Karen McHugh

Karen McHugh has extensive work experience in the SBA lending industry. Karen is currently working as the Co-Founder Chief Content Officer at Shatterbox, where they lead all content development efforts for the company and works closely with Subject Matter Experts to deliver up-to-date information and varied approaches to learning.

Previously, Karen served as the SVP - Training and Business Operations at Newtek Small Business Finance from 2018 to 2022. Prior to that, they held the position of Executive Vice President at banc-serv PARTNERS, LLC from 2017 to 2018 and Manager of Training and Partner Development from 2016 to 2017. In these roles, they mentored, trained, and guided lender partners in SBA and USDA lending.

From 2013 to 2016, Karen worked at nCino, LLC as the SBA Product Manager. Karen was responsible for the development and design of the SBA loan product, which enabled lenders to underwrite, process, close, and manage disbursements for loans made with an SBA 7(a) guaranty.

Prior to this, Karen held the position of SVP at SBA Complete, Inc. from 2010 to 2013. Karen was also a Partner at sbaOpen, LLC from 2008 to 2013 and served as Principal at sbaAccess from 2007 to 2011.

Karen's career in the SBA lending industry began in 1996 when they joined the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) as the COO, a position they held until 2008.

Karen McHugh received their Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management, General from the University of Texas at Tyler from 1981 to 1983. Prior to that, they attended Texas State University from 1977 to 1979, studying Business Administration and Management, General, although it is unknown if they obtained a degree from this institution.