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.

Kelly Pond

Chief Executive Officer, Board Member

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Mason Carnino

President, Chairman of the Board

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Daniel Chen

Chief Credit Officer, Vice Chairman of the Board

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Jahun Smith

Board Member

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Kelly Pond

Kelly Pond 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. 

Email: [email protected]
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Mason Carnino

Mason Carnino 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. Carnino’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.

Email: [email protected]
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Daniel Chen

Daniel Chen 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. Chen’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.

Email: [email protected]
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Jahun Smith

Jahun Smith is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience across lending, credit operations, deposit management, and branch leadership. His deep knowledge of commercial and consumer finance, combined with hands-on operational oversight, has shaped his approach to building resilient, community-focused financial systems. Throughout his career at institutions including Nano Banc and Mission Valley Bank, Mr. Smith has managed high-performing teams, led complex lending portfolios, and developed client-centered service models. As a board member, he brings critical insight into risk management, customer experience, and financial accountability—making him a valuable voice in the Fund’s governance and long-term strategic planning.

Email: [email protected]
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