South Carolina’s Top SBA Microlender Appoints F.A. Johnson II as Chief Executive Officer

Veteran finance and redevelopment executive brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to South Carolina’s mission-driven lender

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CLIMB Fund, South Carolina’s top SBA microlender for five consecutive years , has appointed F.A. Johnson II, Esq. as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new era of leadership as the statewide nonprofit lender advances into its next phase of strategic growth and expanded impact.

Johnson II brings more than three decades of experience in finance, economic development, public-private partnerships, and commercial real estate development. His appointment comes as CLIMB Fund continues to expand its lending capacity and regional presence across the Palmetto State.

Most recently, Johnson II served as CEO of the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation (CRC), where he led growth from $5 million to $21.5 million in net assets over five years. During his tenure, he secured U.S. Department of Treasury certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and oversaw the implementation of multiple affordable housing loan programs.

As Chief Executive Officer of the CRC, Johnson II managed land acquisition initiatives, loan portfolio oversight, financial management, and long-term strategic planning. He also launched and grew the Palmetto Community Land Trust and stewarded projects under construction, in permitting, as well as pre-development throughout Charleston County.

Johnson II previously held senior leadership roles in nonprofit development, municipal redevelopment, and commercial banking, including Director of Development for the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and General Counsel to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. He began his career at Comerica Bank, where he completed the Commercial Loan Officer Training Program and managed a commercial loan portfolio.

“As CLIMB Fund enters its next chapter, we will leverage our position as South Carolina’s top SBA microlender into an even broader engine for inclusive economic growth.  We will continue our focus on expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs who have historically been overlooked by pairing flexible financing with education and hands-on support. We will deepen our roots in the communities we serve by strengthening our existing partnerships and scaling our statewide impact. We are committed to help more small businesses not only open their doors, but stay, grow, and create lasting jobs in the places that need them most.”

CLIMB Fund is a nonprofit state and federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that creates access to capital, jobs, and opportunities where they otherwise would not exist. The organization has led the state in SBA microlending in recent years and continues to expand access to responsible capital for entrepreneurs across urban and rural communities.

Board President Casdell Singleton said Johnson’s experience and leadership align with the organization’s long-term strategy.

“F.A. Johnson II, Esq., brings a demonstrated record of growing capital, leading complex public-private development initiatives, and stewarding mission-driven financial organizations through strategic expansion. His depth of experience in financial management and large-scale project execution positions CLIMB Fund to continue strengthening its financial capacity and expanding its impact across South Carolina.”

Johnson holds a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance from Morehouse College. He is also admitted to the South Carolina and Georgia Bar Associations and holds Broker in Charge licenses in both states.

With Johnson II at the helm, CLIMB Fund enters its next chapter focused on disciplined growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded access to capital for entrepreneurs statewide.

About CLIMB Fund

CLIMB Fund creates access to capital, jobs, and opportunities where they otherwise would not exist. As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CLIMB Fund leverages capital to create local impact and elevate opportunity across South Carolina.

Briel Young
CLIMB Fund
briel@climbfund.org
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