Lexus Banks is a Universal Banker in Hyperion’s Atlanta banking office, helping bank customers on the front line. She previously served in a similar role for a big bank.

“Lexus has a positive approach to learning new things, so she adapted to Team Hyperion quickly, and likes an opportunity to find just the right banking solutions for our customers,” says Joel Higdon, Branch Manager & Vice President, Cash Management Support.

The Rochester native earned an associate degree from Genesee Community College, and is currently a Junior at Albany State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She resides in Decatur and is engaged to be married. Away from work, she loves shopping, “all things fashion,” and spending time with family and friends.

“I enjoy building a rapport with customers, helping them solve their business and banking challenges,” she says.

Susan F. Battle is Senior Vice President & Director of SBA Lending. She has four decades’ experience in U.S. Small Business Administration lending. Susan is based in Atlanta and serves borrowers throughout the Eastern U.S. and across most industries.

“Susan has a reputation for working closely with entrepreneurs and other borrowers, no matter their SBA knowledge level or stage of the process, and that tailored approach is a great fit for our customers,” says Lou DeCesare, Hyperion President & COO. “She genuinely enjoys being on the front lines helping small business owners obtain the loans they need to reach their goals.”

Prior to joining Team Hyperion, Susan served in various SBA roles for a variety of Southeast banks in management positions including Director of SBA Lending. She has assisted new and existing businesses using the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs across a variety of industries including business acquisitions, franchise lending, hospitality, childcare, car washes, poultry farms and service businesses.

“I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs make their goals a reality,” Susan says, “and walk in step with them as they prepare for the process, shepherding them through it. And here at Hyperion we’re small business entrepreneurs, so we have that shared perspective, as well as deep experience, to bring to your SBA lending.”

Kimberly Bauer is Assistant Vice President & Senior Compliance Administrator for Hyperion Bank. She brings nearly 20 years of experience to the role and previously worked with a number Hyperion team members at other area community banks, including the former Private Bank of Buckhead.

Kimberly serves in a number of capacities in Compliance, from assisting with the preparation of all internal and external audits, examinations and reviews, to serving as backup to the BSA Officer for some tasks. In addition to her time at area banks, she also worked with the FDIC.

“I enjoy finding new ways to streamline processes and welcome opportunities to collaborate with others in doing so,” she says.

In addition to Georgia (currently Lake Lanier), Kimberly has lived in Florida, New Jersey and, while studying Spanish in college, Costa Rica. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Oglethorpe University.

Calling herself “a homebody at heart,” Kimberly will travel far to see her favorite musical artists and comedians. She grew up playing softball and played the flute in her church orchestra, both of which she says taught her the value and importance of teamwork.

Karen Chavarria is a Loan Administration Specialist for Hyperion Bank, with 25+ years’ experience in banking and other financial services. Originally from Honduras, she began her banking career there and has been in Atlanta for nearly 25 years.

A diligent and resourceful professional, Karen’s experience ranches from branch management and branch operations to managing a large number of diverse customers. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, completing a Second Language (ESL) Advanced English Course at Georgia Tech. Karen also earned a Bachelor Of Arts in Business Administration, Industries and Business at Central American Technological University, Honduras.

Away from work she loves to travel and spend time with her family. Karen also likes to dance and enjoys movies.

Charles B. (Charlie) Crawford, Jr., is Chairman & CEO of Hyperion Bank. He joined the bank in August 2017 and in 2018 led a significant recapitalization. In 2019 Charlie and his team expanded Hyperion Bank, opening a second location in Atlanta. They also launched Hyperion Mortgage (2020), an Atlanta-based joint venture licensed to lend in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina & Tennessee.

Hyperion’s revenue growth led to its inclusion in the Philadelphia Business Journal's “Soaring 76” list of the region’s fastest-growing businesses for 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023. (Hyperion is HQ in PHL.) In 2023, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB) recognized Charlie as the organization’s incoming Chair-Elect; he was previously PACB Vice Chair, served on its Diversity Task Force & was PACB’s 2022 Banker of the Year. He also serves on the board of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.

Upon being named among the Georgia Titan 100 for the third year in a row (2024), Charlie was selected to the Titan 100 Hall of Fame. Titan recognizes the state’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. A champion of community banking for 30+ years, he previously founded three thriving banks in Atlanta. In 2016 Private Bank of Buckhead – one of the community banks founded & helmed by Charlie – was included in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. He completed the successful merger of that bank and its mortgage division into a southern U.S. regional bank in 2017. He frequently speaks on banking & related topics and is quoted about same, in media outlets ranging from American Banker and Independent Banker to U.S. News & World Report.

Charlie holds undergraduate degrees (B.A. in Economics & B.S. in Management) from the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School of Business and earned his MBA from Georgia State University. He is a graduate of the LSU School of Banking and Leadership Atlanta. For the third academic year Charlie is teaching Scaling a New Venture in Georgia State’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute, part of the Robinson College of Business. In late 2023 he was recognized with the Harvey Brightman Part-Time Instructor Teaching Award at GSU’s Robinson College of Business Fall 2023 faculty meeting. Charlie also serves on the Advisory Board for the Fischer-Shain Center for Financial Services in the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves on the board of the Chief Executives Organization, for which he also is on the Executive Committee as International Chair of Finance. Charlie is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta.

He is a director of McKenney’s, one of the country’s largest mechanical contractors; until its recent sale, he also was an advisor to CDE Services, a tech-driven POS solutions provider. In addition to Hyperion Bank’s Board, Charlie serves on the board of Hyperion Mortgage. He has been honored with awards for Entrepreneurship and for his service on numerous nonprofit boards, including the J. Mack Robinson College of Business (Georgia State University), The Carter Center (Board of Councilors), the Georgia Tennis Foundation, the Atlanta History Center, the Buckhead Coalition (Treasurer) and the Atlanta Track Club (Chair).

Lou DeCesare, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyperion Bank, has delivered commercial banking services at community banks throughout the greater Philadelphia region for more than 30 years. In his long executive career, Mr. DeCesare has led relationship management teams that support new and established business owners, and consumers, by providing personalized financing, as well as deposit and cash management services. Mr. DeCesare draws upon his extensive banking experience to be creative in customizing bank products and services to meet the individual needs of Hyperion Bank customers.

Mr. DeCesare joined Hyperion Bank in 2013, gladly returning to his neighborhood roots, as he was born on Girard Avenue just blocks from the Bank's location. Raised in Northeast Philadelphia and Lower Moreland, Mr. DeCesare stayed local to earn both a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.B.A. from LaSalle University. Mr. DeCesare is active in a variety of community organizations.

Marsha has been in banking for more than 37 years, which gives her a solid base of banking knowledge and customer service experience. She previously worked with other members of the Hyperion Bank team.

“Banking is in my blood,” she says, “plus what else would I do with a name like dollar?” She adds that she likes working with a smaller bank and being able to provide excellent service for each individual and business customer. Dollar resides in Castleberry Hill with her cat Macy Gray.

Ryan Elliott is a Commercial Lending Specialist with Hyperion Bank’s Philadelphia banking office. His love of math & finance led him to the banking world, where he spent time at JPMorgan and Santander Bank.

“I wanted to get back to Commercial Lending, so I am ecstatic to join the Hyperion team,” Ryan says. “I love being able to assist local business owners that are here in my own backyard by being an asset in their growth and providing the best customer experience as possible.”

The “hardcore weather nerd” and hurricane forecaster whose dream is to one day be able to chase hurricanes, was born and raised in Harrisburg – the youngest of three siblings. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Finance and Economics from West Chester University.

Away from work he deejays and produces music and has volunteered extensively by providing entertainment at nursing homes, reading at elementary schools, helping special needs kids participate in outdoor activities, and helping run various youth basketball and football camps in the summer. Ryan also was a youth football coach for a few years after college in Harrisburg. His hobbies include watching football and basketball, golfing, and spending time with friends, family and his two golden retrievers.

Ryan and his partner Saba reside in Fishtown.

Amy joined Hyperion Bank in late 2019, bringing 15 years of experience in the Atlanta banking market, primarily in the community bank setting. She launched her career working in branch management and operations for one of the country’s largest financial institutions, and soon advanced to roles in its wealth and investment management division, where she specialized in working with high-net worth clients, attorneys, professional services firms, and real estate investors.

After four years with a big-box bank, Amy became a relationship manager at three community banks, where her client portfolios included individuals and families, small businesses and business owners, real estate investors, and nonprofit organizations. She enjoys finding creative solutions to her clients’ financing needs, and believes that community banking offers greater opportunities to customize products and solutions to help achieve her clients’ goals.

Amy is always striving to better understand her customers and their individual and business banking goals. Her dedication to building and maintaining customer-focused banking relationships matches Hyperion Bank’s philosophy, which drives our team to deliver the highest quality, personal service to all our clients.

Amy graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Banking and Finance and developed her passion for UGA football. An Atlanta native, she now lives with her husband and two daughters in Roswell, GA.

Amy loves to be active and outdoors with her family, enjoying the beach and other activities. She also serves as Treasurer for both of her daughters’ Girl Scout troops and volunteers at their school.

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After joining the Hyperion Bank team as a loan processor in 2013, Lauren made it her mission to learn as much as she could about each department. Taking on new challenges and assisting the entire staff, she used each new opportunity to fully understand the Bank's operations, processes, and people. She particularly enjoyed solving problems and building strong internal and external relationships.

Lauren’s desire to help people and her excellent management skills were recognized bank-wide. In fall 2015 she was promoted to manage all vendor and facility systems, and soon her responsibilities grew to include human resources.

Lauren was raised in South Jersey, where she continues to reside with her husband and two young children. She and her family enjoy fishing, traveling, and spending time together at the beach.

A commercial lending pro with strong ties to the area, Jenn Gardella is Vice President, Commercial Lending, in Hyperion Bank’s Philadelphia Banking Office. She has community banking experience in the Philadelphia region, specializing in real estate lending, financing both local construction projects and long-term commercial investment rental properties. In addition to the Philadelphia regional real estate market, Jenn has worked for years with customers in New Jersey shore communities and has an extensive SBA lending background.

“I enjoy working within the community I live and play in, and it is especially satisfying to be a small part of the growth and revival of so many Philadelphia neighborhoods through past and current financing projects,” Jenn says. The South Jersey native (Barrington) attended Camden Community College for Business Administration and recently moved back to South Jersey from King of Prussia.

Prior to her banking career, Jenn gained management and sales experience in retail – both national and boutique – and in the medical field. Away from work (and sometimes while WFH), she can be found enjoying time with her companion and confidant, Riley, a 3-year-old black lab. She also enjoys spending time with her large extended family, all of whom live in the area, and especially spoiling her niece and nephew.

Fun fact: Jenn firmly believes gnocchi is the world’s most perfect food and would appreciate knowing where you find your fave gnocchi.

Serving as Branch Manager of our Philadelphia location since November 2017, Lee works to ensure that our banking office is always warm and welcoming, and that every customer service experience exceeds your expectations.

Lee found his passion for banking and building customer relationships in his first job after high school graduation, working as a teller. During his financial career, he has worked as a teller, financial service representative, risk analyst, and Assistant Branch Manager.

To further his career, Lee earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Management with a minor in Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake University. With more than 18 years in banking and his genuine concern for customers, Lee's dedication is perfectly aligned with Hyperion Bank, where our clients always come first.

Lee enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and wineries.

Andres came to Hyperion Bank from Austin, Texas, where he lived for 16 years and launched his banking career as a consumer and commercial credit analyst and underwriter. In addition to evaluating credit worthiness and modeling cash flow, he is experienced in helping borrowers complete accurate loan submissions. In recent years Andres has assisted more than 500 small businesses in diverse industries, including retail, manufacturing, construction services, medical services, consulting, and more.

Andres chose to pursue his career at a community bank because he appreciates the opportunity to build strong personal relationships with local business owners and individuals who contribute to the vitality of their neighborhoods and regions. Born in Medellin, Colombia, Andres is fluent in Spanish and English and pleased to be serving Hyperion Bank’s multicultural community.

Andres earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Economics from Texas State University.

Andres is a passionate soccer, football, and UFC fan. He also enjoys playing soccer, going fishing and to the gym, reading science fiction books, and cooking.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Nicole Hicken is glad to be back in the city, working at Hyperion Bank as a Credit Analyst. When she is not leveraging her 15 years of banking, financial and credit experience, Nicole enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. The LaSalle University graduate and her husband live in Gloucester Township, NJ, with their five kids and four dogs.

Joel Higdon joined Hyperion Bank in July 2020 to manage our banking office serving the Atlanta region. He brings more than two decades of experience in customer service-focused positions, including 10 years in the banking sector as a Personal Banker, Retail Banker, and bank Branch Manager.

As a relationship manager, Joel excels in many areas that are important to Hyperion Bank customers. He says, “I believe in providing first-class service and having a great relationship with each of my customers. I want to be one of the reasons for the success of customers and the bank alike.”

Joel grew up in the North Georgia mountains and graduated from Appalachian Technical College and Georgia State University. He now resides in Vinings, GA.

In his leisure time, Joel enjoys cooking and reconnecting with the outdoors in North Georgia through photography, camping, kayaking, and hiking.

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Toni Hughes, CRCM, is Hyperion’s EVP & Compliance Department Manager, responsible for overseeing the bank’s Compliance Management Program. A banking professional in the Atlanta market for the past 20+ years, she has over 30 years of banking experience, having held positions at national, regional and community banks in Credit, Collections, Lending, Operations and most recently regulatory compliance.

“In addition to her extensive banking experience and familiarity with our markets, Toni is adept in a range of areas, including loan operations and credit administration, exceling at streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency and excellence,” says Hyperion President & COO Lou DeCesare. “It’s a bonus that she has previously worked with other members of our team and understands the high-touch environment we foster for our customers.”

Toni attended the University of Kentucky and earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology and development from American Intercontinental University, an MBA from Capella University and has earned the CRCM (Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager) designation from the American Bankers Association.

“I enjoy the community bank setting and balancing consumer protection and best practices with the needs and expectations of the people and business who trust us to be their community bank of choice,” Toni says. “I am a discriminating consumer myself and like being part of a team that provides the level of service I would demand.”

Toni and her husband reside in Snellville. Away from work she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and volunteers in the community, including with Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless and Toys for Tots.

Michael joined our team in January 2019, after working in accounting for regional insurance and technology businesses. As a Staff Accountant, he supports our operational team with a wide range of important financial and reporting functions, from account reconciliation and accounts receivable to payables and more.

Michael enjoys being part of our community bank, where he believes people can get the attention they deserve and have a higher quality service experience than they can at impersonal big banks.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in business from The Pennsylvania State University—Abington in 2012. He was raised in Cheltenham, and now resides in Glenside, PA. A Philadelphia sports fan, Michael also likes to dine out at the City’s restaurants and travel.

Bridget joined Hyperion Bank in late 2019, with more than 20 years of experience working in banks in the greater Philadelphia region. Throughout her career, she has built strong customer relationships by blending expert product knowledge with exceptional service.

Bridget’s positivity is appreciated by customers and colleagues, alike. Her proactive approach often helps customers save time and money, and when problems need resolving, she works to solve them quickly. She believes that by empathizing with customers, she can better understand their concerns to seek optimal solutions.

Working in deposit operations, Bridget still practices the skills she developed as a relationship manager. She enjoys assisting personal and business customers with deposit account services, and providing transactional support to the Bank’s team.

Bridget and her family live in Cinnaminson, NJ. She is an avid reader, and loves spending time with her two sons, golfing with one and sharing the other’s interests in music and theater.

James joined Hyperion Bank’s lending team in June 2019, bringing senior level experience in loan underwriting, analysis, and risk management to our commercial credit department.

After launching his banking career in New York City in 1999, he advanced to middle management positions in community banks in New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region, where he gained significant expertise in Commercial & Industrial (C&I) loans, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans, Small Business Association (SBA) loans, Construction loans and Lines of Credit (LOC). In addition to supporting credit decisions, James annually reviews loan portfolios, monitors market data, and builds business relationships with loan customers.

James believes community banks are important because,

they understand the needs of the local area and the people who live here, and work to build close relationships to better serve them. Community banks can also make fast decisions on loans without a time-consuming approval process.

Born in Seoul, Korea, James came to the U.S. at age 20 and resided in northern New Jersey, earning his B.A. degree at Rutgers University. He moved to the Philadelphia area in 2006 and now lives in Lansdale, PA, with his wife and three children. In his leisure time, James serves as a Sunday school teacher at his Korean-American church. He also enjoys seeing skyscrapers and global city skylines.

Eric joined our team in September 2017, after working at some of the nation's largest financial institutions in business analyst and underwriting capacities. He brings significant experience in small business lending to his portfolio management responsibilities, performing financial analyses and maintaining documentation that enables us to support local businesses and entrepreneurs with commercial, construction, and SBA loans.

Eric earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Rowan University in 1994.

After losing both his parents to cancer, Eric is deeply committed to supporting the American Cancer Society. A golfer since childhood, he has set a goal to attend all four major golf championships in his lifetime.

Chris has more than a dozen years of community banking experience. As a former Head Teller for other banks, he has worked in various Philly neighborhoods, from Mayfair and Bridesburg to Roxborough and Old City. Chris most recently served Fishtown and Northern Liberties in 2014, and since joining Hyperion Bank in May 2019, he is glad to be back in our vibrant community.

Chris says the best part of his job is getting to know and interact with customers.

I've made some very good friends working in banking. I always liked small community banks, and I'm happy to be at Hyperion because I feel like your voice is heard, and you can make a positive change in how the company operates.

Chris grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fishtown, where he enjoys living and working in the same community and assisting neighbors and business owners with banking services.

Carlos Laverde is Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager with Hyperion Bank. Focusing on commercial lending, Carlos assists a broad range of individual and business customers with a full suite of tailored banking solutions. Of his almost 25 years in banking, he has spent 20 years in the Atlanta market, with most of that in the community bank setting.

“Carlos’ proficiency in building and maintaining customer-focused banking relationships is a great match for our bank’s customers and team,” says Hyperion President & COO Lou DeCesare. “His many repeat and longtime customers appreciate his diligence and quiet humor, as he helps them navigate both short-term and ongoing banking and business opportunities.”

Carlos began his career as a teller with a big box bank and previously served as Market Executive for another area community bank. In between, this seasoned banker has proven his agility across banking services and products, as well as myriad customer industries. He previously worked with a number of bankers who also are now with Hyperion.

“I enjoy getting to know my customers and their needs and goals,” Carlos says, “working with them to achieve and exceed expectations. The greatest compliment is when we start with a more focused banking challenge and solution and the customer ultimately comes to trust us with a full banking relationship across many different products for both their personal and business accounts.”

Originally from Colombia, South America, and in the United States since 1994, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Valdosta State University, and a master’s degree in Finance from Georgia State University. He and his family reside in Lawrenceville.

Nicole Leitz (pron. “lights”) joined Hyperion Bank in October 2022 as Vice President & Business Development Officer in our Philadelphia banking office. She is an energetic banker who brings 25+ years’ experience and a deep familiarity with the market to the role.

“Nicole takes the time to build relationships with bank customers, becoming a trusted advisor who understands their personal and business goals, along with their financial needs,” says Lou DeCesare, Hyperion President & COO. “Her customers tend to say, ‘Nicole makes everything better.’”

Prior to joining Team Hyperion she worked with other banks in the region. “I have made a career based on giving the best service possible,” Nicole says. “I build and expand relationships one customer at a time. My favorite part of the job is getting out and meeting bank customers wherever you are.”

She attended Rowan College at Gloucester County and earned a bachelor’s degree from Rider University. The New Jersey native splits her time between South Jersey and Northern Liberties and serves on the Advisory Board for The Reflect Organization, a national mental wellness nonprofit founded at the University of Pennsylvania.

Away from work, the avid Eagles and Phillies fan enjoys concerts (Bon Jovi!), comedy, movies the Shore, writing and cats (she has four). While based in Philadelphia, Nicole serves customers across the region.

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Brian McNulty is a Credit Analyst with Hyperion Bank. Prior to joining the bank he worked at Truist Bank as a Branch Team Leader and worked at PNC Bank as a Commercial Underwriter.

The Bucks County, PA native is a graduate of Millersville University with a Business Management degree. Brian is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Newtown Fire Association, and holds several licenses and certifications related to that, spanning topics from vehicle rescue and hazardous materials handling to fire fighting.

He loves watching and attending sporting events, playing the guitar, and traveling, especially with family, to Ocean City, NJ.

Asif has worked with several Hyperion community bankers before, so they know he is known for being accessible to his customers and able to put himself in their shoes. “I enjoy getting to know customers so I can offer them flexible, tailored banking solutions,” he says. Outside of work, Asif enjoys hiking, photography and traveling, and is currently training for the Peachtree Road Race (for 2022); he serves on the Board of Our House, a non-profit providing temporary shelter for homeless families, early childhood education and employment training services.

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Christopher has developed his banking career with us, rising to positions of increasing responsibility after joining us as a teller and customer service representative in May 2011. Working as an electronic banking specialist in our deposit operations department, and then as a staff accountant, he gained important experience in various processes and procedures, and demonstrated his expertise in data collection, financial reporting, internal controls, and financial analysis. As Controller, Christopher is a vital member of our management team.

Christopher earned an Associate degree in Business Administration from Burlington County College in Pemberton, New Jersey in 2014. He resides in Cherry Hill, NJ.

George has built his banking career over three decades, working in consumer and commercial lending and compliance for financial institutions both large and local. Focusing on bank compliance for the last 22 years, George joined Hyperion Bank in 2016.

Leading our compliance department, George is responsible for maintaining Hyperion Bank's policies and procedures in accordance with all banking laws and regulations, including consumer protection laws intended to protect the rights of loan and deposit customers. He performs internal compliance testing, and ensures that all employees are fully trained in bank compliance and conforming customer service protocols.

I take great pride in helping Hyperion serve our customers with the highest quality banking products and customer service, while also ensuring that our customers are fully informed regarding all aspects of their relationship with the Bank.

I am proud of the fact that Hyperion treats the protection of the customer's rights with the utmost concern and strives to exceed all standards as a corporate citizen of the Philadelphia region

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, George stayed close for college: after attending West Philadelphia High School he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. In 1996 George completed advanced professional education at the American Bankers Association Institute of Certified Bankers, where he earned the distinction of Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager.

George resides with his wife and daughter in South Jersey. He gives back to the Philadelphia region, his lifelong home, by regularly volunteering with MANNA, a charitable organization that prepares and delivers meals to chronically ill individuals who cannot provide for themselves. He also enjoys travelling, the arts, and jazz music.

Cara Rossi is a Credit Analyst for Hyperion Bank, bringing 26 years’ banking experience to the role. She has spent the last 20 years partnering with business clients in the tristate area, assisting in evaluating their efficiencies, finances and time management.

Cara began her banking career as a teller, working her way to branch manager in 2004. She has assisted a wide variety of businesses with their banking needs across many industries. Her favorite part of the job? “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the most interesting people,” she says.

Having lived in South Philadelphia all of her life, Cara is proudly the second-generation of her family born in America, with ancestors hailing from Sicily and Greece. Her husband Billy is her best friend and travel partner. Together they have three wonderful children: The youngest daughter is in her second year at Penn State (nursing), their son is a casino dealer at Harrah’s and the oldest daughter works for a criminal court judge in the city since graduating from college, and is Mom to Cara and Billy’s two amazing grandsons, with whom they enjoy spending time. The family also includes two fur babies, Stitch and Flynn, who are more like dogs than cats; grand-dog Ella also loves to sleep over.

Away from work, Cara makes almost anything from scratch, “thanks to lessons from my mom and grand moms.” Her hobbies also include traveling “every chance I get,” so she has a passport wall where she has collected stickers from every destination.

Cara has been to every state on the East Coast from Maine to Key West and has been to every destination in the Beach Boys’ song “Kokomo.” For the record that’s: Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Key Largo, Montego, Kokomo (natch), Martinique, Montserrat, Mustique, and Port Au Prince. (You’re humming the song now, right?)

Cara is a published writer by way of a poem she wrote in 2003 that was published in a book of poetry and a short story that was published on a ghost story web site.

Paul joined Hyperion Bank in April 2017. Working in the banking industry for more than 40 years, Paul brings significant expertise in the full spectrum of financial analysis, budgeting, oversight, accounting, corporate and investment finance, audit, treasury, regulatory and risk management aspects of his responsibilities. His strong community banking experience also includes organizational leadership and strategic planning, as well as valuable insight into growth strategies.

Paul earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from LaSalle University in 1981. He is a national and Philadelphia chapter member of the Financial Managers Society, and is a Past President of the Society's local chapter. Paul previously served on the Finance and Budget Committee of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB).

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Paul is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

Danielle joined us in March 2010 and brings more than 20 years of banking experience to our team. While advancing in her career through positions at four previous financial institutions, she worked in human resources, and later as a loan portfolio manager and closing officer before specializing in loan documentation for commercial and consumer loans. With her significant expertise in loan documentation, Danielle supports our loan operations and is a valuable member of our lending team.

One of my main reasons for loving my job is that we're small and more like a family

In her leisure time, Danielle pursues her affinity for body art and raising tarantulas by attending local tattoo and reptile conventions.

Andy is a highly experienced executive relationship manager who has worked in the commercial real estate and financial services sectors for more than 30 years.

Andy joined Hyperion Bank in March 2020 because he believes community banks offer better opportunities to build meaningful and long-term relationships with clients. As a lender, he seeks to create customized, optimal financing solutions for each client's situation, and enjoys working with clients over time to help them advance their financial goals.

“Some community banks are just small banks; I genuinely believe Hyperion is a bank for the communities we serve,” Andy says.

Since 1986, his career has spanned the full spectrum of investment real estate, enabling him to develop significant expertise in credit analysis and various forms of financing. Working with diverse clients from private investors and business owners to real estate development companies and municipalities, Andy has provided construction, bridge, equity, and permanent loans for a wide range of property types. He also brings nearly two decades of SBA lending experience to the Hyperion Bank team.

Andy earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is an Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) and holds Disaster Recovery Institute International certification. He is currently in the midst of a three-year graduate banking program through the Barret School at Christian Brothers University in Memphis; the initiative is sponsored by Hyperion.

Andy presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum Association, which oversees the preservation of the history of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Fort Indiantown Gap. He previously served for nine years, including seven years as Chairman, on the Board of Directors of The Sustainable Energy Fund of Central & Eastern PA, a $20 million fund that invests in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. Andy lives in Barto, PA.

Andy volunteers with community service organizations and relaxes by reading and hiking. And when he can borrow a horse, his favorite outdoor activity is trail riding.

Frank Sullivan is Executive Vice President, Commercial Lending, for Hyperion Bank. For more than 30 years, he has focused on lending in small, community-based institutions like Hyperion, where he has the ability to deliver highly personal service and create funding solutions that help his customers achieve their goals.

Since joining Hyperion in 2008 – not long after the bank was founded – Frank has built long and strong relationships with many of the region's small business owners, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs and real estate developers. In fact, he comes to know many of his clients so well that a Hyperion colleague jokes that they can’t keep count of the number of customer weddings and family events Frank has attended.

As a commercial lender, he’s listened closely to their dreams and visions, customized business loans to meet their needs, and helped move projects forward with quick funding decisions – because those decisions are always made locally, right in our Philadelphia office.

Frank began his lending career in 1984, and says, “the most rewarding part of my job is getting to work with and know the many customers who have become friends, and the people I work with here at Hyperion.”

He and his wife enjoy taking cruises, cheering for Philadelphia's pro sports teams, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Ryan joined the Hyperion Bank team in October 2018. He previously worked for two banks in the region, where he gained significant experience in commercial lending and financial services. As a Relationship Manager, Ryan enjoys assisting bank customers and helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Ryan also brings valuable experience in real estate appraisals, which he gained while working at a large financial institution and at a prominent appraisal firm.

Ryan earned both a B.S. degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Finance from LaSalle University.

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Najá has more than 10 years’ experience in banking, including time spent as a Financial Crimes Specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications Media from Lock Haven University. Away from work she enjoys thrifting and attending sporting events.
Najá also identifies as a sewist, which was a new term for us. Combining the words “sew” and “artist,” it describes someone who creates sewn works of art, from clothing to decorative items.

Elisa joined our team in July 2010 and has served as our BSA Officer since January 2016. In this capacity she ensures our regulatory compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as well as federal Anti-Money Laundering and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements. Elisa also works to maintain industry best practices and oversees a wide range of regulatory reporting functions.

Elisa initially served in our branch office as a teller, customer service representative, and teller supervisor. With increasing experience and management support, she expanded her focus to deposit operations, specializing in this area for three years before furthering her career in our compliance department.

Elisa has earned Certificates from the American Banking Association in Deposit Compliance and Lending Compliance. Prior to joining Hyperion Bank, she worked for three years as a legal assistant at one of Philadelphia's largest law firms.

Elisa enjoys sharing her Caribbean (Puerto Rico) and Central American (Honduras) heritage with her daughter and family.

William C. (Bill) Young is Hyperion’s Vice President & Director of Technology Services, a new position created for and by Bill. He is a results-oriented & hands-on IT leader with 25+ years of experience entailing development, planning and implementation of robust information technology strategies, executing transformational initiatives to improve overall efficiency.

“Bill is an articulate communicator with an innate ability to interpret and understand IT terminology as well as ensuring non-technical translation for others,” says Hyperion President & COO Lou DeCesare. “Plus, his demonstrated background in researching, recommending, and promoting new technologies and best practices to streamline major IT processes and improve overall end-user experience, coupled with his extensive fintech background, makes him a great fit for Team Hyperion.”

Bill was previously Director of Information Technology at one of the nation's oldest independent securities, asset management and investment banking firms. He holds certifications as a Novell Certified Network Administrator (CNA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE), and he pursued his education at Montgomery County Community College.

“Being part of this dynamic and expanding community bank during such a crucial period for Hyperion, the industry and our valued customers and business partners fills me with excitement," says Bill. "I eagerly anticipate advancements in technology, security and numerous other solutions.”

Outside of work, Bill finds joy in photography and frequently capturing his daughter's pole-vaulting and softball teams. He holds certifications as an NRA certified Rifle & Pistol instructor and an FAA Licensed UAV (Drone) Pilot. Bill volunteers his time as a pilot with a local Search & Rescue Team based in Phoenixville, PA. He cherishes family life with his wife, two daughters, and two beloved dogs, Oso and Gunner. The family enjoys summers at the beach in Wildwood Crest, NJ.