Charter FS Management

Christine Smiggen

Christine Smiggen is Vice President of Charter FS, a division of CSDC. She has been with Charter FS since 2004 providing financial consulting services and arranging over $150 million in financing for charter schools. She provides expertise to clients throughout the financing process from initial debt capacity evaluation, funding options, funding source selection, underwriting support, documentation review to receipt of funding. Christine leads the Charter FS division and conducts business development for all of CSDC’s programs and services.

Prior to joining Charter FS Corporation, Christine served as Vice President of Information Systems for the National Charter Schools Institute. She also served as a special projects manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Her programs focused on facilities funding for education technology centers and development of the Michigan Virtual University.

Christine’s initial efforts with charter schools started while serving in former Michigan Governor John Engler's office. During this time she assisted with implementing the state's charter school law by working with various officials in state departments, authorizing bodies and the charter school association.

Christine holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Communication from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame.

Rhonda D. Bell

Rhonda D. Bell is an Associate with Charter FS and is responsible for managing daily office operations, facilitating information requests, and providing underwriting support throughout the financing process.

Rhonda has extensive background with non-profit organizations and the philanthropic community. Prior to joining Charter FS in October 2005, she served as Associate Director of The Gordy Foundation and Annual Fund Director of Motown Historical Museum from 2001-2003.

Rhonda also served as Program Associate and Program Director for The Skillman Foundation administering Client Grants, Matching Gifts, and the Skillman Scholarship Program from 1990-2001.

Rhonda became active with charter schools in 2005 while serving on the School Leadership Team and coordinated the first parenting expo for a Michigan public school academy. Rhonda also serves as parent volunteer and “Charter Champion” advocate for southeast Michigan and community-wide efforts.