Meet our Team

About Growth Community Fund

At Growth Community Fund, our team brings together diverse expertise in community development, small business lending, and financial education. We’re more than just financial professionals—we’re community advocates who understand the local landscape and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in our area. Our dedicated staff includes experienced loan officers, business coaches, and community development specialists who share a passion for fostering economic growth from the ground up. Together, we bring decades of combined experience in helping businesses thrive, with deep roots in the communities we serve. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing business, our team is here to provide personalized guidance, innovative financing solutions, and ongoing support to help turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our clients, celebrating their successes, and standing by them through challenges.

Kevin Ponder - Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Ponder is a mission-driven financial leader committed to advancing economic equity through accessible capital. As CEO of Growth Community Fund, Inc., he brings extensive experience in community development and strategic planning to create innovative financial solutions for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the Fund focuses on delivering affordable financing to small businesses often overlooked by traditional lenders, supporting job creation and local entrepreneurship. Mr. Ponder’s vision combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of community needs, working to close the capital gap and foster sustainable economic growth in the communities that need it most.

Mark Carnus - President

Mark Carnus is a forward-thinking operational leader who combines expertise in risk management and process optimization to expand access to opportunity. As President of Growth Community Fund, Inc., he designs efficient systems that enable quick, equitable delivery of capital to underserved communities. Mr. Carnus’s innovative approach to streamlining operations helps break down traditional lending barriers, ensuring more entrepreneurs can access the resources they need to succeed. His leadership focuses on transforming operational excellence into meaningful community impact.

David Chip - Chief Credit Officer

David Chip is a seasoned credit expert who balances responsible lending with community impact. As Chief Credit Officer of Growth Community Fund, Inc., he brings over a decade of experience in developing inclusive credit policies that expand access to capital while maintaining portfolio strength. Mr. Chip’s data-driven approach ensures lending decisions are both sustainable and equitable, helping position the Fund as a trusted financial partner for underserved communities. His leadership focuses on creating transparent credit practices that enable more entrepreneurs to access the capital they need to thrive.