The Small Business Assistance Corporation welcomed three new board members and four loan committee members during a New Member Orientation on October 4, 2023. New Board members are Paul Arvantides, Vice President of Innovation at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation and Trapper Griffith, Senior Vice President at Thomas County Federal. New Loan Committee members are Carol Coppola of Regions Bank, Chris Barr of The Claxton Bank, John Kirkland of Palmetto State, and Sean Spellman of South State Bank.

The SBAC board oversees the organization’s governance and strategic planning, and the Loan Committee investigates, reviews, and approves new loan applications. Board members contribute insight, business knowledge, and a strategic vision to the organization’s success.  Loan Committee members must have the financial acumen to ensure that SBAC is making sound credit decisions that will promote local economic development.

To ensure that the organization represents the community it serves, the SBAC board and loan committee must reflect a diversity of thought, background, and business knowledge.  Savannah SBAC President/CEO Victoria Saxton stated, “SBAC is delighted to welcome its new members. All our volunteers are invaluable; the experience and knowledge they bring to our organization is critical to ensuring that we stay on track and fulfill our mission.”

Many of the new board and loan committee members are leaders in the local financial sector, have histories with SBAC, and understand the organization’s core values.

Learn more about SBAC’s mission and company overview: https://sbacsav.com/organization-overview/