NAGGL promotes Granchelli and Calafiore to chief roles

The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders on Sept. 2 named Kristen Granchelli chief advocacy officer and Carolyn Calafiore chief operating officer. The promotions put two longtime leaders in charge of the association’s policy, operations and member-facing programs as NAGGL works to shape the future of the SBA 7(a) industry.

Why it matters: - NAGGL is elevating two executives into roles that directly affect how the trade group advocates for lenders and runs its day-to-day business. - The move centers the association’s work on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Loan Program, where NAGGL represents lenders and industry partners. - The promotions are meant to strengthen NAGGL’s ability to respond to member needs and influence the policy environment around SBA lending.

What happened: - NAGGL announced the promotions of Kristen Granchelli to chief advocacy officer and Carolyn Calafiore to chief operating officer on Sept. 2. - Granchelli will continue leading NAGGL’s advocacy strategy and its engagement with Congress, the administration, the media and other stakeholders. - Calafiore will lead NAGGL’s internal operations and member-facing programs, including training, education and member services. - Tony Wilkinson, NAGGL’s president and CEO, said the promotions recognize both leaders’ roles in moving the organization forward.

The details: - Granchelli will set the association’s advocacy agenda and help build coalitions around NAGGL’s priorities. - Granchelli will work closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO and COO, the NAGGL team and the broader membership to align association efforts with industry needs. - Granchelli also oversees NAGGL PAC with the president and CEO, including strategy, fundraising and political engagement. - Calafiore will oversee the internal functions that support NAGGL’s mission and member services. - Calafiore will work with the president and CEO, the chief advocacy officer, the Board of Directors, SBA leadership and the NAGGL team to keep operations efficient and responsive. - Calafiore brings more than two decades of SBA lending experience, including sales, closing, servicing and workout. - Wilkinson said Granchelli’s role has expanded into a broader strategic function focused on understanding members’ needs and shaping the environment in which they operate. - Wilkinson said Calafiore’s new role will connect deep operational experience with how NAGGL serves members. - NAGGL described the two promotions as strengthening its ability to anticipate industry needs and translate those needs into action.

Between the lines: - The promotions suggest NAGGL is formalizing a split between policy advocacy and operational execution at a time when SBA lending remains central to its mission. - Granchelli’s expanded advocacy remit signals a push for a more coordinated industry voice in Washington and beyond. - Calafiore’s elevation points to a greater emphasis on member services and lender training as operational priorities. - Wilkinson framed the changes as part of NAGGL’s long-term evolution, not just a staffing update.

What's next: - Granchelli is expected to keep steering advocacy on behalf of members in the 7(a) space. - Calafiore is expected to guide NAGGL’s operations and training programs for current and future SBA lenders. - NAGGL said the new leadership structure will help the association continue defining the future of the 7(a) Program. - The association will continue working with policymakers, stakeholders and members as it advances its agenda.

The bottom line: - NAGGL is upgrading two key roles to sharpen its policy influence and improve how it serves SBA lenders.