Siena Lending Group is a diverse team of experienced asset-based lending (ABL) professionals. Our team members are recognized authorities on commercial finance, frequently honored by industry associations for their excellence.
Recognized Industry Leaders
Numerous Siena team members have been recognized as “40 Under 40” honorees by the Commercial Finance Association.
David is a specialized lending executive with more than 30 years experience building and running asset-based lending businesses, executing debt restructurings, taking on interim management roles, and completing complex asset workouts and recoveries.
Prior to co-founding Siena, David was Chief Executive Officer of Burdale Capital Finance (BCF), a wholly owned asset-based lending subsidiary of Bank of Ireland, which provided transatlantic financing solutions to a $1.7 billion portfolio of clients. In 2006, David was hired to start BCF as a de novo ABL U.S. business and built it into a widely recognized brand. BCF was sold to Wells Fargo in 2012 as part of the bank’s deleveraging, necessitated by the IMF’s bailout of Ireland in 2010. More
Miin Chen
COO
Miin Chen
COO
Miin has 10 years of experience in accounting, audit, operations and treasury management. Prior to Siena, Miin was a direct report to the Controller at Burdale and has worked as an auditor at both PricewaterhouseCoopers and JH Cohn (CohnReznick). Miin is a CPA in the state of New Jersey and holds a Masters in Accounting from Boston College.
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve has more than 32 years of commercial finance experience, specifically in underwriting, risk management and portfolio management. Prior to Siena, Steve was Director and Head of Portfolio Management at Burdale. Steve’s ABL background includes various credit roles at GE Capital and Fleet Bank/Connecticut Bank & Trust.
David Grende
President & CEO
David is a specialized lending executive with more than 30 years experience building and running asset-based lending businesses, executing debt restructurings, taking on interim management roles, and completing complex asset workouts and recoveries.
Prior to co-founding Siena, David was Chief Executive Officer of Burdale Capital Finance (BCF), a wholly owned asset-based lending subsidiary of Bank of Ireland, which provided transatlantic financing solutions to a $1.7 billion portfolio of clients. In 2006, David was hired to start BCF as a de novo ABL U.S. business and built it into a widely recognized brand. BCF was sold to Wells Fargo in 2012 as part of the bank’s deleveraging, necessitated by the IMF’s bailout of Ireland in 2010. More
Miin Chen
COO
Miin has 10 years of experience in accounting, audit, operations and treasury management. Prior to Siena, Miin was a direct report to the Controller at Burdale and has worked as an auditor at both PricewaterhouseCoopers and JH Cohn (CohnReznick). Miin is a CPA in the state of New Jersey and holds a Masters in Accounting from Boston College.
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve has more than 32 years of commercial finance experience, specifically in underwriting, risk management and portfolio management. Prior to Siena, Steve was Director and Head of Portfolio Management at Burdale. Steve’s ABL background includes various credit roles at GE Capital and Fleet Bank/Connecticut Bank & Trust.
Keith Holler
SVP Portfolio Management
Keith Holler
SVP Portfolio Management
Keith is an asset-based lending professional with more than 30 years of experience primarily in portfolio management and underwriting. Prior to joining Siena, Keith worked in various portfolio and credit roles at Santander Bank, Siemens Financial Services, and Congress Financial.
Carrie Maiya
Director Portfolio Credit Operations
Carrie Maiya
Director Portfolio Credit Operations
Carrie has more than 11 years of commercial finance experience, spanning underwriting, portfolio management, workout, and field exam management. Prior to joining Siena, Carrie worked in various ABL and Cash Flow roles at GE Capital.
Vlad Paskas
Field Examiner
Vlad Paskas
Field Examiner
Vlad graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a BS in International Business and Trade Commerce and an MBA in Analytics Intelligence. Vlad also has certifications for Financial Markets from Yale University and Macroeconomics from University of California, Irvine.
Keith Holler
SVP Portfolio Management
Keith is an asset-based lending professional with more than 30 years of experience primarily in portfolio management and underwriting. Prior to joining Siena, Keith worked in various portfolio and credit roles at Santander Bank, Siemens Financial Services, and Congress Financial.
Carrie Maiya
Director Portfolio Credit Operations
Carrie has more than 11 years of commercial finance experience, spanning underwriting, portfolio management, workout, and field exam management. Prior to joining Siena, Carrie worked in various ABL and Cash Flow roles at GE Capital.
Vlad Paskas
Field Examiner
Vlad graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a BS in International Business and Trade Commerce and an MBA in Analytics Intelligence. Vlad also has certifications for Financial Markets from Yale University and Macroeconomics from University of California, Irvine.
James Persico
Managing Director - Risk and Portfolio Management
James Persico
Managing Director - Risk and Portfolio Management
Jim has over 20 years of experience across a multitude of leverage lending products, structures, industries, and economic cycles. Prior to joining Siena, Jim led various teams at GE Capital in managing leverage loans through their entire life cycle, including origination, underwriting, portfolio management, workout, and restructuring. Products include Unitranche, Securitization, Agency, Participation, DIP, Cash Flow, ABL and Restructured Equity. Jim is also a CPA and was employed at KPMG prior to GE Capital.
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve has more than 32 years of commercial finance experience, specifically in underwriting, risk management and portfolio management. Prior to Siena, Steve was Director and Head of Portfolio Management at Burdale. Steve’s ABL background includes various credit roles at GE Capital and Fleet Bank/Connecticut Bank & Trust.
Renee Singer
Director Portfolio Management
Renee Singer
Director Portfolio Management
Renee has over 30 years of experience in the asset-based lending industry, primarily in portfolio management. Prior to joining Siena, Renee spent twenty years at CIT in various credit roles, including Portfolio Manager and Field Exam Manager for C&I ABL and as Portfolio Manager of CIT Capital Equipment Finance, where she led teams in both business units or groups. Prior to CIT, Renee served in various roles as an account manager and field examiner at Sterling National Bank, Finova and Chase Bank.
James Persico
Managing Director - Risk and Portfolio Management
Jim has over 20 years of experience across a multitude of leverage lending products, structures, industries, and economic cycles. Prior to joining Siena, Jim led various teams at GE Capital in managing leverage loans through their entire life cycle, including origination, underwriting, portfolio management, workout, and restructuring. Products include Unitranche, Securitization, Agency, Participation, DIP, Cash Flow, ABL and Restructured Equity. Jim is also a CPA and was employed at KPMG prior to GE Capital.
Steve Sanicola
Chief Risk Officer
Steve has more than 32 years of commercial finance experience, specifically in underwriting, risk management and portfolio management. Prior to Siena, Steve was Director and Head of Portfolio Management at Burdale. Steve’s ABL background includes various credit roles at GE Capital and Fleet Bank/Connecticut Bank & Trust.
Renee Singer
Director Portfolio Management
Renee has over 30 years of experience in the asset-based lending industry, primarily in portfolio management. Prior to joining Siena, Renee spent twenty years at CIT in various credit roles, including Portfolio Manager and Field Exam Manager for C&I ABL and as Portfolio Manager of CIT Capital Equipment Finance, where she led teams in both business units or groups. Prior to CIT, Renee served in various roles as an account manager and field examiner at Sterling National Bank, Finova and Chase Bank.
Dexter-Leon Taylor
Sr. VP Audit
Dexter-Leon Taylor
Sr. VP Audit
Dex has more than 20 years of asset-based lending experience specializing in audit and risk management. Prior to joining Siena, Dex’s background includes various audit and credit roles at First Capital Business Credit, GE Commercial Distribution Finance, Textron Financial Business Credit, Evergreen Collateral Consulting LLC, Jefferson Wells International and CIT.
Michael Zielinski
Director Portfolio Management
Michael Zielinski
Director Portfolio Management
Michael has approximately 20 years of finance experience with his last 13 years focused on various roles in the Asset Based Lending Industry. Prior to joining Siena, Michael worked at Access Capital and Keltic Financial Service.
Dexter-Leon Taylor
Sr. VP Audit
Dex has more than 20 years of asset-based lending experience specializing in audit and risk management. Prior to joining Siena, Dex’s background includes various audit and credit roles at First Capital Business Credit, GE Commercial Distribution Finance, Textron Financial Business Credit, Evergreen Collateral Consulting LLC, Jefferson Wells International and CIT.
Michael Zielinski
Director Portfolio Management
Michael has approximately 20 years of finance experience with his last 13 years focused on various roles in the Asset Based Lending Industry. Prior to joining Siena, Michael worked at Access Capital and Keltic Financial Service.
Scott Elliotto
Senior Managing Director – New Business Originations
Scott Elliotto
Senior Managing Director – New Business Originations
Scott is an asset based lending professional with more than 20 years of experience. Prior to joining Siena, Scott worked in business development and origination roles for Burdale and GE Commercial Finance, and underwriting roles at Fleet Capital and CIT.
Stephen Fuscaldo
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Stephen Fuscaldo
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Steve has more than 28 years of experience in asset based lending, specifically in account management, underwriting, sales leadership and in origination. Prior to Siena, Steve served in various origination and credit roles at TD Bank, Burdale, GE Capital, and CIT.
Suzanne Lovett
Director – Southwest Originations
Suzanne Lovett
Director – Southwest Originations
Suzanne is the Director of New Business Originations for the Southwest, based Dallas, TX. She brings over 30 years of asset based lending experience to Siena, beginning her career managing non-performing assets for Foothill Capital Corporation. For the past 20 years, she has focused on new business development in the Southwest, primarily for Wells Fargo Capital Finance and its predecessor companies Norwest Business Credit, Congress Financial, and Wachovia Capital Finance.
Scott Elliotto
Senior Managing Director – New Business Originations
Scott is an asset based lending professional with more than 20 years of experience. Prior to joining Siena, Scott worked in business development and origination roles for Burdale and GE Commercial Finance, and underwriting roles at Fleet Capital and CIT.
Stephen Fuscaldo
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Steve has more than 28 years of experience in asset based lending, specifically in account management, underwriting, sales leadership and in origination. Prior to Siena, Steve served in various origination and credit roles at TD Bank, Burdale, GE Capital, and CIT.
Suzanne Lovett
Director – Southwest Originations
Suzanne is the Director of New Business Originations for the Southwest, based Dallas, TX. She brings over 30 years of asset based lending experience to Siena, beginning her career managing non-performing assets for Foothill Capital Corporation. For the past 20 years, she has focused on new business development in the Southwest, primarily for Wells Fargo Capital Finance and its predecessor companies Norwest Business Credit, Congress Financial, and Wachovia Capital Finance.
Mark Orlando
Managing Director – Western Region
Mark Orlando
Managing Director – Western Region
Mark is the Western Region New Business Director, based out of Los Angeles. Mark has over 25 years of experience in the finance and asset-based lending industry. Prior to joining Siena, Mark was Principal and Senior Vice President at Ares Commercial Finance and Ares’ predecessor, First Capital. Mark has also served in various senior business development, credit, and management roles for Rabobank, U.S. Bank and LaSalle Bank (now part of Bank of America), as well as founding his own firm, Arrowhead Capital, where he served as Managing Director.
Nick Payne
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Nick Payne
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Nick is the Managing Director of New Business Originations for the Midwest, based out of Chicago. Prior to joining Siena, Nick held various business development roles for Nations Equipment Finance, Van Eck Global, and Morgan Stanley.
Duane Morrison
Director – New Business Originations
Duane Morrison
Director – New Business Originations
Duane is a capital markets leader with more than 25 years of middle market lending and investing experience encompassing asset-based lending, real estate financing, subordinated debt, and mezzanine financing. Prior to Siena, Duane worked for two Canadian asset-based alternative lending firms – Callidus Capital and Cortland Credit Group where he assisted in the growth of each firm’s loan portfolio in Canada and the United States. Other experience includes progressive roles with Roynat Capital, Scotiabank’s mid-market specialty lending arm, and the Business Development Bank of Canada where he was responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and closing term debt, leasing, subordinated debt, and mezzanine financings, along with portfolio management oversight and leading a team of lending professionals. Duane holds two graduate degrees including a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Applied Environmental Studies in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
Mark Orlando
Managing Director – Western Region
Mark is the Western Region New Business Director, based out of Los Angeles. Mark has over 25 years of experience in the finance and asset-based lending industry. Prior to joining Siena, Mark was Principal and Senior Vice President at Ares Commercial Finance and Ares’ predecessor, First Capital. Mark has also served in various senior business development, credit, and management roles for Rabobank, U.S. Bank and LaSalle Bank (now part of Bank of America), as well as founding his own firm, Arrowhead Capital, where he served as Managing Director.
Nick Payne
Managing Director – New Business Originations
Nick is the Managing Director of New Business Originations for the Midwest, based out of Chicago. Prior to joining Siena, Nick held various business development roles for Nations Equipment Finance, Van Eck Global, and Morgan Stanley.
Duane Morrison
Director – New Business Originations
Duane is a capital markets leader with more than 25 years of middle market lending and investing experience encompassing asset-based lending, real estate financing, subordinated debt, and mezzanine financing. Prior to Siena, Duane worked for two Canadian asset-based alternative lending firms – Callidus Capital and Cortland Credit Group where he assisted in the growth of each firm’s loan portfolio in Canada and the United States. Other experience includes progressive roles with Roynat Capital, Scotiabank’s mid-market specialty lending arm, and the Business Development Bank of Canada where he was responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and closing term debt, leasing, subordinated debt, and mezzanine financings, along with portfolio management oversight and leading a team of lending professionals. Duane holds two graduate degrees including a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Applied Environmental Studies in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
Bridget Anderson
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Bridget Anderson
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Bridget is the Senior Vice President of Originations for the Midwest, based in Chicago. After graduating from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2015, Bridget began her career at PNC Bank. During her time at PNC, Bridget held various roles including Underwriting, Originations and Portfolio Management.
Dillon Lounsbury
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Dillon Lounsbury
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Dillon has over 7 years of experience in the asset-based lending industry. After graduating from Baruch College in 2014, he began his career at GE Capital in their Investment Analyst Program. Following his time at GE Capital, Dillon worked in various roles for Wells Fargo Capital Finance, including Field Exam and Portfolio Management.
Troy Larsen
Senior Analyst – New Business Originations
Troy Larsen
Senior Analyst – New Business Originations
Troy graduated from Stonehill College with a BS in Finance and Economics. At Stonehill, he held leadership roles with the Financial Management Association as well as the Investment Finance Initiative. He holds certifications in Microsoft Excel, Bloomberg, and JMP.
Bridget Anderson
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Bridget is the Senior Vice President of Originations for the Midwest, based in Chicago. After graduating from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2015, Bridget began her career at PNC Bank. During her time at PNC, Bridget held various roles including Underwriting, Originations and Portfolio Management.
Dillon Lounsbury
Senior Vice President – New Business Originations
Dillon has over 7 years of experience in the asset-based lending industry. After graduating from Baruch College in 2014, he began his career at GE Capital in their Investment Analyst Program. Following his time at GE Capital, Dillon worked in various roles for Wells Fargo Capital Finance, including Field Exam and Portfolio Management.
Troy Larsen
Senior Analyst – New Business Originations
Troy graduated from Stonehill College with a BS in Finance and Economics. At Stonehill, he held leadership roles with the Financial Management Association as well as the Investment Finance Initiative. He holds certifications in Microsoft Excel, Bloomberg, and JMP.
Ernie Abati
Sr. VP Underwriting
Ernie Abati
Sr. VP Underwriting
Ernie has over 25 years of experience in Asset Based Lending and Factoring. His areas of expertise include: underwriting highly leveraged credit facilities, loan restructuring, portfolio management and loan workouts. Prior to joining Siena, Ernie underwrote and managed portfolios at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LaSalle Business Credit and CIT. Ernie is a NYS licensed CPA.
Gill Elmore
Sr. VP Underwriting
Gill Elmore
Sr. VP Underwriting
Gill has over 30 years of commercial finance experience concentrated in structuring, underwriting, and managing Asset Based Lending transactions. Prior to joining Siena, Gill was a Senior Underwriter for Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
Jason Schick
Managing Director Underwriting
Jason Schick
Managing Director Underwriting
Jason has 15 years of experience in the Public Accounting and Banking industries, with experience at institutions including JPMorgan Chase Bank, Burdale Capital, and CIT. Jason has experience structuring, underwriting and syndicating transactions.
Ernie Abati
Sr. VP Underwriting
Ernie has over 25 years of experience in Asset Based Lending and Factoring. His areas of expertise include: underwriting highly leveraged credit facilities, loan restructuring, portfolio management and loan workouts. Prior to joining Siena, Ernie underwrote and managed portfolios at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LaSalle Business Credit and CIT. Ernie is a NYS licensed CPA.
Gill Elmore
Sr. VP Underwriting
Gill has over 30 years of commercial finance experience concentrated in structuring, underwriting, and managing Asset Based Lending transactions. Prior to joining Siena, Gill was a Senior Underwriter for Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
Jason Schick
Managing Director Underwriting
Jason has 15 years of experience in the Public Accounting and Banking industries, with experience at institutions including JPMorgan Chase Bank, Burdale Capital, and CIT. Jason has experience structuring, underwriting and syndicating transactions.
Michael Sessa
Sr. VP Underwriting
Michael Sessa
Sr. VP Underwriting
Michael has 16 years of experience in the financial services sector, of which, 9 have been in asset-based lending. Prior to joining Siena, Michael was an underwriter and portfolio manager at BMO Harris Bank and at Wells Fargo. Michael is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and a former Captain in the U.S. Army. He also has an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
Michael Sessa
Sr. VP Underwriting
Michael has 16 years of experience in the financial services sector, of which, 9 have been in asset-based lending. Prior to joining Siena, Michael was an underwriter and portfolio manager at BMO Harris Bank and at Wells Fargo. Michael is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and a former Captain in the U.S. Army. He also has an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
Alkesh Badshah
VP Software Engineer
Alkesh Badshah
VP Software Engineer
Alkesh brings 20 years of software engineering and leadership experience to our team. At Siena, he is responsible for maintaining and enhancing our Passport system.
Antoinette Romain
Collateral Analyst
Antoinette Romain
Collateral Analyst
Antoinette has over 10 years of experience in Asset Based Lending industry as a Collateral Analyst. Prior to Siena, Antoinette worked at Wells Fargo Capital Finance , Capital Finance and FINOVA Capital in operations.
Neeraj Badshah
Collateral Analyst
Neeraj Badshah
Collateral Analyst
Neeraj graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Economics. He has displayed leadership skills by managing a small business while attending university. He also held chair positions in multiple organizations on campus.
Alkesh Badshah
VP Software Engineer
Alkesh brings 20 years of software engineering and leadership experience to our team. At Siena, he is responsible for maintaining and enhancing our Passport system.
Antoinette Romain
Collateral Analyst
Antoinette has over 10 years of experience in Asset Based Lending industry as a Collateral Analyst. Prior to Siena, Antoinette worked at Wells Fargo Capital Finance , Capital Finance and FINOVA Capital in operations.
Neeraj Badshah
Collateral Analyst
Neeraj graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Economics. He has displayed leadership skills by managing a small business while attending university. He also held chair positions in multiple organizations on campus.
Edward Gonzalez
Collateral Analyst
Edward Gonzalez
Collateral Analyst
Eddie graduated from Iona College with a BBA in Accounting and MBA in Public Accounting. Prior to joining Siena, Eddie worked in assurance and audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers as well as Sax LLP and completed multiple internships with Deloitte and Con Edison. Eddie is also a competitive rower and a member of the New York Athletic Club as well as a student Athlete, competing for NCAA Division I Iona College Men’s Varsity Rowing Team
Jeffrey Grobarcik
SVP New Business Credit Operations Manager
Jeffrey Grobarcik
SVP New Business Credit Operations Manager
Jeff has more than 13 years of experience in Asset Based Lending as both a Collateral Analyst and Operations Manager. Prior to Siena, Jeff worked at Citigroup, N.A., G.E. Capital and Burdale in various operational roles.
Omoyeni Ipinlaiye
Senior Collateral Analyst
Omoyeni Ipinlaiye
Senior Collateral Analyst
Omoyeni has over 10 years of experience in Asset Based Lending as a Collateral Analyst. Prior to Siena, Omoyeni worked at Wells Fargo, Capital Finance and CIT, Business Capital in operations.
Edward Gonzalez
Collateral Analyst
Eddie graduated from Iona College with a BBA in Accounting and MBA in Public Accounting. Prior to joining Siena, Eddie worked in assurance and audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers as well as Sax LLP and completed multiple internships with Deloitte and Con Edison. Eddie is also a competitive rower and a member of the New York Athletic Club as well as a student Athlete, competing for NCAA Division I Iona College Men’s Varsity Rowing Team
Jeffrey Grobarcik
SVP New Business Credit Operations Manager
Jeff has more than 13 years of experience in Asset Based Lending as both a Collateral Analyst and Operations Manager. Prior to Siena, Jeff worked at Citigroup, N.A., G.E. Capital and Burdale in various operational roles.
Omoyeni Ipinlaiye
Senior Collateral Analyst
Omoyeni has over 10 years of experience in Asset Based Lending as a Collateral Analyst. Prior to Siena, Omoyeni worked at Wells Fargo, Capital Finance and CIT, Business Capital in operations.
Miin Chen
COO
Miin Chen
COO
Miin has 10 years of experience in accounting, audit, operations and treasury management. Prior to Siena, Miin was a direct report to the Controller at Burdale and has worked as an auditor at both PricewaterhouseCoopers and JH Cohn (CohnReznick). Miin is a CPA in the state of New Jersey and holds a Masters in Accounting from Boston College.
Andrew Forsythe
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Forsythe
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew has over 10 years of accounting and taxation experience in both public accounting and private sector settings. His previous employers include Kreischer Miller, Verizon and most recently corporate accounting manager of a Philadelphia based investment management firm. Andrew is a CPA licensed in the state of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from Thomas Jefferson University.
Miin Chen
COO
Miin has 10 years of experience in accounting, audit, operations and treasury management. Prior to Siena, Miin was a direct report to the Controller at Burdale and has worked as an auditor at both PricewaterhouseCoopers and JH Cohn (CohnReznick). Miin is a CPA in the state of New Jersey and holds a Masters in Accounting from Boston College.
Andrew Forsythe
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew has over 10 years of accounting and taxation experience in both public accounting and private sector settings. His previous employers include Kreischer Miller, Verizon and most recently corporate accounting manager of a Philadelphia based investment management firm. Andrew is a CPA licensed in the state of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from Thomas Jefferson University.