AVANA CUSO Appoints New Leadership for Optimal Growth
New operational team will support origination of quality loan investment opportunities for credit union stakeholders.
AVANA CUSO is pleased to welcome new members to its executive team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in the credit union market. As one of the most seasoned Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSO) focused on commercial real estate and bolstered by its recent investment from AVANA Companies, AVANA CUSO is enhancing its positioning for strategic growth and continued success.
AVANA Companies appointed this customer-driven team of leaders to foster its mission to build and preserve communities through Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) lending opportunities. Their thought leadership in the credit union industry will underscore AVANA CUSO’s commitment to continually innovate new products and services for credit union partners, focusing on sustainable and impactful projects. Like AVANA, AVANA CUSO’s underlying goal is to preserve wealth through new investment opportunities and support social objectives that boost local communities and protect the environment.
“AVANA CUSO is thrilled to introduce our new leadership team, comprised of highly successful individuals. Their combined proficiency in credit union operations, as well as corporate growth and governance, will drive our commitment to investors, customers and communities,” says Sundip Patel, Chief Executive Officer. “Their extensive CRE knowledge and expertise are already leading the way in loan quality, process improvements, and improved communications with our partners.”
Sanat Patel
Chief Lending Officer
A veteran of the commercial banking industry with over 25 years of experience, Sanat Patel is the Chief Lending Officer, and Co-founder of the legacy company, AVANA Capital.
In his position as Chief Lending Officer, Sanat oversees credit and risk administration and the origination and syndication of commercial debt. Sanat excels at navigating the complexities of commercial debt management, as well as creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and create wealth for their businesses to thrive.
Matt Hunt
Chief Credit Officer
Matt Hunt has over 20 years of commercial lending experience with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry.
His extensive background includes managing all aspects of credit risk for AVANA CUSO, including establishing and enforcing robust credit policies, procedures and culture, overseeing credit, collateral analysis, portfolio management, ongoing risk monitoring, loan documentation and construction loan disbursements.
Brianna Vaughan
Executive Vice President, Operations
Brianna Vaughan brings twenty years of credit union experience, maintaining a relationship with AVANA CUSO/CUSO for much of that time.
Her experience and knowledge in credit union practices combined with her philosophy have made her a highly influential member of the new leadership team. A passionate advocate for the credit union movement, she recently received her CUDE designation specific to credit union relationships.
Steven Ellsworth
Vice President, Asset Management
Steven Ellsworth’s more than 25 years of experience in the credit union and banking industries include strong financial and credit analysis, loan workouts, asset resolution experience in commercial real estate, and excellent negotiation skills with third-party entities.
Steven’s reputation for delivering servicing excellence brings a renewed customer focus to the organization and advocate for AVANA CUSO’s lending affiliates.
Kyung Kim
Executive Vice President, Strategic Markets
Kyung Kim is a strategically focused and collaborative executive with 15 years of experience in the financial services industry.
At AVANA CUSO, he leads the company’s origination efforts to drive new loan volume in new and existing markets for Credit Union partners. His focus areas include business development efforts for construction, bridge, and permanent loans through AVANA Capital and the AVANA CUSO network of credit unions.
Shivan Perera
Senior Vice President, Participations
Shivan joined AVANA Capital as a Business Development Officer in 2016 after obtaining his MBA in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU.
At AVANA CUSO, he maintains an extensive network of Credit Unions, Banks, and Private Lenders with proven ability to lead origination, sale, and participation of loans.
Getting started is easy.
Please reach out to us to hear how we can partner with your credit union to diversify your lending portfolio, expand your lending programs and bring more funding opportunities to your members.
Visit avanacuso.com or call us at 800.894.8328 to learn more about our new loan programs.
We look forward to accelerating your growth this year!
Kind regards,
Matt Hunt
Chief Credit Officer