Peter M. Theobald, President and CEO

Peter Theobald has had a successful business career in his own right having founded his own company and building it into the 16th fastest growing company in the US as reported in Inc. Magazine. He has been recognized as Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He has also been a member of many business and industrial development missions sent by the US government and private companies to work in most countries of this hemisphere. His passion is working with businessmen to help them achieve their objectives.

Mr. Theobald has successfully used the loan products provided by Access Business Development & Finance and thus is keenly aware of how they can be useful in promoting small business expansion. He has helped over one hundred small business get established and grow into successful enterprises. He holds four degrees – two Bachelors Degrees from the University of Cincinnati and two Masters Degrees from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Steven Jacobs, Executive Vice President & COO

Steven is a life long resident of Warren County living in Lebanon and graduating from Lebanon High School in 1972. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from the New York Institute of Technology and has obtained certification as a Certified Business Advisor with the Ohio Department of Development Small Business Development Centers. He has also completed the required coursework to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic

Steven has worked in both the public and private and sectors helping small businesses reach their growth goals. Since 1999 he has helped small businesses receive the financing they need to grow directing the SBA 504 loan program in Warren County and provided consulting services to startup and existing businesses on topics such as business plan development, strategic and loan proposal requests.

JaLana Kappen, Director of Marketing & Sales

JaLana Kappen has a unique business background working in the United States as well as Europe. She started her career as a Senior Accountant for five years and was then promoted to a Regional Controller’s Position for one of the top three hospitality companies in the US. She completed her tenure by working in Treasury for three years. After all the number crunching and cash management she decided to do what she does best which is work with people.

Ms. Kappen is an excellent relationship manager and, for the seven years before joining ABDF, she worked in sales and marketing for a Fortune 500 Company where she served in a senior lender capacity. Ms. Kappen combines her unique skills as accountant and controller, relationship manager, and sales professional to lead ABDF’s marketing and sales efforts.

Stephanie A. E. Zeigler, Credit Analyst

Stephanie originally started with the organization in September, 2005 as Secretary. She took time off to be with her family and rejoined the company in March, 2008 as Credit Analyst.

Stephanie currently assists in the closing process of 504 loans as well as servicing. She also assists in various accounting and administrative functions as she brings over 15 years of experience in these fields. She previously worked for the Office of the Butler County Auditor as well as the Clermont County Auditor’s Office where she was a supervisor.

Stephanie’s business experience is enhanced by her prior involvement with many direct sale companies. She has also assisted in the operations of a family owned lawn care business and handled marketing and sales for her husband’s professional singing group.

Stephanie will be finishing her degree in Business Management in the Fall. She resides in Trenton, Ohio with her husband, David, and two children, Emmae and Anthony.

Norma Selena Cruces Bendezú, Loan Processor

Norma Selena Cruces Bendezú is a loan processor for ABDF. She is bilingual (Spanish/English) and specializes in working with ABDF’s Hispanic business clients. She is skilled in customer service and is an outstanding loan packager and processor for many of ABDF’s clients.

Ms. Cruces has over ten years of experience in the business world. She was owner/operator of a pharmacy in her native country, Peru. She was responsible for the overall operations of the pharmacy including financial management and reporting, inventory management, and daily operations.

Prior to joining ABDF she was an Assistant Store Manager where she was responsible for store operations, cash management, employee training, and customer service. She also handled inventory management and control and franchise compliance with corporate headquarters

Victoria Asher, Consultant

Victoria Asher started with the Certified Development Company of Butler County, Inc. in October of 1996 as a Development Specialist. Her initial and primary responsibilities include administering the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 Affordable Loan Program as well as servicing of the loan portfolio. Victoria and her husband have owned and operated a vending business for 11 years which is located in Butler County, Ohio.

Ms. Asher received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council on January 5, 1998 as well as many other certifications issued by NADCO (National Association of Development Companies) involving the SBA 504 Program throughout her tenure. Victoria was recently promoted to Portfolio Manager in March, 2008 for the Certified Development Company of Butler County, Inc. Ms. Asher now serves as a Consultant to ABDF specializing in loan closing and funding.