44 Advantage   |   Leadership   |   History   |   Careers

Leadership — Meet the Executive Team

Greg Poehlmann, Senior Vice President, Business Banking
Education: Swarthmore College, BA Economics
gpoehlmann@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2779

Greg has 15 plus years of SBA lending experience and his background includes employment with M&T Bank, Harleysville National Bank and GE Capital. He spent the... Read Full Bio

Greg has 15 plus years of SBA lending experience and his background includes employment with M&T Bank, Harleysville National Bank and GE Capital. He spent the last 10 years with Allied Capital/Business Loan Express (BLX). At BLX, Greg gradually moved up the ranks from business development officer to regional sales manager and ultimately, to national sales manager where he managed five regional sales managers, the marketing director and director of national accounts. In this executive level position, Greg was able to gain extensive insight into the management of a non-bank SBA lender. This experience, combined with his prior banking experience, makes him a natural fit to be managing partner of 44 Business Capital. Close Bio

Jeff Sherry, Senior Vice President, Business Banking
Education: Villanova University, Business Administration
jsherry@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2776

Former partner with 44 Financial Corporation since 1993, Jeff has over 20 years of experience working in the commercial finance business. Jeff earned his BS Degree... Read Full Bio

Former partner with 44 Financial Corporation since 1993, Jeff has over 20 years of experience working in the commercial finance business. Jeff earned his BS Degree from Villanova University in 1982 in business administration where he played basketball for the Villanova Wildcats. Before beginning a career in commercial lending, Jeff coached Cardinal O’Hara basketball, the University of Rochester and Canisius College. In 1990, Jeff worked with partner Phil Rapone at 44 Financial Corp, financing transactions for small and middle market companies involving real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment. Jeff Sherry co-founded 44 Business Capital with Greg Poehlmann and Phil Rapone. Close Bio

Joe Dreyer, Senior Vice President, National Sales
Education: Penn State University, BS Accounting
jdreyer@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2787

Joe has over 20 years of SBA 7a, 504, and commercial real estate lending experience. His background includes employment with Exxon Company, USA, The Money Store... Read Full Bio

Joe has over 20 years of SBA 7a, 504, and commercial real estate lending experience. His background includes employment with Exxon Company, USA, The Money Store Investment Corporation, Ciena Capital (successor to Allied Capital and Business Loan Express) and Wells Fargo SBA Lending. He has been involved in over $500 million of closed transactions. In 1998 he was named SBA's Financial Services Advocate for Eastern, PA. Joe is a board member of the Chester County Industrial Investment Council (CIIC), a prestigious group of commercial real estate and related disciplines in Chester County, PA. Close Bio

Scott Gillanders, Senior Vice President, Credit Director, Government Guaranteed Lending
Education: Drexel University, BS
sgillanders@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2774

A native Californian and avid fan of architecture, Scott started his career at Wells Fargo in San Francisco over 30 years ago. Scott managed small business loan originations... Read Full Bio

A native Californian and avid fan of architecture, Scott started his career at Wells Fargo in San Francisco over 30 years ago. Scott managed small business loan originations of twenty branches in and around San Francisco. Always looking for new challenges, Scott transitioned from loan originations to business credit underwriting. Scott relocated to the east coast in 2000 to manage an SBA loan department for First Union. After nearly two decades in the Delaware Valley, Scott is happy to call Philadelphia home. A true renaissance man, Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Drexel University, with a minor in Architecture. Close Bio

Deborah C. Hudson, First Vice President, Director, SBA Closing & Due Diligence
Education: University of Richmond, Paralegal Studies Program
dhudson@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2784

A native Virginian who just recently relocated to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Debbie has over 20 years of SBA 7(a), 504 and commercial real estate... Read Full Bio

A native Virginian who just recently relocated to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Debbie has over 20 years of SBA 7(a), 504 and commercial real estate lending experience. Her background has focused on loan closing operations and includes employment with Allied Capital/Business Loan Express (BLX), SunTrust Bank and recently she spent the last six years as Director of SBA Closing for Capital One Bank. Debbie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and family, renovating furniture and volunteering once a week with second graders. Close Bio

Justin Ulmer, First Vice President, Associate Credit Director
Education: LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, MS Finance, Drexel University, BS Political Science and History
julmer@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2783

Justin has six plus years of experience in SBA lending, with a firm credit background. He started underwriting transactions and presenting reports to executive committee... Read Full Bio

Justin has six plus years of experience in SBA lending, with a firm credit background. He started underwriting transactions and presenting reports to executive committee for consideration; key skills in unfolding complicated scenarios, and explaining risks and mitigants in a transaction. Justin has a strong knowledge of SBA SOP. Of particular interest to him are turn-around scenarios, but has experience in construction, business acquisitions, and debt consolidation, in various industries including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, retail, services, and family entertainment. Justin has grown through the organization and currently helps lead a team of underwriters, and acts as a decision maker for loan requests. Justin has a passion for faith, family, and fast cars. Close Bio

Roxanne S. Selwyn, Vice President, SBA Construction Loan Manager
Education: Penn State University, BS Finance
rselwyn@44businesscapital.com
215.433.1852

Roxanne has 30 years of banking and finance experience primarily focused on SBA lending. She began her career in commercial lending before moving to SBA lending. Her roles... Read Full Bio

Roxanne has 30 years of banking and finance experience primarily focused on SBA lending. She began her career in commercial lending before moving to SBA lending. Her roles in credit and sales eventually lead to her current role as SBA Construction Loan Manager. Roxanne's strong knowledge of SBA construction lending requirements, problem solving, and communication skills empowers her to help lead the construction team. Additional interests include biking, yoga, beach outings and spending time with family and friends. Close Bio

Jennifer H. Varela, Vice President, Portfolio Quality Manager
Education: Colorado State University, BSBA Finance & Real Estate
jvarela@44businesscapital.com
303.524.1063

Jennifer has over 20 years of banking experience with a focus in SBA lending. She started her banking career by packaging and closing SBA loans and has worked in almost... Read Full Bio

Jennifer has over 20 years of banking experience with a focus in SBA lending. She started her banking career by packaging and closing SBA loans and has worked in almost all aspects of the SBA loan process. Jennifer’s current role in SBA Servicing and Portfolio Management requires detailed knowledge of the SBA SOP, strong communication, problem solving and customer service skills. She helps to lead the portfolio management group as we work to assist our loan customers with their post-closing needs. Close Bio


Meet the Business Development Officers

Phil Martin, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: LaSalle University, BS Finance
pmartin@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2785

Phil has worked in the commercial credit and lending industry since 1999 when he began his career with Commerce Bank. Since then, Phil has worked as a commercial... Read Full Bio

Phil has worked in the commercial credit and lending industry since 1999 when he began his career with Commerce Bank. Since then, Phil has worked as a commercial lender and relationship manager with TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and most recently Wells Fargo. Phil has a diverse credit and lending background having sourced, underwritten, and closed numerous loans for small business in a variety industries. Phil prides himself on using his expertise to understand what his clients need and structuring their loan in the best possible way. Phil has been a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area and is a 2000 graduate of LaSalle University. Close Bio

Michael Hahn, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Penn State University, BS Finance
mhahn@44businesscapital.com
215.985.4400 x 2792 Mobile: 302.437.5320

In addition to his expertise in the Small Business Administration 7a and 504 Loan programs, Michael brings over 20 years’ experience in Business Development... Read Full Bio

In addition to his expertise in the Small Business Administration 7a and 504 Loan programs, Michael brings over 20 years’ experience in Business Development, Commercial Real Estate and C&I Lending to 44 Business Capital. Michael has most recently worked as Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer for CapitalSource, Greater Philadelphia area. Mike has held a variety of financial positions at US Bank, Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, Business Loan Express and GE Capital. Currently, Michael is on the board of the Delaware Community Development Corp and serves on the board of Directors of CIRC - Commercial Industrial Realty Council. Mike Hahn was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Chester County Commercial Industrial Investment Council (CII Council). Mike and his wife Heather reside in Landenberg, PA with their son and daughter.

Close Bio

Scott Stevens, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Boston University, BS Business Administration
sstevens@44businesscapital.com
Central PA: 717.979.1599

Scott Stevens of Camp Hill, PA joins 44 Business Capital with over 11 years of commercial and SBA lending experience... Read Full Bio

Scott Stevens of Camp Hill, PA joins 44 Business Capital with over 11 years of commercial and SBA lending experience and has established himself as a recognized professional in the area. Stevens has most recently served as Vice President, HealthCare Practice Banking, for Citizens Bank. A business administration graduate of Boston University, Stevens was an Army ROTC Scholarship winner. After graduation, Stevens served as a Lieutenant in the US Army at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is currently a proud member of The West Shore Rotary Club, a board member of the Art Association of Harrisburg, and a teacher and committee member for Junior Achievement of South Central Pa. He and his wife live in Camp Hill with their three children. Close Bio

Debbie Godt, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Bucknell University, BS in Business Administration
dgodt@44businesscapital.com
908.343.3356

Debbie Godt has over 21 years of SBA lending experience and has established herself as a recognized professional in the area ... Read Full Bio

Debbie Godt has over 21 years of SBA lending experience and has established herself as a recognized professional in the area. Debbie recently worked as the SBA manager and SBA Business Development Executive at Unity Bank. Debbie earned her remaining SBA Lending experience as an SBA Business Development Officer at UPS Capital Business Credit, Temecula Valley Bank, and Washington Mutual Bank. Debbie started her career as a Certified Public Accountant working in the audit and tax departments for Arthur Andersen, LLP and her strong financial background is instrumental in structuring the loan requests and efficiently guiding them through the underwriting process. Debbie has SBA Lending experience on both a regional and national level. Close Bio

Cole Haiback, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Clemson University BS, Financial Management
chaiback@44businesscapital.com
New Jersey: 908.448.8839

Cole has 5 years of lending experience specializing in SBA 7(a) lending. Throughout the past 5 years, he has developed a diverse understanding ... Read Full Bio

Cole has 5 years of lending experience specializing in SBA 7(a) lending. Throughout the past 5 years, he has developed a diverse understanding of the SBA 7(a) loan program. After attending Clemson University, he worked as an SBA 7(a) Credit Analyst and later as a Business Development Officer. Cole drives new business, with a focus on business acquisitions as well as commercial real estate, nationwide. Cole resides in Hoboken, New Jersey. Close Bio

Michael DeVito, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: East Stroudsburg University, BA Economics
Minor, Business and Marketing
mdevito@44businesscapital.com
MD/DC/Northern VA: 410.598.4515

Mike began his SBA career in 1990 as a credit underwriter with The Money Store Investment Corporation... Read Full Bio

Mike began his SBA career in 1990 as a credit underwriter with The Money Store Investment Corporation in their Philadelphia Office. Four years later he was promoted to Office Manager, relocating to Maryland to open The Money Store’s Mid-Atlantic office to service small business owners in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. For the past 15 years Mike has served as Vice President for EagleBank, Susquehanna Bank and most recently First Bank Financial Centre, assisting small business owners obtain necessary financing through SBA’s various lending programs throughout Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. In addition to his banking experience, Mike co-founded MM&D Professional Transitions, a full-service dental practice brokerage firm, and founded Atlantic Coast Capital, which arranged financing options for small business acquisitions. Close Bio

David Nayor, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Lehigh University, BS Finance
dnayor@44businesscapital.com
Connecticut/New York: 917.292.1199

A graduate of the Lehigh University, Nayor has most recently served as Chief Financial Officer... Read Full Bio

A graduate of the Lehigh University, Nayor has most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Live Media Group Holdings, LLC, New York, NY. Nayor formerly served as co-president and chief operating officer of BoeFly, LLC, New York, NY creating, launching and operating the online marketplace platform for the origination of small business and commercial loans. A finance graduate of Lehigh University, Nayor has held a variety of financial positions at United Western Bank NYC and Business Loan Express, New York, NY. David has SBA lending experience on both a regional and national level. Close Bio

Frank Coppola, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Southern Connecticut State University with a BA in business administration and information systems
fcoppola@44businesscapital.com
Wallingford CT: 203.687.9005

Frank has over nine years’ experience in banking, primarily in SBA and commercial lending with Wells Fargo Bank. Frank graduated from Southern Connecticut State University ... Read Full Bio

Frank has over nine years’ experience in banking, primarily in SBA and commercial lending with Wells Fargo Bank. Frank graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a BA in business administration and information systems. President of a nonprofit organization that raises money for mental health victims and suicide prevention. An avid New York sports fan, Frank enjoys playing golf. I like to spend my weekends trying new craft beer in the area, along with spending time with my Wife Andrea, daughter Gianna and son Jack.

Fun Fact: My father is not a famous movie director. Close Bio

Dwight E. Williams, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Boyd School of Business, Pittsburgh, PA
dewilliams@44businesscapital.com
Amsterdam, NY: 802.375.5750

Dwight has over 20 years of SBA business lending experience. His background includes 8 years at Peoples United Bank as a Market Manager Business Lender ... Read Full Bio

Dwight has over 20 years of SBA business lending experience. His background includes 8 years at Peoples United Bank as a Market Manager Business Lender, and 9 years at Key Bank as a Senior Business Banker. Since joining Berkshire Dwight has been promoted to Business Banking Team Leader. Dwight is a top producer, playing a key role in Berkshire’s #1 SBA title in Vermont for 3 straight years. Close Bio

Donald “Matt” Matthews, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Mississippi State University, MBA and BBA in Banking and Finance
dmatthews@44businesscapital.com
Nashville, Tennessee: 662.312.0301

Matt Matthews has over 14 years of banking experience including the last five years as an SBA Lender with Regions Bank... Read Full Bio

Matt Matthews has over 14 years of banking experience including the last five years as an SBA Lender with Regions Bank. Prior to that he worked as a commercial lender, credit analyst, and had a small stint in corporate treasury. Matt’s passion is leveraging the SBA to help individuals purchase businesses. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Business Studies degree in Banking & Finance and a master’s in business administration. He and his wife Ashlyn live in Franklin, TN with their three children Owen, Bette, and Abigail and their golden retriever Mimi. In his spare time Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, and watching sporting events. Close Bio

Shay Barkley, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Georgia State University, BBA Business Administration
kbarkley@44businesscapital.com
Atlanta, Georgia: 678.429.5354

Shay’s passion is to serve entrepreneurs with a consultative approach. That means listening to the history... Read Full Bio

Shay’s passion is to serve entrepreneurs with a consultative approach. That means listening to the history, passion, goals, an approach that triggers questions to help think outside the box and come up with the best financing scenario for each special small business owner in this great country.

Shay has over 30 years of banking experience and more specifically from 1998 to date her niche, expertise and career has comprised of SBA lending to help companies across the nation with fundings over $325M, 7a, 504 and USDA.

Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Shay has two amazing daughters - her pride and joy. One is attending the University of Alabama as a freshman and the youngest is a rising Junior in high school.

Shay is a huge animal lover (dogs and horses mostly) and volunteers in animal shelters with three dogs of her own. Travel, swimming with dolphins, swimming with horses, hiking, wine and Sushi are her favorite outlets of peace. Close Bio

Josh Rawls, First Vice President SBA Lending
Education: University of Southern Mississippi, BSBA Banking and Finance
rrawls@44businesscapital.com
Alabama, TN, MS: 601.310.2101

Josh joined 44 Business Capital with more than 20 years of banking experience, including the last seven as an SBA Lender... Read Full Bio

Josh joined 44 Business Capital with more than 20 years of banking experience, including the last seven as an SBA Lender with Regions Bank. Prior to that he worked as an SBA underwriter, commercial underwriter, and as a branch manager. He enjoys working with small business owners to create practical solutions that fit their needs. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Banking and Finance. He and his wife Degee live in Hoover, Alabama with their son J.R. He is an avid sports and music fan and enjoys coaching J.R.’s baseball teams. Close Bio

James Stolt, First Vice President, SBA lending
Education: Southern Illinois University, BS in Business Administration
Northern Illinois University, MS in Business Administration
jstolt@44businesscapital.com
Wauconda, IL: 224.571.4084

James specializes in generating small business loans to owner-operated businesses and franchises. He began his finance career ... Read Full Bio

James specializes in generating small business loans to owner-operated businesses and franchises. He began his finance career in 1988 with GE Capital working on large commercial transactions in various capacities including underwriting, managing and sourcing. Since 2004 he has been solely focused on SBA Financing concentrating on business acquisitions, commercial real estate and franchises. Prior to joining 44 Business Capital, James was a Senior SBA Lender with Busey Bank and has served as Vice President of SBA Lending at Comerica Bank, Wells Fargo, The Bancorp and Radius Bank. With 30-plus years of experience in the finance industry, combined with a consultative approach, James takes the time to get to know and understand the needs of his clients. He works closely with the client to help structure financing that best fits their needs.

James earned his MS in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University and his BS in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. He has used his SBA knowledge to conduct seminars with trade associations and community college events illustrating not only the benefits of SBA lending, but how to best use it as a tool to launch, acquire and/or grow a business. He is also involved in his community in numerous ways, including being on the Board of Directors for a local education based charitable organization, as a contributor to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and a Triathlon Committee Member in his hometown of Wauconda, IL. In his free time James is an avid cyclist and musician. Close Bio

David Velez, First Vice President, SBA Lending
dvelez@44businesscapital.com
Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas: 832.549.5895

David joined 44 Business Capital with 21 years in the financial services industry, including the last ten as a business development officer... Read Full Bio

David joined 44 Business Capital with 21 years in the financial services industry, including the last ten as a business development officer for SBA Loans. He is a true expert in guiding entrepreneurs towards their financial dreams. He understands the challenges and opportunities that come with entrepreneurship and is committed to being a trusted advisor every step of the way. David is a proud veteran who sought to further his education by serving in the US Army. This unique experience instilled discipline, dedication, and a strong work ethic that he carries into his banking career today. With the ability to facilitate SBA loans nationwide, David will focus his efforts on the vibrant Texas business landscape in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. David’s bilingual fluency allows him to connect with generations of borrowers in English and Spanish.

David lives in Houston and finds joy in being a loving husband and a dedicated father to three wonderful boys and three Shih Tzu dogs. During his free time, he enjoys attending his boy’s speech & debate and baseball games. Close Bio

Lynne Singletary, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Florida International University, BA in Business Administration, Finance Major, Accounting Minor
lsingletary@44businesscapital.com
Orlando, Florida: 407.731.9555

Lynne has over 27 years of commercial lending experience and considers SBA lending her real forte. With 27 years of SBA experience... Read Full Bio

Lynne has over 27 years of commercial lending experience and considers SBA lending her real forte. With 27 years of SBA experience, Lynne has put together SBA deals large and small, simple and complicated. That experience allows her to see opportunities where others falter. It is a talent recognized by her peers. Twice she has been honored as the Central Florida Commercial Real Estate Society’s Affiliate of the Year. Lynne started her SBA lending career with the Money Store and since then has focused solely on originating Small Business Administration guaranteed loans for lenders such as US Bank, Midwest Business Capital, Silver State Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Quadrant Financial, BankUnited and First Internet Bank. Close Bio

Denise Clemence, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: University of North Florida, BS
CCIM Institute, Certified Commercial Investment Member
dclemence@44businesscapital.com
Tampa Bay, Florida: 813.714.3960

Denise Clemence, CCIM has dedicated the past 20+ years to working with entrepreneurs nationally as a dedicated... Read Full Bio

Denise Clemence, CCIM has dedicated the past 20+ years to working with entrepreneurs nationally as a dedicated SBA Lender. Her consultative approach is instrumental when turning the dreams of business owners into reality. She is actively involved with CCIM, CREW, Business Brokers of Florida and Business Transition Council along with other local organizations. Living in Florida Denise loves spending time with her daughter at the beach, traveling internationally and is a fan of live concerts and theatre. Close Bio

Marissa Ames, First Vice President, SBA Lending
Education: Texas A & M University, BS in Human Sciences
MS in Guidance and Counseling
mames@44businesscapital.com
Miami, Florida: 305.788.0974

Marissa has over 21 years of financial services experience, focusing exclusively on SBA lending since 2005... Read Full Bio

Marissa has over 21 years of financial services experience, focusing exclusively on SBA lending since 2005. Marissa is a lifelong learner who loves to grow and thrives on challenges. She started her financial services career in construction monitoring serving many SBA lenders as her clients. It didn’t take long for Marissa’s bank clients to realize that she’d be a terrific SBA loan originator and Marissa’s never looked back. For more than 16 years Marissa has worked for national SBA lenders including Community South Bank, Wells Fargo, BankUnited, and First Internet Bank. Always performing at an elite level Marissa has been routinely recognized for providing outstanding customer service to her clients. Marissa particularly enjoys and excels at working closely with both entrepreneurs and referral sources to assess and structure the financing requirements of each small business borrower. Close Bio

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The 44 Advantage…

  • Access to the Decision Makers
  • Speed to Decision
  • No Loan Covenants

Our Clients…

  • Refinance existing debt
  • Purchase commercial real estate
  • Expand or purchase a business
  • Invest in new machinery & equipment
  • Improve company cash flow
  • Preserve Countless Jobs