Our Executive Team
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Doug Naidus
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Doug leads the company’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and capital markets activities across the organization.
Doug founded World Business Lenders in 2011 and is a 30-year industry veteran, former NYSE Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and banker with extensive knowledge across all aspects of the mortgage business. He is a credit engineer with deep expertise in structuring and scaling bespoke mortgage products across both private and public markets.
Doug Naidus
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Doug leads the company’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and capital markets activities across the organization.
Doug founded World Business Lenders in 2011 and is a 30-year industry veteran, former NYSE Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and banker with extensive knowledge across all aspects of the mortgage business. He is a credit engineer with deep expertise in structuring and scaling bespoke mortgage products across both private and public markets.
Prior to founding World Business Lenders, Doug served as Managing Director and Global Head of Residential Lending and Trading at Deutsche Bank, overseeing operations across five continents. Earlier in his career, he founded MortgageIT, leading the company through a successful IPO (NYSE: MHL) before its acquisition by Deutsche Bank in 2007. Doug also founded IPI Skyscraper, which became one of the largest mortgage brokerage firms in the Northeastern United States before its private sale. Throughout his career, Doug has successfully executed and managed high-profile transactions across the United States, Colombia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other international markets.
Managing Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
Michael Balazs
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting...
Michael Balazs
Managing Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting enterprise decision-making and operational performance.
Michael brings over 20 years of experience spanning advanced research, applied analytics, operational leadership, and enterprise technology initiatives. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and later earned an MA in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in High Energy Particle Physics from the University of Virginia, as well as an MS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Prior to joining, Michael spent 15 years at MITRE leading complex data, AI, and operational initiatives supporting mission-critical government programs. Earlier in his career, he conducted research in conjunction with CERN, contributing to experiments involving dark matter and supersymmetry, and is a co-author of the Higgs boson discovery paper. His work was also featured in the documentary Breakthrough: Game of Drones.
Managing Director – Chief of Staff
Stephanie Hamilton
As Chief of Staff for the CEO’s Office, Stephanie oversees strategic initiatives, executive communications, operational coordination, investor relations...
Stephanie Hamilton
Managing Director – Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff for the CEO’s Office, Stephanie oversees strategic initiatives, executive communications, operational coordination, investor relations efforts, and organizational alignment across the company.
Stephanie joined in 2016 and brings over 18 years of human resources, administration, and operational leadership experience. She graduated from Binghamton University and later earned a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from NYU.
Prior to joining, Stephanie served as Director of Human Resources for Niche Media Holdings, a regional publishing company. During her tenure with World Business Lenders, Stephanie also served as Chief Administration Officer and Director of Human Resources, helping lead operational improvements and company-wide initiatives supporting long-term growth.
Managing Director – General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Andy Occhino
As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Andy oversees the company’s legal affairs, regulatory compliance framework, enterprise governance matters...
Andy Occhino
Managing Director – General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Andy oversees the company’s legal affairs, regulatory compliance framework, enterprise governance matters, and related operational initiatives across the organization.
Andy joined in 2011 and brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He graduated from Binghamton University and completed law school at Fordham University.
During 2007, Andy joined Deutsche Bank at the time of its merger with MortgageIT. He served as General Counsel of MortgageIT from 2005 through mid-2008, before becoming responsible for various business development initiatives in emerging markets. Earlier in his career, Andy served as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at GreenPoint Financial Corp., led the employee benefits practice at Cullen and Dykman LLP, and was a Tax Manager at Arthur Andersen & Co.
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
Paul Vencill
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data...
Paul Vencill
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data-driven operational transformation initiatives.
Paul brings over 25 years of technology leadership experience across federal agencies and commercial enterprises. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to joining, Paul served as Chief Engineer and Executive Advisor for Modernization at MITRE, where he led enterprise modernization efforts supporting executive-level government stakeholders and initiatives that generated over $100 million in operational efficiencies. Throughout his career, Paul has specialized in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, systems integration, and emerging technology implementation.
Director – Deputy Chief of Staff
Maha Malik
As Deputy Chief of Staff in the CEO's Office, Maha oversees Corporate Investor Relations, financial operations, strategic initiatives, and special projects....
Maha Malik
Director – Deputy Chief of Staff
As Deputy Chief of Staff in the CEO's Office, Maha oversees Corporate Investor Relations, financial operations, strategic initiatives, and special projects. She works across teams to drive execution, strengthen organizational alignment, and advance high-priority business initiatives.
Maha joined World Business Lenders in 2026 and brings over 10 years of experience in technology, strategy, program management, and data-driven decision-making. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master's degree in Data Science from George Mason University.
Prior to joining, Maha served in leadership roles at MITRE, where she led complex, cross-functional programs supporting government and industry partners. Her experience includes data science, strategic planning, executive communications, stakeholder management, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-priority initiatives.
Director – Chief Lending Officer
Terence Reilly
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution. Terence joined in 2021 and brings more than...
Terence Reilly
Director – Chief Lending Officer
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution.
Terence joined in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate investing, underwriting, finance, and operations. He holds a Finance degree from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining, Terence developed extensive experience in risk analysis, related decisioning, and operational leadership through finance and consulting roles focused on real estate investment and lending operations.
Senior Vice President, Operations
Kimberly Brown
As SVP, Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational...
Kimberly Brown
Senior Vice President, Operations
As SVP, Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational efficiency initiatives.
Kimberly joined in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the title and lending industry. She is recognized for her expertise managing complex transactions and driving operational consistency across high-volume environments.
Throughout her career, Kimberly has built a reputation for operational leadership, process oversight, and team development, fostering a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, and organizational support.
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
Thomas Carnevale
As SVP, Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management...
Thomas Carnevale
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP, Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational risk management.
Tom brings over 20 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence and enterprise transformation across complex organizations. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the top 6% of his class and later earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Tom developed an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset through leadership roles across operational transformation initiatives, including his time at UBS and his recent work with AI startup RegenAI.
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
Esref Gundogdu
As SVP, Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls. Esref joined...
Esref Gundogdu
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
As SVP, Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls.
Esref joined in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience across banking, financial services, and FMCG industries. He holds CIA, CRMA, CPA, and CFE certifications and brings deep expertise in compliance, internal controls, operational efficiency, financial governance, and enterprise risk management.
Throughout his career, Esref has led enterprise audit and governance initiatives focused on strengthening operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and risk management frameworks across complex organizations.
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
John Murphy
As SVP, Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel. John joined...
John Murphy
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
As SVP, Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel.
John joined in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience as a U.S.-licensed attorney. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University and his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law.
Prior to joining, John served as Senior Counsel to MERSCORP Holdings, Inc., supporting residential mortgage programs associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Throughout his legal career, he has specialized in litigation management, mortgage operations, and financial services law.
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
Matt Myllykangas
As SVP, Asset Management, Matt leads large-scale real estate development spanning public-private partnerships, residential, student housing, and military housing...
Matt Myllykangas
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
As SVP, Asset Management, Matt leads large-scale public-private partnership, residential, student housing, and military housing developments across the United States, drawing on more than two decades of real estate development experience.
Previously, Matt was Head of U.S. Development and Construction for Great Gulf Build to Rent, overseeing the development of 2,376 single-family homes across 19 projects valued at over $775 million. He has also held senior leadership roles at Rush Lake Development, Lendlease Communities, and Servitas, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the on-campus P3 student housing market and delivering more than $750 million in higher education housing developments nationwide. While at Hunt Development Group, Matt delivered more than 4,000 single family homes valued at over $450 million using P3 DBFOM.
He holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Matt is recognized for his leadership, financial acumen, and ability to execute complex developments at scale.
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
Bryne Zuege
As SVP, Asset Management, Bryne oversees the management, mitigation, restructuring, and resolution of non-performing and distressed commercial...
Bryne Zuege
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP, Asset Management, Bryne oversees the management, mitigation, restructuring, and resolution of non-performing and distressed commercial loan assets.
Bryne brings over 35 years of corporate and military leadership experience with a strong focus on operational execution and mission-driven performance. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa.
Throughout his career, Bryne held positions of increasing responsibility within military, telecommunications, and defense contracting organizations, managing large-scale operational initiatives and multi-million-dollar installation and deployment projects across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
Vice President, People Department
Alexis Fredericks
As VP, People Department, Alexis oversees people operations, talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee experience...
Alexis Fredericks
Vice President, People Department
As VP, People Department, Alexis oversees people operations, talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee experience.
Alexis brings a strong operational and leadership background, including six years of service as a Logistics Officer in the U.S. Army and graduating from West Point. At WBL, she focuses on building scalable people processes, strengthening organizational structure, and supporting the company's continued growth by ensuring the right people, processes, and resources are in place.
Vice President
Jason Gentry
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and...
Jason Gentry
Vice President
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and related business relationships to support continued growth and client engagement.
Jason brings more than 20 years of experience in operations, sales leadership, and channel management. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and later led security operations in support of U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Jason served as an ISO manager on a high-volume MCA desk, where he built grading, training, and refinance/renewal processes for a large partner network. He also ran an independent ISO desk focused on submissions, partner relationships, and production follow-through. Earlier in his career he led multi-site operations and sales teams, including scaling organizations from a few hundred employees to more than 1,700.
Vice President, REO Manager
Umama Khan
As VP, REO Manager, Umama oversees complex REO and asset-resolution matters, multimillion-dollar real estate and NPL portfolios, outside counsel, legal strategy, compliance…
Umama Khan
Vice President, REO Manager
As VP, REO Manager, Umama works at the intersection of law, real estate, and business strategy, overseeing complex REO and asset-resolution matters, multimillion-dollar real estate and NPL portfolios, outside counsel, legal strategy, compliance, and business operations across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. She brings a combination of strong legal training, international experience, and commercial judgment.
A UK-educated lawyer with a High Court License, she is a legal and business operations leader with a professional background spanning Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. She holds an LLB (Hons) from BPP University in the UK and an LLM in International Business Law from the University of Bedfordshire.
Her legal career began with the Office of the Attorney General for Pakistan at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, where she worked on constitutional and international law matters. She later gained Canadian legal experience working on commercial real estate transactions, purchases and sales, lease agreements, due diligence, and legal documentation.
Vice President, Finance
Gizem Yalincgoren
As Vice President, Finance, Gizem brings extensive experience in financial operations, treasury, reporting, and corporate finance, having held accounting...
Gizem Yalincgoren
Vice President, Finance
As Vice President, Finance, Gizem brings extensive experience in financial operations, treasury, reporting, and corporate finance, having held accounting and finance roles at leading multinational companies including IBM, UniCredit Bank, PepsiCo, Philips, HP, and TIM Telecommunications. Most recently, she served for 14 years as CFO of a Dubai-based, Singapore-registered trade finance group.
Gizem holds a degree in Economics, a master's degree in finance and Banking from Bocconi University in Milan, and a Doctorate in Economics. She has also been a Certified Public Accountant since 2011. She joined WBL in October 2025 and is based in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Vice President
Jason Gentry
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and...
Jason Gentry
Vice President
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and related business relationships to support continued growth and client engagement.
Jason brings more than 20 years of experience in operations, sales leadership, and channel management. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and later led security operations in support of U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Jason served as an ISO manager on a high-volume MCA desk, where he built grading, training, and refinance/renewal processes for a large partner network. He also ran an independent ISO desk focused on submissions, partner relationships, and production follow-through. Earlier in his career he led multi-site operations and sales teams, including scaling organizations from a few hundred employees to more than 1,700.
Vice President, REO Manager
Umama Khan
As VP, REO Manager, Umama oversees complex REO and asset-resolution matters, multimillion-dollar real estate and NPL portfolios, outside counsel, legal strategy, compliance…
Umama Khan
Vice President, REO Manager
As VP, REO Manager, Umama works at the intersection of law, real estate, and business strategy, overseeing complex REO and asset-resolution matters, multimillion-dollar real estate and NPL portfolios, outside counsel, legal strategy, compliance, and business operations across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. She brings a combination of strong legal training, international experience, and commercial judgment.
A UK-educated lawyer with a High Court License, she is a legal and business operations leader with a professional background spanning Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. She holds an LLB (Hons) from BPP University in the UK and an LLM in International Business Law from the University of Bedfordshire.
Her legal career began with the Office of the Attorney General for Pakistan at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, where she worked on constitutional and international law matters. She later gained Canadian legal experience working on commercial real estate transactions, purchases and sales, lease agreements, due diligence, and legal documentation.
Vice President, Finance
Gizem Yalincgoren
As Vice President, Finance, Gizem brings extensive experience in financial operations, treasury, reporting, and corporate finance, having held accounting...
Gizem Yalincgoren
Vice President, Finance
As Vice President, Finance, Gizem brings extensive experience in financial operations, treasury, reporting, and corporate finance, having held accounting and finance roles at leading multinational companies including IBM, UniCredit Bank, PepsiCo, Philips, HP, and TIM Telecommunications. Most recently, she served for 14 years as CFO of a Dubai-based, Singapore-registered trade finance group.
Gizem holds a degree in Economics, a master's degree in finance and Banking from Bocconi University in Milan, and a Doctorate in Economics. She has also been a Certified Public Accountant since 2011. She joined WBL in October 2025 and is based in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Associate, Title Manager
Jodi Beeler
As Title Manager, Jodi is a results-driven Sales and Operations Executive with a 30-year track record of success in the title industry. A specialist in strategic relationship…
Jodi Beeler
Associate Title Manager
As Title Manager, Jodi is a results-driven Sales and Operations Executive with a 30-year track record of success in the title industry.
A specialist in strategic relationship management and cross-functional leadership, she excels at scaling national account portfolios and optimizing business processes globally. Her career features senior leadership positions at industry-leading firms, including LandAmerica OneStop, BCHH, Amrock, and LSI.
Jodi is recognized for expanding market footprints into lucrative alternative sectors and managing complex multi-vendor networks. Additionally, she is an expert corporate trainer who has built onboarding departments from scratch, developed nationwide training curricula, and coached international outsourcing teams. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is highly proficient in modern CRMs, data-driven operational tools, and virtual collaboration platforms.
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Nargis Kabiri
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication...
Nargis Kabiri
Senior Vice President, Marketing
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication efforts.
Nargis brings more than two decades of leadership experience across marketing, military operations, higher education, and strategic communications. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Webster University and an MS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Nargis has led high-performing teams across complex operational environments, including leadership roles within the 82nd Airborne Division, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Army Enterprise Marketing Office. A combat Veteran and pioneering Field Artillery officer, Nargis brings extensive expertise in strategic branding, operational execution, innovation, cross-cultural communication, and enterprise growth initiatives.
Paul Vencill
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy of World Business Lenders, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data-driven operational transformation initiatives.
Paul brings over 25 years of technology leadership experience across federal agencies and commercial enterprises. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Paul served as Chief Engineer and Executive Advisor for Modernization at MITRE, where he led enterprise modernization efforts supporting executive-level government stakeholders and initiatives that generated over $100 million in operational efficiencies. Throughout his career, Paul has specialized in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, systems integration, and emerging technology implementation.
Ali Palmer
Director – Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Ali oversees operational strategy, organizational performance, process optimization, and enterprise execution initiatives across World Business Lenders.
Ali brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate operations, engineering, healthcare, financial services, and technology. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Ali held senior operational leadership positions at Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, Cushman & Wakefield, Evolution Management, Sodexo, and DaVita Healthcare Partners. A former Army Ranger, Iraq combat Veteran, Battalion Commander, Bronze Star recipient, and three-time entrepreneur and business owner, Ali brings extensive expertise in organizational leadership, operational execution, culture-building, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth initiatives.
Terence Reilly
Director – Chief Lending Officer
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments across World Business Lenders, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution.
Terence joined World Business Lenders in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate investing, underwriting, finance, and operations. He holds a Finance degree from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Terence developed extensive experience in risk analysis, related decisioning, and operational leadership through finance and consulting roles focused on real estate investment and lending operations.
Michael Balazs
Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting enterprise decision-making and operational performance across World Business Lenders.
Michael brings over 20 years of experience spanning advanced research, applied analytics, operational leadership, and enterprise technology initiatives. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and later earned an MA in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in High Energy Particle Physics from the University of Virginia, as well as an MS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Michael spent 15 years at MITRE leading complex data, AI, and operational initiatives supporting mission-critical government programs. Earlier in his career, he conducted research in conjunction with CERN, contributing to experiments involving dark matter and supersymmetry, and is a co-author of the Higgs boson discovery paper. His work was also featured in the documentary Breakthrough: Game of Drones.
Esref Gundogdu
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
As SVP of Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls across World Business Lenders.
Esref joined World Business Lenders in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience across banking, financial services, and FMCG industries. He holds CIA, CRMA, CPA, and CFE certifications and brings deep expertise in compliance, internal controls, operational efficiency, financial governance, and enterprise risk management.
Throughout his career, Esref has led enterprise audit and governance initiatives focused on strengthening operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and risk management frameworks across complex organizations.
John Murphy
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
As SVP of Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel at World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience as a U.S.-licensed attorney. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University and his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John served as Senior Counsel to MERSCORP Holdings, Inc., supporting residential mortgage programs associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Throughout his legal career, he has specialized in litigation management, mortgage operations, and financial services law.
Kimberly Brown
Senior Vice President, Operations
As SVP of Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions across World Business Lenders, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational efficiency initiatives.
Kimberly joined World Business Lenders in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the title and lending industry. She is recognized for her expertise managing complex transactions and driving operational consistency across high-volume environments.
Throughout her career, Kimberly has built a reputation for operational leadership, process oversight, and team development, fostering a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, and organizational support.
Nargis Kabiri
Senior Vice President, Marketing
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication efforts across World Business Lenders.
Nargis brings more than two decades of leadership experience across marketing, military operations, higher education, and strategic communications. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Webster University and an MS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Nargis has led high-performing teams across complex operational environments, including leadership roles within the 82nd Airborne Division, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Army Enterprise Marketing Office. A combat Veteran and pioneering Field Artillery officer, Nargis brings extensive expertise in strategic branding, operational execution, innovation, cross-cultural communication, and enterprise growth initiatives.
Thomas Carnevale
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP of Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational risk management across World Business Lenders.
Tom brings over 20 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence and enterprise transformation across complex organizations. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the top 6% of his class and later earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Tom developed an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset through leadership roles across operational transformation initiatives, including his recent work with AI startup RegenAI.
Bryne Zuege
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
As SVP of Asset Management, Bryne oversees the management, mitigation, restructuring, and resolution of non-performing and distressed commercial loan assets across World Business Lenders.
Bryne brings over 35 years of corporate and military leadership experience with a strong focus on operational execution and mission-driven performance. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa.
Throughout his career, Bryne held positions of increasing responsibility within military, telecommunications, and defense contracting organizations, managing large-scale operational initiatives and multi-million-dollar installation and deployment projects across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
Senior Vice President, Sales Manager
John O’Donaghue
As SVP, Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored...
John O’Donaghue
Senior Vice President, Sales Manager
As SVP, Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored financing solutions for clients.
John joined in 2013 and brings over 20 years of sales leadership and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining, John successfully launched and managed his own business for several years. Earlier in his career, he served as a top producer at The Sutherland Group, where he specialized in inbound and outbound telecommunications sales and business development initiatives.
Sales Team
Robert DeStefano
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, Robert focuses on originating and structuring commercial loan opportunities through the World Business Lenders referral partner network while supporting strategic growth initiatives within the wholesale division.
Robert joined World Business Lenders in 2015 and brings over 20 years of commercial lending and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Robert held production-focused lending roles at major financial institutions including Citigroup and Wells Fargo, where he specialized in commercial and industrial lending. Earlier in his career, Robert successfully operated his own commercial loan brokerage firm, providing a broad range of financing solutions to clients across multiple industries.
John O’Donaghue
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored financing solutions for clients across World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2013 and brings over 20 years of sales leadership and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John successfully launched and managed his own business for several years. Earlier in his career, he served as a top producer at The Sutherland Group, where he specialized in inbound and outbound telecommunications sales and business development initiatives.
Vice President
Jason Gentry
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and...
Jason Gentry
Vice President
As Vice President, Jason supports the company's sales efforts and business development initiatives. He is WBL's primary ISO contact, working closely with ISO partners and related business relationships to support continued growth and client engagement.
Jason brings more than 20 years of experience in operations, sales leadership, and channel management. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and later led security operations in support of U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Jason served as an ISO manager on a high-volume MCA desk, where he built grading, training, and refinance/renewal processes for a large partner network. He also ran an independent ISO desk focused on submissions, partner relationships, and production follow-through. Earlier in his career he led multi-site operations and sales teams, including scaling organizations from a few hundred employees to more than 1,700.
Senior Vice President, Sales Manager
John O’Donaghue
As SVP, Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored...
John O’Donaghue
Senior Vice President, Sales Manager
As SVP, Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored financing solutions for clients.
John joined in 2013 and brings over 20 years of sales leadership and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining, John successfully launched and managed his own business for several years. Earlier in his career, he served as a top producer at The Sutherland Group, where he specialized in inbound and outbound telecommunications sales and business development initiatives.


