Meet The Team

Prior to joining BEFCOR in 2010, Deb was a licensed insurance broker with a primary focus on Employee Group Benefits, working with an agency in Massachusetts for 22 years. Her vast experience in marketing, sales and customer relations allowed for a comfortable transition to BEFCOR and SBA lending. Deb works with almost every new business applicant at BEFCOR and she appreciates the many benefits the 504 loan program offers each BEFCOR borrower.

Deb moved to the Charlotte area in 2006 to be closer to her children and grandchildren and enjoys many outdoor activities.

Adam Barry joined BEFCOR in 2023 after graduating cum laude from Queens University of Charlotte with a Bachelors in Accounting and a Minor in Computing & Data Analytics. At Queens, he was a two-time captain of the men’s lacrosse team and represented the team on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Shannon joined BEFCOR in 2022 as CDFI Portfolio Specialist and transitioned to our 504 team as Portfolio Manager in 2025. Before joining BEFCOR, she spent 16 years operating a small business – a local restaurant with her husband/Executive Chef- giving her firsthand experience in owning, managing, and growing a small business. In addition to leading a team of employees, Shannon handled the accounting and financial operations of the business.

Shannon also has years of experience in residential real estate, where she worked closely with clients and lenders in securing mortgages. As a former BEFCOR small business borrower, she has been very familiar with our processes. Shannon values building strong relationships, which allows her to effectively support 504 borrowers across the state.

Shannon is a graduate of Lees-McRae College and lives in Indian Land, SC with her husband and son (and dog Minnie). Shannon’s hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, cooking, entertaining and belting out the occasional show tune.

Heather Christman joined BEFCOR in 2020 as a Loan Processor. Previously, she served in numerous volunteer positions aimed at improving and supporting the local school system. Heather is excited to continue helping the community as a BEFCOR team member. She enjoys working alongside small businesses seeking access to capital for growth and expansion.

Heather settled in Charlotte after living in many different places, including her favorite, Germany. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Heather can often be found walking her dogs or playing games with her two daughters and husband.

Since 2012, Elaine has led BEFCOR as Executive Director, leveraging over 30 years of expertise in SBA 504 lending and economic development finance. Elaine has held leadership roles with multiple 504 lending organizations in the Carolinas, overseeing all aspects of the loan process, including marketing, underwriting, closing, and servicing.  In her current role, Elaine has prioritized strategic growth, strengthened organizational governance and compliance, and advanced advocacy efforts.

Elaine’s experience spans a wide range of programs, such as SBA 7a, USDA’s Intermediary Relending Program, EDA Revolving Loan Fund, CDFI programs, and privately funded micro-lending initiatives. Dedicated to supporting business growth, Elaine helps companies access capital and navigate complex financing options.

She holds degrees from Coastal Carolina University and Winthrop University (MBA), has served in leadership roles for civic and educational organizations, and spent eight years on the Board of NADCO, the national trade association for SBA 504 lenders. Elaine resides in Charlotte and enjoys baking and traveling in her free time.

A note from Elaine:

Access to capital for small businesses is vital for each community, city, county, and region.  Financing options fortify businesses, strengthening our communities, both large and small.  Ensuring that growing businesses have access to capital is the foundation of our mission at BEFCOR – and it is our passion.

We are here to help small business owners evaluate loan options.  You can trust us to share SBA 504 and CDFI program details and advantages.  We will work diligently to navigate the loan process with each loan applicant – truthfully, transparently, and with the small business’ best interest as our focus.  You can rely on our team of experts for accurate information that is crucial for sound, reliable financing decisions. We welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Reginald is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, where he received a B.A. in Business Administration and Marketing. Prior to his CDFI role at BEFCOR, he had a successful career in financial services.  His passion to help others, especially those in underserved communities, has afforded him the opportunity to lend to business owners as well as consumers for several major and community-based financial institutions throughout NC.  After initially retiring, his passion for supporting small businesses led him to BEFCOR.

Reginald and his wife met during their freshmen year of college. They are the parents of a son and beloved daughter-in-law. Reginald is deeply involved in his community, serving on several local boards. He is an active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Outside of his professional and community commitments, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and traveling.

Sue Higgins joined BEFCOR’s team in 2017 as a Closing and Servicing Specialist. Sue began her career in the SBA 504 industry in 2002 and worked with a South Carolina CDC for 15 years prior to becoming a BEFCOR team member. She has experience in working with other economic development loan programs and brings a wealth of experience to BEFCOR’s team.

Sue and her husband live in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Rick Hunt is a Business Development Officer at BEFCOR, specializing in SBA 504 financing for small businesses. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Rick brings over 20 years of experience in small business banking and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to grow their companies and strengthen their communities.

Throughout his career, Rick has consistently been recognized as a top-performing banker across the institutions he’s served. He holds certifications in commercial credit analysis and is known for his practical, relationship-driven approach to lending.

Rick earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, he enjoys Wilmington’s coastal lifestyle—spending time boating, fishing, golfing, and enjoying life with his three children.

Terry serves as the Marketing and Operations Specialist at BEFCOR, where she supports the team and advances the organization’s mission of fostering economic development. With a background in banking, Terry relocated to Charlotte in 1999 and held various roles at Bank of America. She later paused her career to focus on raising her three children but remained active in the community, taking leadership roles that supported local schools and volunteer initiatives.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she earned her degree in Political Science. Outside of work, Terry enjoys sports photography, planning family trips with her husband and children, and spending time along the Carolina coast.

Cindy has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 24 years with BEFCOR. In her role, she assists borrowers and bankers with SBA 504 loan closings and has facilitated loan closings for nearly every SBA 504 loan closed at BEFCOR since 2002. Cindy is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and is recognized for guiding small business owners through the closing process with precision and attention to detail.

A North Carolina native, Cindy holds BS and MACC degrees from UNC Charlotte. In addition to spending time with family, she is involved in church and community volunteer organizations.

Shemeka joined the BEFCOR team in 2022 and brings 27+ years’ experience in the financial services industry.  Her combined work experience includes small business lending, SBA 7a, consumer/mortgage lending, and management with national and local community banks, and SBA government contract companies.  She has a passion for assisting underserved/minority communities, extending into the areas of asset and wealth building, as well as economic growth and development.

Shemeka is a graduate of Strayer University where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Management concentration) and an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration (Accounting emphasis).  She has previously been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and has coached mortgage clients on the topics of savings and budgeting.

Shemeka’s hobbies include reading, cooking, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, occasional travel, and dining out and trying new eateries.

Jeffery joined the BEFCOR team in 2023 following his graduation from Queens University of Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Jeffery brings a strong blend of analytical skills, teamwork, and real‑world experience to his role. During his time at Queens, he excelled both academically and athletically, serving as a four‑year starting pitcher on the Royals baseball team.

At BEFCOR, Jeffery continues to demonstrate the dedication and discipline that defined his time as a student‑athlete. In his role, he works closely with borrowers, lenders, and partners to structure and close SBA 504 loans that support small businesses and fuel economic growth.

When he’s not working, Jeffery enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family, friends, and his dog.

Transplanted from San Diego, Gerald Morris brings a wealth of professional experience as a portfolio specialist. Gerald graduated from Auburn University in 2022 and is equipped with an Economics degree, allowing him to contribute a fresh outlook to decision-making processes using his fusion of theoretical economic knowledge and practical financial experience. Having worked with a large bank, he looks forward to assisting BEFCOR’s borrowers on an individualized level. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping the world of finance.

As a father of a young son, his hobbies include getting outside for a game of soccer, playing music with friends, and watching his young one perform in his own passions.

Karina joined BEFCOR in 2022 as a closing assistant with more than twenty years of legal office experience. After growing up in upstate New York, Karina moved to North Carolina in 2001 and fell in love with the Southern hospitality. She is excited to focus her energy on helping new and expanding businesses. Karina enjoys going to see live music with her husband and taking their son on family trips.

Rhonda Moser joined BEFCOR in August 2017 as a loan servicing representative. As a paralegal, Rhonda has experience in loan closings, loan operations, and various banking roles. Her past positions have been with banks and a law firm, focusing in the areas of consumer and commercial real estate lending.

Rhonda moved to Charlotte in June 2016 along with her daughter.

Jennifer joined BEFCOR in 2025 as a Closing Analyst. She began her career in accounting at a firm dedicated to supporting startup businesses, gaining valuable experience in financial operations and entrepreneurial environments.

At BEFCOR, Jennifer works closely with small businesses throughout the closing process and is excited to contribute to their growth and expansion.. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A proud North Carolina native, Jennifer enjoys gardening and cooking in her free time.

Audrey Mungo joined BEFCOR in 2023. She brings over 27 years of Retail Banking experience. Her favorite role in banking was her Universal Banker title, which gave her the opportunity to help everyone that came through the doors.

She is a wife, mother of three, grandmother of two, Evangelist, Motivator, Praise Team Leader and Treasurer of her church. She enjoys singing, crocheting, reading, and encouraging others to reach for the stars. Her motto in life is that “Everything works together for those that love the Lord.”

Serving others has always been part of her life, which started as a child when she began helping her grandmother make baskets for the elderly, and sick and shut-in neighbors. The skills of mission work and service that she learned very early on in life are skills led to her work here at BEFCOR.

Sharon J. Murr joined BEFCOR in 2022.  Prior to her time at BEFCOR, she spent multiple years working in diverse business environments.  Her love of Nonprofits and their mission brought her to BEFCOR.

Sharon is a graduate of University of Charlotte.  After originally graduating with an Anthropology degree, she returned to night school to obtain the accounting credits she needed to qualify for the N.C. CPA license, which she successfully acquired in November, 2005.

Sharon has resided in Charlotte for the past 20 years.  She enjoys spending time with her family, two cats and one crazy dog.  Sharon’s hobbies include hiking, gardening, reading and traveling.

Kyle Newgreen has been a North Carolina native for over two decades. After completing college in the state, Kyle joined BEFCOR in 2020, taking the role of Business Development Officer in 2022.  At BEFCOR, Kyle is committed to helping applicants and borrowers realize the many advantages of the SBA 504 program.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, contributing to community initiatives, and staying active through golf.

A Charlotte native, Austin Parker is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. He has spent his entire career in commercial real estate and finance, assisting clients with customized funding strategies that position them for growth and long-term success. In 2023, Austin joined BEFCOR, bringing deep expertise in small business lending and a commitment to delivering solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

In his personal time, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife Madison, their two sons, and their family dog. He also serves on the board of a Charlotte-based educational nonprofit, contributing to community development and supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact.

Amber joined BEFCOR in 2023 as a Loan Processor. Prior to joining our team, she served as a Program Support Assistant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is enthusiastic about her work to help small businesses access the capital they need to grow.

Amber is originally from Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television from Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA.
Amber’s hobbies include filmmaking, social media, reading, writing, photography, cruising, and spending time with family and friends.

Larry graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts. Since that time, he has assumed a number of roles during his professional career. Larry provided a variety of lending and small business technical assistance (TA) services for Neuse River Development Authority (NRDA) from 2002 until its merger with BEFCOR in 2016.

Prior experience includes lending and technical assistance services for a Micro-enterprise Peer Lending Program, housing counseling and education for a USDA-Rural Housing Service program. Larry helped develop and implement a pilot NC Individual Development Account (IDA) program in the late 1990s that provided matching funds for savings for first-time homebuyers and small business owners. He also helped develop and implement housing, small business and financial literacy counseling and education for that program.

Prior to his business and housing roles, Larry was in the substance abuse treatment field for over 16 years as administrator and treatment provider. He lives in Carteret County with his wife Karen.

Louis began his working career in the lending industry after graduating from college. He has been involved with assisting small businesses since 1997, working as a business counselor at the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). He enjoys working with business owners and helping them achieve their business expansion goals. Louis combined his passion for lending and assisting small businesses when he worked for two of the top CDCs in the state, helping business owners grow their businesses.

Louis is married to Sharron Scott Rogers and lives in Knightdale, North Carolina. He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Economics and has an MBA from UNC-Wilmington. He is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and enjoys being involved in the community through his Rotary Club. He has served in many leadership positions in the Rotary Club of Raleigh including as its president. He is a passionate UNC basketball fan and, thanks to DVR, never misses a game.

Greg brings over 35 years of experience across banking and commercial lending, along with extensive expertise in the SBA 504 and 7(a) programs. He joined BEFCOR in 2019 as a Business Development Officer and was promoted to Director of 504 Loan Operations in 2025. Prior to BEFCOR, he served as a business banker, SBA Business Development Officer, and SBA territory sales manager for one of the nation’s leading SBA 504 lenders.

Throughout his career, Greg’s passion for supporting small business owners and strengthening communities has guided his work and commitment to finding the best lending solutions for growing companies.

Greg is a graduate of Anderson College in Indiana, where he studied Chemistry and Math. In his free time, Greg enjoys painting, yoga, traveling, and his Great Pyrenees.

Scott brings extensive experience in the CDFI sector, having held executive leadership roles with several statewide CDFI lenders. His background includes expertise in business development, capitalization strategies, and team management. In North Carolina, he collaborated with both the SBTDC and the NC Small Business Center Network, where he led initiatives in leadership development, strategic planning, and business training, while also offering hands-on technical assistance to small enterprises. His professional journey includes work with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. A seasoned facilitator, mediator, financial counselor, and strategic planner, Scott also draws on his roots in social work to maintain a sharp awareness of the systemic challenges faced by low-wage earners and historically marginalized communities.

 Scott earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and later completed his MBA at East Carolina University.