Q: How many years have you been in Private Lending and why did you enter this field?

I was a Finance major at Tulane University, which ultimately led me to a career in banking. I have worked in banking for over 20 years and have been working with private lender customers for just over three years. For the past seven-plus years, I have worked for Western Alliance Bank (WAB), a publicly traded bank headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Western Alliance is unique in that we have a division that focuses solely on the banking needs of Private Lenders (Note Finance). I have worked with that group for the last three years.

Q: Where did you get your start?

Directly after college, I went into a management training program with AmSouth Bank, (now Regions Financial), in Birmingham, Alabama. After the training program, I elected to take a position as a Credit Analyst for AmSouth’s Commercial Banking team in Nashville, Tennessee. From there, I transitioned to SBA lending on the West Coast for about ten years.

Q: What do you do for your firm? How do your contributions affect your company at large?

I am the Senior Vice President of Western Alliance Bank’s Note Finance Division. I manage the West Coast portfolio for the Note Finance Division and act as the “quarterback” for our customers’ needs, whether it be an increase to an existing credit facility, opening new bank accounts, or day-to-day portfolio management. I collaborate with our Phoenix-based credit and operations teams, and I am responsible for growing the portfolio by sourcing new clients that need credit facilities and treasury management services. I also lead some of the marketing efforts for the team by coordinating participation in industry events as well as planning and organizing client events. The entire Note Finance group at Western Alliance Bank focuses on providing superior customer service to attract and retain customers, and I am proud to be a part of the team.

Q: How have you seen your company grow in spite of or because of current market conditions?

With Western Alliance, clients have access to decision-makers and true relationship banking through a single point of contact. We are known for our responsiveness, which is critical during uncertain times. My colleagues and I have the authority to make prudent lending decisions quickly, with the power to cut through the red tape that just does not happen at large money center banks.

Q: What are some of your goals for 2022 and beyond?

It is exciting to be part of Western Alliance Bank, which is experiencing consistent growth as a commercial bank thanks to our national resources and reputation as a trustworthy financial institution that provides exceptional service tailored to each client. My personal goal is to continue to provide best-in-class customer service and innovative solutions to both existing and new customers. Strong and steady wins the race!

Q: What does success look like for you?

To me, success means being able to achieve your personal and professional goals as well as contribute to the success of others. The days I feel most successful are when I am energized to start the day and have enjoyed my interactions with my customers and colleagues, delivered superior service, and hopefully shared a laugh or two along the way. It is also super important to celebrate the small achievements as well as the big ones.

Q: What is something most people don’t know about you or your company?

With more than $65 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Western Alliance is ranked the #1 top-performing large bank with assets greater than $50 billion in 2021 by American Banker and Bank Director. Many people do not know that Torrey Pines Bank (Southern California), Bridge Bank (Northern California), Bank of Nevada (Las Vegas), First Independent Bank (Reno), Alliance Bank of Arizona (Phoenix), and Alliance Association Bank are all parts of Western Alliance Bank.

Q: What steps are you or your company taking today to make an impact on the industry?

Overall, Western Alliance Bank is different because we offer private lenders the resources and sophisticated services and solutions of a national bank along with the focus and expertise to deliver thoughtful, sector-specific banking. We are known for flexible, customer-tailored solutions and best-in-class personal service that private lenders can rely on. Our customers count on us for speed and certainty of execution, which are both critical in today’s dynamic economy.

Q: What piece of advice did you personally receive early in your career that has helped shape decisions you’ve made?

Early in my career, one of my managers encouraged and pushed me to take chances. If it were not for him, I would never have transitioned from underwriting to sales. His support and leadership were critical to changing my career path, and it has been an adventure!

Q: Tell us about a person or organization you admire. How have they made an important impact on you, the industry, or the world?

I worked in SBA lending for several years and assisted small business owners and entrepreneurs with purchasing real estate for their businesses. I have always been inspired by the courage and tenacity of small business owners. Their grit and perseverance are admirable.

Q: Are you involved in any associations, networking groups, or the like that have influenced your career path?

My career has varied in terms of types of banking. I have always become involved in the applicable industry and networking groups for each niche. Specific to private lending, I have found the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) to be hugely beneficial as a source of general industry information and for networking. I also, of course, must mention the Women in Private Lending (WIPL) group that formed in late 2021. It has been a great experience to be among the Founding Members of the group and connect with other women in the industry.

Q: If you had a clean slate to start over and do anything you wanted to do, what would that be?

I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, but that clearly was not my path. I love to travel and visit new places, so something with travel journalism would be fun.

Q: What is the best advice you could give someone thinking about making a leap into private lending?

Ask questions and network as much as possible! Private lending is a very niche space, with every lender being slightly different. Meet as many people as possible and start building your network by attending events such as AAPL and Geraci Conferences.