OAKLAND, California, United States, August 2025 – TMC Financing proudly announces a new chapter in its leadership. Omar Salah has been appointed President and CEO, succeeding founder Barbara Morrison.
Barbara Morrison, a Bay Area small business advocate and civic leader, founded TMC Financing in 1981 and has led the organization to become the nation’s largest Certified Development Company (CDC). Under her leadership, TMC has provided over $16 billion in SBA 504 commercial real estate loans to more than 8,000 small businesses, helping create an estimated 78,000 jobs across California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Hawaii. Morrison also founded Working Solutions and TMC Community Capital, expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs.
“Barbara is truly an icon in the SBA 504 community,” said DJ Kurtze, TMC Financing Board Chair. “Her vision, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to small businesses have shaped not only TMC, but the entire industry. We are deeply grateful for her decades of leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.”
“I am incredibly proud of what TMC has accomplished and the extraordinary team that made it possible,” said Morrison. “Together, we’ve built an organization that drives small business job creation and economic growth. I’m confident that TMC will continue to thrive under Omar’s leadership.”
Omar Salah brings more than two decades of experience in banking, entrepreneurship, and innovation to his new role. He most recently served as Executive Vice President and National Director of Small Business Banking at Comerica Bank, where he was a member of the senior leadership team. During his tenure at Comerica, Salah launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including the company’s first small business digital lending program, Zelle for Small Business, and award-winning treasury packages. Previously, Salah served as Managing Director and Head of Small Business Banking at MUFG Union Bank. He led the creation of a new Small Business Banking organization, introduced automated lending, and directed the bank’s PPP rollout.
Salah holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California, where his research focused on human performance improvement and organizational trust. He also earned an MBA from UC Irvine and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Marcos. A recognized industry leader and frequent public speaker, Salah serves as a volunteer with several community-based organizations.
“Omar brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to small business success,” said Kurtze. “His leadership experience and innovative mindset make him the ideal person to build on Barbara Morrison’s legacy and lead TMC into its next era.”
“I’m honored to join TMC and lead an organization that has empowered thousands of small businesses to grow and thrive,” said Salah. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team and partners to expand access to capital and opportunity for entrepreneurs across TMC’s footprint.”
Kate Shattuck and Michael Givner of Korn Ferry conducted a national executive search to identify the next leader of TMC Financing. “We are deeply grateful to Kate and Michael for their professionalism, insight, and dedication throughout this process,” said Kurtze. “Their thoughtful approach helped us find a leader who is not only highly qualified but also deeply aligned with TMC’s mission, vision and values.”
About TMC Financing
TMC Financing is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) Certified Development Company (CDC) with a mission to promote economic development and job creation by helping small businesses access affordable financing. Since its founding in 1981, TMC has provided approximately $16 billion in SBA 504 commercial real estate financing to over 8,000 small businesses across Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon. These efforts have helped create more than 63,000 jobs. TMC is recognized as the #1 SBA 504 lender in the nation, offering long-term, fixed-rate financing that empowers small business owners to purchase, construct or refinance real estate and major fixed assets to grow their operations.
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