Movers & Shakers — Connie Amason, Gay Schwer, Citadel Credit Union
May 15, 2025
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
Movers & Shakers — Connie Amason, Gay Schwer, Citadel Credit Union
Peoples Bank Welcomes Back Connie Amason as VP / SBA Operations Manager
“Bringing Connie back into the Peoples Bank family is an exciting moment for us,” says Dennis Ammann, CEO of Peoples Bank. “Her knowledge, leadership, and genuine care for her team and clients make her an invaluable asset as we continue to grow our SBA program.”
Connie brings with her nearly two decades of dedicated experience in SBA operations and lending. In her new role, she will assist in managing the daily operations of the SBA Department, ensuring loan compliance with SBA regulations, and supporting staff and loan personnel on eligibility issues. Her primary focus will include collaborating with Loan Officers to manage purchasing requests, assist with audits, and support monthly reporting efforts.
Connie originally joined Peoples Bank in 2006 as a Poultry Loan Assistant, working closely with SBA lending efforts. Over the years, she played a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the SBA program at Peoples Bank. By 2008, she had earned the position of SBA Lending Coordinator, and in 2013 was promoted to AVP / SBA Lending Officer. During this time, she oversaw the growth of the department and led key strategic initiatives, culminating in a 2018 promotion to VP / SBA Lending Officer during the Bank’s SBA expansion efforts. In 2024, Connie briefly departed to serve as VP / Government Loans Manager at Trustmark, where she led underwriting and promotion of SBA loan programs. In March 2025, Connie made her return to Peoples Bank—bringing her expertise, leadership, and passion for SBA lending back to her home institution.
Amason remains active in professional development, regularly attending training and conferences through SBA, NAGGL, and Coleman Publishing. A former member of the NAGGL Small Lender East Committee (2013–2018), she is currently working toward her NAGGL Advanced Diploma certification.
Outside the office, Connie is an active member of Christway Church of God in Flowood, MS, where she serves on the Ladies Board. She and her husband of 42 years, Dale Amason, have one son, a daughter-in-law, and two beloved grandchildren.
Stone Bank Adds Gay Schwer as Vice President
Gay Schwer has joined Stone Bank as a vice president and business development officer. Schwer specializes in government-guaranteed loans and will be headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
She is a is a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry and was formerly associated with August Enterprises in St. Louis. She is a graduate of Columbia College and earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University.
Citadel Credit Union Enters Philadelphia SBA Lending Market
“SBA’s primary mission, which I believe at its core is creating and maintaining jobs and local businesses in our communities, aligns with Citadel’s mission and our earliest roots in supporting Lukens Steel employees,” says Michael Desimone, Chief Lending Officer at Citadel Credit Union. “By supporting the financial well-being of local businesses, we create a ripple effect that strengthens our members and their communities. Partnering with the SBA gives us another avenue to expand our impact on financial wellness.”
“At Citadel, we are committed to strengthening communities by supporting the small businesses and their founders that drive our local economy. Our deep roots and longstanding history in the Greater Philadelphia region position us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Philadelphia’s small businesses,” says Bill Brown, CEO of Citadel Credit Union. “Becoming an SBA lender is a pivotal step in our mission, enabling us to provide resources to entrepreneurs and business owners who are working to grow their businesses, create jobs, and invest in the region. When combined with our enhanced Commercial Banking team, it allows us to offer business owners a truly holistic banking experience.”
Philadelphia’s small business community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, emerging as a cornerstone of the city’s economic vitality. With a dynamic ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators, the city has led the region in small business establishment increases, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 4.4% between 2012 and 2018. This growth translated to the creation of approximately 5,000 small businesses each year, showcasing the determination and creativity of Philadelphia’s business owners. As an SBA lender, Citadel is proud to play a key role in sustaining and accelerating this momentum by providing flexible funding options that empower businesses to expand, invest in their futures, and drive local economic progress.