The updated structure includes seven distinguished and independent directors
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SmartBiz Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), a leader in small business lending, today officially announced its Board, Management, and Organizational structure, which underscores the Bank's commitment to excellence, corporate integrity, and a mission-driven approach to serving small businesses nationwide. This news follows SmartBiz’s acquisition of United Community Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centrust Bank, N.A., in March 2025.
The Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management team will combine long-standing community ties, successful experience overseeing Centrust Bank’s existing business, and deep subject matter expertise in small business lending, risk management, and financial services technology to provide strong oversight of the Bank.
Evan Singer will continue as Chief Executive Officer, now of SmartBiz Bank, and as Chair of the Board. Gerard Buccino, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Centrust Bank, is now President of SmartBiz Bank and will continue to serve on the Board.
The Board will further benefit from the expertise and strategic guidance of seven distinguished independent directors:
- Brian Ascher: Partner at Venrock, a prominent fintech investor, and former Senior Product Manager at Intuit, responsible for Quicken and Quicken.com.
- Tim Bogan: Senior financial services and risk management executive known for leading LendingClub’s successful acquisition of Radius Bank and establishing LendingClub Bank, with prior leadership roles at Charles Schwab and Freddie Mac.
- Lori Igleski: Seasoned banking executive renowned for her expertise in post-acquisition integration, notably leading the integration of MB Financial Bank into Fifth Third Bank, and previously serving as Chief Credit Officer for asset-based lending at Bank One before its merger with JPMorgan Chase.
- Hope Mehlman: Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Ally Financial Inc. and Ally Bank, where she oversees the organization's legal, compliance, government relations, environmental sustainability, and Community Reinvestment Act teams. Most recently, she served as Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Discover Financial Services. Earlier, she served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Bank of the West, Corporate Secretary of BNP Paribas USA, and as a senior executive at Regions Bank.
- Ann Marie Mehlum: Founding CEO of Summit Bank in Oregon, former SBA Associate Administrator of Capital Access, overseeing a lending portfolio surpassing $100 billion.
- Sean O’Malley: As the Chief Executive Officer of Scale360.AI, he is an entrepreneur and board member specializing in building AI agent systems for financial institutions. With expertise spanning credit markets, supply chain, fintech, AI agents, and blockchain technologies, he is recognized for his innovative contributions to the financial technology sector.
- Noah Walley: Senior advisor at Patricia Industries, former co-head of Patricia Industries, technology investor, and former investment banker at N.M. Rothschild and Sons.
“I’m honored and proud of the experts who have joined our Board and management team. Their expertise and skills will only strengthen our ability to provide small businesses with best-in-class services and a trusted banking partner,” said Singer. “I'm looking forward to continuing to collaborate with such accomplished leaders as we shape the future of small business banking nationwide."
Collectively, the Board members bring deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, strong oversight, and a shared dedication to empowering small businesses through innovative and accessible banking solutions. This expansion strategically positions SmartBiz Bank to enhance risk management and governance, drive continued growth, and amplify its positive impact on businesses in the Chicago community and nationwide in a safe and sound manner.
For more information about SmartBiz Bank’s Board of Directors and management team, visit: smartbizbank.com/board
About SmartBiz Bank, N.A.
SmartBiz Bank N.A. was formed in 2025 when SmartBiz Loans, a leader in small business lending, acquired Centrust Bank, known for its excellence in small business community banking. SmartBiz Bank provides a range of technology-enabled banking solutions for small businesses, including offering SBA loans nationally, personalized customer service, and a commitment to compliance and transparency that delivers an exceptional banking experience. SmartBiz is headquartered in Chicago, IL, with offices in Austin, TX, and San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit smartbizbank.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts
Liz Hunt
liz.hunt@smartbizloans.com