DRAPER, UT (January 8, 2019) — Following a nationwide search, MBL’s (Member Business Lending) Board of Directors has selected Shane Knighton to serve as the company’s new CEO, replacing interim CEO, Gordon Dames, who is retiring.
“Shane brings a unique set of talents, which pairs marketing and business lending experience. He has seen the process from both sides, and we believe that, along with his managerial skills, will help drive MBL into the future.” stated Joseph Schroeder, Chairman of MBL’s Board of Directors, and CEO of Ventura County Credit Union.
Mr. Knighton played a significant role in growing MBL’s client base during his first sojourn with the company from 2005 to 2014. During his tenure, MBL’s client base grew from three credit union clients to 50. Today the company provides services to 62 credit unions in 18 states.
He left MBL in 2014 to serve as Vice President of Business Services for Western Federal Credit Union (now Unify Financial Credit Union) where he led the newly formed business services team to over $42 million in annual loan production in its first year.
Mr. Knighton was later recruited to Kinecta Federal Credit Union in May 2015 as VP of Business Services & Operations and shortly afterwards was selected to serve as FVP of Business Services. Under his leadership, Kinecta’s business services team grew its commercial loan portfolio from $400 million to nearly $1 billion, making it one of the largest credit union commercial loan portfolios in the nation.
Altogether, Mr. Knighton has over 17 years of commercial lending experience. His areas of expertise include commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loan programs, encompassing all aspects of commercial lending from origination to liquidation.
“Shane’s return comes at a pivotal time for MBL. Although, we have seen tremendous growth over the past four years, with our serviced portfolio surpassing three-quarters of a billion dollars, and experiencing an average growth rate exceeding 35%, MBL has only just begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Shane’s vision for the future, paired with his passion for technology is exactly what MBL needs at this time!” expressed retiring interim CEO, Gordon Dames.
“As we say hello to a new CEO it’s time also to honor the founder of MBL as he retires from the interim CEO position. Gordon Dames was the visionary leader who started MBL and is responsible for much of its growth over the years.” shared Schroeder. “Gordon has been instrumental in sustaining MBL during this critical growth period, and championed the recently announced partnership with CU Direct, the nation’s leading developer of lending software technology to the credit union industry. His contribution to MBL and the credit unions it serves will forever be a shining example of his passion for the credit union industry.”
Member Business Lending (MBL) is a credit union service organization (CUSO) established in 2004 which provides comprehensive business lending services to credit unions across the nation. To learn more about MBL and the role it plays in assisting credit unions to serve their business members, visit http://www.mblllc.com or email info@mblllc.com.
Joey Duckworth
(801) 545-7935
jduckworth@mblllc.com
