Coleman Movers & Shakers — Bruce Lammers, John Rock, Jason Okuhama, G. Hunt Dawkins, Denise DiDonato
May 23, 2019
By Bob Coleman
Editor, Coleman Movers & Shakers
Coleman Movers & Shakers — Bruce Lammers, John Rock, Jason Okuhama, G. Hunt Dawkins, Denise DiDonato
Bruce Lammers Retires from Byline Bank
“Retirement for me is a bittersweet moment,” says Bruce. “I’ve had a rewarding career, and having the ability to work with inspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to help them build their dreams is something I will truly miss. I have been fortunate to work alongside respected colleagues with whom I share a common commitment to our customers and our mission.” Bruce shared that he looks forward to new challenges and said he will be moving on to a new opportunity in the public sector in Washington, D.C. which will be announced at a later date.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Bruce since our acquisition of Ridgestone Financial in 2016 and to have benefited from his leadership, vast experience and knowledge,” says Alberto Paracchini, President and Chief Executive Officer of Byline. “Bruce’s passion for and commitment to helping small businesses grow will leave a mark on this Company and the industry as a whole.”
Bruce joined Byline Bank in September 2016 as part of its acquisition of Ridgestone Bank, where he served as President and CEO since 2006. He has been a passionate advocate for the U.S. small business community and the government-guaranteed lending industry throughout his career. Bruce and his team were instrumental in building a business recognized consistently as a Top 10 SBA Lender nationally and achieved #1 SBA lender status in Illinois and Wisconsin annually.
He has held positions on the board of NAGGL (National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders) and is an established leader throughout the SBA and USDA.
John Rock Named Senior Vice President of First Bank & Trust Company
“Since First Bank & Trust Company offers SBA, USDA Business & Industry and Rural Development Loans, we can provide financing to eligible small businesses that would not ordinarily qualify for loans through traditional lending sources,” says William H. Hayter, Chairman and CEO. “I am confident that John will do an outstanding job leading this effort to expand our loan program to better serve the credit needs of small businesses in our community.”
John has 36 years of banking experience, and has been with First Bank & Trust Company since 2008. In his new role, he will be responsible for growing small business loans throughout the Bank’s footprint in Virginia and Tennessee.
Jason Okuhama Rejoins Thomas USAF as Executive Vice President
Jason Okuhama was formerly Vice President of B&I Lending, USDA’s largest B&I lender in the early 2000’s In 2001 when Mike Thomas sold B&I Lending to Bridgeview Bank, Jason remained with the bank and in charge of B&I lending in Hawaii. When Bridgeview Bank exited B&I lending, Jason became an independent originator of B&I, SBA and FSA loans in Hawaii. Hel held this position until 2019 when he rejoined Thomas USAF as Executive Vice President.
Axiom Bank Promotes G. Hunt Dawkins to Vice President, SBA Division Manager
“By understanding the challenges local small business owners face, Hunt has been finding customized solutions that allow for growth and new jobs in Central Florida,” says Ted Sheppe, Axiom’s executive vice president of Commercial Banking. “We’re excited to have Hunt leading our effort in continuing to build a strong SBA business for the benefit of customers and the community.”
Hunt has more than three decades of experience in banking. He joined Axiom Bank in 2018 as VP, commercial relationship manager.
Denise DiDonato Appointed Vice President, Credit Administration Officer at Bay State Savings Bank
Denise previously, she served as Vice President, Credit Administration Manager at Savings Institute Bank & Trust in Willimantic, CT. She has also served as Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager at Bank Rhode Island and Assistant Vice President of Small Business Lending at Citizens Bank in Rhode Island.
She bears over 30 years of bank, credit, and lending experience.
In 2014, Mrs. DiDonato received the Rhode Island Small Business Administration Financial Champion Award.
Upcoming SBA Lending Professional Industry Events
America West Small Business Lending Summit 2019, June 11-13, 2019, Rancho Mirage
Great Lakes Lenders Conference, July 23-25, Detroit
America East Small Business Lending Conference 2019, August 14, 2019, Mashantucket
Music City Small Business Lenders Conference, August 26-28, 2019, Nashville
FLAGGL Small Business Lenders Conference, September 18, 2019, Orlando
Lend360, September 25-27 2019, Dallas
National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers, October 4-6, Henderson, NV
Upcoming Coleman Webinars
How to Prepare the SBA Credit Memo Under the SBA SOP 50 10 5 (K)
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2019
SBA 7(a) Litigation Plans Compliance, CPC Expense Reimbursement, Wrap-Up Reports Filing Webinar
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Six Critical SBA Loan Portfolio Servicing Actions You Must Perform in 2019 to Improve Your PARRiS Score
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2019