FRISCO, TX, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) today announced the promotions of Kristen Granchelli to Chief Advocacy Officer and Carolyn Calafiore to Chief Operating Officer, recognizing their leadership and expanded roles in advancing the association’s strategic priorities.
As Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO), Granchelli will continue to lead NAGGL’s strategy to champion member priorities and shape the policy and political environment in which the 7(a) industry operates. She sets the Association’s advocacy agenda and directs its engagement with Congress, the Administration, the media, and other key stakeholders, building coalitions and a unified industry voice to drive NAGGL’s priorities. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO and COO, the NAGGL team, and NAGGL’s membership at large, Granchelli provides strategic leadership across the association’s efforts to ensure they reflect the needs of the industry and position NAGGL to shape its future. She also oversees NAGGL PAC alongside the President and CEO, directing its strategy, fundraising, and political engagement.
As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Calafiore will lead NAGGL’s day-to-day operations, overseeing the internal functions and member-facing programs — including training, education, and member services — that deliver on the association’s mission. Working closely with the President and CEO, the CAO, the Board of Directors, SBA leadership and the NAGGL team, Calafiore will ensure NAGGL’s operations run efficiently and reflect the needs of its membership. She brings more than two decades of hands-on SBA lending experience, which includes sales, closing, servicing, and workout, to how NAGGL trains and supports the next generation of SBA lenders.
“These promotions recognize the tremendous leadership Kristen and Carolyn bring to NAGGL and the critical roles they play in moving the organization forward,” said Tony Wilkinson, President and CEO of NAGGL. “Kristen has expanded NAGGL’s approach to Advocacy into a broader, more strategic function focused on understanding our members’ needs, shaping the environment in which they operate, and positioning the industry and this trade association for long-term success. Carolyn has spent her entire career in the trenches of SBA operations — closing, servicing, workout, and now training the next generation of SBA lenders. In her new role, she will bridge that industry knowledge with how NAGGL operates and delivers for its members going forward. Together, their joint leadership strengthens NAGGL’s ability to anticipate the needs of our industry, translate those needs into action, and continue evolving the association for the future.”
“Our focus is on shaping the environment our members and the 7(a) industry need to succeed,” said Granchelli. “NAGGL always looks ahead, sets clear priorities, and brings the industry together, and we will continue to build on that foundation in the years ahead. I’m thrilled to be helping NAGGL lead the industry through this critical inflection point, and I know NAGGL will continue to define the future of the 7(a) Program.”
“I’ve spent my career on the operational side of SBA lending because I believe good process is what actually protects lenders, borrowers, and the program itself,” said Calafiore. “I’m honored to take on this role and to assist NAGGL’s members navigate what’s ahead.
About NAGGL
The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) is the national trade association representing the lenders and industry partners who participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Loan Program. NAGGL serves the industry through advocacy, education, industry expertise, and engagement with policymakers, stakeholders, and peers.
Media Contact
Tony Wilkinson, President & CEO
National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL)
twilkinson@naggl.org
405-880-0210
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Anthony R Wilkinson
NAGGL, Inc.
+1 405-880-0210
email us here
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