Steve Gross, executive vice president and SBA division head of Crestmark Bank, announced the promotion of Christopher Soupal to senior vice president, national sales director of the SBA Lending Division from first vice president, national sales director of the division. Based in Crestmark’s corporate office in Troy, MI, Soupal reports to Steven Gross.

Soupal joined Crestmark in January 2014 as a business development officer responsible for helping with the launch of the bank’s SBA Lending Division in May of that year. He helped create the vision and mission for the division, and provided guidance on its business plan, as well as its business operations.

Soupal implemented outreach initiatives that quickly created awareness for Crestmark’s brand and products within this segment. In 2015, he was promoted to first vice president, national sales director of the SBA Lending Division. In the two years since the SBA Division was launched, it has gone from de novo status to the 72nd largest SBA lending group in the country.

Gross said, “I am pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher Soupal to senior vice president of our SBA Division. Since joining Crestmark, Chris quickly earned the respect of peers, management and industry contacts for his hard work and tireless ability to create relationships. He assisted in the creation of the vision and mission of the SBA division, and guided the outreach initiatives that are successfully building our brand and market presence. Just as important, Crestmark is benefitting from his leadership in building a vibrant work culture, and developing a strong client-focused team that produces results. We look forward to his continued leadership at Crestmark in the growth of the business.”

Soupal has more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Before joining Crestmark, he was managing director for Stinson Street Opportunity Capital. Earlier, he held positions as managing director at RedRidge Finance Group, director at Bridge Finance Group, vice president at ABN AMRO/LaSalle Debt Capital Markets and account executive at FINOVA Capital.