Coleman Movers & Shakers — Roxann Middleton Burns Joins California Bank of Commerce

October 12, 2017

By Bob Coleman
Editor, Coleman Movers and Shakers

Coleman Movers & Shakers — Roxann Middleton Burns Joins California Bank of Commerce

Roxann Middleton Burns Joins California Bank of Commerce as Executive Vice President of its New Emerging Business Division

“Roxann has built an excellent reputation in the Small Business Administration lending market in the Bay Area, both as a highly productive lending manager and as an innovator in the business lending field,” says Terry Peterson, President and CEO.

Burns has been actively involved in SBA lending for over 25 years. She has managed SBA loan portfolios in excess of $650 million and national SBA lending departments on both the east and west coast.

In addition to her SBA experience, Roxann’s career has included extensive work with several community development organizations, CDFI’s and public agencies, including Opportunity Fund, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the California Environmental Redevelopment Fund, and several Economic Development Corporations based in California. Before joining California Bank of Commerce, Roxann was President of Crossroads Small Business Solutions, LLC. Formerly, Roxann was a Senior Vice President for SunTrust Bank, overseeing all aspects of SunTrust’s national SBA credit risk and operations.

Roxann earned a Master degree in Public Policy and Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

Carolyn Robinson Joins Acclivity Financial as VP, Business Development, Georgia

“I have known Carolyn for many years and admire her work as a proven veteran in the SBA space,” says Chief Executive Officer and President, Danny Preston. “I’m looking forward to seeing her hit the ground running.”

“I am very excited to join the Acclivity Financial team,” says Carolyn. “They have engineered their lending platform for success, and they are recognized in the industry for their efficient service and outstanding staff.”

Robinson began her financial career in Atlanta 35 years ago by diving into commercial Real Estate. She has since risen through sales, development and management roles to find her place among the highest-ranking SBA lenders in Georgia.

Carolyn graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Akron prior to receiving her MBA from Case Western Reserve University. She has maintained her Georgia Real Estate Broker license since 1986 and remains well connected in her market as a member of Georgia Quality Lender’s Circle, Georgia Association of Business Brokers, Southeast Franchise Forum, Risk Management Association and NAGGL.

Jana Rouble Joins Acclivity Financial as VP, Business Development, Texas

“As we expand our footprint, it’s crucial to align with tenured, top-performing BDOs,” says Danny Preston, Chief Executive Officer. “Jana makes a great addition to our team as a proven rep with intimate knowledge of the Texas market.”

“I am excited to join Acclivity Financial,” says Jana. “I’ve worked with most of the team and they are the best in the industry. I am pleased to offer my customers the swift execution of processing their loans with a company that is on the cutting edge.”

A longtime Dallas resident, Rouble has held similar roles with Fidelity Bank, Community South Bank, Huntington National Bank and Business Loan Express. During her career, she has produced over $250 million in SBA and USDA loans.

Rouble received a BSBA in Financial Management from The University of Arkansas. She is currently the President of the North Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. She previously was a board member of the Texas Association of Business Brokers and President of the Dallas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Philip Amico Joins Empire National Bank as VP and Sr. Commercial SBA Loan Officer

“Since the SBA guarantees up to 75 percent of 7(a) loans, there is a slightly lower threshold for qualifications, which gives more small businesses an opportunity to get financing. We want to build this with a conservative approach and build it the proper way,” Chairman and CEO Douglas Manditch says.

Empire had about $500 million in loans outstanding as of Sept. 30. Manditch said SBA 7(a) loans could add about $35 million to its portfolio in 2018.

Philip Amico, who had been a vice president at Lake Success-based Newtek Small Business Finance LLC, has joined Empire as vice president and senior commercial SBA loan officer.

Empire has four branches on Long Island and one branch in Manhattan.

Rabhar Ameri Joins Atlantic Stewardship Bank as SBA Department Head

“We congratulate Rahbar on his new role at the bank and look forward to the contributions he will bring as the Director of our SBA Program. Rahbar is committed to the goals of our organization and a firm believer in our Tithing Program,” says CEO Van Ostenbridge of the New Jersey-based bank.
Ameri previously served as vice president of Kearny Bank’s Small Business Administration, and has 25 years of retail banking experience.