NADCO Names 2025 Board of Directors

October 9, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher, Coleman Report

NADCO Names 2025 Board of Directors

Congratulations to all newly and re-elected NADCO 2025 Board Members!

The following individuals have been elected to the Board of Directors. They take office effective October 16, 2025.

Regional Directors:

Region 1 – Erik Adams, Bay Colony Development Corp.

Erik Adams joined Bay Colony Development in 2010. He oversees sales, marketing, and lending at Bay Colony. After graduating from the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst, he moved to California to begin his career in SBA Lending. He spent 6 years providing expanding companies in Southern California with 504 financing. Now with Bay Colony, Erik and the Bay Colony lending team are helping to make such financing available to firms in New England. Outside of his professional life, Erik enjoys playing guitar, golf, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Region 3 – Joe Distefano, REDCO

Joe DiStefano joined REDCO after nearly 15 years as a commercial lender with a regional bank. As president of REDCO, he oversees all aspects of credit underwriting, loan processing, strategic planning, business development, and marketing. A seasoned financial services professional with nearly 30 years of leadership and commercial banking experience, Joe brings expertise in small business lending, risk analysis, and relationship management. Joe enjoys giving back to the community through his involvement with local organizations and nonprofits, including serving on the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Finance Committee and supporting the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Economic Development.

Region 5 – Sara Vanhala, Growth Capital Corp

Sara Vanhala joined Small Business Growth Corporation in 2007 after relocating with her family to Springfield, Illinois. As Director of Communications, Assistant to the President, and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, she leads marketing, outreach, and communication efforts that highlight the availability and impact of the SBA 504 Loan Program. With extensive experience in marketing, public relations, advocacy, and corporate governance, Sara has played a key role in supporting Growth Corp’s position as Illinois’ largest 504 lender. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from Southern Illinois University and enjoys freelance design work and time with her three children.

Region 7 – Wes Darnell, RMI Inc.

Wes Darnell joined RMI Business Finance in 2016 as a Loan and Portfolio Manager, gaining valuable experience in 504 loan servicing. In 2021, he became a 504 Loan Officer, responsible for processing, underwriting, and packaging loans through the Sacramento Processing Center. Wes holds a JD from the University of Missouri School of Law, a master’s degree in Accounting, and a BS in Accounting from St. Louis University, along with a CPA certificate. His background includes roles with the St. Louis County Economic Council and Elliot, Robinson & Company, LLP. Wes also provides legal consultation to the NADCO Governance Committee and brings broad expertise in finance, law, and CDC operations.

Region 9 – Hilda Kennedy, AmPac Business Capital

Hilda Kennedy is the Founder and President of AmPac Business Capital, established in 2005 as the nation’s only faith-based SBA lender. With a background as Director of Economic Development for the City of Inglewood, she founded AmPac to expand access to capital for underserved small businesses. Under her leadership, AmPac has delivered over $1 billion in loans, created thousands of jobs, and launched programs including SBA Microlending, CDFI, and Community Advantage lending. Hilda also created AmPac’s Entrepreneur Ecosystem to provide training and resources for small business growth. Her vision is to uplift communities and strengthen families through entrepreneurship.

At-Large Directors:

Michael Kinninger, Twin Cities Metro CDC

Michael Kinninger is an SBA 504 Lender at Twin Cities-Metro Certified Development Company, where he helps small businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing for growth and expansion. He previously served as Executive Director and Loan Officer at the Ohio Statewide Development Corporation and as an Economic Development Coordinator with the Ohio Department of Development. Michael holds a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University.

Danny Mangum, Mountain West Small Business Finance

Danny Mangum is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Mountain West Small Business Finance, where he has worked since 2010. In this role, he oversees operations, lending strategy, and business development supporting SBA 504 financing across Utah and neighboring regions. Previously, Danny held lending and credit analysis positions at Zions Bank. He earned a Master’s in Human Resources from Utah State University and a B.A. in Economics and Marketing from the University of Utah. With more than 15 years in SBA lending, Danny is recognized for his leadership in small business finance and community development.

Laurel Walk, B:Side Capital

Laurel Walk serves as Chief Operating Officer at B:Side Capital, where she leads loan production, closing, portfolio management, and direct lending teams. Since joining the organization in 2008, she has been instrumental in building strong lending partnerships, guiding staff and stakeholders, and communicating key SBA program updates. Laurel is deeply committed to advancing B:Side’s mission of expanding access to responsible capital for small businesses. Her leadership and enthusiasm extend beyond the office through active community involvement and volunteerism. With over 15 years of impact, Laurel continues to strengthen both B:Side’s internal operations and the broader small business economy.

Mark Williams, Michigan Certified Development Corp

Mark Williams has served as President of the Michigan Certified Development Corporation (MCDC) since 2015. With a finance career spanning more than four decades, he began as a bank teller in 1982 and built extensive expertise in credit analysis, loan review, portfolio management, and loan origination. A longtime advocate for SBA lending, Mark completed his first 504 loan with MCDC in 1999 and remains passionate about how SBA programs strengthen businesses and communities across Michigan. He also serves on the board of a statewide mission-based lender. Mark holds a B.A. in Financial Administration from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.

The Board Officers will be elected next week, on site during the NADCO NOW Conference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Elaine Fairman, the NADCO Election Subcommittee Chair or Denise Ripley on the NADCO staff.