About GCRA & Team

The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) is a City of Gainesville department. We are a team of professionals with various expertise, but one thing in common—the desire to contribute meaningfully to our community. We focus on strengthening the local economy by supporting small, local, and diverse businesses, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development.

The GCRA reports to the City Manager, is governed by the City Commission, and is guided by two Citizen Advisory Boards: the GCRA Advisory Board and the Downtown Advisory Board. The GCRA Director is Rick D. Smith.

Meet the Team

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  Rick D. Smith

  GCRA Director
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  Monica “Mo” Deel

  GCRA Manager
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  Néïsha Pierre

  Staff Specialist
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  Daniel Blumberg

  Project Manager
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  David Roque

  Project Manager
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  Jason Smith

  Project Manager
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  Leslee Highsmith-Rogers

  Project Manager
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  Melanie Ling

  Project Manager
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  Sheyla Santana

  Project Manager
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  Bill Dorman

  Manager - GTEC