American Momentum Bank enters New England market with key SBA lending hire

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Feb. 11, 2026 - PRLog -- American Momentum Bank has hired Beth A. Chea as vice president, business development officer III, as the bank continues the national expansion of its Small Business Administration (SBA) lending division. Based in Portsmouth, N.H., Chea will focus on cultivating referral relationships and generating new SBA loan opportunities for the bank, with a primary emphasis on the New England market.

Chea has 30 years of experience in banking and finance, including more than 20 years dedicated to SBA lending. Most recently, she served as vice president, SBA business development officer at First Bank of the Lake. Her career also includes extensive experience in banking roles with CIT, TD Bank and Wells Fargo.

"Beth's depth of experience in SBA lending and her long-standing relationships within the New England market make her a valuable addition to our team," said Patrick Fenech, senior vice president and managing director of SBA lending at American Momentum Bank. "Her proven ability to support small business owners and referral partners aligns well with our SBA platform and our commitment to delivering thoughtful, customized financing solutions."

Throughout her career, Chea has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, assisting clients with business acquisitions, expansion strategies and optimizing capital structures. She is known for a collaborative approach and a strong focus on serving as a trusted advisor throughout the lending process.

Chea earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Northwestern University, where she also competed as a Division I field hockey student-athlete.

She is actively involved in the SBA lending and business brokerage communities. Chea is a member of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) and previously served as Region 1 chairperson. She has been a member of the New England Business Brokers Association (NEBBA) for 20 years, serves on its board of directors and is chair of the events committee.

About American Momentum Bank
American Momentum Bank, a Texas-chartered banking association with total assets of $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2025, provides comprehensive products and services for businesses and individuals. American Momentum Bank has 18 full-service banking centers in Texas and nine full-service banking centers in Florida. American Momentum Bank's strong capitalization, superior asset quality and experienced management teams position it as one of the premier banks in each state. Visit www.americanmomentum.bank to learn more.