Our Staff
Vandell Hampton, Jr. President & CEO
As President & CEO, Mr. Hampton is responsible for the overall management and operation of First State Community Loan Fund (CLF). Prior to joining First State CLF in 2004, Van worked with The Enterprise Center in Philadelphia, a small business incubator where he managed a micro-loan fund and was heavily involved in consulting and technical assistance activities. He also spent seven years with USDA Rural Development, in the Rural Housing Unit, where he financed single-family homes for low-income individuals. At USDA, Van also worked in the Community and Business Program Unit, where he financed water and sewer systems for small towns in rural Delaware and Maryland. Van received his BS Degree in Marketing from Delaware State University in 1993. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and resides in Wilmington. Van is actively involved with economic development issues around the state and currently serves on the board of several community organizations.
Sheila Harrigan, Community Lending Team Leader
Sheila Harrigan serves as Community Lending Team Leader for First State CLF. Since 1997, Sheila has been responsible for oversight of the First State CLF lending process, which includes underwriting, portfolio management, collections and loan servicing. Prior to joining First State CLF, she worked as a certified housing counselor with NCALL where she was responsible for providing home ownership counseling for low to moderate income families enabling them to qualify for affordable home mortgages. Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from The College of New Rochelle, New York. She also has certifications in both Business and Community Development and Affordable Housing, and is appointed as a Notary Public for the State of Delaware. She currently serves with the following community organizations: Neighborhood House CDC Executive Board, Delaware State University Food Business Incubator Center for Enterprise Development, Advisory Board, as well as provides consulting and technical assistance to several non-profit entities throughout the State and is an ordained Pastor at Perfecting the Saints Ministry.
Robert Kauffman, Community Lending Officer
Robert Kauffman has been a Community Lending Officer for First State CLF since 2000. His primary responsibilities include underwriting and servicing of loans, marketing and outreach for the organization. Bob has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial banking industry and has held positions from Loan Officer to Bank President for community banks. He has also owned and operated several small businesses. He has certifications from the American Institute of Banking and National Community Capital Association and has taken courses at Rutgers, the State University and Cumberland College. He is a licensed realtor in the State of New Jersey where he resides.
Deborah Harrison, Finance Manager
Deborah Harrison serves as Finance Manager for First State CLF. In this capacity, Deb is responsible for management of all loan accounts and loan receivables, management of bank accounts, accounts payable and notes payable, also budget preparation, forecasting and analysis, financial reporting for the board, investors and funders, and audit preparation. She has studied at both Virginia Commonwealth University and J. Sargent Reynolds Community College in Virginia.
Delores Lee, Officer Manager/Loan Administrator
Delores Lee currently serves as Office Manager and Loan Administrator for First State CLF. She is also Administrator of Business Savers, an Independent Development Account for business owners administered by First State CLF. As Loan Administrator for First State CLF, Delores handles the administrative process between loan customers and the staff. Prior to joining First State CLF, Delores served as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Marketing for the Lincoln Insurance Group. She attended both Winston-Salem State University and Goldey Beacom College, and is currently a student at Palmer Theological Seminary. She and her husband live in Newark, DE. She is currently active with The Mother African Union Church in Wilmington and the Peter Spencer Family Life Foundation.
Jessica Gibson, Community Lending Officer
Jessica Gibson serves as Technical Assistance Coordinator for First State CLF. In this position, Jessica develops innovative marketing outreach opportunities for First State CLF and its partner organizations. Jessica also works with business owners to create sound business plans, ensuring profitable outcomes for the business. Prior to joining First State CLF in 2007 Jessica worked for the Delaware Charter Schools Network and worked closely with new school development projects, community organizations, local governments, parents, and community leaders to ensure equitable educational options were available to the residents of Delaware. Jessica attended SUNY - New York, has a Non Profit Management Certificate from the University of Delaware, and is currently a Marketing student at Wilmington University. She is active as a board member with the Thomas A. Edison Charter School in Wilmington, the Delaware State Parent Advisory Council, and the Center for Parent Leadership/Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership. She resides in New Castle County.
Phyllis McCollum, Community Lending Officer
Phyllis McCollum serves as Technical Assistance Coordinator for First State Community Loan Fund in Kent and Sussex Counties. In this capacity she provides underwriting and credit analysis services and technical assistance to clients. She has more than two decades of experience in the real estate industry and is a Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate in Delaware.
Prior to joining First State CLF in 2009, Phyllis was Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer for Wilmington Economic Development Corporation/Delaware Community Development Corporation. She has certifications from the National Association of Development Companies and has studied at the University of Delaware and Penn State Great Valley. She resides in Rehoboth Beach where she is active with the Sussex County Board of Realtors and Special Olympics of Delaware.
Glenda Machia, Director of Development and Communications
Glenda Machia serves as Director of Development and Communications, a position she has held since June 2011. In this position she is responsible for fund development and marketing of the organization. Prior to joining First State Community Loan Fund she worked as Development Director with Community First Fund, a community loan fund and as President & CEO of ASSETS, a small business incubator and training program, both in Lancaster, PA.
Glenda has a B.A. Degree in English from Millersville University and is a current M.A. student at Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is nationally certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.
Gail Dougherty, Administrative Assistant
Gail Dougherty serves as Administrative Assistant for First State Community Loan Fund. In this capacity she provides administrative support to the President & CEO, Lending and Technical Assistance Teams and Development Office. Prior to joining First State CLF in 2006, she worked for the Delaware Humanities Forum and in numerous positions in the medical field. She attended Goldey Beacom College.