The Staff

Mike Ufford is a Senior Loan Officer for the MCDC. Mike markets the SBA 504 program throughout the state of Michigan and works with lenders, small business owners, and other referral sources to secure SBA 504 financing. He works with the MCDC underwriters to review the eligibility and obtain the SBA approval.

Prior to joining the MCDC, Mike spent the last 22 years working in the commercial loan arena in Southeastern Michigan, holding commercial lending, credit administration, and commercial loan management positions, in both large regional banks and small community banks.

Mike earned his Bachelors degree in Bank Management from Wayne State University and his Master of Finance degree from Walsh College.       

Scott Vroegindewey is a Senior Loan Officer for the MCDC. Scott markets the SBA 504 program throughout Greater Grand Rapids Michigan and works with lenders, small business owners, and other referral sources to secure SBA 504 financing. He works with the MCDC underwriters to review the eligibility and obtain the SBA approval.  Scott joins MCDC with a solid career in the banking industry, with extensive experience in commercial loan portfolio management and SBA lending programs specific to Michigan. Most recently he served as a Commercial Loan Officer at Macatawa Bank in the Ottawa, Kent, and Northern Allegan markets.

Scott Vroegindewey graduated from the Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University with an MBA degree, and prior to that he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Hope College.

David Kramer is the Senior Underwriter for the MCDC. Dave has been with the organization since 1998. In that time he has served in a variety of capacities within the organization. In his current role as Senior Underwriter, David oversees all MCDC underwriting functions, including eligibility determination, credit evaluation, SBA packaging and approval

David holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Central Michigan University.        

Darlene J. Merritt joined MCDC in November of 2006. She is responsible for marketing our SBA 504 program to our lending partners in the northern Michigan counties of the Lower Peninsula. Darlene recently retired after 36 years in banking. During her banking career she held several positions including Community Bank President with Fifth Third Bank in Cadillac. She was active in economic development thru the Cadillac Industrial Fund, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority.

Darlene is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - School of Bank Administration.       

Susanne Towler is the Loan Closer for the Michigan Certified Development Corporation. She joing the MCDC staff in November 2007. Susanne is responsible for the processing and closing of the loans. Prior to her position with the MCDC, Susanne worked in the mortgage banking/retail industry for over 17 years in various capacities.

Rachel Bakken is the Portfolio Manger for the MCDC. Rachel joined the MCDC staff in July 2006. She is responsible for the oversight of the existing loan portfolio, management of complex/routine servicing actions (i.e. assumptions, subordinations, and payments), customer visits, and credit reviews. Prior to her position with the MCDC, Mrs. Bakken worked as commercial credit analyst with Republic Bank in the Lansing area.

Rachel holds a Bachelors degree in Finance from Central Michigan University.       

JoAnn is the sales assistant at Michigan Certified Development Corporation (MCDC) joining in April 2008. JoAnn is responsible for administrative support for the lending staff and ongoing communications to our customers.

Prior to her role with MCDC JoAnn enjoyed a successful career in banking for over 15 years in various positions.

JoAnn holds a Certificate of Small Business Management at Lansing Community College.