Movers & Shakers: David Harper, Ellie Kauffman, & Josh Rawls

March 19, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: David Harper, Ellie Kauffman, & Josh Rawls

David Harper Joins North State Bank’s Government Lending Team as VP and BDO

North State Bank has announced the addition of David Harper to its Government Lending team, strengthening the bank’s ability to support small business growth across the Carolinas and beyond. Harper joins as Vice President and Business Development Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in financial services, with a specialized focus on SBA lending.

Harper’s career spans nearly three decades in commercial real estate and financial services, where he has developed a strong reputation for helping businesses access capital and scale effectively. His expertise in the SBA 504 loan program positions him as a valuable asset to North State Bank’s expanding government lending operations.

Prior to joining North State Bank, Harper spent eight years with Provident Business Financial Services, Inc. in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harper is deeply engaged in community and industry organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the CLIMB Fund, a South Carolina-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), where he also contributes to the Executive and Loan Committees.

Ellie Kauffman Promoted to SBA Business Development Officer at Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank has promoted Ellie Kauffman to SBA Business Development Officer. She brings 18 years of experience in financial services, with a focus on SBA lending, business loans, and small business banking.

Kauffman specializes in financing for mergers and acquisitions, business expansions, and startups, and works with borrowers and brokers to provide term sheets and prequalification support.

She has been with Huntington for over eight years, previously serving as SBA Business Banking Portfolio Manager and Branch Manager AVP. Earlier in her career, she held roles in community banking and mortgage operations.

Kauffman is based in the Greater Wilmington area and holds an associate degree in business from Kent State University at Tuscarawas. Her promotion reflects Huntington’s continued investment in SBA lending and small business growth.

Josh Rawls Joins Banesco USA as SBA Business Development Officer

Josh Rawls has joined Banesco USA as a Nationwide SBA Business Development Officer, based in Birmingham, Alabama.

He brings more than 20 years of banking experience, with expertise in SBA lending for business acquisitions, partner buy-outs, owner-occupied commercial real estate, and pari passu transactions.

Prior to joining Banesco USA, Rawls spent nearly four years with 44 Business Capital and previously held roles at Regions Bank as SBA Banker/Vice President, SBA underwriter, commercial underwriter, and branch manager.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Banking and Finance from The University of Southern Mississippi.