Founding Members

Founding Member Spotlight Archive (2004)
Many people have played critical roles in the association over its history. During each month of our 20th anniversary year (2004), we highlighted one founding member to let them tell the story of what NAGGL's meant to the 7(a) industry over the last two decades.

December Spotlight, Founding Members Remembered
NAGGL was formed in 1984 in response to a host of issues, not the least of which was a White House attempt to dismantle the SBA and its loan programs. The founding members of the fledgling NAGGL saved the SBA and have continued to push for program improvements that have helped the 7(a) program grow.

Many founding members have remained active in 7(a) lending and have been featured in this column throughout our 20th Anniversary year. A few have left the industry or retired. This month we honor those founding members who are no longer active in the association. Their many contributions during the early years have not been forgotten:

• Preston Barr 
• Cecil Byrd, formerly with Bank of America
• Mel Carrer, formerly with Wells Fargo
• Rod Maldanado, formerly with San Dieguito Bank
• Sid Moray
• John Wagner, formerly with The Money Store
  

November Spotlight, Former Chairs, Board of Directors
This month we take a look back at a few of the leaders who helped shape NAGGL into the organization that it is today. A look at the seven men who have chaired the Board  of Directors over the past 20 years.

Current Chair:
  David Bartram
  San Diego, CA
  Chair 2006-2008

October Spotlight, 20 Years of Service, Tony R. Wilkinson
Many things come to mind when you think of NAGGL: relentless government relations effort, top-notch conferences, high quality training, unparalleled source of SBA lending information. But, it’s easy to forget that this powerful, nationwide organization was formed by a group of volunteers – and that for many years it was run out of a young family's living room! More >

September Spotlight, Joanna Bruno
Time flies. Founding member Joanna Bruno of J.R. Bruno & Associates reflects on NAGGL's 20th Anniversary, "It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed. I have managed to make an entire career out of the 7(a) lending program." More >

August Spotlight, Stultz Financial, Inc.
Just like the government guaranteed lending industry we serve, NAGGL's membership roster is ever changing. However, one member organization has stayed connected and now shares NAGGL's 20th Anniversary – Stultz Financial, Inc., headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. More >

July Spotlight, Cy Fritz
NAGGL founding member Cy Fritz will be remembered for his tireless service to the 7(a) industry. Cy passed away in May at the age of 84. More >

June Spotlight, Bailey "Biff" Barnard
Bailey "Biff" Barnard may not still be an active 7(a) lender, but he has plenty of fond memories of the organization that he helped found and served as President of for its first three years. More >

May Spotlight, Catherine Lyons
Catherine Lyons remembers NAGGL in its infancy as a very small group of lenders out to set the industry on fire and establish SBA lending as a viable alternative for lenders nationwide. More >

April Spotlight, Steve Mattern
Long-time NAGGL member Steve "Mad Dog" Mattern has been there almost since the very beginning and has seen the ever-changing face of the industry. NAGGL has been the pulse of the industry since its inception, he said. More >

March Spotlight, Gary Youmans
Founding member Gary Youmans of Community National Bank in Escondido, CA credits NAGGL with aiding in the growth of the 7(a) program over the last 20 years. More >

February Spotlight, Jim Whitney
James "Jim" Whitney, First State Bank of California, remembers more than one attempt to gut the SBA, and is a firm believer that NAGGL is a big reason that no such attempt has been successful. More >