Connecting with the MnCIFA team
We welcome you to connect with the team at the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority.
Looking for info about MnCIFA loans?
Before contacting MnCIFA staff about potential financing for a project, learn more about projects that MnCIFA is seeking and parameters for qualified projects:
MnCIFA lending practices. [hyperlink to lending page]
Meet our greatest asset: the team at MnCIFA
Our team brings talent and passion for MnCIFA’s vision that all Minnesotans share in the benefits of a clean energy future. We support our state’s clean energy economy by expanding financing options for clean energy projects.
Executive Director: Kari Groth Swan
Kari joined MnCIFA as Executive Director in November 2024. Kari directs all operations and financial management for MnCIFA, including projects for the Board of Directors to consider financing.
Kari brings comprehensive wealth management and banking experience in the broker/dealer, asset management, private bank, family office, non-profit, and CDFI sectors. Prior to joining MnCIFA, she was head of investor relations for Treehouse Management, LLC., and served in leadership positions for the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Kari has +20 years experience in the wealth management and banking sector including JPMorgan, BMOHarris, MorganStanley, and PiperSandler.
Chief Financial Officer: Eric Horent, PhD
Eric joined MnCIFA in June 2025. Eric previously worked for the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families as Director of Reports and Forecasts and for the Minnesota Department of Human Services as an Economist. Prior to that, Eric was the Undersecretary and CFO for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Southern University and A&M College.
Chief Investment Officer: Arpita Bhattacharyya
Arpita joined MnCIFA in September 2025 as CIO overseeing MnCIFA's capital deployment, after previously consulting on investments with MnCIFA. Arpita brings nearly two decades of experience advancing climate solutions across the public and private sectors. Previously, Arpita held senior leadership roles at the Department of Energy, including Chief Climate Officer at the Loan Programs Office. She led the office with the Director to execute on a $300B+ pipeline of clean energy and manufacturing projects, with $25B finalized during her tenure. In the private sector, she developed and financed commercial solar projects for Fortune 500 companies, and later led the Channel Project Development and Finance team at SunPower. Her additional experience includes roles in renewable energy investment banking at Credit Suisse, energy policy at the Center for American Progress, and product launches at Impossible Foods. Arpita also brings an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA from Carleton College.
