Coleman Movers & Shakers — Jennifer Baker, Shane Knighton, Tim Anderson

Januray 10, 2019

By Bob Coleman
Editor, Coleman Movers & Shakers

Coleman Movers & Shakers — Jennifer Baker, Shane Knighton, Tim Anderson

Jennifer Baker Named Columbia River EDC President

“I am thrilled that I was selected to lead the CREDC team. I’m eager to engage with the staff and board members as we position our communities to manage current economic opportunities and future challenges optimally,” says Baker. “A considerable amount of effort went into creating the Clark County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, and there will be much work to do as we continue building out this vision into actionable channels. I pledge to represent CREDC with the high-level of professionalism and polish for which it is reputed, and I look forward to facilitating the strong collaboration and partnerships that help make Clark County an unparalleled place to live, work and play.”

Baker has worked for the past eight years at SBA’s Portland office. She worked the first three years as the office’s economic development outreach manager, and became the office’s deputy district director in 2014.

While serving in the Small Business Administration, Baker also served as an advisory board member for the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs and the Women’s Business Center at Mercy Corps Northwest.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Jennifer’s caliber lead the organization,” syas Casey Wyckoff, board chair of CREDC. “Jennifer brings a wealth of experience that will propel the team to new heights. I am confident Jennifer’s leadership will continue the strong momentum toward accomplishing the goals of our Economic Development Plan as we embark on year two of execution.”

Prior to joining the Small Business Administration, Baker worked in a number of different business and trade fields, including four years as an international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2004 to 2008.

She received her bachelor’s in Modern Languages and International Studies from Pacific University, and her master’s in International Policy with a focus on trade and development from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California.

Shane Knighton Named Member Business Lending President

“Shane brings a unique set of talents, which pairs marketing and business lending experience. He has seen the process from both sides, and we believe that, along with his managerial skills, will help drive MBL into the future.” says Joseph Schroeder, Chairman of MBL’s Board of Directors, and CEO of Ventura County Credit Union.

Knighton played a significant role in growing MBL’s client base during his first sojourn with the company from 2005 to 2014. During his tenure, MBL’s client base grew from three credit union clients to 50. Today the company provides services to 62 credit unions in 18 states.

He left MBL in 2014 to serve as Vice President of Business Services for Western Federal Credit Union (now Unify Financial Credit Union) where he led the newly formed business services team to over $42 million in annual loan production in its first year.

Altogether, Knighton has over 17 years of commercial lending experience. His areas of expertise include commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loan programs, encompassing all aspects of commercial lending from origination to liquidation.

“Shane’s return comes at a pivotal time for MBL. Although, we have seen tremendous growth over the past four years, with our serviced portfolio surpassing three-quarters of a billion dollars, and experiencing an average growth rate exceeding 35%, MBL has only just begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Shane’s vision for the future, paired with his passion for technology is exactly what MBL needs at this time!” says retiring interim CEO, Gordon Dames.

Tim Anderson Joins Radius Bank as VP/National Sales Manager

“Tim brings to the Bank an extensive background in building and growing SBA government guaranteed financing programs,” says Chicago-based Executive Vice President / National Director of Government Guaranteed Lending, Diane Gallion. “Having built his career in business lending from relationship manager to SBA lending manager, Tim will be an asset to the loan originations team as both a mentor and a leader.”

Before joining Radius, Tim was previously Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager at Aquesta Bank, where he focused on developing the bank’s SBA lending guidelines and implementing a streamlined process for reviewing, approving, closing, and servicing SBA 7(a) and Express loans. Prior to Aquesta, Tim was a Vice President with the SBA Division at TD Bank where he developed lending opportunities, working with the bank’s customers and bankers as well as with external non-bank Centers of Influence – CPAs, Attorneys, Commercial Real Estate and Business Brokers – to drive growth. He has also held positions with PNC Bank, First Trust Bank, Wachovia Bank, and First Union.