Andrew S. McGhee brings over three decades of leadership in commercial finance, private equity, and asset-based lending. Most recently, he served as Founding Partner of Archway Ventures LLC and was previously Vice Chairman of White Oak Commercial Finance from 2020 to 2023. He co-founded and led AloStar Capital Finance as President and CEO, where he helped launch the firm through the acquisition of a failed Alabama-based bank and a $160 million private equity-backed capital raise.

Under McGhee’s leadership, AloStar committed over $3 billion to more than 200 middle market companies nationwide between 2011 and 2019. Known for consistent performance and creative structuring, the firm earned a reputation as a reliable capital partner until its acquisition by State Bank in 2017, which was later sold to Cadence Bank.

Earlier in his career, McGhee co-founded Archway Equity Partners and spent 12 years at SunTrust Banks, where he led the Leveraged Finance Group and oversaw several specialty lending platforms. His financial services experience spans roles at Citicorp, Bank South, and Bank of America Business Credit.

McGhee is an active leader in the financial community, serving on the boards of Piedmont Hospital of Atlanta, SFNet, and the Terry College of Business Alumni Board at the University of Georgia. He is also an Elder at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Georgia and resides in Atlanta.

Neal Mulford offers more than 30 years of experience across a broad spectrum of commercial lending disciplines, including asset-based lending (ABL), cash flow lending, mezzanine finance, and credit risk management. He has held senior roles with institutions such as AloStar, CIT, Regions Bank, Legacy Capital, and White Oak, where he developed deep expertise in underwriting, portfolio management, new business development, and field examination.

In addition to ABL, Mulford has experience in cash flow lending with Heller Financial, mezzanine financing with Chatham Capital, and early-career roles in public accounting with McGladrey and corporate finance with LaRoche Industries.

As Chief Risk Officer, Mulford plays a critical role in leading diligence and risk monitoring efforts across the firm’s portfolio. His understanding of borrower needs and disciplined approach to credit assessment make him a key strategic advisor to both clients and colleagues.

Mark Kassis brings over three decades of experience in commercial and specialty finance, with a focus on structuring and managing complex credit solutions. His product expertise includes asset-based and cash flow lending, equipment finance, off-balance sheet transactions, project finance, and small ticket receivables financing.

Kassis has served in leadership roles across credit, underwriting, field examination, and business development. He has been a founding member of multiple finance platforms, including two equipment finance startups at Transamerica and ORIX, and was instrumental in launching Tygris Commercial Finance and the lender finance unit at Regions Bank.

He holds a BBA in Finance (cum laude) and an MS in Finance from Georgia State University, following two years at the United States Air Force Academy. In addition to his professional work, Kassis serves as Chairman of the Board for Food Security for America, a nonprofit focused on reducing hunger through cooperative food programs.

Mark lives in Smyrna, Georgia with his wife, Mary.

David Phillips brings over 30 years of leadership and senior-level experience in the asset-based and specialty finance industry. He has held key roles across both bank and non-bank institutions, including Wingspire Capital, Alostar Capital, Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, CIT, and Heller Financial. Throughout his career, David has played a pivotal role in launching and scaling successful lending platforms, notably the Retail Specialty Finance divisions at CIT and Wells Fargo, the commercial finance platform at AloStar Capital Finance, and most recently, the non-bank platform at Wingspire Capital.

With three decades of expertise in originating and structuring a wide range of asset-based and specialty finance transactions, David has built a robust national network and a reputation for delivering tailored financial solutions with integrity and insight.

Janet Riccard is an accomplished Commercial Lending Operations Manager with over 25 years of experience. She is well-versed in Collateral Management, Loan Accounting and Treasury Operations. She has successfully launched lending platforms and spearheaded the implementation of new operational management systems. She is committed to driving efficient and compliant loan operations while fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Janet has a proven track record of developing and mentoring staff, resulting in enhanced team collaboration and productivity. She is a firm believer in team cohesion and leads with integrity and transparency. In her free time, she enjoys traveling abroad and spending time outdoors.

George Vartanov brings a disciplined underwriting approach and a collaborative mindset to Archway's credit team. He is a CFA Level III Candidate and holds a degree from Bentley University. In his role, George supports Archway's underwriting function by evaluating transactions, collaborating across teams, and ensuring clients receive financing solutions that are both sound and strategic. His background equips him to navigate complex financial structures while maintaining a practical, solutions-oriented perspective — an essential fit for Archway's client-focused model.

Matthew Lesser brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial banking, asset-based lending, lender finance, and specialty finance to Archway's growing originations platform. Lesser joins Archway from First Citizens Bank, where he held a senior origination and business development role focused on asset-based lending and lender finance for middle-market companies and financial sponsors. Prior to that, he spent a significant portion of his career at CIT Group, working closely with private equity firms, independent sponsors, specialty finance platforms, and turnaround professionals to structure creative financing solutions across both sponsored and non-sponsored transactions. Known for his collaborative, market-facing approach, Lesser is based in the New York metro area and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and is a CFA charterholder

Michael Goletz brings more than 20 years of experience in asset-based lending and middle-market finance, with a strong track record of originating, structuring, and executing complex transactions across both bank and non-bank platforms. He has developed deep relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks, restructuring advisors, and corporate leaders throughout the Midwest, positioning him to drive meaningful growth for Archway in the region. Prior to joining Archway, Goletz held senior origination roles at leading financial institutions, where he consistently built and scaled regional lending platforms and partnered closely with underwriting and credit teams to deliver disciplined, creative financing solutions. He is based in Indianapolis

Rebecca Tarby has spent more than two decades underwriting and managing more than $1 billion in investments across a broad range of industries including reorganizations and other special situations. She joins Archway from Crystal Financial LLC (d/b/a SLR Credit Solutions), where she was most recently Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Underwriting & Portfolio Management. Earlier in her career, she held corporate finance and M&A advisory roles at FleetBoston Financial Corporation, Comerica Bank, and Grant Thornton. Tarby holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Marketing from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and was named among the “Top Women in ABL” by the ABF Journal in 2022.

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