Movers & Shakers: Sonny Ko, Tim Valentine, Eric Sievers & Shalita Hale

August 20, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Sonny Ko, Tim Valentine, Eric Sievers & Shalita Hale

Sonny Ko Promoted to Chief Production Officer at ReadyCap Lending

“Sonny’s SBA expertise, leadership experience, and industry relationships make him the right leader for our production organization,” says Gary Taylor, CEO of ReadyCap Lending. “As demand for SBA financing grows, Sonny will help us scale our platform, deepen partner engagement, and deliver an exceptional borrower experience.”

ReadyCap Lending has promoted Sonny Ko to Chief Production Officer, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its SBA 7(a) lending platform and helping small businesses access capital nationwide. Ko, who has been with ReadyCap for nearly 10 years, will lead SBA loan production, oversee national sales and business development, and drive growth across ReadyCap’s SBA lending operations.

An accomplished SBA lending veteran, Ko has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, expanding referral partner relationships, and delivering consistent production results.

“The SBA 7(a) program remains one of the most powerful financing tools available to America’s small businesses,” says Ko. “I’m excited to take on this role at ReadyCap and help more entrepreneurs access the capital they need to acquire, grow, and strengthen their businesses.”

Tim Valentine Added to Potomac Bank as Vice President and SBA Lending Officer

“Tim is a welcome addition to our team,” states Raymond Goodrich, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “He will help us expand our SBA portfolio and will fit well within our team-oriented culture.”

Potomac Bank has appointed Tim C. Valentine as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager, SBA Lending Officer. Valentine will be responsible for developing strong relationships with business owners and leaders in the Northern Virginia market, especially those who may benefit from SBA guaranteed loans.

Prior to joining Potomac Bank, Valentine most recently served as an SBA Relationship Manager with National Capital Bank. Prior banking experiences include SBA/Business Banking Portfolio Manager with John Marshall Bank and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager with Presidential Bank. He also served as a Credit Analyst with Aerotek.

Earning a BA in Economics and Finance from Moravian University, Valentine was Captain and a 4-year starter for the football team. As a resident of Arlington County, Virginia, Valentine provides temporary coaching support for All Star and high school football camps as well as personal training for college, high school, and youth athletes. He is also learning to relax with recent interest in fishing and golf.

Eric Sievers Joins Renasant Bank as First Vice President and SBA Banker

“We are pleased to welcome Eric to our SBA team! Eric joins us with many years of banking experience with a background in relationship banking and dedicated SBA lending,” states Matt Powell, SBA Banker, Senior Vice President. “Eric’s experience and numerous contacts in the Gulf region will be invaluable to providing the best SBA assistance for our bankers.”

Renasant Bank has welcomed Eric Sievers to its team as SBA Banker, First Vice President. Sievers is based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and focuses on nationwide SBA 7(a) lending.

Sievers brings more than 20 years of banking experience. He began his banking career with BancorpSouth after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi. During nearly 19 years with BancorpSouth, he served as a Branch Manager and Commercial Loan Officer. He later worked as a Business Development Officer with Cadence Bank and as a Business Development Officer in SBA Lending with Huntington National Bank before joining Renasant Bank in July 2026.

His experience includes SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional, and construction financing, as well as underwriting, workouts, branch management, commercial lending, credit analysis, and client relations. Sievers earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi with a focus in banking and finance.

Shalita Hale Joins MultiFunding as Business Loan Advisor

MultiFunding LLC has welcomed Shalita Hale to its team as a Business Loan Advisor, adding more than two decades of experience in small business and commercial finance to the firm. Throughout her career, Hale has worked with hundreds of business owners seeking the capital necessary to acquire companies, finance expansion, strengthen cash flow, and pursue new opportunities.

Hale brings extensive experience across SBA lending, including structuring and leading multimillion-dollar transactions for businesses across a wide range of industries within the small and midsize business market. Her track record includes helping business owners structure financing for acquisitions, working capital, refinancing, expansion, and debt consolidation. In previous lending roles, Hale has been involved in SBA 7(a) transactions ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million.

At MultiFunding, Hale will work directly with entrepreneurs to evaluate their financing needs and develop strategies aligned with their business objectives. Rather than approaching financing as a one-size-fits-all product, her work centers on understanding a company’s circumstances, identifying appropriate sources of capital, and structuring financing that supports both immediate needs and longer-term growth.