SmartBiz Bank, N.A. Announces Board, Leadership Team, and New Organizational Structure Following Acquisition
SmartBiz Bank, N.A. (“the Bank”), a nationally recognized leader in small business lending and financial technology, has formally announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors, executive leadership team, and updated organizational structure. This strategic milestone follows the company’s successful acquisition of United Community Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Centrust Bank, N.A., in March 2025. The announcement signals the Bank’s continued evolution and firm commitment to advancing its mission of supporting small businesses across the country through innovation, personalized banking solutions, and responsible financial stewardship.
The organizational update marks the culmination of months of integration planning, vision-setting, and collaborative effort by SmartBiz leadership and its stakeholders. As the Bank emerges from this transformative acquisition, it is placing experienced professionals at the helm—individuals with a track record of leadership across banking, fintech, regulatory compliance, technology, and small business finance.
A Leadership Team with Vision and Experience
At the forefront of this organizational evolution is Evan Singer, who will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer of SmartBiz Bank. Singer has also assumed the position of Chair of the Board, where he will continue to guide the Bank’s strategic direction and reinforce its mission-focused ethos. With a strong background in small business lending and financial services innovation, Singer has long been a champion for underserved business owners looking for easier access to capital.
Joining him in executive leadership is Gerard Buccino, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Centrust Bank. Buccino now steps into the role of President of SmartBiz Bank and also maintains a seat on the Board of Directors. His deep understanding of regional banking and community relationships—particularly in the Chicago area—will serve as a valuable asset as the Bank seeks to strengthen its national footprint while preserving the local ties that have been vital to its success.
Introducing a Distinguished and Independent Board of Directors
SmartBiz Bank’s newly announced Board of Directors includes seven independent directors with a broad range of industry, regulatory, and entrepreneurial experience. These individuals are not only respected leaders in their respective fields, but also aligned with the Bank’s purpose-driven values and long-term vision for small business growth and financial inclusion.
Among the appointed directors are:
- Brian Ascher – A Partner at Venrock, Ascher is a veteran fintech investor with a background in digital finance and product development. His previous tenure as a Senior Product Manager at Intuit—where he oversaw key platforms like Quicken and Quicken.com—makes him an influential voice in digital strategy and innovation.
- Tim Bogan – Known for his pivotal role in LendingClub’s acquisition of Radius Bank and the establishment of LendingClub Bank, Bogan is an accomplished financial services executive with prior leadership experience at major institutions such as Charles Schwab and Freddie Mac. His insights into risk management and regulatory navigation are particularly valuable.
- Lori Igleski – A seasoned banking executive recognized for her expertise in post-acquisition integration, Igleski previously led the successful merger of MB Financial Bank into Fifth Third Bank. She also held senior credit roles at Bank One, preceding its merger with JPMorgan Chase. Her depth in credit risk and strategic alignment is critical to SmartBiz’s integration journey.
- Hope Mehlman – As the Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Ally Financial and Ally Bank, Mehlman oversees legal, compliance, government relations, and ESG strategy. She has also held senior executive roles at Discover Financial Services, Bank of the West, and Regions Bank. Her comprehensive legal and regulatory background will support strong corporate governance at SmartBiz.
- Ann Marie Mehlum – A pioneering figure in small business finance, Mehlum was the founding CEO of Summit Bank in Oregon and later served as the SBA’s Associate Administrator for Capital Access. She oversaw a portfolio exceeding $100 billion, giving her unmatched insight into government lending programs and small business financing at scale.
- Sean O’Malley – The current CEO of Scale360.AI, O’Malley is a fintech entrepreneur and technologist specializing in AI agent systems for financial institutions. His expertise spans credit markets, supply chain finance, blockchain, and artificial intelligence—critical areas for a tech-forward institution like SmartBiz Bank.
- Noah Walley – A senior advisor at Patricia Industries and a former co-head of the firm, Walley brings decades of experience in investment banking and strategic financial advisory. His history with N.M. Rothschild and deep ties to the investment community will support long-term growth planning and capital strategy.
Together, these directors offer a mix of institutional knowledge, regulatory acumen, and forward-looking innovation that will help guide SmartBiz Bank through its next chapter. Their collective experience strengthens the Bank’s oversight capabilities, ensures alignment with regulatory expectations, and brings fresh perspectives to product development and market expansion.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Modern Banking
Since its inception, SmartBiz has aimed to simplify access to capital for small businesses, particularly those historically underserved by traditional banking institutions. The company’s cloud-based lending platform has helped thousands of businesses obtain low-cost SBA loans and other forms of working capital. With the transition to a nationally chartered bank through its acquisition of Centrust, SmartBiz Bank is now able to offer a broader array of banking products, while continuing to emphasize speed, transparency, and customer experience.
“This announcement is about more than just organizational structure—it’s about building a foundation for long-term impact,” said CEO Evan Singer. “We’ve assembled a team of deeply experienced leaders who share our vision of empowering entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth. With their support, we are uniquely positioned to deliver world-class service while maintaining the trust and transparency that define our brand.”
Enhancing Community Impact and National Reach
While SmartBiz Bank continues to grow its national presence, its leadership remains deeply committed to supporting local communities—especially those in the Chicago metropolitan area, where Centrust Bank historically served its clients. The Bank’s expanded leadership structure reflects this balance, ensuring that it retains strong community roots even as it scales nationally.
Moreover, the Bank’s commitment to safe and sound operations is central to its growth model. The inclusion of directors with deep risk, compliance, and governance experience ensures that SmartBiz is well-positioned to navigate an evolving regulatory environment while fostering innovation.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
As SmartBiz Bank looks to the future, its priorities are clear: deliver accessible, tech-enabled banking solutions to small businesses, maintain rigorous governance standards, and drive sustainable growth. The strategic realignment of its board and executive team is a bold step in this direction—one that sets the stage for expanded services, stronger partnerships, and continued industry leadership.
“With our new board and leadership team in place, we’re entering a new era,” added Singer. “It’s an exciting time not just for SmartBiz, but for the millions of small businesses that rely on financial institutions to believe in their potential. We’re ready to be that partner—today and in the future.”
To learn more about the SmartBiz Bank Board of Directors and executive 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.
