northampton Community College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Yajahira Rodriguez
Associate Lender
Yajahira Rodriguez is a Lender for Rising Tide Community Loan Fund and is responsible for underwriting, structuring and closing of commercial loans, as well as maintaining and servicing a commercial loan portfolio. She has more than 12 years of community development experience, with 5 of those years developing new businesses.
Yajahira, who is fluent in Spanish, works directly with business owners to address their needs.Prior to joining Rising Tide, Yajahira worked for Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) for over seven years, the past two years as their Information and Referral Advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kean University in Union, NJ.
Lynn Schoof
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Lynn Schoof serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, bringing nearly eight years of experience in nonprofit marketing and communication. Passionate about supporting all small businesses, Lynn is dedicated to assisting them in enhancing their marketing strategies to thrive within the community.
Prior to her role at Rising Tide, Lynn spent three years as a journalist before transitioning to the nonprofit sector in 2016. During her tenures at Third Street Alliance in Easton and Via of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, she honed her skills in marketing and gained insights into community engagement strategies and trends. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Print Journalism and Economics from Penn State University.
Joseph Kornfeind
Business Advisor
Over 20 years in higher education at Muhlenberg College incorporating administrative initiatives and teaching courses in Small Business Management, Corporate Strategy, Leadership, and Managing Organizations. Joe also brings over 30 years of small business ownership in the areas of small independent supermarket/catering, commercial and residential development, carwash development, and a tavern start-up and operation.
Joe holds an undergraduate degree from Moravian College and a Master's of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania.