Jill M. Gilbert
General Counsel and Vice President
Jill Gilbert is the Vice President and General Counsel at Smith NMTC Associates, bringing her extensive legal expertise and strategic leadership to elevate our company mission. Since joining the firm in 2014, Jill has played a critical role in advancing Smith NMTC’s innovative financing solutions for affordable housing and community development projects. Her deep knowledge in corporate and transactional law has been instrumental in shaping the company’s successful track record in deploying New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs).
Upon her arrival at Smith NMTC Associates, Jill swiftly took charge of developing and managing complex transactions. Her meticulous approach includes coordinating with outside counsel on all facets of NMTC transactions, preparing nonprofit developers for funding, and providing comprehensive project management from initiation to completion. Her strategic oversight of the transaction closing process has enabled efficient NMTC deal executions, exemplified by her role in a 6-QALICB Small Dollar QLICI transaction that closed in just four weeks and a $30 million deal involving five developers that utilized an entire NMTC allocation.
Throughout her tenure at Smith NMTC Associates, Jill has been integral in the allocation and deployment of almost $600 million and has facilitated the exit of transactions totaling over $400 million. Her leadership and precision in managing these processes ensure that maximum net benefits flow seamlessly to the projects, supporting the revitalization of distressed communities.
Jill’s leadership and influence extend beyond transaction management. As Vice President, she provides leadership for the team while contributing to the company’s strategic direction and growth. Jill is also deeply involved in advocacy and policy work, championing the expanded use of NMTCs for affordable homeownership.
Before her impactful career at Smith NMTC Associates, Jill amassed 14 years of valuable experience with Trans World Airlines (TWA). Rising quickly through the ranks, she became Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the TWA Estate following the company’s bankruptcy. Jill was pivotal in crafting and implementing the liquidation plan, managing the debtor’s estate operations, and negotiating the resolution of over 20,000 bankruptcy claims. Her role involved overseeing more than 500 legal actions and serving as a key liaison to TWA’s Board of Directors and the TWA Estate’s Plan Oversight Committee. Her early legal career saw her as a partner at the St. Louis law firm of Ziercher & Hocker, P.C., where she honed her skills in corporate and transactional law.
Jill’s commitment to community service is reflected in her volunteer work with various organizations. She has contributed her time and expertise to the John Felice Rome Center St. Louis Alumni Chapter, St. Liborius Food Pantry, and the Reed School Association. She has also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, providing legal counsel and leadership as co-general counsel and law committee member, furthering her dedication to affordable housing.
Jill earned her law degree with cum laude distinction from St. Louis University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University with summa cum laude distinction. Jill also attended Loyola University’s John Felice Rome Center.