WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced today the selection of Beth Castro as Director of Community Development. She will report to Barry Wides, Deputy Comptroller for Community Affairs.

“We are fortunate to have Beth Castro join the OCC,” said Mr. Wides. “Her ‘on the ground’ experience managing CRA oriented programs will be invaluable to OCC as we continue to expand our support for national banks and their community partners in undertaking community and economic development initiatives.”

Ms. Castro will be responsible for the Community Affairs department’s research and publications as well as the management of the agency’s district community affairs officers.

Ms. Castro served as first vice president at Washington Mutual, managing CRA programs and initiatives, community development outreach, and homeownership preservation efforts. She has worked in the mortgage and banking industry for over 20 years with the past decade of her career focused on community reinvestment and development.