New South Boston NDC board member driven by passion for affordable housing

Facundo Coitino-Lopez joins the South Boston NDC board.

A new member of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation Board of Directors says his motivation is simple: ensuring more people have access to stable, affordable housing.\

“I see housing as more of a right for all,” said Facundo Coitino-Lopez. “The number one thing everyone needs to grow up in a stable environment starts with the home.”

The Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager II Boston Area for Rockland Trust, Facundo said his interest in joining the South Boston NDC board grew out of a desire to become more involved locally and support meaningful community work, which is part of the bank’s culture.

He asked colleagues for suggestions on how to get involved in the community and South Boston NDC was on the list. He did some research into the organization and liked what he saw.

A chance encounter helped seal the connection. “I’m probably within an hour of putting an email together to reach out to [Communications Director Ginger DeShaney], and there walks in Donna Brown,” he said of meeting the South Boston NDC executive director at the bank. “I was like, OK, this is definitely meant to be.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Facundo to our Board of Directors,” said Donna. “His passion for financial empowerment, combined with his personal story and professional expertise, brings a valuable perspective to our work. He understands firsthand how critical stable, affordable housing is, and we’re excited to have his voice helping guide our mission.” 

Originally from Connecticut, Facundo, 31, moved to Boston nearly 10 years ago to pursue a career in banking and now oversees branches from East Boston to Winthrop, from downtown Boston to South Boston. He and his wife, Angela, have lived in South Boston’s City Point for about two and a half years.

“I love it,” he said of the neighborhood. “There’s just so much going on, so much to do. It can be a quiet neighborhood, very family-oriented, and it’s nice to see more families.” At the same time, the neighborhood offers plenty of activity, restaurants, and outdoor spaces, giving it “that small-knit community, but with big city vibes.

“I constantly see myself never having to leave South Boston to do anything.”

Facundo’s professional and personal experiences have shaped his focus on financial literacy and housing access. “I am an immigrant,” he said. “My family immigrated to the United States [from Uruguay] when I was 7 years old,” an experience that inspired him to help others navigate financial systems and homeownership.

“For me, it’s very important … home ownership is a milestone. And that path can be very difficult to navigate,” he said.

“To me, it’s just a human right for everybody to have the opportunity to either have affordable rent or an affordable mortgage,” he said. 

After a short stint outside of banking, Facundo returned to his passion of banking and helping people and nonprofits.

On the South Boston NDC board, Facundo hopes to contribute his expertise in banking trends, financial literacy, and fraud prevention, especially for older adults who may be targeted by scams. “I want to bring awareness on how to protect our community, protect their wealth, maintain their wealth, or create wealth,” he said.

Facundo is looking forward to helping grow the South Boston Chamber of Commerce, which South Boston NDC oversees.

He also expressed interest in supporting sustainability and strengthening connections across the neighborhood. “Being green is very important,” he said. “Being sustainable is super important.”

Reflecting on his first board meeting, Facundo said he was encouraged by the organization’s work and perspective. “The board meeting was really good. I enjoyed it,” he said.

“I look to bring in new energy and an outside perspective, but also maintain order and be financially responsible,” said Facundo, noting that he’s taking classes at the Mel King Institute on how to be an effective board member.

South Boston NDC is both a professional and personal commitment for Facundo, who adds another voice to the organization’s efforts to create and preserve affordable housing and strengthen the community. For this new board member, the opportunity feels like a natural fit.

“I’m happy to be part of this organization. I truly believe in it, and I truly believe we are making a difference South Boston.”