(Pictured Above, left to right – Williams, Bennet, Lovenguth, Nichols, Harder, Branch, Rojas, Hallam)
NAGGL is excited to announce the graduation of 10 outstanding individuals from our Future Leading Lenders program, an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in the SBA 7(a) lending community. The graduates were honored at our Leadership Summit in Boston, MA last month, where we celebrated their dedication and contributions to the industry.
This year’s class, consisting of ten exceptional individuals, has navigated the current industry with resilience and adaptability. Throughout the year-long program, they have participated in mentoring, educational, and experiential opportunities, while forging invaluable connections. In total, each of these individuals dedicated over 100 hours to their learning and development, gaining a comprehensive understanding of SBA 7(a) lending, leadership skills, and strategic insights essential for driving innovation and growth.
We are proud to introduce the Class of 2024 graduates:
- Joylynn Bennett, America First Federal Credit Union
- Renae Branch, Pacific Premier Bank
- Jordan Hallam, South State Bank
- Molly Harder, First Horizon
- Brand Lesoing, First State Bank Nebraska
- Carly Lovenguth, Busey Bank
- Bee Moua, Sunrise Bank
- Mary Nichols, M&T Bank
- Victor Rojas, G Bank
- Dakota Williams, First United Bank
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s graduating class,” said Karen Ladany, Chief Operating Officer of NAGGL. “Their commitment to excellence, resilience, and passion for advancing the SBA 7(a) lending community is truly inspiring. We are confident that the skills and connections they have developed through this program will enable them to make a profound impact in their organizations and the broader industry.”
Future Leading Lenders were asked to submit an industry article that reflects their research and expertise of the industry. To celebrate their achievements and share their insights with the broader community, we are pleased to release a compilation of their industry articles in our third edition of the 7(a) Industry Review. This collection showcases the innovative ideas and thought leadership of our graduates, providing valuable perspectives on the current and future state of SBA 7(a) lending.
Read NAGGL’s 7(a) Industry Review, Edition III
For more information about the Future Leading Lenders program or to learn how you can get involved, visit naggl.org/fll
