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Leadership

Staff

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Lauren Marshall | Vice President of Community Development

lauren@newtownmacon.com | 478-722-9909, x 121

  • Analyzing loan applications

  • Maintaining and improving our online application process

  • Facilitating loan closings. 

Lauren has been committed to the Macon community since she moved here in 2015. 

Before coming to NewTown Macon, Lauren held the position of Director of Communications and Marketing at Mercer University School of Law. There, she managed branding, enrollment marketing, design, social media, and the website. At Historic Macon Foundation(HMF), she was the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization and Loan Fund Manager. She oversaw programs like low-interest facade and energy efficiency loans, started the Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and supported Beall's Hill revitalization.

Lauren earned her degrees from the University of Georgia in Advertising and History. She also earned an M.A. in Conservation Studies of Historic Buildings from the University of York in England. She's a certified Historic Real Estate Finance Professional from the National Development Council. In her free time, she's a calligrapher and runs The Post Letters, her small business since 2019.

Outside of work, Lauren is on the Macon-Bibb County Design Review Board, a Hay House board member, a UGA Mentor, and a 2018 Leadership Macon graduate. She and her husband, Mac, love downtown, enjoying the live music scene and local restaurants

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Ricardo Cordew | Business Consultant

ricardo@newtownmacon.com | 478-722-9909, x 108 

  • First point of contact for loan clients 
  • Business coaching and strategy 
  • Group trainings (including Developers’ Academy, Entrepreneurs’ Academy, and Downtown Diversity Initiative)
Ricardo Cordew brings over 16 years of extensive experience in sales and consulting to his role as a seasoned community business consultant. Renowned for his networking abilities, Ricardo specializes in developing and delivering content aimed at providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with accessible business education and guidance on securing capital for their ventures.
 
At NewTown Macon, Ricardo offers personalized coaching services to both potential and current loan applicants. Additionally, he coordinates support programs tailored for Macon-Bibb's small business and real estate development communities. Since joining the NewTown team, Ricardo has successfully provided one-on-one coaching to more than 975 entrepreneurs. His efforts have significantly contributed to 82% of small business loan recipients being people of color and 55% being women.
 
Originally hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Ricardo is an alumnus of High Point University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Currently pursuing his MBA at Mercer University, Ricardo is deeply committed to fostering the growth and success of businesses and entrepreneurs in the Macon community.
 
Proudly representing his roots, Ricardo is a first-generation Afro-Latino from Panama. He takes pride in his role as a husband to Shanoya and a father to Elena. 
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Anna Richards | Director of Lending

anna@newtownmacon.com | 478-722-9909, x 120

  • Analyzing loan applications

  • Maintaining and improving our online application process

  • Facilitating loan closings. 

Anna Richards has been a Maconite since 2013 and is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in arts and culture, strategic project management, and lending expertise. Currently serving as Lending Manager at NewTown Macon, Anna brings over a decade of experience serving the Macon community.

Prior to NewTown Macon, Richards served as the Program Assistant at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, helping to manage the implementation of grant initiatives vital to Macon's economic development, downtown revitalization, and public space enhancements. Her dedication to Macon extends beyond professional roles, serving on the board of Bragg Jam, Steering Committee Member for the Macon Cultural Master Plan, and founder of the Macon Artists Group, a vibrant platform connecting local artists and cultivating creative opportunities within the Macon community.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from Wesleyan College and an Associate of Arts from Georgia Military College, Richards blends her creative sensibilities with business acumen. Richards' hold certifications including the ABA Certificate in Business and Commercial Lending from the American Bankers Association and is a graduate of NewTown Macon's Developer's Academy. In addition to her professional certifications, she received her Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour certification from Yoga Alliance in 2014. Recognized for her artistic talent and community contributions, Richards has received honors such as the William P. Simmons Art Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and the Downtown Ambassador Award, reflecting her commitment to driving Macon's cultural and economic vibrancy.

Board of Managers

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    Bob Hatcher, Chairman | Chairman, H2 Capital

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    Ryan Griffin | Owner, New Atlantic Realty

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    Corrie Hall | Partner, James Bates

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    DaQuanis Harvey | Executive Director, Operation Hope

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    Stephanie Howard | Executive Director, Mercer Innovation Center

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    Dr. R. Kris Ellis | Nephrologist, Physician Consultants of Georgia, LLC

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    Ronnie Rollins | President & CEO, Community Health System

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CONTACT NEWTOWN LOANS

555 Poplar Street
Macon, GA 31201

478-722-9909

loans@newtownmacon.com

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