Movers & Shakers: Rickey Pierce, Marie Lee-Utash & Jennifer Mayer

May 14, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Rickey Pierce, Marie Lee-Utash & Jennifer Mayer

Rickey Pierce Joins Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City as SBA 504 Commercial Loan Officer

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) has hired Rickey Pierce as SBA 504 Commercial Loan Officer. Pierce brings more than a decade of commercial banking and business lending experience to the organization, with a background in commercial lending, loan operations, underwriting, and business development throughout the Kansas City market.

Prior to joining EDCKC, Pierce served as Director of Loan Operations at Clay County Economic Development Council. He previously held commercial banking roles including Vice President Business Banking Officer at Academy Bank, Vice President Commercial Loan Officer at Hawthorn Bank, and Commercial Loan Officer at Clay County Savings Bank.

In his new role at EDCKC, Pierce will work with SBA 504 financing programs designed to help small businesses fund owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment purchases, and long-term expansion projects.

Marie Lee-Utash Promoted to SBA Digital Strategy Officer at Grasshopper Bank

Grasshopper Bank has promoted Marie Lee-Utash to SBA Digital Strategy Officer. Based in Warren, Michigan, Lee-Utash transitions into the role after serving as SBA Senior Underwriter at the bank since March 2025.

Lee-Utash brings nearly a decade of underwriting and government guaranteed lending experience to her new position. Prior to joining Grasshopper Bank, she spent more than seven years at Pathward as Commercial Underwriter III, specializing in small business lending and business loans. Her underwriting background includes experience with complex commercial lending products and SBA financing.

Before entering banking and lending, Lee-Utash worked in accounting and tax roles at Sun Communities & Sun RV Resorts, where she held positions including Corporate Tax Accountant, Associate Tax Accountant, Tax Office Assistant, and Accounting Intern.

Jennifer “Jenny” Mayer Joins Venturus as AVP, SBA Senior Credit Analyst

Venturus has hired Jennifer “Jenny” Mayer as Assistant Vice President and SBA Senior Credit Analyst. Based in Florida, Mayer brings more than seven years of SBA underwriting and credit analysis experience focused on SBA 7(a) lending and complex commercial credit transactions.

In her new role, Mayer underwrites SBA 7(a) and international trade loans, overseeing financial analysis, global cash flow assessments, due diligence, and transaction structuring from initial review through closing. She works closely with borrowers, lenders, and third-party partners to support efficient execution and regulatory compliance throughout the lending process.

Mayer began her banking career at BayFirst National Bank after earning a degree in Economics with a minor in Marine Science from Eckerd College. Her lending experience includes business acquisitions, debt refinance, working capital, owner-occupied commercial real estate, franchise financing, and international trade transactions. Earlier in her career, she also supported high-volume PPP lending operations and contributed to internal workflow enhancements designed to improve underwriting efficiency and consistency.