Meet Our Team

Todd Brantley
Todd is the vice president of public affairs at the NC Rural Center, overseeing the Center’s branding and external communications efforts. He previously worked as the director of policy and research at EducationNC, an organization providing nonpartisan education research, data, news, and analysis. Prior to joining EducationNC…

Cheryl Cherry
Cheryl is the managing director for both the NC Rural Center’s Small Business Credit Initiatives and CornerSquare Community Capital. Prior to joining the Rural Center’s team…
James Farrar
James serves as a loan operations manager for the Rural Center’s Small Business Credit Initiatives, which includes CornerSquare Community Capital. He has more than 10 years of operations experience…

Armeer Kenchen
Armeer Kenchen leads the Rural Center’s small business credit initiatives, which includes Corner Square Community Capital. Prior to joining the Rural Center…
Julia Malinowski
Julia Malinowski serves as the director of strategic initiatives for CornerSquare Community Capital and the Center’s Small Business Credit Initiatives. She previously worked as the…

Damion Smokes
Damion is the senior loan manager for the Loan Participation Program. He has more than a decade of experience in the banking field, holding various positions throughout his career. His degree in business administration and management helps him…