Movers & Shakers: Sanjay Patel, Melissa Yorko & Michael Hershaft

April 30, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Sanjay Patel, Melissa Yorko & Michael Hershaft

Sanjay Patel Named Director of SBA Lending at Unity Bank

“Sanjay’s depth of experience in SBA lending and his long history of helping small businesses secure capital make him a strong addition to Unity Bank,” says James Hughes, CEO of Unity Bank. “He understands this business, knows how to build relationships, and will be a valuable resource for our customers and our SBA team.”

Unity Bank is pleased to announce that Sanjay T. Patel has joined the Bank as Director of SBA Lending. Patel brings more than 25 years of commercial and small business banking experience, with significant expertise in SBA lending, team leadership, and portfolio growth.

Patel has launched, led, and supervised SBA loan production departments for national and regional banks throughout his career. He has built a strong track record in originating SBA loans, developing lending teams, and supporting small businesses across a range of markets.

Earlier in his career, Patel spent 15 years at Unity Bank, where he advanced to Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager. During that time, he played a key role in expanding the Bank’s SBA platform, developing lending products, growing loan production, and helping broaden the Bank’s geographic reach.

Melissa Yorko Joins Huntington as Senior SBA Business Development Officer

Huntington National Bank has added Melissa Yorko as Senior SBA Business Development Officer, continuing to expand its SBA lending team. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Yorko brings more than 20 years of banking experience with a focus on SBA 7(a) and 504 lending.

“I’m honored and excited to be part of the Huntington Bank SBA team,” Yorko says.

She joins from TD Bank, where she spent over seven years as Vice President, SBA Development Officer, working across the Coastal Carolinas and North Florida markets. Her experience includes business acquisitions, partner buyouts, owner-occupied real estate, and refinancing. She previously held SBA roles at Wells Fargo, Regions Bank, and HomeBanc. Yorko has originated and structured SBA financing solutions throughout her career, supporting small business owners across a range of industries.

“Melissa will be a great addition to the SBA team,” states Paige Ratterman, Senior Talent Attraction Specialist at Huntington.

Port 51 Lending Appoints Michael Hershaft as SBA National Sales Manager

Port 51 Lending has named Michael Hershaft as SBA National Sales Manager, adding an experienced leader to its SBA platform.

Hershaft brings more than 24 years of commercial and SBA lending experience. He most recently served as Vice President, SBA Business Development Officer Team Lead at Celtic Bank.

He began his banking career in 1998 and has specialized in SBA lending since 2004. Over his career, he has originated more than $200 million in SBA funding for small business owners.

Hershaft focuses on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, including business acquisitions, commercial real estate purchases, debt refinancing, and expansion financing.