Pathway Lending Names Brandon Sams as Vice President of Lending for the Knoxville Region

Pathway Lending, a Community Development Financial Institution and small business lender, today announced that Brandon Sams has been hired as vice president of lending for the Knoxville region.

With more than 20 years of experience in lending, financial services and organizational management, Sams will lead efforts to expand access to capital for established small businesses and entrepreneurs across East Tennessee. His focus will include financing for business acquisitions, owner-occupied commercial real estate, and equipment purchases, which are key drivers of growth and long-term sustainability for the region’s small business community.

A native of Greeneville, Tennessee, Sams brings both professional expertise and personal connection to the region. His career includes extensive work in commercial, consumer, and mortgage lending, as well as leadership roles in banking, insurance and manufacturing.

“Joining Pathway Lending to lead its lending department is a natural next step in my career,” said Sams. “As someone born and raised here, I’m eager to draw on my local connections to help entrepreneurs turn their business goals into reality through access to capital.”

As part of Pathway’s East Tennessee Regional Team, Sams will focus on delivering capital throughout Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, helping Pathway Lending meet its $12 million deployment goal in 2025. He will also work to deepen engagement with bank partners, often serving entrepreneurs unable to access traditional funding.

Pathway helps entrepreneurs achieve business ownership by financing small businesses like Mooyah, a local restaurant purchased by industry professionals ready to take the next step. Referred by their bank, the owners chose to work with Pathway for its favorable terms and supportive lending experience.

“Brandon knows East Tennessee because it’s his home,” said Paige McVity, East Tennessee regional director at Pathway Lending. “His lending expertise and deep roots in the region make him the right person to help our clients gain access to capital and grow. We’re confident he will drive opportunity and strengthen small businesses across the communities we serve.”

Sams holds a Bachelor of Science in organizational management from Tusculum College. He is an avid sports enthusiast, proud Tennessee Vols fan and devoted dog owner to his black Labrador, Rooster.

To learn more about Pathway Lending, visit www.pathwaylending.org.