Coleman Movers & Shakers – Chris Levy, Michael Madison, Samantha Barnett, and National Rural Lenders’ Roundtable

October 20, 2022

Delaney Sexton
Contributing Editor

Coleman Movers & Shakers – Chris Levy, Michael Madison, Samantha Barnett, and National Rural Lenders’ Roundtable

Pursuit Names Chris Levy Chief Executive Officer

Commenting on his succession, outgoing Chief Executive Officer Patrick MacKrell says: “I am confident that Chris will be an exceptional leader while advancing our long-standing mission of providing access to capital to small businesses. Chris is positioned to uphold Pursuit as a premier SBA lender and resource for small businesses. Chris will demonstrate innovation by fully leveraging technology to be at the forefront of small business lending and industry trends to meet business owners’ financing needs.”

“Chris’s appointment to Chief Executive Officer reflects Pursuit’s commitment to excellence,” says Daryl Forsythe, Chair of Pursuit’s Board of Directors. “Chris’s leadership will enhance Pursuit’s longstanding mission of ensuring diverse business owners have the resources and support needed to grow their small businesses and create positive economic impact in their communities.”

After interning with Pursuit, Chris joined the team full-time in 2012 as an underwriter. Chris Levy has previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pursuit, where he headed all company operations, shaping policies, culture, and growth. Chris’s deep knowledge of SBA underwriting, credit, policy management, and team management has allowed him to continue to expand his role at Pursuit throughout his tenure. Chris oversaw Pursuit’s administration of the Paycheck Protection Program, which resulted in over 11,000 loan approvals for $780 million. Chris’s leadership has resulted in thousands of small businesses obtaining financing to start and grow their operations.

Chris was a member of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40 class in 2022 and received the Coleman Report 2019 SBA Emerging Lender of the Year award. Chris holds a BS in Finance from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business and received his Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

Reflecting on his appointment and MacKrell’s succession, Levy says: “I’m honored to be leading the Pursuit team. Our staff brings decades of experience and immeasurable commitment to their work. Under Pat’s leadership, Pursuit experienced substantial growth, entered new markets, responded when disaster struck, and implemented new initiatives. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to grow Pursuit and assist small businesses.”

Climate First Bank Welcomes Michael Madison as VP, SBA Lender

“This is an all-star team of people,” Climate First Bank Founder and CEO Ken LaRoe says. “Everyone is here because they truly believe in how we’re able to be a force for good through finance. As people and investors care more about the environment, our growth is a tangible example of how being mission-aligned improves talent acquisition.”

With nearly 15 years of banking experience, Michael Madison’s primary focus at Climate First Bank is using SBA 7(a) and 504 programs to help small businesses obtain the funding they need to accomplish their goals. Madison specializes in business acquisitions, expansions, real estate and franchise lending. Michael Madison joins 11 other new hires at Climate First Bank.

Samantha Barnett Comes to Countybank as SBA Business Development Associate

“We could not be more thrilled to see both our SBA team and services expanding with the addition of Samantha and our new Express Loans,” says Pick Pickhardt, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager of Countybank. “I know that she will make an excellent addition to Countybank, and we’re looking forward to utilizing her wealth of experience in the banking industry.”

Countybank is excited to welcome Samantha Barnett to the team and to introduce the SBA 7(a) Express Loan to its line of products. Barnett comes to Countybank with more than 10 years of experience in retail banking, loan origination, and customer service. In her role as SBA Business Development Associate, she will be responsible for generating new SBA eligible loan opportunities while working closely with the lending team to achieve its goals. She previously served as Financial Sales Manager at First Citizens Bank in Greenville as well as on the Mauldin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

22nd Annual National Rural Lenders’ Roundtable

Thursday, December 8th, 2022 – The Phoenix Park Hotel – Washington DC
Register HERE!

SBA Lending Conference Schedule 2023

Southeastern Small Business Lenders Conference – February 12-14 – Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

America West Small Business Lending Conference – March 14-16 – San Diego, CA

Mid-America Lenders Conference – April 19-21 – JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Great Lakes Lenders Conference – July – TBD

America East Small Business Lenders Conference – August 16-18 – Encore Boston Harbor, A Wynn Resort

FLAGGL – September 20-22 – JW Mariott Orlando Grande Lakes

Kentucky Small Business Lenders Conference – November – Louisville, KY