Coleman Movers & Shakers — Brian Comiskey, Gerald Schoffler, Tony Leta, Richard Stefani, Dime Community Bank

January 17, 2019

By Bob Coleman
Editor, Coleman Movers and Shakers

Coleman Movers & Shakers — Brian Comiskey, Gerald Schoffler, Tony Leta, Richard Stefani, Dime Community Bank

Brian Comiskey Named EVP and Chief Lending Officer of SomerCor

“Brian’s extensive loan origination experience and SBA 504 expertise will significantly contribute to our growth plan,” says Manny Flores, president and CEO, of Illinois-based SomerCor. “Our focus is the excellent delivery of financing options to small businesses in close and trusted collaboration with lenders and the Small Business Administration. Brian is a strong leader with influence and credibility. His passion for building client relationships and serving small businesses, along with his SBA knowledge, will shine through in his new role as we continue our mission to be an outstanding CDC.”

“I am honored to be leading the effort to transform SomerCor’s lending programs to provide the highest level of service to our clients and to extend our outreach in the markets we serve,” says Brian.

In addition to past roles at Growth Corp and SomerCor, Comiskey has held roles at The Money Store Investment Corporation and the First National Bank of Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Arizona State University. Comiskey received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in finance, strategic management and entrepreneurship. Comiskey is a Certified Public Accountant and he served as Co-Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Board in the Village of Orland Park.

Harvest Names 3 BDOs — Gerald Schoffler, Tony Leta, Richard Stefani

Tony Leta has been name Senior Vice President and BDO for the East, Gerald Schoffler, SVP and BDO for the South and Richard Stefani SVP and BDO for Northern California.

Says Co-Managing Director and Chief Origination Officer Todd Massas, “We continue to add tremendous talent across the United States, expanding our reach into the local markets.”

Co-Managing Director Chief Origination Officer Adam Seery adds, “Our newest group of business development officers are highly respected and add tremendous value to the small business community seeking fast, easy, and flexible financing.”

TONY LETA

Previously, Leta spent 10 years with the US Small Business Administration. He joined SBA in its Senior Executive Service Candidate Development attaining his SES certificate in September 2010. During his time with SBA, he has held positions at headquarters and in Field offices, including acting Deputy District Director in the Eastern Pennsylvania District office and Director in Delaware. He also served as Deputy Associate Administrator for Capital Access, overseeing all SBA loan programs. Most recently, he spent 4 years as Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Eastern Pennsylvania District Office.

Leta comes to SBA with an extensive background in marketing, sales, and general management in the private sector. Early in his career, he worked for seven years with Kraft/General Foods in Southern California in various capacities in marketing and sales.

Leta holds a BS in marketing from Syracuse University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. ​

RICHARD STEFANI

Richard has over 33 years of SBA industry experience ranging from business development to senior management.

GERALD SCHOFFLER

Gerald, a 24-year veteran of the retail banking, commercial banking and mortgage lending industries.

Dime Community Bank Received PLP

Kenneth J. Mahon, President and Chief Executive Officer says, “The receipt of PLP designation continues our journey towards becoming a successful community commercial bank. Earning this designation reflects our dedication to serving small businesses, which are essential to the economic vibrancy of our local communities.”

Dime Community Bank is based in Brooklyn.

Upcoming SBA Lending Professional Industry Events

Southeastern Small Business Lenders Conference 2019, March 13, 2019, Asheville 
America West Small Business Lending Summit 2019, June 11, 2019, Rancho Mirage

America East Small Business Lending Conference 2019, August 14, 2019, Mashantucket

Music City Small Business Lenders Conference, August 28-29, 2019, Nashville