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James has been with First American Bank since 2012. Beginning in the Bank’s Trade Finance Department, James assisted clients with export related needs such as purchase order/accounts receivable financing, commercial letter of credits, and documentary collections. Following this, James began working in First American’s Commercial Loan Department as an analyst, underwriter, and portfolio manager, utilizing both conventional and SBA related products to solve customer needs. James helped manage the Bank’s PPP loan program, and since May 2022, he took on the role as SBA Program Manager. As one of a few banks nationally to have delegated authority on all 7(a) loan programs, James is well versed in all aspects of the SBA from origination through servicing. He has been a member of NAGGL since 2017 and currently serves on NAGGL’s Region V Committee and Small Lender Central Committee. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Daniel Pinho was appointed the Vice President of Operations and Business Management at BAFT on July 31, 2023. Daniel previously was the SVP & AGM at PNC's Trade Finance group.  He has over 20 years of experience in structured trade financing programs.  Prior to joining PNC, Daniel was a Manager at UPS Capital Business Credit where he supervised the Export Credit Agency Operations group.  He also served as the Director of Trade Finance at a consulting firm in Brazil. Pinho also previously served on BAFT's North American Council and co-chaired the Structured Trade and Export Finance Committee. He is a member of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting and is chair of the board of Ten Thousand Villages in Pittsburgh, a fair trade nonprofit organization.

Daniel Pische serves as the National Director of Trade Finance within the SBA’s Office of International Trade in Washington, DC. As Director, Daniel is responsible for the design and delivery of SBA’s export loan programs and oversight of SBA’s national staff of Export Finance Managers. Prior to joining the SBA, Daniel worked at First American Bank for over 15 years where he led their Trade Finance Division and served as a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. Daniel served on Department of Commerce’s Trade Finance Advisory Council during the second charter term and continues to serve as the SBA’s ex-officio representative where he assists with recommendations on improving access to Trade Finance for small and midsized exporters.

Carson Strickland has over 20 years of experience in Trade Finance assisting Corporate Clients involved in international trade with developing financing and risk mitigation solutions to grow their business. Carson started his career with Regions bank in 1999. His background includes experience in International Banking operations as well as Relationship Management with focuses in Trade Services, Export Lending, Structured Trade Finance, Supply Chain Finance, and Foreign Exchange.