Coleman Movers & Shakers – Carolyn Calafiore, Maria Lawson, and David Baker

March 10, 2022

Delaney Sexton
Contributing Editor

Coleman Movers & Shakers – Carolyn Calafiore, Maria Lawson, and David Baker

First Bank of the Lake Welcomes Carolyn Calafiore as SVP, SBA Chief Operations Officer

“We are excited Carolyn has joined our team. Having a highly qualified professional in this key role to oversee the operations our SBA division will be invaluable to First Bank of the Lake,” states Annemarie Murphy, EVP and President of SBA Lending. “Carolyn has decades of experience, proven expertise and is an exceptional leader. She will be true asset for First Bank of the Lake.”

In this role, Calafiore will oversee operations of the SBA Loan Department, focused on processes and policies associated with all aspects of SBA lending, from loan closing through booking the loans. Calafiore joined First Bank of the Lake’s SBA team in January 2022. She has over 21 years of banking experience, including 10 years in SBA lending as a Portfolio Manager, Closing Group Manager and Business Development Officer, 7 years as the Closing Department Manager, Workout Officer and Loan Servicing Manager.

“I am looking forward to working with the entire First Bank of the Lake team,” states Calafiore. “I will focus my energy and passion on developing and implementing strategies, procedures and business plans needed to enhance company growth.”

Maria Lawson Joins Signature Bank of Georgia as SVP, Managing Director of Government Guaranteed Lending

“Welcoming Maria to the team with her highly respected reputation and credibility were critical attributes we’ve been looking for to lead our Government Guaranteed Lending efforts. Her incredibly successful track record in SBA and USDA lending speak volumes,” says Chief Lending Officer, Steve Reagin. “Maria never rests, and her dedication to her clients and referral partners is apparent through the strong network she’s built and maintains today. It is with great confidence and excitement that we welcome Maria to lead our distinctly different Government Guaranteed Lending Team.”

In this role, Maria will be responsible for the bank’s sales, service and portfolio management functions for SBA and USDA lending. With over 20 years of successful lending to small businesses, Maria will also be charged with accelerating the bank’s Government Guaranteed growth aspirations. The bank has been an active participant with the SBA since its inception in 2005. The bank received from the SBA, its PLP status in 2006 and has generated over 145 loans with gross approvals in excess of $116 million.

First Bank of the Lake Announces David Baker as VP, SBA Senior Business Development Officer

“We are excited David has joined our team,” states Annemarie Murphy, EVP and President of SBA Lending. “David will work with our team, mostly comprised of veterans, to help provide financing to the underserved and those who have served our country. We are so proud of the work our Veteran Loan team is doing to help veteran-owned businesses with their financing needs.”

Baker joined First Bank of the Lake’s SBA team in February 2022. He has over 10 years of SBA lending experience working with clients nationwide in a variety of industries including projects involving business acquisition, commercial real estate transactions, construction, equipment purchases, debt refinance, working capital and franchise lending. Baker has extensive expertise in SBA 7a and 504 Loans, International Trade/Export Loans, SBA CAP Lines, and USDA Business and Industry Loans. Baker served as an Infantry Officer in the US Army before working for architecture firms in Tennessee and Texas. He is also a member of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association.

“I’ve had the distinct privilege to serve as an Infantry Officer in the US Army and carry a deep understanding for the value, sacrifices, and capabilities that the veteran community possesses,” says Baker. “My background in community banking has afforded me the opportunity to lend to various types of businesses and industries. It has taught me the importance of knowing your customers which I believe is critical for building long-term relationships. I pride myself in always working to find creative and effective solutions to my customer’s financing needs.”

2022 SBA Lending Conferences

Southeastern Small Business Lenders Conference: March 9-11, Asheville, NC
Mid America Lenders Conference: April 11-13, Houston, TX
NAGGL Spring Conference: May 10-12, Atlanta, GA
Great Lakes Lenders Conference: July 19-21, Detriot, MI
America East SBA Lenders Conference: August 3-5, National Harbor, MD
Music City SBA Lenders Conference: August 10-12, Nashville TN
FLAGGL: September 21-23, Orlando, FL