About
Arizona has everything it needs to be a national leader in strong, sustainable growth but too many communities still lack access to the capital needed to get there.
Groundswell Capital exists to close that gap.
We deploy capital into clean energy, small businesses, and community projects that create lasting economic opportunity across Arizona.
Our focus is simple: invest in what works, and build for the long term.
Our Vision & Mission
Our vision is an Arizona where capital flows to the projects and communities that need it most — supporting long-term growth, resilience, and shared prosperity. Groundswell Capital exists to help make that vision a reality.
We put capital to work in communities across Arizona — financing clean energy, supporting small businesses, and investing in long-term growth.
Meet the Team
President and CEO
Dre Thompson
Dre is an award-winning nonprofit leader and CEO for the Tucson Development Authority. As a passionate social entrepreneur, Dre
specializes in data and empathy driven design.
Director of Finance
Erin McGuinness
Erin McGuinness is a strategic finance leader with over a decade of experience advancing financial innovation and operational excellence across corporate, higher education, and nonprofit sectors.
Compliance & Grants Manager
Andrew Kasparek
Andrew brings a strong compliance and financial background to the role, with strong federal and state grants oversight experience at Deloitte. Andrew holds an MBA from Louisiana State University
Financial Educator
Anahi Figueroa Gastelum
Anahi brings both practical business expertise through eight years of running a successful businesses as well as formal insights through her MBA from CETYS Universidad. She is certified in Financial Education through the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders.
Project Manager
Nicole Johnson
As a Community Development Champion, Nicole is an advocate for small businesses. She works closely with our small businesses to build impactful growth roadmaps and leads our Executive Coaching programming.
Executive & Financial Assistant
Lila Heras
Lila Heras is the Executive and Financial Assistant at Groundswell Capital, with over 15 years of experience supporting senior leadership in both nonprofit and commercial environments.
Our Partners
Board of Directors
Dre Thompson, President
Tucson IDA
Dre is an award-winning nonprofit leader and CEO for the Tucson Development Authority. Her background includes social-impact driven work for energy efficiency, education, social services, and economic development.
Dave DiCosola, Vice President
UA Venture Capital
Dave's executive expertise spans three venture-backed technology startups that raised more than $700 million collectively and have scaled from $0 to more than $100M in annual revenues. He excels at strategic planning, fundraising, and capital allocation. He is dedicated to community service as mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and builders.
Rob Tull, Treasurer
Effective Compliance LLC
Rob is a strategic consultant who helps investment and mission-driven organizations create and retain value through innovative insight in solving operational and compliance complexities with practical systems that work. Rob is a former Chief Compliance and Risk Officer for global investment organizations, former director and chair of a non-profit organization, and former auditor. He has degrees in finance and business law, and has various certifications and licenses, including CPA, CFE, FRM, CAMS, and CCEP.
Essentage
Anthony is an owner and managing partner at Essentage, providing cutting edge bookkeeping, accounting and business advisory solution for Tucson's small businesses.
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He is passionate about making financial education accessible to empower economic growth in our community.
Alliance Bank
Sandra Barton is senior director, commercial real estate, for Alliance Bank of Arizona, where she funds commercial construction, acquisition and development, term and RLC loans. Based in Tucson, she serves clients throughout southern Arizona. With more than 30 years of banking industry experience in all, Ms. Barton joined Alliance Bank of Arizona in 2009.
Anne Dougherty
ILLUME Advising
Anne Dougherty is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of ILLUME, a prominent clean energy research consultancy. She brings human-focused research techniques to solutions development. Her expertise in the energy industry focuses on the human dimensions of technology, program, and service development.
Amber Cordoba
Relational Life Foundation
A mission-driven leader with a 20-year track record of turning vision into action—scaling programs, influencing policy, and building high-performing, values-aligned teams. With experience across entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and financial services.
Melissa Cordero
Common Defense
Community organizer, veteran, and communications strategist rooted in environmental and social justice. They bring 10+ years of experience in outreach, conservation, and campaign leadership across the Southwest, with a deep focus on water, climate resilience, and clean energy. As Lead Arizona Organizer for Veterans Power America, they support veteran leaders to advocate for climate solutions, equity, and community power.
Mitchell Moore
Friendly House
An executive and leader, Michell brings a wealth of experience in strategic and operational oversight, encompassing business development, financial, HR, and IT management. His strength lies in providing strategic direction while effectively managing day-to-day operations. He has a solid track record in global financial management—leading complex financial operations and driving transformative initiatives.
Miguel Cruz
Community Builder
Miguel previously held roles as Tucson Federal Credit Union, leading branding, marketing, and community engagement. He's known for merging culturally competent business and community strategies and is a sought-after speaker. Miguel is involved in community service through various boards in Tucson and Phoenix, including the Women's Foundation of the State of Arizona and Old Pueblo Community Services.
Rocque Perez
Nonprofit Director
Rocque is a Tucson native and an advocate for education in all forms as the means to inspire informed and engaged communities. With a background in marketing and communications, he has dedicated his career thus far to improving the educational environment as a place for anyone to learn, work, and support their community.
Danielle Fidel
Earthlight Technologies
Renewables Executive and Advisor with a passion for building partnerships and platforms to scale the deployment of renewable energy. She is currently the Chief Commercial Officer of Earthlight Technologies.
Isabel Sepulveda
Tucson Electric Power
Project management professional with 15 years of experience in clean energy technology and project development. Experience in the U.S. utility industry as well as a passion for international collaboration on energy issues. Specialized in demand response and VPPs, client management, utility/customer relationships, and partnership building. She currently serves as the Senior Integrated System Planner for TEP.