Movers & Shakers: Erin Shannon, Lane Mentaberry & Nicole Hawkland

July 30, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Erin Shannon, Lane Mentaberry & Nicole Hawkland

Erin Shannon Named Vice President & SBA Lending Manager of Commencement Bank

“As a community bank, we believe clients need access to knowledgeable bankers who specialize in these funding programs,” says Nigel English, president and chief operating officer of Commencement Bank. “Working with someone who focuses solely on SBA lending improves the process on all sides and enhances our client experience. Erin’s extensive knowledge and proven ability to build successful SBA programs will further strengthen our support of local business owners.”

Commencement Bank has appointed Erin Shannon as vice president and SBA lending manager, expanding its small business lending capabilities with a dedicated leader for SBA financing. Shannon will serve as the bank’s subject matter expert and operational lead for all SBA lending activities, overseeing program management and helping business owners navigate SBA financing options.

She brings more than 20 years of banking experience with expertise in SBA lending, including loan operations, commercial and industrial loan processing, servicing, compliance and program administration. Most recently, Shannon was an SBA loan specialist at Washington Trust Bank. Before that, she served as vice president and SBA manager at 1st Security Bank of Washington, where she established and led the bank’s SBA department, developed lending policies and procedures, trained lending teams, and managed both SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs.

“Joining Commencement Bank is an exciting opportunity to help expand access to SBA financing for businesses throughout our communities,” Shannon states. “I look forward to working alongside a team that shares a commitment to relationship banking and helping local businesses succeed.”

Lane Mentaberry Joins Gesa Credit Union as SBA Lender

Lane Mentaberry has joined Gesa Credit Union as an SBA Lender, where he will originate SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for small businesses across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

In his new role, Mentaberry will focus on financing business acquisitions, commercial real estate, expansion projects, working capital, and equipment purchases, helping entrepreneurs access capital to grow their businesses.

Mentaberry brings more than six years of lending experience to Gesa, most recently serving as a Commercial Lender and Business Banker at Idaho Trust Bank. During his banking career, he has worked across commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending, private banking, and business banking before choosing to specialize in SBA lending.

In announcing his new role on LinkedIn, Mentaberry said the new position allows him to concentrate on what he has found most rewarding throughout his lending career: partnering with small business owners and helping them grow their businesses.

Nicole Hawkland Joins Mountain America Credit Union as SBA Loan Officer

Nicole Hawkland has joined Mountain America Credit Union as an SBA Loan Officer. She brings experience from a nonbank SBA lender and holds multiple SBA certifications in credit underwriting, loan processing and closing, servicing, and business development.

Hawkland specializes in helping small businesses secure strategic financing to support acquisitions, expansion, working capital, and long-term growth. She is passionate about guiding business owners through complex financial decisions and providing the resources they need to succeed.

Hawkland says her work is driven by the belief that small businesses are the backbone of the economy. She enjoys building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their growth goals through tailored financing solutions.

Outside of work, Hawkland enjoys golfing, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, and exploring new restaurants.