#United States #Chicago #SomerCor #SBA 504 #Adrienne Baker

SomerCor Expands Board of Directors to Boost Strategic Growth

On March 5, 2026, SomerCor, a nonprofit and certified development company recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the addition of three seasoned professionals to its Board of Directors. These appointments aim to enhance the organization's governance while emphasizing strategic partnerships that support small business growth and manufacturing competitiveness within the region.

Manny Flores, the President and CEO of SomerCor, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new board members during the announcement. He stated, “I am pleased to welcome Adrienne, David, and LaVon to SomerCor's Board. Their expertise in lending, transaction management, and manufacturing will greatly enhance our capability to deploy capital effectively and responsibly.”

New Board Appointees

Adrienne H. Baker, MBA

Adrienne joins SomerCor as the Managing Director of Lending at IFF, where her extensive experience in commercial banking and community-focused lending spans over 25 years. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving complex finance initiatives that foster business development across Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Wisconsin.

David Boulay, Ph.D.

As the President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), David leads numerous public-private partnerships aimed at boosting the operational capabilities of small and mid-sized manufacturers. His strategic approach is expected to bolster SomerCor’s support for this vital sector, thus driving job creation and economic growth.

LaVon M. Johns, Esq., LEED AP

LaVon brings nearly three decades of experience to the board as an Equity Partner and Business Transactions Team Leader at Riley Safer Holmes Cancila. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Structured Transactions at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. LaVon's legal expertise in complex real estate transactions and development will be pivotal for SomerCor as they navigate future ventures.

Achievements and Future Goals

This board expansion marks a significant moment for SomerCor, building on a year of substantial growth and national recognition. In 2025, SomerCor exceeded $100 million in annual SBA 504 lending for the second consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to supporting small and mid-sized manufacturers. The organization also celebrated 25 years of managing the City of Chicago's Small Business Improvement Fund, which has seen over $153 million invested in local businesses.

Furthermore, SomerCor has initiated new capital programs, including the VetLoan Advantage Program and the Down Payment Assistance Program, strengthening its offerings to various communities. Recognized as an Inc. Magazine Power Partner and honored as CDC of the Year by The Coleman Report, these accolades affirm SomerCor’s pivotal role in supporting small businesses.

Tom Huffman, Chair of the SomerCor Board of Directors, commented on the significance of these new additions: “These leaders bring valuable expertise that will help guide SomerCor's continued growth. Their experience strengthens our governance and aligns with our long-term strategy to facilitate access to capital and amplify economic impact.”

To discover more about SomerCor's SBA 504 financing or to get in touch with a loan officer, visit www.somercor.com.

About SomerCor

SomerCor is a nonprofit SBA Certified Development Company dedicated to offering long-term, fixed-rate SBA 504 financing to support small business expansion, owner-occupied real estate acquisitions, construction, and equipment investments. Beyond lending, SomerCor actively partners with local government to administer economic development grant programs and collaborates with community lenders and stakeholders to drive job creation and investment throughout Illinois and beyond.

For media inquiries, please contact Kim Brisky at (312) 360-3330 or via email at [email protected].