Team and board of directors

From treating patients in Colombia to treating struggling businesses in New Jersey, William's career path proves that healing comes in many forms. Starting his career as a physician, then earning a Master's in Business Management, he transitioned to international business before immigrating to the US.

After earning his MBA at Rider University, William joined RBAC in 2003 as a loan officer when the organization was surviving on grant income. When the Executive Director departed, William stepped into the interim role and quickly proved he was the permanent solution the board needed.

Under William's leadership, RBAC evolved from a small microlender into New Jersey's largest CDC. He secured CDC certification in 2007, built a portfolio exceeding $550 million, positioned RBAC as one of the nation's top Community Advantage lenders, and during the pandemic, deployed over $110 million in PPP loans to help 1,000+ businesses survive.

William's greatest reward comes from witnessing the success of the businesses RBAC has supported. Outside work, he balances family time with his passion for triathlon racing.

Fifteen years ago, while friends were job-hopping to climb career ladders, Andres chose a different path: he planted roots at RBAC and grew them deep. Starting with document scanning and loan packaging, he gradually expanded his role by mastering each piece of the lending process until he understood how the entire machine really works.

Today, as Chief Operating Officer, Andres makes sure that machine hums perfectly. He coordinates between departments so clients experience seamless journeys from application through closing, using his deep understanding of the process to solve problems before they become headaches.

Andres knows RBAC inside and out. His environmental business economics degree from Rutgers gave him analytical skills, but fifteen years of real-world experience taught him how to navigate the unique challenges each deal presents. The proof is in his track record: RBAC consistently averages over $95 million in approved 504 loans annually.

Outside the office, Andres stays competitive on the soccer field, is an avid Shark Week fan, and family vacations are non-negotiable. With kids in sports, he's developed strong loyalty to Aljon's Pizza in West Windsor, NJ, the perfect post-game tradition.

Some people find their calling early and stick with it. Others find it, leave it, then realize they can't stay away. Lilibeth falls into the second category. Right out of college, she discovered her love for helping small business owners at a microlending organization, but later moved to commercial banking to broaden her experience. However, she quickly missed hearing each entrepreneur's story and factoring that personal connection into the approval process.

Joining RBAC brought Lilibeth back to what she loved most: helping business owners who may not qualify for traditional bank financing but have the passion and drive to succeed. As EVP of Community Lending, she oversees our SBA 7(a) and Microloan programs, guiding entrepreneurs through the loan process from application to approval.

When not reviewing applications, Lilibeth travels, practices her culinary skills (especially for Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday), and cheers on her kids' soccer teams. She's also a dedicated Law & Order fan and regular at La Fortaleza in Lodi, NJ.

The lending industry is smaller than you'd think. Chris knew RBAC and our CEO William for years. When the timing was right for a new challenge, he reached out to William, and the conversation quickly turned into an invitation to join the team.

As Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Chris oversees 504 lending and processing operations, ensuring growth, quality, and compliance. His days involve guiding staff from application through closing, structuring deals that truly work for clients, and creating policies that enhance efficiency while satisfying SBA requirements.

What Chris loves most about RBAC is the collaborative atmosphere. RBAC has great flexibility, teamwork, and genuine enjoyment that comes from helping small businesses secure the funding they need to succeed.

When he's not structuring loans, Chris pursues his passion for golf and keeping up with his favorite sports teams. His ideal recharge comes at breakfast spots where he can slow down and reconnect with family and friends over good food and better conversation.

Sometimes the best opportunities come from simply asking good questions. A year before joining RBAC, Stephen reached out to our CEO, William Pazmino, just to understand what the company was really about. No job openings existed, but Stephen asked him to keep him in mind. When the RBAC team called a year later about an underwriting opportunity, Stephen's response was immediate: yes.

As Chief Credit Officer, Stephen ensures RBAC's loans are both responsible and accessible. He evaluates deals, develops lending policies, and oversees portfolio health, working within SBA guidelines to help as many small businesses as possible secure the financing they need.

His public accounting background provided analytical skills and financial expertise, but Stephen thrives on variety. He enjoys working with businesses from every industry imaginable, while being a part of a team that genuinely enjoys being together.

When he's not analyzing loan applications, Stephen dives deep into sports analytics, breaking down box scores with the same precision he applies to financial statements. He's a devoted Knicks, Yankees, Dolphins, and Rangers fan. His go-to local spot is The Grand Tavern, where he swears by their legendary burger.

While others focus on loan origination, Stefanie champions what happens next: turning approvals into business growth. As SVP of Closing and Servicing, she leads the team that guides borrowers through closing processes and provides ongoing support, making the complicated feel simple.

Stefanie's government guaranteed lending expertise spans nearly two decades, beginning in 2007 when she created SBA and USDA servicing departments for community banks. Her property management experience in underserved Indianapolis communities sparked her commitment to helping overlooked businesses access needed capital.

What drives Stefanie most is watching borrowers celebrate milestones long after their loans close. Those success stories, particularly from overlooked neighborhoods, remind her why meticulous closing and servicing work matters.

Outside of work, Stefanie is a “foodie.” She enjoys visiting local farmers markets, festivals, and her favorite restaurants, like Taqueria El Mariachi or Simply Jerk Jamaican Grill.

Full-circle career moments don't happen often, but Justin's living one. As a Rider University accounting student beginning his career via a co-op at an accounting firm, his first-ever audit client was RBAC. Fast-forward twelve years, and he's now managing those same financial statements as Chief Financial Officer.

His progression and experience through tax, audit, and transaction advisory, plus other roles with a pharmaceutical company, a real estate firm, and a multi-industry property development organization, built the foundation for the diverse financial expertise perfect for RBAC.

As CFO, Justin loves the unpredictability, monitoring financial activity one minute and diving into loan underwriting the next. Whether its reviewing loan fundings, managing closes, or assisting with SBA loan approvals, the variety keeps work exciting.

When he’s away from his desk, Justin pursues his annual international travel goal. His most recent trip to a South African safari, where he encountered "the Big 5" at the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, ranks among his most extraordinary experiences. Locally, he enjoys maintaining his fitness routine and dining at Surf, Turf, and Earth in Somerville, NJ.

Purpose-driven career changes are rare in legal practice, but Thomas found his calling through client work. Spending decades advising banks, nonprofits, and community lenders, including RBAC, showed him how meaningful lending partnerships could transform small businesses. When RBAC offered him the chance to join their mission directly, stepping away from private practice just felt right.

As Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Thomas keeps RBAC's SBA programs compliant with federal regulations while ensuring they remain practical for real businesses. He translates complex legal requirements into clear guidance, removes regulatory obstacles, and structures deals that work for everyone involved.

His background spans partnership at a major law firm, staff roles with federal regulatory agencies, and recognition as NAGGL's Instructor of the Year for training SBA lenders nationwide.

Outside work, Thomas enjoys skiing across Vermont, Canada, and Europe and cycles and surfs along both coasts. He also supports Jersey Shore and Vermont small businesses, like coffee shops, restaurants, and music venues, living out RBAC's mission personally.

After 17 years as a commercial relationship manager in banking, Babette thought she knew lending inside and out. Then she worked with a CDC on two SBA 504 loans and discovered something different: a financing tool that transformed how small businesses could grow. When the CDC director asked if she'd consider joining their team, Babette made a career pivot she's never regretted.

A decade ago, Babette brought her expertise to RBAC as SVP of Business Development. She promotes the SBA 504 program to bankers, brokers, CPAs, and attorneys, evaluating loan requests for eligibility and managing the complex journey from application through SBA approval and closing.

What she loves most about RBAC is the strong leadership and her team of experienced, customer-focused colleagues who make the company successful. Outside work, Babette enjoys beach time with family, boating, college football, and volunteering with animal rescue groups to help shelter dogs find loving homes.

Twenty years in SBA lending has taught Renata that the best professionals never stop learning. After mastering most aspects of the business at Commerce Bank, PNC, and Citizens Bank, she spotted one area she hadn't conquered: 504 lending. When the opportunity arose to fill that knowledge gap and join RBAC's growing team, she embraced it.

As Senior Vice President, Renata evaluates loan applications and guides business owners through SBA 504 requirements, serving as the translator between complex regulations and real business needs. She structures deals that actually work, not just deals that check boxes.

What keeps Renata engaged is RBAC's collaborative environment where everyone supports each other's success, plus leadership that provides clear direction while empowering staff to bring their creativity and expertise to every situation.

When she's not structuring loans, Renata applies her strategic thinking at Texas Hold'em poker tournaments and cheers passionately for the Eagles. She's a regular at local farmers’ markets, where she sees firsthand why small business financing creates meaningful community impact.

Some professional relationships are built to last. Jillian's journey to RBAC began years before she officially joined, working with CEO William Pazmino while at other financial institutions. RBAC was always her CDC of choice because of how they cared for both borrowers and lending partners. When an opportunity opened up, William's call felt natural.

As Senior Vice President, Jillian guides small businesses through the entire SBA 504 loan process from initial meeting through closing. With over 20 years in SBA lending, she structures deals that work while building genuine relationships.

Her psychology degree proves invaluable—understanding different personalities and connecting with people's needs is essential to successful deal-making. What she loves most about RBAC is simple: the people feel like family, creating teamwork that makes everyone successful.

When she is not building meaningful business relationships, Jillian loves traveling with her family, discovering new restaurants (especially family-owned ones), cheering her kids on at their games, and cooking up holiday feasts. When she needs the perfect iced mocha latte, she heads to Erie Bakery in Rutherford, her go-to woman-owned local spot.

When you've worked in SBA lending since 1993, you understand that the industry's real foundation is people, not paperwork. Lisa has seen the industry evolve from multiple vantage points, starting as a loan closer, then moving through inside sales and management roles as companies merged, acquired, and transformed around her.

Her RBAC story started while she was a business development officer at a major bank, working regularly with our CEO, William, on 504 transactions. Their collaborative approach made the eventual invitation to join RBAC feel like a natural progression rather than a career change.

Now, as Sr. Vice President and SBA business development officer, Lisa dedicates her time to building relationships with banks, lenders, and brokers while educating them about 504 loan advantages. She helps identify client eligibility, structures transactions properly, and guides the process through debenture funding with complete transparency.

When she’s not managing loan processes, she pursues her golf passion, travels internationally with her husband, and makes regular trips to Coco Luxe bakery in Peapack, NJ for their outstanding coffee and cakes!

Ten years ago, Omar walked into RBAC as an intern ready to scan documents and input data. Today, he's the go-to expert who can navigate the most complex SBA financing scenarios, proof that genuine curiosity and dedication can transform any career trajectory.

The turning point came when Omar was encouraged to study the SBA Standard Operating Procedures. Instead of treating it as homework, he was fascinated by the intricate regulations governing SBA programs. That comprehensive understanding of the SOP became his secret weapon!

As Senior Loan Officer, Omar guides business owners through the entire SBA loan process, whether they're launching startups or expanding existing operations. His deep regulatory knowledge helps him provide comprehensive looks at different financing options and structure deals that truly work.

Outside the office, Omar enjoys hiking, playing guitar, drums, and piano, and prioritizes family time. He also makes sure to support his favorite small businesses like Hackensack Brewery and Uncle Louie Gee's in Linden, NJ.