ABA Banking Journal
As it prepares to process an “extraordinary” number of disaster loans in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Small Business Administration is seeking professional commercial loan officers for a temporary assignment in processing loan applications.
“Because SBA is the Federal government’s primary source of money to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations recover from disasters, we are looking for additional staff to aid in our efforts,” SBA said in a letter to lenders on Friday. “SBA is asking business lenders to solicit their professional employees to identify and recruit loan officers willing to assist the SBA in processing disaster loans.”
Loan officers — who would take a leave of absence from their bank jobs — would be temporarily hired by SBA as “special government employees,” reviewing and making recommendations on loan applications for up to 130 days in either Fort Worth, Texas, or Sacramento, Calif. SBA says it will cover all expenses, including salary at government rates, travel, lodging, a meal per diem and local transportation. Retirees and others with lending experience are also eligible for the program. The American Bankers Association encourages banks and bankers to participate if interested and able. To participate or for questions, please contact SBA’s Gina Beyer.
As cleanup efforts continue in the aftermath of the hurricane, ABA is encouraging bankers to make a tax-exempt contribution to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund set up by the Texas Bankers Association and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. Bankers can also continue to find updates and other resources related to Hurricane Harvey on aba.com.