matt.hunt@avanacompanies.com
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Chief Credit Officer
Matthew Hunt
Matt Hunt serves as Chief Credit Officer at AVANA Capital, bringing more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and SBA lending. With deep expertise in credit risk management and national lending platforms, he oversees AVANA’s credit strategy and portfolio performance.
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Professional Skills
Prior to joining AVANA, Matt served as Senior Vice President and Director of National Real Estate Lending at Zions Bank, where he led the bank’s nationwide commercial real estate platform with a primary focus on SBA 504 lending. During his 16-year tenure, the National Real Estate Group originated more than $10 billion in commercial real estate loans, including nearly $5 billion in SBA 504 first mortgage loans.
Matt managed a $5.0 billion commercial real estate portfolio through the global financial crisis, demonstrating disciplined credit leadership during one of the most volatile market environments in modern history. He also oversaw the bank’s secondary market program, strengthening liquidity execution and balance sheet performance. His approach to credit is grounded in prudent risk management, data-driven underwriting, and long-term portfolio resilience.
Educational Experience
Matt’s career spans more than two decades in institutional banking and commercial real estate finance. His leadership experience includes managing large-scale lending teams, navigating complex regulatory environments, and building high-performing credit platforms within national banking institutions.
He earned an MBA from the University of Utah in 2010 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Utah in 1998. In 2005, he completed the prestigious Pacific Coast Banking School program, further strengthening his expertise in advanced banking and financial leadership.
Master of Business Administration
University of Utah
(2008 - 2010)
(2008 - 2010)
1st
Pacific Coast
Banking School
(2003 - 2005)
2nd
BA in Finance
University of Utah
(1995 - 1998)
(1995 - 1998)
3rd
Senior Vice President
Zions Bank
(1999 - 2015)
(1999 - 2015)
4th
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