Michelle Coons, Regional President of WaFd Bank New Mexico, is a 40-year veteran in financial services, dedicated to supporting NM entrepreneurs. Her extensive career has provided her with insights into both the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship. Michelle served 12 years on the DreamSpring board, helping expand its reach from 5 to 19 states, and has collaborated with organizations like WESST, The Loan Fund, SBA, SBIC, and ELCDC to facilitate financing. She is also involved with Leadership NM, Economic Forum, NM Chamber, UNM Alumni Association, NM Amigos, NM Women’s Forum, NM’s Private Equity Investment Committee, and Spaceport America. Michelle holds a BBA from UNM’s Anderson School of Management, was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2003, and has completed advanced banking education at UNM and the University of Oklahoma.
