Freedom Bank Expands Small Business Lending with New Team Leadership

The Freedom Bank of Virginia, a well-regarded community bank headquartered in Fairfax, has recently announced a significant expansion of its small business lending initiatives. On March 24, 2025, the bank revealed that it has formed a new team dedicated to catering to the needs of small business owners in the Northern Virginia area, positioning itself as a more formidable ally in the local market.

Leadership at the Helm

Mark Ingram has been appointed the Senior Vice President and team lead of this newly established small business unit. With over eight decades of combined experience from team members, the new lineup aims to enhance Freedom Bank's commitment to small business owners. Joining Ingram are three vice presidents: Steven Carrion, Steven Patrick, and Mohammad Raza, all seasoned professionals in business banking. This team is set to provide tailored solutions through both traditional bank loans and Small Business Administration (SBA) financing options.

A Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs

The primary goal of this new team is not only to increase lending opportunities but also to empower local entrepreneurs, ensuring they have access to the financial tools needed for success. By collaborating closely with existing commercial and community banking divisions, this small business unit aims to provide a comprehensive suite of deposit and treasury services, helping clients manage their cash flow efficiently. This holistic approach underlines Freedom Bank's mission to support the growth of small businesses, a critical component of the local economy.

Joe Thomas, President and CEO of Freedom Bank, expressed great optimism regarding this initiative, stating, "We are very fortunate to have Mark as part of our team. His diverse experience will allow Freedom Bank to build on our SBA Preferred Lender status and offer more customized financial products while fostering long-term relationships with local entrepreneurs."

Experienced Personnel

Mark Ingram is taking the reins after a successful tenure as the Senior Vice President and Small Business Lending Manager at EagleBank. His extensive career spans various roles in credit administration and portfolio management at respected financial institutions. The other team members also bring considerable experience from their previous roles, further solidifying the new team’s capacity to serve the business community effectively.

Steven Raza, who last served as Vice President at EagleBank, and both Carrion and Patrick, who held significant roles in business banking, complete the team with a wealth of knowledge in small business lending.

Looking Forward

As Freedom Bank seeks to deepen its impact in the Northern Virginia region, this new team represents a strategic move toward enhancing its services for small business clients. With a focused approach to growing deposits and establishing Freedom Bank as a trusted partner for local entrepreneurs, the bank is undoubtedly setting itself on a path to becoming a leader in small business banking.

Ingram shared his excitement by saying, "I am thrilled to join Freedom Bank and the opportunity to enhance our small business lending practices. Our combined expertise means we can offer unparalleled support to local businesses that need financing to thrive."

The establishment of this new team signals a promising future for both Freedom Bank and the small business community it aims to support. The bank's commitment to personalized service and deep local roots position it well to respond to the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face in today’s ever-evolving economic landscape.

In conclusion, with leaders like Mark Ingram and a dedicated team, Freedom Bank's expansion into small business lending is set to significantly benefit entrepreneurs in the Northern Virginia area. This undertaking not only underscores the bank's commitment to local businesses but also highlights the crucial role that accessible financial solutions play in fostering economic growth in communities.