TMA Affiliate Member since December 2025 celebrates exciting new leadership and expansion in 2026
Springfield, IL — Growth Corp, one of the nation’s highest-producing SBA 504 lenders, announced a significant leadership transition, effective January 1. After 35 years as President, Doug Kinley will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Sara Vanhala, a nearly 20-year veteran of the organization and current Chair of the Board of the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), has been appointed President.
This transition underscores the strength of Growth Corp’s 40-year legacy and the momentum propelling its next chapter. Since its founding, the organization has helped thousands of small businesses expand, fueling over a billion dollars in economic development investments. Its work has supported job creation, strengthened local economies, and contributed to widespread community revitalization across Illinois and the Midwest. Through long-standing partnerships with lending institutions and economic development leaders, Growth Corp has built one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable foundations—one it is now poised to elevate even further.
As Chair of NADCO, the national trade association representing Certified Development Companies and advocating for the SBA 504 Loan Program, Vanhala has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions and championing program improvements that benefit lenders and small businesses nationwide. She also leads Growth Corp’s annual delegation to Washington, D.C., collaborating with policymakers and SBA officials on efforts to modernize the program and expand support for entrepreneurs. Her national visibility, combined with nearly two decades of operational leadership at Growth Corp, uniquely positions her to guide the organization’s strategic growth and strengthen its presence across its lending footprint.
“Each dollar we finance represents the bravery and hard work of an entrepreneur betting on their future,” said Doug Kinley. “Growth Corp exists to support that courage. Together, we’ve built a foundation rooted in trust, integrity, and impact—and I’m excited to see our team advance into a new era of innovation and growth.”
“The heart of our work is the impact we make in communities,” said Sara Vanhala. “Every project we finance becomes a catalyst for job creation, neighborhood stability, and long-term opportunity. Our lenders and entrepreneurs know they can count on us for clarity, consistency, and support. As we move forward, I’m committed to accelerating that impact and expanding our presence, ensuring more local businesses can grow, hire, and reinvest throughout the Midwest.”
With this leadership transition, Growth Corp reaffirms its commitment to the mission that has guided it for four decades and positions itself for continued growth and meaningful community impact.
About Growth Corp
Growth Corp is a leading Certified Development Company (CDC) specializing in SBA 504 loans for growing businesses. For nearly four decades, the organization has partnered with lending institutions, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to drive economic development, job creation, and long-term community vitality.
More information in Springfield Business Journal HERE