Kimberly Marshall

Unified CDC provides training, resources, and services aimed at helping consumers achieve their financial and housing goals, make informed financial decisions, and work towards building and maintaining a healthy credit and financial profile.

Our Counseling, Financial Education and Credit Management Sessions include:

Credit Management

• Credit Scores: Understanding what a credit score is, how it's calculated, and the factors that influence it.
• Credit Reports: Exploring the importance of regularly reviewing credit reports for accuracy and how to obtain them.
• Credit History: Discussing the significance of a positive credit history and the impact of various financial behaviors on credit.
• Credit Building: Strategies for building and improving one's credit score, such as responsible credit card use, loan management, and timely bill payments.
• Credit Repair: Addressing steps to take if one's credit report contains errors or negative items, including the dispute process.
• Credit Utilization: Understanding how credit utilization ratio affects credit scores and tips for managing it effectively.
• Budgeting: Incorporating credit management into overall financial planning, including budgeting, savings, and debt management.
• Financial Responsibility: Emphasizing the importance of responsible financial habits to maintain good credit standing.

Homeownership

Pre-Purchase Education:

• Budgeting: Providing guidance on managing finances, setting a budget, and saving for a down payment.
• Understanding Mortgages: Explaining different types of mortgages, interest rates, and terms to help individuals make informed choices.
• Credit Management: Educating participants on credit scores, credit reports, and strategies to improve credit for better mortgage terms.
• Home Search: Offering advice on the homebuying process, including how to find the right property and what to consider when making an offer.

Post-Purchase Counseling:

• Home Maintenance: Providing information on home upkeep, repairs, and maintenance to ensure the longevity and value of the property.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Continuing financial guidance to help homeowners manage mortgage payments, household expenses, and savings.
• Home Equity: Discussing how homeowners can build equity, tap into it when needed, or use it for other financial goals.
• Avoiding Foreclosure: Offering strategies to prevent foreclosure and retain homeownership during financial difficulties.
• Refinancing: Explaining the process and benefits of refinancing to secure better mortgage terms.

Fair Housing Laws

• Providing historical context and an overview, along with addressing violations and complaints.
• Our services are available via phone, in-person (by appointment), or virtually to ensure accessibility.

About Kimberly Marshall

Kimberly Marshall is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience in affordable housing, financial education, and community economic development. Passionate about empowering underserved and rural communities, She champions homeownership and financial literacy as pathways to economic stability and generational wealth. She has worked tirelessly with federal, state, and local partners to bring vital resources and transformative programs to communities that need them most.

Kimberly is on a mission to increase homeownership and financial education among underserved and under-resourced consumers, with the goal of revitalizing neighborhoods across the state of Arkansas. She is a dynamic force, using her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to promote fair and equitable treatment for all consumers through financial education and homeownership.

Kimberly served as Vice President of Community Development at Bank OZK, where she specialized in government-backed lending programs, including FHA, VA, and HUD loans. While at Bank OZK, she forged strong relationships with the Federal Home Loan Bank, municipal leaders, and government officials to ensure rural Arkansans had access to community-focused lending solutions. 

Kimberly started her banking career at Metropolitan National Bank where she focused on mortgage loan origination for first time and LMI homebuyers, using FHA, VA, Conventional, and USDA loan products. She also worked extensively originating and servicing in-house portfolio loans, providing tailored financing solutions for borrowers who did not qualify for other loan products.

In addition to her banking experience, Kimberly has a wealth of non-profit experience, including grant making and partnerships with the ASBTDC, SBA, HUD, and Rural Development to host rural economic development conferences and support small business growth through collaborative partnerships with other local nonprofits and rural stakeholders. She has also provided financial education and homeownership support to rural communities, with a focus on expanding homeownership and addressing critical housing needs.

Kimberly is certified as a Financial Education Facilitator, HUD-Approved Housing and Credit Counselor, and Leadership Development Specialist. She has also held key leadership roles in staff development, team leadership, and service delivery enhancements.

With five generations hailing from Hempstead County, Kimberly strongly values family and community. She enjoys gardening, reading, and DIY projects. Having lived a number of years in Kansas City, she never misses a chance to cheer on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Most importantly, she is a devoted mother to daughter, Jennifer Lynn, and remains steadfast in her mission to help underserved and under-resourced communities achieve homeownership, financial security, and self-sufficiency.