Movers & Shakers: Michael Miller, Elise Petras-Roper & Teresa Rogers

September 10, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Michael Miller, Elise Petras-Roper & Teresa Rogers

Michael Miller Named Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager at Loyal Trust Bank

Loyal Trust Bank has named Michael Miller Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager. Based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Miller brings decades of commercial banking experience and a background spanning business lending, credit analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, conventional and SBA lending, loan restructuring, and client relationship management.

In his new role, Miller will focus on managing and strengthening Loyal Trust Bank’s commercial loan portfolio while developing long-term client relationships and helping businesses achieve their financial goals. His experience covers the full commercial credit lifecycle, including relationship management, underwriting, SBA lending, portfolio administration, loan review, collections, and special assets.

Prior to joining Loyal Trust Bank, Miller spent more than 10 years with Embassy National Bank, most recently serving as Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager. He previously served as a portfolio manager at Georgia Primary Bank.

Outside of banking, Miller enjoys spending time with his wife, Veronica, as well as grilling, gardening, and photography.

American Momentum Bank Names Elise Petras-Roper Vice President, Business Development Officer III

“At American Momentum Bank, I see my role as more than just a national SBA lender — it is an opportunity to serve and empower,” Petras-Roper says. “Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the heart of our communities. I am committed to helping entrepreneurs secure the SBA financing they need to grow, create jobs and continue building the American dream.”

American Momentum Bank has hired Elise Petras-Roper as vice president, business development officer III, as the bank continues the national expansion of its SBA lending division. Based in Birmingham, Ala., Petras-Roper will originate Small Business Administration 7(a) loans of up to $5 million for businesses across the country, helping entrepreneurs secure financing to start, grow and strengthen their companies.

Petras-Roper brings 35 years of commercial banking experience to her new role, including 28 years specializing in SBA lending. During her career, Petras-Roper has provided more than $500 million in financing to businesses throughout the United States.

“Elise’s decades of SBA lending experience, proven track record and passion for helping small businesses succeed make her an outstanding addition to our team,” states Patrick Fenech, senior vice president and managing director of SBA lending at American Momentum Bank. “Her nationwide expertise and client-focused approach will further strengthen our SBA lending platform as we continue expanding our reach and supporting business owners across the country.”

Petras-Roper attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of California, Los Angeles. Her professional accomplishments include being named among The Victory Magazine’s 2025 Most Influential Business Women of the Year and featured on the publication’s cover. She previously served as a board member for a Georgia SBA Certified Development Company and remains active in community outreach through her local church, where she participates in seasonal charitable programs and teaches financial responsibility to high school students and
young adults.

Teresa Rogers Joins Dogwood State Bank as Business Lending Specialist

Dogwood State Bank, A Division of TowneBank Small Business Lending, has welcomed Teresa Rogers as a Business Lending Specialist. Based in Denver, Colorado, Rogers brings more than a decade of experience in SBA lending to the team.

Rogers began her career as an investment analyst, where she gained experience in commercial credit underwriting before transitioning into SBA lending. Her dedication to the industry and contributions to the SBA program have been recognized directly by the SBA.

In her new role, Rogers is focused on helping business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States find financing solutions that best fit their goals. She brings extensive SBA lending knowledge and experience to Dogwood State Bank, A Division of TowneBank.

Outside of work, Rogers embraces the active Colorado lifestyle and has a passion for travel. She has visited every MLB stadium and is just one stadium away from visiting every current NFL stadium.